Tapas, meal of choice for more Americans!

Tapas have become a huge hit within the U.S., but why? It's not like everyone has been to Spain. There are many reasons this food sensation has become so popular. First, what are Tapas, anyway?


Tapas may be the best "appetizers" you'll ever taste. They really are small dishes of food that the Spanish people eat in between lunch and dinner, many times during a happy hour type atmosphere. The Spanish eat small portions of food in between these meals because lunch is around when the U.S. eats lunch and their dinners start much later, many times later than 10 PM.

Tapas can be anything, really. In fact, they can vary greatly from one part of the country to another. Let's run the gaunlet of Tapas: Potatas Bravas (or very good cubed french fries), many types of fish, other seas creatures such as octopus, calamari and shellfish, salads of sorts, cheeses of all kinds, and let's not forget the incredible meats like jamon (spanish ham - usually cured) and chorizo (spicy spanish sausage - my favorite!). Anything that can fit on a smaller plate and that can be shared by everyone or horded by one person like I do when there's chorizo around.

So back to my original question: why have many Americans flocked to this style of food? Well, for one thing, most of those who try Tapas, come back for more. They are so irresistable. Tapas are dishes for the masses! Some good news for those of you who have not tried this type of cuisine: most every city in the U.S. has restaurants specializing in these amazing foods. Guess what? These dinners don't have to be overly expensive. Most great Tapas dishes only cost $5-10. A good meal for two only needs about 5-6 of these dishes so do the math! I have had entire dinners at what SEEM to be expensive, upscale restaurants for $50 including tip (that's for 2). So go on the internet and find a local establishment catering these tasty morsels. This can be as easily as Googling "tapas in (your city name here)" or check out this link recommending tapas restaurants across the country: http://www.nextstop.com/keyword/tapas/places/?loc2=Py8ajiX86hI

My belief is that Tapas may be the best food in Europe. Tell us your thoughts on some of your favorite foods, whether it be French, Italian or English (little joke). We'd love to hear from you!