On the Menu…Bodega Santa Cruz, Seville (Spain)

Take a break after touring the impressive Cathedral of Seville and have a bite to eat at the Bodega Santa Cruz, which is very close by. The locals who frequent this lively tapas bar call it Las Columnas (the columns), which refers to the large stone columns you'll find at its entrance.

Once inside, look for the blackboard next to the bar to see the selection of tapas being offered. If you're a meat eater, you have to try the pringá, which is a popular meat sandwich that is typical in rural Andalucía. Other favorites include the berenjenas con miel (eggplant with honey), jamón ibérico (Spanish ham), and of course the local favorite soup, gazpacho (chilled tomato soup). Whether you just have a few tapas, or make an entire meal of it, you will enjoy both the food and the atmosphere at this local institution.

Calle Rodrigo Caro, 2

Sevilla, Spain

Phone: (954) 21 16 94

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On the Menu…Tapas 24, Barcelona (Spain)

Foodies looking for a dining experience in Barcelona that won’t break the bank should make a beeline to Tapas 24, where the atmosphere is casual and the menu offers everyday favorites that have been raised to new heights. Tapas 24 is one of chef Carles Abellan’s three restaurants in Barcelona, which include Comerç 24 (with 1 Michelin star) and Bravo24 in the W Hotel. Chef Abellan worked for many years alongside chef Ferran Adrià at his world-renowned restaurant El Bulli on the Costa Brava, before opening his own restaurants in Barcelona.

The first thing you need to know about Tapas 24 is that it does not take reservations, and it is a very small restaurant with limited seating. Most diners sit at a counter facing the bar and kitchen where you can watch your food being prepared. There are additional tables indoors (high-top tables with stools), as well as a handful of tables located outdoors on the sidewalk terrace. The next thing you need to know is that this is a very popular place, with both locals and tourists, so if you want to eat here you’ll have to arrive early (by Barcelona standards) between 7:00 - 8:00pm. Once 8:30pm rolls around the locals will start streaming in and there will be a long wait for your chance to sample the delicious tapas on the menu.

While you’re deciding which tapas to try, start out with the Pan con Tomate (bread with tomato, olive oil and salt), an absolute staple in any Barcelona restaurant. Another must-try is the Bikini Comerç 24, which is a grilled ham and cheese sandwich that has been elevated to a whole new level. The ham in question is actually the fine cured Spanish Jamón Ibérico, the cheese is a mild white cheese, and the special ingredient that takes the Bikini out of the realm of a normal sandwich is the shaved black truffle that they add to it. Don’t be surprised if you order seconds on this one, you won’t be alone. Even if you don’t normally order fried eggs for dinner, you really should try the Huevos Estrellados (literally “smashed eggs”), which is a delicious combination of fried eggs, french fries, and a selection of meats that you get to choose from. This is an egg dish that is delicious at any time of the day. The tapas menu also includes traditional dishes, such as Patatas Bravas, Croquettes, Lentils with Chorizo, and Tripe, which makes it hard to select from so many great choices.
Be sure to leave room for dessert so you can try the Xocolata Amb Pa Oli i Sal, which is a chocolate mousse, drizzled with olive oil and sea salt, and topped with toasted bread. While you may not normally add olive oil and salt to your chocolate, you may start doing so after tasting how well they all come together at Tapas 24.

• Carrer de la Diputació, 269
• Phone: (93) 488-0977
• Barcelona, Spain
• Website: Tapas 24

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On the Menu…Bodegas Campos, Córdoba, Spain

Located in the residential San Pedro neighborhood, just a short walk from the Mezquita, you will find Bodegas Campos. It was founded in 1908 as both a wine cellar and tavern. Today Bodegas Campos offers a number of dining options: La Taberna (tavern), a formal restaurant, a wine cellar, and rooms that are used for catered events.

The interiors are rustic and classic Andalusian in design, with terracotta tile floors, wrought iron accents, and wood-beamed ceilings. The Sala Célebres room features pictures of 30 famous locals, including painters, dancers and mayors. Be sure to stop and look at the oak barrels that line the rooms and corridors, as they are signed by many of the famous people who have dined at Bodegas Campos, including members of the Royal family, celebrities, and foreign dignitaries.

The restaurant menu features classic Córdoba cuisine. Ingredients are from high quality local vendors, and the fresh fruits and vegetables come from the restaurant’s own orchard. Some signature dishes include the Ensalada de Bacalao y Naranja (a salt cod salad with orange dressing), Paté de Perdiz Casero y Aceite de Trufa (homemade partridge paté with truffle oil), and Solomillo de Ternera con Migas al Vino Tinto (sirloin with red wine sauce). There is also a wide selection of wines to choose from, and be sure to leave room for dessert.

La Taberna menu features a nice selection of traditional tapas, including the local favorite Salmorejo soup, traditional Gazpacho, Boquerones en Vinagre (anchovies in vinegar), and Habitas con Huevo y Jamón (beans with egg and ham). There is also a selection of main dishes, including Rabo de Toro Deshuesado (oxtail stew), Arroz de Verduras (rice with vegetables), and Puntas de Solomillo con Verduritas (sirloin tips with vegetables). For dessert try the Flan Casero (homemade caramel custard), Pastel Cordobés (local cake), or the Leche Frita con Helado de Lima (fried milk with lime ice cream).

• Calle de los Lineros, 32
• Córdoba, Spain
• Phone: (957) 49 75 00
• Website: Bodegas Campos

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On the Menu…Taberna Bar Santos, Córdoba (Spain)

Located across from the Mezquita, Bar Santos is a great place to take a break from sightseeing and have a snack. If you have trouble finding it, just look for the crowd of people lined up against the Mezquita wall that are enjoying their food and drink outdoors. Bar Santos is a very small tapas bar with no seats, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in the delicious food it turns out.

On the menu you will find the dishes that are traditional in Córdoba, such as Salmorejo (a creamy chilled soup made of tomatoes, bread, garlic, vinegar and olive oil), Rabo de Toro (oxtail stew), Morcilla Ibérico (Iberian blood sausage), and a variety of Bocadillos (sandwiches). But what most people come to Bar Santos for is the Tortilla Española (Spanish omelet made with potatoes), for which they have won awards. Besides being absolutely delicious, the Tortilla at Bar Santos is renowned for its size – it’s easily twice as high as a regular tortilla found elsewhere, and many would say it’s also twice as good.

So after seeing the Mezquita, do as the locals and enjoy a slice of tortilla with a cold beer or a nice glass of sherry, and soak up the ambiance of this beautiful city.

• Calle Magistral González Francés, 3
• Córdoba, Spain
• Phone: (957) 48 89 75
• Website: Bar Santos

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On the Menu…Cozinha Velha Restaurant, Queluz (Portugal)

Take a short taxi ride just 15 km outside of Lisbon to the town of Queluz, and you can be transported back in time with a visit to the Cozinha Velha Restaurant.

The restaurant is housed in the building that formerly served as the kitchen for the 17th C. Palace of Queluz, which is known as the “Portuguese Versailles”. The former Royal Guard barracks opposite the Palace today serves as the Pousada of Queluz hotel.

The interior of the restaurant is elegant and romantic, with its stone arches, vaulted ceiling, marble columns and majestic fireplace. The menu offers traditional regional cuisine, with specialties such as lobster medallions, salted codfish dumplings, and steamed Dover sole.

Be sure to leave room for dessert, as there is a wide array of tempting sweets displayed on the large stone table that you won’t be able to resist.

• Palacio Nacional de Queluz
• Queluz, Portugal
• Phone: (21) 435 61 58
• Website: Cozinha Velha Restaurant

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On the Menu…Restaurante Sacramento do Chiado, Lisbon (Portugal)

When you step inside this inviting restaurant, with its brightly colored windows and warm, modern décor, you will understand why it is a favorite dining destination for the locals. But beauty is more than skin deep at this popular restaurant, since what really lures diners in is the food. People keep coming back for the traditional Portuguese dishes that are prepared with a modern-day twist.

There are a variety of appetizers to choose from, including tasty prawns sautéed in olive oil and garlic, and lightly seasoned with cilantro and lemon, carpaccio of cod, and a selection of Portuguese cheeses. For entrees there is a wide variety of fish and meats to choose from, and some vegetarian options as well. And don’t forget to leave room for dessert! Besides having a friendly and knowledgeable staff, Sacramento also has a nice selection of Portuguese wines to choose from.

