Paella…sangria and flamenco dancing! There are not many more things that conjure up a Spanish holiday – except maybe a beach house in Ibiza and a sore head. Come Thursday, October 12 it’s time to celebrate all things Spanish in honour of La Fiesta Nacional de España
Come Thursday, October 12 it’s time to celebrate all things Spanish in honour of La Fiesta Nacional de España – the day in 1492 that commemorates when the first Columbus expedition claimed the Americas for Spain.
The exact location of discovery is lost in the mists of time, but believed to be one of the islands which today is the Bahamas. This claim led to the Spanish Empire which in the Americas lasted until the Spanish-American War of 1898.
Did you know Spain is the only European country to have a physical border (not sea) with an African country? Spain maintains a small outpost on the African continent in Ceuta, which was taken over by the country in 1668.
Here are 5 venues to visit with amigos on Thursday:
Taking its cue from the rustic and refined dishes of Northern Spain, discerning Sydney foodies head to Balcon by Tapavino on Bligh Street for fare with flair. This contemporary restaurant in the heart of the CBD boasts one of the city’s most bespoke outdoor dining areas, with banquette and wire seating, potted greenery and overhead shade, while indoors wine racks cover the walls promising more than 500 Spanish drops to accompany delicious dishes from the menu.
Start with grilled King prawns, chorizo and salmorejo pintxo, before signature mains of braised lamb shoulder, green beans and scarola lettuce; or savour grilled WA octopus, kipfler potatoes and ajada oil. Finish decadently with Spanish doughnuts, crème Catalan and blueberry compote.
Bringing the best flavours of traditional Spanish cuisine to your table, the Spanish Paellaman services the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Byron Bay and Sunshine Coast regions with menus to suit all appetites. With Chefs from Valencia to cook onsite for you, friends and family, there are a wide variety of alternatives to perfectly suit your function needs, along with menus for special dietary requirements.
The Paellaman can also be found at community events and food markets dishing up delicious paella, tapas, desserts and drinks; perhaps order the authentic Valencian paella with chicken, pork ribs, beans, tomato and spice, or the black rice version with squid ink and seafood.
Discover the taste of Spain right in South Bank at Ole Spanish Restaurant on Little Stanley Street in the heart of Brisbane. Sit back and relax in warm and inviting surroundings of a mosaic-tiled bar promising cheeky cocktails and vibrant wall murals, while on balmy nights, dine alfresco at long tables and soak up all the River City has to offer.
From a menu with sharing in mind, say Arriba to tapas plates such as crispy pork belly, salsa Naranja and fresh citrus, then devour a mixta paella with chicken, prawns, chorizo, calamari, peas, cherry tomato, piminetos and saffron rice.
Graceville foodies say hola to Spanish tapas and wine at Botellon on Honour Avenue. This neighbourhood wine bar and eatery is all sleek lines with a cool green tiled bar and marble top, statement pendents and framed Art Deco posters making it the ideal spot to catch up with family and friends over drinks and share plates. Those looking to graze and socialise over a glass of red and tapas, may opt for King prawns, garlic, chilli, olive oil and lemon.
Then delve into paellas with chorizo, chicken, chorizo and seafood, or perhaps crumbed pork cutlet with brown butter, caper, olive, fennel and lemon hits the mark; finish sweetly with Basque cheesecake, condensed milk ice cream and hazelnut.
Set foot into Saint Malo on London Circuit in Canberra and be transported to not only a place, but the taste and sound of the Mediterranean and everything you love about European dining without the long-distance flight. Expect a new experience that will ignite all the senses and evoke memories of warmer days at this multi-level venue, where each floor of the historic building has a distinctive feel combining elegant dining, entertainment and space for a big bash.
Say hola to starters of citrus cured salmon, caviar, labneh and dark rye, or pan-seared scallops, squid ink and saffron aioli; while those looking to share opt for pork cutlets, Manchego, quail eggs, capers and Cantabrian anchovies, or slow-cooked lamb shoulder, beans, sage, garlic and tomato.
