tapas bars, spanish meals, etc etc

Hands down one of the most confusing parts of Spain. 

In a tapas bar, you almost always seat yourself--don't wait for a host/hostess....there rarely is one. If the place is busy and you feel like the waiters don't know you're there, wave them down or just go and order at the bar. It's not rude to wave your hand or call a waiter over. 

Prices usually vary depending on where you sit. The bar is always the cheapest, a table outside is the most expensive--an indoor table is somewhere in between. 

Spaniards don't really do breakfast--coffee, orange juice and a croissant is usually the best you can do. Lunch in Spain is the biggest and most important meal of the day, usually served between 2 and 3. In smaller Spanish cities, like Córdoba, everything shuts down (shops, schools, most restaurants)  for about 3 hours after lunch for siesta, the time to rest. Tapas are generally eaten as a snack sometime after siesta and before dinner (usually light), which comes from anywhere between 9 and 1 am. 

The bill, "la cuenta" is the most confusing part of the whole tapas experience. You won't get your check unless you ask for it--can be frustrating at first, but Spaniards have a serious "no-rush" attitude. Prepare yourself, a lot of tapas bars don't take credit cards. And remember...not to tip!! If the service has been...dank...or you've made some kind of special connection with the waiter, you can leave a small tip, but don't feel any obligation to. 

Andalucian tapas...

Salmorejo--kind of like gazpacho, thicker and made with more onion

Manchego--cheese, served with olive oil on top (good shit)

Jamón Ibérico--thin slices of ham on plate, not our fave but the world seems to love

Gambas al ajillo--garlic shrimp, lots of olive oil, really good

Revueltos--scrambled eggs, usually with pine nuts, spinach, fish, lots of types

Aceitunas--olives, probably Rebecca's favorite part of Spain

Tortilla--very Spanish, eggs and potatoes, almost like a quiche without crust

Berenjenas a la miel--typical Andalucia, fried eggplant with honey, Margaret <3