• Calçada do Sacramento 40-46
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Phone (21) 342 05 72
• Website: Restaurante Sacramento do Chiado

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On the Menu…Restaurante Casa Mingo, Madrid (Spain)

When you step inside of Casa Mingo you will be transported to another part of Spain – Asturias, to be exact – as it is an Asturian cider house that was founded in 1888. It is located near the Estación del Norte (North train station). The specialty of the house is roast chicken, which is a staple for the locals who either join the crowds and eat in, or take them to go to enjoy them at home.

Inside the restaurant, which is built into a stone wall, you will find walls covered in bottles of sidra, the tasty cider that comes from Asturias. You will be amazed as you watch the waiters, and others who are daring, pour the cider in the traditional manner, which entails holding the bottle around the height of their head, into a glass that is located at the height of their waist. It’s truly a technique that requires quite a bit of practice, so don’t try this at home!

• Paseo de la Florida, 34
• Madrid, Spain
• Phone: (91) 547-7918
• Website: Casa Mingo

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On the Menu…Restaurante La Almudaina, Córdoba (Spain)

Located near the Mezquita you will find La Almudaina. The restaurant is housed in a 16th C. palace that was constructed by Leopoldo of Austria, who was the Bishop of Córdoba and the uncle of Emperor Carlos V. Beautifully restored, the interior has a series of attractive dining rooms, including an interior patio that is topped with a glass-roof ceiling.

The menu at La Almudaina is representative of the traditional Córdoba kitchen, which uses fresh ingredients that are sourced from local markets.

You can start off your meal with a bowl of Salmorejo, a local favorite chilled soup made with tomatoes, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and bread, which is topped with chopped eggs and diced Serrano ham.

For a main dish, try the Rabo de Toro Cordobés (oxtail stew), Solomillo al Foie (sirloin with foie gras), or a fresh fish, such as Lomo de Bacalao (cod fillet) or Lomo de Merluza con Hortalizas (hake fillet with garden vegetables).

There is also a good selection of homemade desserts to choose from, and a wine menu that features a wide range of wines at reasonable prices.

• Pl. Campo Santo de los Mártires, 1
• Córdoba, Spain
• Phone: (957) 47 43 42
• Website: La Almudaina

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On the Menu…Restaurante A Ceia, Braga (Portugal)

Just a short walk from the Cathedral of Braga, in the old center of town, is Restaurante A Ceia. This rustic style adega (wine tavern) has a casual and inviting atmosphere. On the menu you will find traditional Portuguese dishes, including Cozido à Portuguesa, a classic Portuguese stew, and cod dishes such as Bacalhau à Zé-do-Pipo (made with layers of cod, onions, mashed potatoes, and mayonnaise that are oven baked), and the house specialty Bacalhau à Ceia.

The restaurant also serves specialties of the Minho region, including Alheira de Caça, a light, garlicky sausage made of chicken or game, and Papas de Sarrabulho, which is a dish that is made with pig's blood and is only served in the winter months.

• Rua do Raio, 331
• Braga, Portugal
• Phone (25) 326 39 32

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On the Menu…Don Sebastião Restaurante, Lagos (Portugal)

Located in the heart of the historic town of Lagos, on a pedestrian cobblestone street not far from the waterfront, you will find Don Sebastião Restaurante. Since opening in 1979, the restaurant has attracted a loyal following of customers who come for the traditional Portuguese cuisine, fresh seafood, and local ambiance with warm, friendly service. The interior dining rooms feature a rustic décor with traditional brick archways, or you can dine al fresco on the lovely outdoor terrace.

The menu features locally sourced ingredients, such as fish, shrimp, crabs, oysters and other seafood that come in daily on the local fishing boats. If you prefer meat, you can also find a selection of traditional Portuguese dishes, including pork chops with figs, or a hearty lamb stew with red wine.

To accompany your meal you can select from the extensive wine list. The owner's collection of over 240 varieties of Portuguese wines is stored in the restaurant's own underground wine cellar. Special tours of the cellar and wine tastings can be arranged with advance notice.

Rua 25 de Abril, 20-22         Phone: (282) 780 480

Lagos, Portugal                  Web: Don Sebastião

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On the Menu...Restaurante 100 Maneiras, Lisbon (Portugal)

If you venture over to Lisbon's trendy Bairro Alto neighborhood, make sure you visit one of the city's new hip restaurants, 100 Maneiras, which is Portuguese for "100 ways." The Bosnian-born chef Ljubomir Stanisic has won over both customers and critics alike with his modern interpretation of Portuguese cuisine.

