On the eve of World Tapas Day (15th June), the Tourism office of Spain partnered with Sevilla restaurant at The Claridges, New Delhi, to celebrate the worldwide event. Tapas is a traditional part of Spanish cuisine and refers to canapes, small plates and snacks that are mostly accompanied with wine. However, Tapas are more than just starters and encompass a very important part of the Spanish lifestyle.
According to the Spanish Ambassador to India, Jose Baranano: “Tapas have become the hallmark of Spanish gastronomy.” He said that the social element of Tapas was an extremely important part of the cuisine. “It is above all about friendship and that is what Spanish gastronomy and tourism as a whole stands for.”
The event was part of a string of events scheduled in all major cities of Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru, the aim of which was to introduce this important constituent of the Spanish cuisine to the general populace. The popular Mediterranean restaurant Sevilla at The Claridges curated an exclusive menu inspired by Tapas, which will be offered for the next two weeks. The menu offers a wide variety of Tapas ranging from the traditional ones such as patatas bravas, a traditional Spanish potato dish to others such as fish fingers and satays which were tweaked a little to suit the Indian palate. They are offering a combination of vegetarian and non vegetarian cuisines paired with Sangria.
While the menu offered is not strictly traditional, the essence of Tapas has definitely been maintained. “The primary idea behind Tapas is looking for an excuse to go out and meet friends. In Spain, if you want to go out, it is usually to grab Tapas,” says Paloma Lucas, a senior advisor with the Spanish Embassy.
However, it is probably not a good idea to term them as merely appetizers.
According to Alicia Diego, an international advisor with the Spanish Embassy, “Appetisers are limited and a small part of a meal, while Tapas can encompass the whole meal. They are mostly savoury but can be sweet as well; they actually cannot be categorised under one cuisine.”
This event was organised in partnership with Cox and Kings. It launched its culinary guidebook “En Route Spain” by Masterchef India winner Shipra Khanna. It celebrates the diversity of Spanish gastronomy and culture as well as provides a complete itinerary for tourists.
Conversation starters
“It includes various things from fine dining to vineyards as well as Tapas bars, which we realised was an excellent conversation starter as well as very economical for tourists,” says Ashutoush Mehere, Chief Operating Officer, Cox and Kings. This endeavour by the Spanish tourism office is an excellent opportunity for food lovers across the country to savour a unique and intrinsic part of the Spanish culture.