After graduating from Georgetown in the spring of 2006 I did some traveling with my girlfriend before I decided to join the "Rat-race". I went to Amsterdam (funny, cant seem to remember any details about the food in Amsterdam), Italy, the coast of France and Spain. One city in Spain changed the way I think and look at food forever.
Barcelona - (say it with me now, Bar-cha-loan-uh) is thus far my favorite city in the world. The combination of location, music, arts, people, and food has yet to meet its match. I fell in love with Tapas in Barcelona, at a restaurant named La Ciudad Condal. My first exposure to spanish style tapas could not have been better, the combination of fresh from the market ingredients and kitchen craftsmanship made this meal one I will never forget. The giant prawns, fresh fish and shellfish, cured meats, olives, cheese as well as the vegetables were fantastic - it was also helpful that I washed the food down with cold bottles of Chimay. Although I couldn't bring any of the actual food home with me, I took with me a new appreciation for small plates.
Living in Manhattan now for three years - spanish style tapas has become my favorite type of food. The slow meal shared with friends and a pitcher of sangria cant be beat. When I eat any other cuisine I find myself asking "What would this be like as a small plate?". (most of the time I ask myself outloud) Is this appreciation uncalled for? I think not.
I believe I have diagnosed myself with MADD (Meal Attention Deficit Disorder). I find myself getting bored alot of the time I eat "western" meals, one big plate filled with the same thing. The Tapas experience is perfect for someone like me, who loves to take their time eating, try new things, review and criticize each thing they try - and then order the ones I like again. There is no better way to dine.
Check out these two restaurants for great tapas in Manhattan:
- Pipa
- Tia Pol
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