Meet Me At The Plaza
By: Barbie Flores

One of my favorite things to do is to have appetizers! Who doesn’t love sitting down at a great spot to enjoy a small bite to eat before the main meal? I know a place where “the appetizer” is just that and it is as important to the daily meal as it is to the culture. Follow me to Spain! In Spain, appetizers are called Tapas. Today the tapa is more than an appetizer and has evolved to an entire concept or way of life. There is an entire story of how “Tapas” came to be. The story does vary but it is said that a “tapa” is actually a tiny lid, which covers the top of a cup or drink. Many have said that the origin and importance of tapas has roots in the Andulsion region of Spain, where a great Moorish presence is felt. It was said that because of their beliefs, they were not allowed to have alcohol without the accompaniment of food, so they covered their cups with a piece of bread, or a tapa. No matter what the exact story is, tapas are by far, one of the “don’t miss” things to have when traveling to Spain.

The Plaza Mayor, an old central plaza in Madrid, the capital city of Spain, is one the most popular places to have tapas. The plaza itself dates as far back as 1589 and has been reconstructed several times, due to fires and changes in the Monarchy. Rectangular in shape, the Plaza mayor is known for its three-story buildings with approximately two-hundred, thirty-seven balconies facing the main square, nine entranceways and a huge equestrian statue of Philip III situated in its center. This meeting place, once famous for bullfights, is now filled with many cafes, Sunday market, as well as theatrical and musical performances during the summer. The summer months in the Plaza are the best time to sit outside on the square, enjoying delicious tapas, while people watching. 

One of my favorite spots is fondly called, “The House of Mushrooms” or “Casa de Champinones”. This tiny little place, complete with a piano bar, boasts some of the best selections of mushrooms in all of Spain. There are grilled, marinated, sautéed and oven-roasted mushrooms to enjoy!  When it comes to tapas, mushrooms are just one of the possibilities. An extensive menu for tapas can also mean, “Gambas con Ajo” (shrimp sautéed with garlic), “Almendras Tostadas” (toasted almonds), “Croquettas” (breaded, fried shells with a soft inner), “Tortilla Espanola” (egg and potato omelet), “Pimientos de piquillo”(sweet red peppers) and just about anything bite size that fits on a tiny plate. The locals make the tapas experience seem like a meal in itself, always accompanied with a favorite cold drink or gorgeous copa de vino tinto (glass of red wine). A night of tapas at the Plaza is definitely one to remember. The nostalgia and history within the walls of the plaza will change the way you view appetizers forever!

Don’t forget to take a look at my Tapas recipes shown here on the portal. If your travels should take you to the beautiful country of Spain, don’t forget to visit the Plaza Mayor in Madrid for some of the most delicious food one can find. Until then, make sure no one goes hungry!

Barbie’s Fabulous Recipes

Pa Amb Tomaquet (Tomato Bread)

Ingredients:

1 baguette loaf, sliced
2-3 juicy tomatoes, halved
2-3 cloves garlic, peeled and halved
Extra virgin olive oil
Coarse salt
Parchment paper

Directions:

1. Rub bread slices with tomatoes and garlic cloves.
2. Place slices on parchment lined baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil
4. Sprinkle with a pinch of coarse salt.
5. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 7-10 minutes until bread is toasted.
6. Serve warm

 

Gambas con Ajo (shrimp with garlic)

Ingredients:

1 lb. shrimp, peeled and de-veined
sea salt
extra virgin olive oil
5-6 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tsp. chile pepper flakes
2-3 T. Italian parsley, minced

 

Directions:

1. Wash shrimp and pat dry.
2. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the shrimp.
3. In a small sauté’ pan, heat the olive oil and garlic together, adding the chile pepper flakes.
4. Stir for a few seconds.
5. Add the shrimp and cook, stirring until shrimp turn pink.
6. Remove from heat.
7. Sprinkle the shrimp with parsley.
8. Serve in an earthen wear dish or plate with bread to accompany.

Oven Roasted Marcona Almonds

Ingredients:

3 ½ cups blanched almonds (preferably Marconas*)
1-2 T. sea salt
½ -1 tsp. pimenton dulce (sweet Spanish paprika)
2 T. extra virgin olive oil
Parchment sheet

Directions:

1.In a large bowl, mix salt with paprika.
2. Toss the almonds until well coated.
3. Pour almonds onto a parchment lined baking sheet and spread evenly.
4. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 minutes until toasted.
5.Watch carefully, as almonds will burn quickly.
6. Pour into ceramic dishes or ramekins.
7. Drizzle with olive oil, tossing to coat. Serve warm.

*Marconas come from Spain. Can be found at Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods