Tapas is the name of a wide variety of appetizers in Spanish cuisine. They may be cold such as mixed olives and cheese or warm such as chorizo (sausage) or calamari. Tapas are snacks, canapés or finger foods
In the rest of the world tapas have evolved into an entire cuisine. Patrons of tapas restaurants can order many different tapas and combine them to make a full meal.
The serving of tapas is thought to encourage conversation because people are not so focused upon eating an entire meal that is set before them.
It is told that King Alfonso X, el Sabio or “the Wise One,” decreed that Castilian taverns serve wine accompanied by something to eat, so that the wine would not go straight to the clients' heads. Another story claims that while on a long trip, King Alfonso had stopped to rest in the town of Ventorillo del Chato in the province of Cádiz, and he ordered a glass of sherry. There was a gusty wind, so the inn keeper served him his glass of sherry covered by a slice of ham to prevent the sherry from being spilt. King Alfonso apparently liked it, and when he asked for a second glass, he requested another tapa or “cover” just like the first.
Tapas is essentially a style of eating rather than a form of cooking. It means sociability, friends and family. People of a like mind talking and drinking in a relaxed atmosphere while nibbling away on little bites of intense flavour. Tapas is best served with an early evening drink among friends and lively company.
Wherever you live, these 'little dishes' will give you a tasty little mouthful of different countries. So sit back, take your time and enjoy your tapas to the full. There is no better way to sample the real essence of life and culture. Whatever the true origin of tapas, prepare one or several, then enjoy them like the Spanish do – with a glass of wine and a relaxed attitude. ¡Ah! Divino… or Divine…
Bruschetta
Traditional - 11
Smoked Salmon -15
Seafood (Scallops, Shrimp, Calamari) – 17
Meat and Cheese Tapas
Queso Frito- Fried White Cheese - 8
Meat and Cheese Plate (serves 4) - 25
Prosciutto and Chorizo – 14
Chorizo (Spanish sausage sauté) – 11
Meatballs – 10
Chicken Empanada – 8
Seafood Tapas
Calamari - 14
Jono’s spicy shrimp – 11 (hot)
Parsley and garlic stuffed Jumbo Shrimp (spicy) – 15
Shrimp Stuffed Goat Cheese with Prosciutto – 15
Grouper Ceviche – 16
Grouper Fingers - 14
Conch Fritters – 8
Vegetarian Tapas
Cliff’s Chana – (Spicy Chick Peas) -9
Plantain Tostones - 5
Stuffed Portobello Mushroom - 14
Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) - 9
Trevor’s Sweet Potato Fries – 7
Home Fries - 5
Kalik battered Onion Rings - 9
Michele’s Artichoke Dip - 9
Salads
Greek Salad - 14
Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Feta and Olives (no lettuce)
Corn Salad - 12
Blend of Mexican style corn, cilantro, tomatoes and lime
Caprese Salad - 12
Mozzarella, tomato and basil
Caribbean Jerk Grouper Salad - 14
Chicken Salad – 14 (lunch only)
Green Salad - 10
Baby greens served with house vinaigrette.