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 Wednesday, 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 four more fun facts about Spain and four restaurants to say Hola to celebrating on Wednesday:
•Spanish is the world's second-most spoken native language – with more than 570 million Hispanophones around the globe, Spanish is second only to Mandarin Chinese, with 21 nations speaking Spanish daily.
•Spain is a constitutional monarchy with the current monarch – as of 2014 – King Felipe VI.
•Madrid has the oldest restaurant in the world – El Restaurante Botin – recognised by Guinness World Records as opening in 1725.
•The world’s biggest food fight – La Tomatina – takes place in Pamplona at the same time as the Running of the Bulls.
Individualistic Mediterranean fare which does not disappoint awaits Canberra diners at Black Fire Restaurant on Mort Street in Braddon. A rustic industrial fit-out of exposed timber and bricks is softened with chandelier lighting and Spanish accents - like a painting of a bull and matador - while dark timber adds a stylish vibe, ideal for lingering over a meal with your special someone.
Stop by on Wednesday and say hola to tapas plates such as pan-tossed scallops, crispy tuile, leek and potato purée and Romesco salsa, served on the half shell; before devouring signature seafood paella with chorizo piquillo and a saffron reduction.
Brisbane foodies can celebrate Spain’s National Day at Chef-hatted Paella Y Pa’ Mi bistro and wine bar on Leicester Street in Coorparoo. Expect a Mediterranean feel to this dining destination with pastel blues and earthy hues setting the scene for lingering over a drink with friends; while perusing a menu showcasing Spain’s national dish of paella.
The brainchild of Manuela Volpe and Kevin Fredes – who served his apprenticeship under Miguel Maestre – this venue is a family affair with the mixed signature paella dish named after the couple’s daughter Marysol.
Inspired by the Basque region, Sebastian restaurant on Halls Road in Pokolbin celebrates the deep traditions, cosmopolitan flair and individual spirit of one of the world’s most magical food destinations. Nestled in newly opened Spicers Tower Lodge, this elegant fine diner exudes rustic charm from tiled floors, ceiling beams and chandelier lighting, setting the scene for lingering over a memorable meal with someone special.
From the Game and Forest menu, expect to taste dishes such as squab breast with fermented wild Mountain Roger glacé, fried trout and watercress emulsion; or delve into deer sausage, pollen mustard and fermented Espelette chilli sauce.
Feast like a Spanish King at Bouzy Rouge, a sophisticated space with an underground vibe, well suited to the suave crowd of Melburnians who frequent this Bridge Road establishment. A decadent interior design, furnished with elegance and style emanates a grandiose Mediterranean vibe ensuring all who enter through exotically carved doors instantly feel like royalty.
Pair a glass of sangria with tapas plates of grilled chorizo, caramelised onions and housemade cucumber pickles; then choose from larger options like mixed paella, with chicken, chorizo, prawns, saffron and red peppers, or chicken fricassée and pomme purée.
For more flavours of Spain near you, click here.
