Page 52 - DreamScapes Magazine | Spring/Summer 2024

TAPAS
Go for Tapas:
Vamos a Tapear!
SPEND HOURS. SHARE PLATES. NOW GET READY TO SOCIALIZE IN THIS AGE-OLD DINING TRADITION IN SPAIN.
BY MARY LUZ MEJIA
The tradition of enjoying a spread of sharable plates is popular the world over. You’ll find mezes in Greece and Turkey, botanas in Mexico, and bocas in Central America. But in Spain, it’s all about the tapas. These aren’t just little plates of food, they’re a cultural hallmark throughout the country. Here’s how to tapear like a local.
BUT FIRST, LA HISTORIA:
THE TAPA BACKSTORY
There’s no single answer as to how these tasty tidbits came to be, but there are fun theories about tapas’ humble history. Tapar in Spanish means “to cover” and it’s said that as early as the 17th century in Spain, one savvy barkeeper covered their patron’s glasses with a salty slice of ham to keep dust and fruit flies out of their sweet sherry. It’s said King Alfonso X saw this as he made his way through Andalusia on official business and asked for his next tipple “¡con tapa!” (with lid). Whatever the story, it’s safe to say that the tapa is a huge part of the country’s proud gastronomic heritage.
THE WEEKEND AFTERNOON TAPA
I studied Spanish as a foreign exchange student in high school to perfect my native tongue. On weekends, my host family liked taking
52 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2024