April 17, 2011

Spanish Tapas Party

The great thing about taking inspiration from someone other than yourself is discovering new likes. This weekend I threw a birthday dinner for my friend Jen incorporating her favorites: Spanish tapas (I think bland), sangria (my tequila, the worst hangover I've ever had, can't even smell it!) and lilacs (I hate purple). BUT, to my surprise, I ended up loving them all (mostly). Incorporating farmer's market vegetables into the menu added the freshness I usually miss at Spanish restaurants and lilacs proved beautiful and fragrant, the new exception to my zero purple policy (the jury is still out on sangria). Amy made the birthday girl a lilac corsage and fastened flowers to the place cards. Simple, pretty, perfectly steamlined. And because the evening was ladies only, small plates were perfect as girls are better at sharing. So thanks to Jen for reintroducing me to the delicious flavors of romesco, saffron, chorizo, and my new favorite, tortilla espanola!
The Menu

sangria

spanish corn nuts

calamari fritto, aioli

sardines, fennel, capers, lemon zest, saltines

asparagus, jamon serrano

wilted spinach, pine nuts, golden raisins

jaume serra Cristalino cava
dry, toasty, crisp, citrus, minerality

saffron rice, english peas, garlic, paprika shrimp

grilled baby artichokes, mint

tortilla espagnol

fingerling potatoes, chorizo, romesco

luzon jumilla spain 2009
plum, spice, herbs, smoke, peppercorns, licorice

tangelo sorbet

membrillo, iberico sheep, cow, goat, spain

blood orange, navel, little gems, cano de onja sheep, spain

bacon, date, manchego sheep, spain

tres picos garnacha 2008
floral, blackberries, leather, vanilla, peppery

chocolate cake
honey lavender and salted caramel ice creams

volver tempranillo 2009
red currants, black cherries, oak, tobacco, spice

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I just discovered your blog and am loving pouring through all your posts and finding inspiration for my own dinner parties! It would be so helpful and wonderful if you would actually post the recipies for the various dishes on each menu going forward :)

Erin said...

Lilacs in Mason jars festooning your table makes me think of spring, that season that has not quite sprung here yet. You had me at sardines.

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