Henriette was over for the afternoon yesterday. We haven’t seen her since the Veranda. We walked the Camino and sat around the table outside and talked for several hours. Tapas and sangria appeared. Well, not exactly appeared but maybe unfolded.
It seems that we are all practiced at the production of this ritual. I for one didn’t get the nickname Tapa Nazi for no reason. So, the point is that we are very efficient at putting together an acceptable spread without major fuss or muss. Of course it is all simple stuff with no cooking required. It is mostly opening containers and arranging components. Maybe some washing and chopping of fresh produce is required. Bread needs slicing and wine needs pouring.
Well of course there are utensils and napkins to put out. Salt pepper is good. Maybe a plate with oil and vinegar for bread dipping. Serving spoons and glasses need to be found. Then ambience is important table cloth, candles need appearing.
That sounds like a lot but it is all simple stuff really. No cooking or baking projects. So it all goes together quite quickly especially with a number of people helping.
And generally tapas are a potluck situation with pilgrims coming and participating by each bringing and sharing a thing or two. The potluck spirit is important I think. It is just an impromptu shared event.
So, in the process of this yesterday with Henriette and My Rebecca we hatched a plan. We had the idea that we need to get out into the world and report on good items that are available and also tried and true for bringing to share at the tapas table. So I wanted to cover Trader Joe’s and Henriette is going to cover Costco. I think that will be fun. Top ten recommendations to grab and go for the modern pilgrim.
Well, none of this says that home grown fresh produce, or homemade pickles or a rendition of Mom’s favorite meatball recipe wouldn’t be welcome, it most certainly would. But it is not necessary all the time. Simplicity is good.
We all know from experience the importance of tapas and wine for friendship and conversation. This is the reason and the important stuff. That’s the way the Tapa Nazi sees it anyway!
favorite meatball recipe loves, Felipé.
Ah Tapas! I can remember late afternoons in Spain, when our feet were hot and weary, legs that were fresh in the morning, felt leaden, and the next town seemed too far in the distance. Time for one foot in front of the other, bring up a chorus or two from some beloved musical, maybe make a corny joke or two, and eventually we would arrive, usually to a red cobble stone square, friends beckoning us to set down our packs and join them for some olives, slices of cheese, hunks of bread and a glass of wine. As we each recounted our day, there was a sweet sense of community and a natural intimacy that arose and lasted until everyone departed for bed. Even though the destinations changed daily, arriving to small cafe tables and the voices of friends calling our names, made each evening feel like a homecoming of sorts. It was magical to me, and continues to be whenever we make the afternoon walk and tapas over at Phil’s Camino. Three laps around the place, one foot in front of the other, small bits of conversation and we arrive at the tapas table, coming home to each other – time and again. Even if you haven’t walked the Camino, you feel it, that shared sense of community, and feeling that we belong to each other. And, if you have walked the Camino, you feel it even more and sometimes you can hear the echo of those cherished voices who called you by name and greeted you by saying. “Buen Camino!”
Catherine, what a beautiful description. It took my breath away, and brought memories to mind. Thanks.
Catherine ~ Tapas, so special! Nice remembrance, thank you. How are things going over there? I have the corn all plowed under, sort of sad. Tapas will move inside soon. It was one heck of a summer though! Felipé.x
The gauntlet is thrown. First up, a giant jar of Costco olives. I gobbled down half the jar, even though I usually only like olive bar olives, not jarred!
Phil, tell me how to post a picture. I have a couple of great ones here. Mange bien, my friend.
Henriette ~ I will put those pics on today’s blog. I can’t figure out how to get them here on Comments. Alperfect once again, Felipé.x
This sounds like an excellent plan to me!
I learned about many new tapas treats while at the Veranda and It will be nice to have more ides to share with others.
Rho ~ I know. Coming to realize that we are the tapas center around these parts. We had ways and means and products that may be helpful to those doing tapas in other places. We are looking for new ideas too. Felipé.x