He uses only the freshest ingredients, which are sourced daily from the local market. The menu offered is a 10-course prix fixe tasting menu that is sure to delight any foodie. The restaurant's intimate atmosphere, professional wait staff and inventive menu offerings are sure to leave you with a true dining experience. Be sure to make a reservation, since this small restaurant is sought out by many, and you won't want to be turned away.

Rua do Teixeira 35, Bairro Alto               Phone: (21) 099 04 75 Lisbon, Portugal                                  Web: Restaurante 100

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On the Menu...L'Estimat Restaurante, Valencia (Spain)

Paella is one of Spain's best known dishes and is served in restaurants throughout the country. But Valencia is the birthplace of this quintessential Spanish dish, so no visit to this city would be complete without sampling this local favorite.

L'Estimat Restaurant is a family owned restaurant that was established in 1927 and today is run by the 3rd generation of its founders. It is located on the Paseo Neptuno on Las Arenas beach. Here you will find so many different types of paella to choose from, that one visit may not be enough. If you're not sure where to start, the traditional Paella Valenciana, that contains chicken, rabbit, snails and vegetables, is a good choice, or you can opt for the Paella Marinera, that contains a variety of fresh seafood, including mussels, calamari and shrimp. Whatever type of paella you choose (seafood, meat, vegetable, or a combination), you will not leave hungry.

Paseo Neptuno, 16
Valencia, Spain
Phone: (963) 711 018
Web: L'Estimat Restaurante

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On the Menu...Casa Lucio, Madrid (Spain)

Casa Lucio is located in the heart of Old Madrid, not far from the Plaza Mayor. Since 1974 it has been serving traditional Castilian dishes, such as Callos a la Madrileña (Madrid-style tripe), Cocido (Madrid-style stew). Cochinillo (roast suckling pig), Merluza de la Casa (hake in green sauce), and its signature dish, Huevos Estrellados ("broken eggs" mixed with potatoes). The charming atmosphere of the interior of the restaurant, with its tiled floors and white-washed walls, adds to the warm ambiance created by Lucio and his family, who still run the restaurant to this day.

Cava Baja, 35                                   Phone: (91) 365-8217
Madrid, Spain                                   Web: Casa Lucio

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On the Menu...Mesón del Asador, Jerez (Spain)

Whether you're in the mood for having a few tapas at the bar, or for a sit-down meal in the restaurant, you are sure to enjoy both the food and rustic atmosphere at the Mesón del Asador. The restaurant is known not just for the fine quality of its grilled meats, but also for the generous portions served and the friendliness of its staff - all offered at reasonable prices. At the tapas bar be sure to try the cola de toro (oxtail), chistorras (Basque-style sausage), morcilla (blood sausage), and carillada (pig's cheek). Mesón del Asador is truly a meat-lover's paradise.

Avda. de la Cruz Roja, 20               Phone: (956) 311-404
Jerez de la Frontera, Spain             Web:   Mesón del Asador

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On the Menu...Restaurante Oliver, Granada (Spain)

After visiting the treasures of the Cathedral, take a short walk to Restaurante Oliver to sample the delicious local cuisine. You can take in the ambiance alongside the locals who frequent this restaurant and make a meal of the many savory tapas (small appetizer portions) served in the bar area.

If you prefer a more leisurely meal, you can sit in the dining room or terrace area and enjoy some of the specialties on the menu, including Andalusian gazpacho, mixed seafood paella, lamb chops, or one of the many fish dishes.

The wine list includes selections from the famed wine regions of La Rioja and Ribera del Duero, as well as some local wines from the Granada region. Be sure to finish off your meal with a homemade dessert, such as rice pudding, flan, or a popular Andalusian dessert called tocino de cielo (heavenly treat) made from egg yolks and sugar.

Plaza Pescadería, 12                Phone: (958) 262 200
Granada, Spain                       Web: Restaurante Oliver

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On the Menu...Cozinha de São Humberto, Évora (Portugal)

Located just off the Praço do Giraldo in an old wine cellar, this cozy and atmospheric restaurant has been delighting diners since it opened in 1971. The traditional dishes served highlight the many specialties of the Alentejo region, including the Sopa de Cação (shark soup with bread and coriander), baked duck rice, Alentejo pork with clams, and regional lamb stew, to name just a few.

Rua da Moeda, 39                        Phone: (26) 670 42 51
Évora, Portugal

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On The Menu...Tarta de Santiago (Spain)

When you visit Santiago, be sure you leave room for dessert, because you don’t want to miss the famous treat that takes its name from the St. James cross that adorns it.

The Tarta de Santiago is a delicious almond cake that you will see displayed in bakery and restaurant windows throughout the city, and should be on every visitors’ gastronomic “must try” list during their stay. The recipe for the cake dates back to the 16th C. and traditionally is made with exact proportions of Mediterranean almonds, sugar, and eggs.

Pasteleria Casa Mora, located a short walk from the Cathedral at Rúa do Vilar 34-60, is known for being the first pastry shop to adorn the cake with the Cross of St. James in 1924, and some say they make the best Tarta de Santiago in town. We’ll let you be the judge!

However, if you don't feel like waiting for your next trip to Spain, why not try this recipe at home:

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ lb. (1 ¾ cup) of whole almonds
• Zest from 1 lemon
• Confectioner’s sugar for dusting

Directions:

Finely ground the almonds in a food processor.

With an electric mixer, beat the eggs and the sugar to a smooth pale cream. By hand, beat in the lemon zest and ground almond, and mix very well. Grease a 9 inch springform pan with butter. Pour the mixture into the pan and bake in a pre-heated 350° oven for about 30 minutes, or until it feels firm to the touch. Let cool and then take it out of the pan.

To decorate with the Cross of Santiago, print a cross on paper and cut it out to make a stencil.  Place the cross stencil in the center of the cake and then dust the cake with the confectioner’s sugar until it is fully covered. Lift the cross stencil to reveal the design left on the cake.

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Foodie Friday...Cafe Majestic, Porto (Portugal)

Entering through the doors of the Café Majestic, diners are transported back to the Belle Époque period of the 1920's when the café opened its doors, with its marble walls, ornate cherubs, and gilded mirrors.

In its heyday, intellectuals, bohemians, and Porto's high society all met at this café, located on the Rua de Santa Catarina, a pedestrian street that is at the heart of the city's main shopping area. Today, locals and tourists gather to sip their morning espresso, have their afternoon tea and rabanadas (a Portuguese version of French toast), or enjoy a traditional dish of "Bacalhau á moda do Porto" over a leisurely dinner. Bom apetite!

Rua de Santa Catarina, 112              Phone: (22) 200 38 87
Porto, Portugal                               Web: Café Majestic

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Foodie Friday...Vinería San Telmo (Seville)

When in Seville, there are many excellent options for tapas meals in all price ranges. A favorite, which is both cutting-edge and reasonable on the wallet, is Vinería San Telmo.

This local favorite provides a wide selection of Spanish dishes. Try the Jamón Ibérico (Iberian ham), Chorizo (Spanish cured pork sausage), Ensaladilla Rusa (Spanish potato salad), or Salmorejo (cold tomato soup from Córdoba), to name a few. Centrally located in the Barrio Santa Cruz near the Murillo Gardens, Vinería San Telmo is a perfect place to stop for either lunch or dinner, so be sure to pencil it into your itinerary.

Paseo Catalina de Ribera, 4
Sevilla, Spain
Phone: (95) 441 06 00
Web: Vinería San Telmo

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Foodie Friday...Antiga Confeitaria de Belém, Lisbon (Portugal)

Opened in 1837, this cafe and pastry shop is an institution in Lisbon.  Both locals and tourists alike flock to this cafe to savor the classic custard tarts know as Pastéis de Belém, made from a secret recipe that originated in the monastery.

The blue and white tiled walls, and hustle and bustle of the cafe, will take you back in time. Enjoy the delicious and addicting warm tarts at a table in the cafe, and then take a box home, just like the locals do.  You won't be able to eat just one, and that explains why they sell over 10,000 tarts a day.

Rua de Belém nº 84 a 92           Phone - (21) 363 74 23

1300-085 Lisbon, Portugal         Web - Pastéis de Belém

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