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No Ordinary Pappas Tapas "New Tapas lounges popping up faster than weeds!"
Tapas are a variety of Spanish appetizers, such as mixed olives, cheeses, or an elaborate creation of seafood or meats served in smaller portions to accompany sharing drinks with friends. In Spain, tapas are usually given for free to accompany a drink before dinner. In the United States and the United Kingdom, tapas have evolved into an entire cuisine where patrons order many different small Spanish dishes and combine them for a full meal. The literal meaning of the word Tapas translates as a lid and in old Spain the practice of placing a small saucer on top of a drink to keep out flies began with an order by King Alfonso X. Tapas evolved throughout Spain's history through the incorporation of many ingredients and influences from different cultures and countries. Olives were Influences from the Roman and north-African Moors in the 8th Century, as well as almonds, citrus fruits and fragrant spices. The discovery of the New World brought with it the introduction of tomatoes, sweet peppers, chilli peppers, beans and potatoes. Sharing appetizers or small dishes with drinks and friends is also a dining trend that is prevalent in many parts of Europe and the middle east. Many diners in these parts of the globe sometime dine between 9—11PM forced by the warm, and hot temperatures during the day to go out or “bar hopping” as an alternative social activity instead of dining at home. Other global terms representing small shared plates, or starters are “Meze” for Eastern Europeans and Middle Eastern regions, as well as “Dim Sum” and other Asian terms from the Far East. The Greeks refer to the dishes that complement a beverage and encourage diners to linger around a table for good conversation as “mezedes.”