By Paola Velasco
Spanish culinary cuisine is one of the finest in the world. It is based on onion, garlic, tomatoes and peppers. Herbs, sage and olive oil are also commonly used. This Mediterranean style of cooking also extends to the south of France, and Italy. But it is the influence of Mid-Eastern traditions that makes Spanish cuisine unique. The legacy of the Arabs is shown in the variety of spices, and also in the use of almonds, and rice. These are essential ingredients in many traditional dishes of the Iberian Peninsula.
The Spanish are well known for their tapas, salads, hot or cold soups, fish and seafood, and of course the national treasures—Serrano ham, and paella. These purely Spanish dishes are available in San Miguel at Restaurante Bulla, on Hernandez Macías 82, and in Tupinamba, on Zacateros 45. Tupinamba also has a live flamenco show on some nights of the week.
At Bulla, I recommend the serrano, or cod croquettes. The scrambled eggs are also delicious, or the seafood such as Galician-style octopus, Portuguese sardines, or grilled prawns. Their paella is an absolute delight, and the serrano sandwich with papas bravas will make you walk a mile to get some. Ole!
