Tampa Florida
Tinatapas - A Little Taste of Spain
By Lena Hunt
The rumors range using the plates to keep flies away to giving customer's a free sample of what will go well with the wine or beer ordered.
Regardless of the reason for the tapas, the quaint restaurant Tinatapa's continues this ancient Spanish tradition. Hugging the Port of Tampa, in the Channelside Bay Plaza (just a happy skip and a hop from the cruise port), Tinatapa's elegantly yet casually sits. The Spanish-style cafe serves authentic hot and cold culinary selections in traditional Spanish settings.
Tampa, Florida
Tinatapas - A Little Taste of Spain
By Lena Hunt
Southern Florida Cruise Port Specialist
Tampa - Miami - Port Canaveral - Ft. Lauderdale
April 22, 2010
Tapas which means "tops" are small servings of food placed on a plate which is then placed on top of a glass . This smidgen of free tasting to sample the different "house specialties" is a Spanish tradition. There are a few rumors that have been going on for centuries regarding why a plate of dining fare is placed on top of a customer's drink.
In Spain, folks gather nearly each day to enjoy each other's company and some exquisite food and drinks. In quaint cafes, neighborhood bars, or under the sky in outdoor plazas they make time to do this on a regular basis as the Spanish say that they work to live and not the other way around.
Along with the tiny morsels that entice the taste buds, the tapas bar also serves original fare such as Pollo Y Chorizo a la Plancha. This delicious dish has chicken, chorizo (spicy Spanish pork sausage), peppers, and skewered onions seasoned with smoked paprika and cumin aioli. Many Spanish customers have stated that this dish reminds them of their native home. Another excellent choice is the Bisteca a la Plancha. This beef tenderloin is served with horse radish sauce and a red onion salsa. This is prepared in the authentic Spanish style, of course.
There are many, many selections of wines, beers, and other drinks yet it is highly recommended that the typical wine punch of Spain be tasted. Sangria originated in Spain and Portugal and is made of red wine, some fruit, a sweeter (usually honey or orange juice), and perhaps some other spirits such as brandy. The drink is a bit sweet and makes for a great refresher for the sunny Florida weather.
Tinatapa's, is considered to be the heart of where the tourists and locals go for good food and a place to relax and enjoy. Enjoy a moment in the Spanish way of life before you board your cruise ship and set out to sea.
