A BRIEF HISTORY OF TAPAS
“Tapas” are a very characteristic part of Spanish eating and vary from region to region. Some say that the history of the tapa began in Andalusia at the end of the 19th Century. Another source says that it was King Alfonso X (the “Wise” King) who insisted that a small piece of food (sausage, cheese, cured ham) be place over the top of a glass of wine, effectively “covering” (tapando - hence the origin of the word tapa) the drink. The snack was intended to accompany the drink and prevent it from going straight to the consumer´s head! Others will say that the “tapa” was born because of the workers who started early in the morning and needed to have a quick snack to keep them going until lunchtime! Whatever the real origin, from its very humble beginning, the custom spread quickly throughout Spain.
MODERN TAPAS
Nowadays, tapas are available in most bars and restaurants. The tapas tends to be a small snack, to be eaten before going on to have a meal or going home to eat with the family. Taking into account that many Spanairds don´t have lunch until around 3pm, a quick tapa at 1pm is a good way to stave off the hunger pangs. However, it is also common practice to replace lunch/dinner and go out for tapas - after 3 or 4 rounds you wouldn´t need a full meal afterwards. There are larger portions available which are called “raciones” and they may be simply bigger plates of the tapa selection or different food all together.
GRANADA TAPAS
In Granada, the tapa system is even more UNIQUE!
Upon ordering your drink, for example a glass or red wine or a draught beer you will be served a generous sized tapa for no extra charge! (being a native Scot this is very important!)
Forget what you´ve experienced in Seville or Madrid or Málaga where the tapas have to be bought - this is Granada style - they way the “granadinos” do it! And don´t think you´ll just be offered a tiny plate of olives or some crisps on a plate…….you will be pleasantly surprised when we show you what´s on offer!
There are 2 systems:
- a set tapa comes with each round
- choose your drink and choose your tapa
It´s great! Why do you think I´ve been here 10 years! And all for the economical price of approximately 2€ a drink! Incredible.