Tapas Invade Colorado!

You've probably heard the word around town by now but haven't known exactly what it meant. Tapas is the word and the concept is becoming a world-wide phenomenon. So what are they anyway?

Many people confuse Tapas with Appetizers but they really are two different things. To understand what Tapas are let's look at a brief explanation of the history and meaning behind the term.

Tapas literally means "to cover" in Spanish and it is said that they were first used to cover alcoholic beverages like sherry and wine to keep fruit flies out at home-style back yard buffets. Common ingredients like slices of bread and meat were often put right over the glass, and sometimes saucers containing small bites of salty delicacies were used. Of course back then they didn't have a name per se for this behavior, it was just something people did at social events having buffet style finger foods. Typical foods at these events were things like meatballs, olives, fried seafood, pickled veggies, or anything your mom could easily make and stick on a table.

Eventually the idea spread beyond the home into the Spanish restaurant mainstream as a new style of eating. For years now, many Spaniards have gone out drinking with friends after work to share plates of small delicacies to keep hunger at bay until they are ready for a full dinner. It's a way to be social and share experiences with friends and family when out on the town having a good time. It's very common to visit several tapas bars in one night before eating dinner, which is often as late as 10pm. Typical Tapas found in Spanish bars are Bandarillas, Calamares, Cojonuda, Croquetas, Empanadas, and Tortilla española.

Today in America as well as across Europe, Tapas have evolved into a new style of fusion cuisine centered around social drinking. There are literally endless possibilities for creating them. Café Vino has brought this exciting idea to Fort Collins with European/American inspired dishes that can be served as Tapas or as a full meal with your choice of 150 wines, 20 draft beers, fine coffees, teas and cocktails to compliment. If you haven't tried the full-on Tapas experience yet, this would be the place to start.