• This initiative led by the Spanish Tourism Board and the gastronomical association ‘Tasting Spain’ will take place simultaneously in Spain and 31 countries around the world.

• The Tourism Office of Spain and the Four Season Hotel Mumbai in partnership to celebrate World Tapas Day.

• A unique occasion to enjoy Tapas Specialties paired with Spanish wines through an exclusive menu curated by visiting Chef Alejandro Espinosa and Executive Chef Dessi de Vries.

Tapas – the small (or not that small) portion of food that Spaniards love to have along with a drink are well recognized worldwide as symbol not only of the Spanish gastronomy but also of its traditions and lifestyle. Therefore, Tapas Day is celebrated every year on the third Thursday of June, an occasion to commemorate and enjoy the Spanish gastronomy around the world.

This year the celebrations will be held in 31 countries in collaboration with 733 restaurants and more than 100 sponsors and partners.

In India, the Tourism Office of Spain along with the Spanish Chef Alejandro Espinosa, Executive Chef at ‘El Patio de la Catedral’ (Spain) in collaboration with Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, Sevilla restaurant at The Claridges New Delhi and Caperberry and Fava restaurants in Bengaluru are bringing together an exciting chain of events.

Chef Alejandro Espinosa, Executive Chef at ‘El Patio de la Catedral’ in Segovia (Spain), awarded in multiple occasions for his tapas creations, had joined the hotel’s team to bring his expertise on Spanish gastronomy. A balance selection of the most traditional tapas with a modern and personal twist which shows the variety and evolution of this popular small food portions into the most exquisite cuisine creations.

A 5-day long promotion of authentic Spanish gastronomy can be enjoyed at AER – Bar & Lounge and Café Prato. The menu, shows a perfect combination of vegetarian and non-vegetarian tapas like – Potatoes Bombs with ‘Salsa Brava’, Spanish Omelette, Andalusian gazpacho in different textures and, of course, the popular ‘Paella’ and ‘Churros’ amongst some others.

Executive Chef Dessi de Vries said, “We are delighted to celebrate World Tapas Day along with the rest of the world this year and hope to bring to you a sliver of Spain’s vast food repertoire through these delightful miniature creations that are flavor packed and so unique.”

Tapas Day celebrations organized by the Tourism of Spain in Mumbai started with an event in partnership with Cox&Kings, an afternoon to experience the flavors of Spain. During the event, Master Chef Shipra Khanna will present “En Route Spain“ a comprehensive guidebook of her recent culinary experiences across Spain.

So, all the foodies in town, do not hesitate to celebrate World Tapas Day and indulge yourself with the authentic bites of Spanish cuisine in India.

Jane d’Cruz is Consulting Editor with UdaipurTimes, Mumbai.