Of course, to find this charming tapa bar, we took a winding path through older parts of the city, admiring tiny, plant-filled courtyards and massive churches along the way. Every apartment seemed to have a variety of blooming flowers on their patios.
We walked past La Bortola the first time, this tiny bar with maybe seating for maybe 30 friendly people and found a table for our party of six. Allen and I opted for tapas -- our first experience with this national dish. We ordered prawns with garlic to share and coos coos with lamb. Ah, the amazing flavors.
The prawns were fresh; the sauce of olive oil and garlic provided a rich gravy to dip our bread. Each bite brought new appreciation. And then the lamb tapa arrived, each bite of tender lamb in its unique sauce more delicious than the last. And perfectly accompanied by a glass of sangria with its smoky mix of fruit and brandy. Can you tell we love food?
Of course, the tapas were small, the little iron pot with prawns about the size of my hand, with the same for the lamb, but the small size was just right for our supper.
We will be returning to La Bertola again and again in the next few weeks. And when we go back, we will taste those prawns again -- and something new!
So, can you remember a time when food added something unexpected to your travels?
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