Buck Reed
Tapas…
a Cool Evening
As the summer winds down, hopefully you are thinking of that one last get together with your compadres before settling into fall, also known as Pumpkin Spice Season. Would you like to try something that is a bit more adventurous than the standard sliced watermelon and burger party? Is the grilled tenderloin crowd getting tiresome? Do you want more flair then grilled chicken with potato salad? How about tapas?
Tapas are morsels of food served in Spanish bars, alongside the wine and sherry, on small plates. They usually consist of a bite of flavor-packed dishes and are given away free to paying patrons of the establishment. Usually they are spicy, so not only are they memorable, but the spiciness encourages the guests to consume more alcohol. They were invented in the south of Spain in Andalusia, along the Mediterranean. Hosts would pride themselves on serving the best dishes they could provide to their clientele.
Tapas may look elegant and refined, but a tapas party can actually be very casual. The key is to take your time. Think about serving the dishes in a progressive manner. Set up two tables for serving on opposite sides of the room, and pingpong between them for each course. Your guests will get the idea as the party moves along at a leisurely pace.
Plan your menu carefully. Do a mixture of hot and cold dishes. Plan on doing a majority of the prep ahead of time. Have food ready to be set on trays or prepared to be put in the oven. Make place cards for each dish, explaining what exactly it is and what is in it. Set up a couple of Spanish wines, a sherry, and maybe a sangria.
Do not forget your logistics. You will probably not need a chafing dish if you serve in courses. Make sure you have enough plates, forks, and spoons for each course. Keep the number of guests manageable and, if needed, do not be afraid to recruit a guest or two to help out with any heavy plating. Proper planning will help you relax and make your party a success.
A tapas party should include food that is tasty, fun, festive, and memorable.
