September 29, 2011 – The Economic and Commercial Office of Spain, the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX) and Fuego Hotels organized a sophisticated cocktail event called Flavors of Spain, a Tapas Festival in Manila. This was held at the ground floor of Enderun, indoor and outdoor set-up.

Six Spanish restaurants here in Manila participated and gave us a sample of their specialties. The restaurants were the following: El Cirkulo, Tapella by Gaudi, Gaudi, Barcino Gourmet, Terry’s Selection and Wine Depot. These restaurants filled the room with fantastic Tapas, which surprisingly made everyone feel so full despite the small servings. Students of Enderun were the lovely servers of the night. 

Accompanied with some wine & cheese, Spanish language, which I haven’t practiced for about a year, and classy ambiance, this Tapas Festival was just FAB. Spanish delicacies were simply heavenly! Todo estaba delicioso (Everything was delicious). This was the time I was convinced and told myself, “I will definitely go to Spain!!!” or in Spanish, Quiero ir a Espanya! 

Just a quick and general information, Tapas is the term used for small appetizers in Spain. These foods are what you usually eat in cocktail events. Easy to munch since they are bite-sized ones wherein you can use your fingers. 

Bacon Rolls, california maki style.

Red Bell Pepper wrapped around chunks of Tuna with some special sauce.

Cereal Prawns, but not that sweet unlike in Wee Nam Kee. 

Paella from El Cirkulo.

I thought they were shot glasses but they weren’t. Those are called 65-degree Egg. Soft-boiled egg and croutons inside the cone-like container. 

Out of all restaurants that were present, my favorite stall was the one from Terry’s Selection! 🙂 Chef was so funny as he told me why he named the dish, Loco Loco Duck (or something like that) Haha! 

Because of the fresh selections and tasty dishes I had at the Flavors of Spain, I would surely go to Terry’s Selection in Podium for their Tapas and other dishes! 🙂 

Tapella by Gaudi had a lot of choices on their table. What interested me was this…

Black Calamares! My friend thought it was cake at first glance. But when you bite it, you’d feel a different texture of the black breading. Not that crunchy but quite soft and semi-rough from the outside. 

Flashing GOOD NEWS to everyone: From October 1-31, 2011, each of these restaurants will offer Special Tapas menu.

Special Spanish ingredients like olives were present for some taste test.

You can purchase these healthy-licious balsamic vinegar and virgin olive oil in Rustan’s or Shopwise. 

I prefer semicurado (semi-cured) cheese with a glass of white wine. 

*Did you know that Spain is the ONLY country with four restaurants in the world’s top 10, according to the prestigious Restaurant Magazine. (Source: Spanish Embassy)

From this booth, what I love is their Sangria drink! Oh, and also their red wines. Kind of strong for me, but I guess it would be perfect for the guys. 

Yummy Sangria was my beverage for the night! 🙂 

We wouldn’t forget this booth of course. The Php30,000+ worth of Jamon Iberico, which came from Spain directly! 

Why special? This pig has an enforced diet wherein it only eats grass chestnuts, acorn, olives and compound feed. The way it was raised is obviously special, compared to the pigs we have in the Philippines. 

My friend JJ, who was also full from the different kinds of Spanish delicacies in Enderun.

Friends from GoLets.com, a website to find the cheapest travel deals.

I was privileged to meet a lot of Spanish people. Felt like I was really in Spain hearing them speak in Spanish. Plus, these people were so friendly and accommodating. They were so courteous to answer all my spontaneous and random ‘food’ questions. 🙂

Embajada Espanola y los organizores, muchas gracias por la invitacion! 

I am more encouraged to go back to Spanish classes in Instituto Cervantes, because of this. Once again, muchas gracias! 🙂 

Cirkulo Restaurant – G/F Milkyway Bldg. 900 Arnaiz Ave. (Pasay Road) cor Paseo de Roxas, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Terry’s Bistro – Lower Ground, The Podium, ADB Drive, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Gaudi – G/F Serendra McKinley Parkway BGC, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Tapas Paella – G/F Greenbelt 5, Makati City,  Metro Manila, Philippines

Wine Depot – 147 Yakal St. Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines