Spain - A Foodie's Dream

     When you taste the salty goodness of Spain’s Jamon Iberico, you get the feeling that hundreds of years of tradition are present in every bite. Spanish food has a way of conveying a rich history, making it unique and delicious.

     A ham by any other name is simply not Jamon Iberico or Jamon Serrano. Because of the length of the curing process and the special acorn diet fed to the pigs, Spanish hams pack a punch of flavor rarely found. Enjoyed cold or hot, they are a powerhouse meal on their own, and paired with a Spanish cheese, some crusty bread and olive oil, they are elevated to the sublime.

     Because Spain is almost completely surrounded by water, it boasts outstanding seafood, but Spanish hams, vegetables, fruits and olive oils are grown, cured and cultivated in the mountains, giving the cuisine a diversity that reflects the different cultures that have influenced it.

     From the Greeks came the olive oil, from the Phoenicians, spices, but the biggest influence on Spanish cuisine is arguably the Moors. Their fruits, nuts, spices and meats combine to create what we consider “typical” Spanish food. Their influence cannot be overstated.

     The wonderful small plates of food, known as Tapas, also have an interesting history. When bartenders covered drinks with small empty plates to protect the contents, they decided to start adding some food to the plates to appeal to their drink customers. It worked, and today those little plates of food make for a special dining experience.

     When you sit down to a Spanish meal, be prepared for intense bursts of flavor. But don’t be shy. Try everything. With all that Spain’s cuisine has to offer, you’ll be sure to leave the table satisfied.