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The third Thursday of June is, quite officially, El Día Mundial de la Tapa, World Tapas Day across the globe. To celebrate, eat tapas. But, what truly constitutes a tapa? Let Food & Wine from Spain explain:
Not so, in fact. Though "tapas" is the general term used as a catchall for this gastronomic culture, there is actually a range of different formats when it comes to Spanish tapas. Here is a guide to keeping your tapas straight: tapa usually refers to a small plate of food meant for sharing – just a bite or two to accompany whatever you're drinking. If you want a larger portion of whatever peaks your appetite, order a ración (ration), or its slightly smaller version, a media ración (half-ration); both of these are also intended for sharing. Conversely, the popular pintxos (called pinchos elsewhere in Spain) that are typical of Basque Country and Navarre, are usually intended for individual consumption; each a single morsel of perfectly balanced flavors.
Want to delve into the nuances and history of these delectable dishes? Read more from Food & Wine from Spain.
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