Blog Archives

Are There Any ‘Key Words’ to Use When Ordering Tapas in Spain?

Posted on September 25, 2015 by Robert Johnson

QUESTION: We’re planning a trip to Spain, and hope to visit several tapas bars while in Barcelona. Only one problem: It has been a long time since I took Spanish in school. Are there any “key words” you could give…

Tagged with: Barcelona, dining out, Rick Steves, Spain, Spanish cuisine, tapas, wine pairings
Posted in Wine FAQ

An Authentic Wine and Tapas Experience in Chicago

Posted on July 17, 2015 by Robert Johnson

When it comes to reviewing food or wine, the older I get, the more I realize that absolutely nothing beats experience. When talking about experience, it’s important not to confuse it with age. I’ll take a 25-year-old restaurant reviewer who…

Tagged with: Barcelona, beer, Bom Bolla, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, Chicago, Illinois, Sherry, Spain, Spanish cuisine, tapas, Wicker Park
Posted in Wine Buzz

Pairing Wine With Spanish Cuisine

Posted on July 10, 2015 by Robert Johnson

Spain has a long reputation for spicy cuisine, but in recent years, other European influences have helped tame the heat and made Spanish fare, in general, more wine-friendly. Here are a few pairing possibilities beyond the ubiquitous tapas-and-sparkling wine offerings……

Tagged with: Fabada, lamb, red meat, seafood, Spain, Spanish cuisine, sparkling wines, tapas
Posted in Food and Wine Pairings/Recipes

Wine Friendly Lamb Ribs… Made Spanish Style

Posted on July 1, 2015 by Robert Johnson

This tasty dish from Spain can be enjoyed with either red or white wine. Garnacha (a.k.a. Grenache) makes a good choice among reds, while Albariño is an ideal companion among whites. Other tasty options include Syrah, Pinot Noir and Tempranillo.…

Tagged with: garlic cloves, Grenache, lamb, Pinot Noir, Spain, Spanish cuisine, Syrah, Tempranillo
Posted in Food and Wine Pairings/Recipes