Last night Mediterranean Tapas was a hit! Through 6 dishes from throughout this region of the world we all experienced how delightful and simplistic the food and lifestyle can truly be. Each portion contributed to a complete meal that could really be called a dining experience. Our next scheduled Spanish event is June 21st for Paella that is sure to bring the culture and history of this delight of the seas to your palate.
So on my way home, I was thinking why Tapas and Paella nights at Harvard Cookin' Girl are so popular? What makes it a hit? In the case for tapas, it is truly the ease of entertaining friends even after a long day at work but Paella isn't so simple and you can't have all the ingredients ready in your pantry. You have to buy the freshest sea food possible. You have to plan for it. You have to have the right pan for it so what's the lure of it?
I think it is the fact that Paella is one of the most social dishes around. Very much like Japanese Shabu Shabu or Korean BBQ people gather around a pot and watch the food happen or contribute to its happening. It is like gathering around a bonfire and sharing stories. It brings up memories, stories, sentiments that a sequenced type of food may not bring about.
It also helps that the end result is delicious and I yet have to see someone who hasn't liked Paella. Warning to those who don't like it too fishy- don't use fish broth!!!!
