Where to Go and Stay in Spain

Tips for Foodies

Famous for sangria, paella and the awe-inspiring loveliness of its cuisine Spain has always been one of the most sought-after holiday spots.

Spaniards eat very late at night, so 10 at night would be normal for them, and even later. You might find empty restaurants at 8pm, but as long as you have researched your chosen restaurant, don't worry, if they are quiet, although other Europeans will eat around 8pm, you should not be alone in the restaurant.

Restaurant research websites offer an idea of what is available locally, but it helps to read the reviews and read between the lines. You should also read what the Spanish themselves say about the restaurant that might interest you, then click on the nationality and translate it, instead of following what an English person says, for example. Here an old adage comes to mind: "One man's meat is another's poison."

Try the pintxos, which are small tapas-type dishes, with your wine or beer. Paella is also essential and they are served in different ways with meat or fish, or even both mixed. Combination dishes include seafood, squid, shrimp, as well as rabbit, pork, and chicken.

Many restaurants serve bread with garlic olive oil and tomato. Just rub the garlic olive oil on the bread and then squeeze and rub the tomato on top.

Always buy your fish at the ice cream counter in a supermarket or at the fish market itself. Don't buy canned or prepackaged fish, as they often have preservatives. When you see the fresh sign, fresc, it means the fish is fresh and not farmed. To get the fish ready, just say limpia, that is, clean, and they will prepare it for you. When buying meat over the counter, look for Galician veal, as it has the most flavors.

A siesta is a pretty big deal in Spain still...... and with good reason! Usually in between 1 to 5 in the afternoon, many stores close their doors for a little rest in the afternoon. But then they reopen and stay that way until 8pm. or later.

While the restaurant bill (La cuenta ) includes the service charge, although it does not expressly mention it. However, it is customary to leave a small tip. Usually only a few Euros are left, up to a maximum of 5%.