Tapas and Gaudi

Gaudi lived in the late 19^th and early 20^th century. A man of deep faith, he drew on regional Spanish architectural forms and combined them with an imaginative approach to modern style.  His most famous works were influenced by his study of nature and organic forms which he found ways to integrate into the roofs, windows, balconies and other features of his buildings.

In addition to the Sagrada Familia - Illume’s Favorite Gaudi Sites

1. Casa Batlló – Known as the “House of Bones,” this extraordinary former home has a skeletal feel on the outside, while the interior is renowned for its incredible use of tiling, stained glass, and organic shapes.
2. Park Güell – This whimsical park features uniquely and organically shaped buildings adorned with colorful mosaics, along with lush greenery and sweeping views of Barcelona.
3. La Pedrera – This building, with an uneven stone exterior that resembles an open quarry, is one of Gaudi’s last works. Its most famous features include the multitude of unusual and surrealist chimneys, with some even looking like warriors.

After exploring Gaudi sites, there’s nothing more satisfying than a visit to a local tapas bar. These friendly gathering places are how the Spanish bring people together to share stories and make new acquaintances. Here are some tips on tapas etiquette, some sample items and a few places to try on your Illume journey.

The tapas scene in Barcelona is as vibrant and pulsating as the city itself. The small plate dish- served as mini portions of seafood, meats, salads, and pastries- is a staple item of any local’s daily diet, and is a highlight of both the city’s flavorful culture and culinary scene. Although now the tapas scene is truly a social and gastronomic event, its origins date back to the times of King Alfonso X, the Wise King of Spain. Legend has it that upon falling ill back in the thirteenth-century, the King was only able to consume small amounts of food with small amounts of wine. Once returning to good health, he decreed that no inns in Castile should serve wine without pairing it with food. 

So how does the famous tapas scene of today work? Whether you’re relaxing at a modern and trendy spot like Bar Mut, or barreling your way through the crowds to the counter at a true local haunt like El Xampanyet, it helps to know what to expect.

A common way to enjoy them is in the form of a crawl, traveling from bar to bar tasting a variety of tapas as you pair them with different complementary drinks. Sometimes tapas are self-served, but usually you must order from a menu listed on a wall or chalkboard, or even point to your desired tapas in a display case. Types of tapas range from simple, tamer dishes to the downright bold and spicy, with little bit of everything in between. The dishes reflect the geography and culture of the region in which they are served- in Barcelona, an abundance of seafood- ensuring a genuine experience of true local flavor.  One of our favorite spots in Barcelona is Ciudad Condal, near Plaça de Catalunya and close by to many popular hotels.

In Northern Spain, the term pintxos replaces the term tapas. They are ‘spiked’ (pincho is Spanish for spike) with toothpicks or skewers, and are often served on a piece of bread. Although pintxos originate from the Basque Country, there is no shortage of pintxos bars in Barcelona, with Sagardi (right by the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar), Maitea, and Taktika Berri being some of the city’s top spots. Although there are subtle differences between pintxos and tapas, you might sometimes hear them used interchangeably. However, a pintxos bar and tapas bar promise two different experiences. At a pintxos bar, you typically grab a plate and serve yourself at the counter. When it comes to paying for your pintxos, be sure you have left the accompanying toothpicks on your plate, as the bartender will count them up and charge you based on this number. If your pintxos came with no toothpicks, you will simply be asked how many you had. Part of the uniqueness of the pintxos scene is how payment is based upon an honor system!

The bustling nature of tapas bars is made up of the lively energy and people that fill them. As much as the delicious tapas themselves express the Spanish culture, the communal experience of being at a tapas bar among the Spaniards expresses it as well.

Illume’s Favorite Tapas

1. Tortilla Española – Known as a Spanish omelette, this dish consists of a potato and egg tortilla with onions, peppers, and sometimes ham or chorizo inside.
2. Croquetas – These popular food rolls are breadcrumbed and fried, then filled with potatoes, vegetables, meats, seafood, or cheeses.
3. Patatas Bravas – This savory tapas pairs fried or boiled potatoes with a spicy and flavorful tomato sauce or an aioli.
4. Chopitos – Considered a popular seafood dish, these tiny squid are lightly battered and fried, and best enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon on top.

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