Tapas Takeover

Suddenly, wine bars are everywhere. In Miami, we’ve also got tapas bars, which are basically the same thing but with a Spanish twist. And in my opinion, we are all the better for it. No one needs to go hungry waiting for a “proper time” to eat.

Tapas is the Spanish tradition of serving tasty little plates of hot and cold dishes in local bars before the dinner hour, which, in Spain and many Latin American countries, often takes place well after 9 p.m.

Some folks say that the tradition began when bar owners placed small plates over patrons’ wine glasses to keep the flies away. Regardless of how it all started, I am glad to live in a city where tapas bars are springing up as fast as new condominiums.

While heading to my favorite pizza joint for lunch last week, I discovered La Vena del Gusto, an eclectic new tapas restaurant. The aromas coming from the kitchen made pizza seem ho-hum, so I went in and checked the place out. Wines, mostly Spanish, were stacked floor to ceiling, and there was a tiny stage in the back for live music. Colorful artwork lined the walls, with small wooden tables scattered here and there. It’s a happy place, cheerful without trying to be.

“La Vena del Gusto” is an expression which means “whatever’s your pleasure” – and this pretty much sums up the menu. My friends and I chose a few dishes that struck our fancy, including hot garbanzo beans with chorizo (a piquant Spanish sausage), baked shrimp in a seasoned tomato sauce, and mini ham and cheese sandwiches (called bocadillos). Everything was tasty and five small plates were just enough for three people. I’d like to go back at night sometime, to enjoy the livelier after-work atmosphere and sample some of the very interesting wines they offer.

Tapas provide a great excuse to slow down and enjoy the company of friends and co-workers in a relaxed, convivial environment. They’re a nice alternative to sports bars, with their blaring TVs and greasy buffalo wings. Tapas bars soothe you with their casual café atmosphere and the fort-like feeling of being surrounded by crates of wines stacked to the ceiling. Nobody rushes you or throws a bill in your face because they’re going off-shift. You eat and drink at your own pace.

Typical tapas dishes include slices of Serrano ham or chorizo with manchego cheese; marinated olives; fried chickpeas; Tortilla Española (a delicious potato omelet served at room temperature); skewered chicken or beef; beef, chicken or cheese empanadas; and bocadillos. All of these might be washed down with a glass of smooth Spanish sherry, a crisp Pinot Grigio, fruity sangria or a Chilean Cabernet.

One thing I’ve noticed is that tapas restaurants have distinctive personalities. Some are just wine stores doling out tasty snacks, while others offer live music, splashy artwork and a definite joie de vivre. It’s fun to go out and discover your favorites.

Here are a few places worth checking out:


WINE & TAPAS BARS

AV Grill and Wine Bar
3055 NE 163rd St.
North Miami Beach
Tel: 305/945-7576

Best Time Wines
4765 SW 8th St.
Little Havana
Tel: 305/443-6070

Café Tu Tu Tango
3015 Grand Ave.
Coconut Grove
Tel: 305/529-2222

Canela Café
5132 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami
Tel: 305/756-3930

Copas Y Tapas
98 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables
Tel: 305/774-0927

Happy Wine and Gourmet
5792 SW 8th St.
Little Havana
Tel: 305/262-2465

La Vena del Gusto Wine & Tapas Café
26 SW 8th St.
Little Havana
Tel: 305/374-9177

Salero
1000 S. Miami Ave.
Brickell Area
Tel: 305/371-3473

Tapas & Tintos
448 Espanola Way
Miami Beach
Tel: 305/538-8272

Vida! Bistro & Wine Bar
1915 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Coral Gables
Tel: 305/443-8863

VINO Miami
1601 Washington Pl., Suite 110,
Miami Beach
Tel: 786/207-8466

W Wine Bistro
3622 NE Second Ave.
Miami Design District
Tel: 305/576-7775


LINKS

· Miami Herald 3/9/06 review of Canela Café
· More Nightlife in Miami