Majorca Food and Drink
While there are Spanish dishes to entice all holidaymakers those who like tried and tested British food will not be disappointed. In most of the tourist resorts, you'll find fast food by the bucket load, all day British breakfasts and even the traditional British roast - all at reasonable prices. There are plenty of British and international restaurants to choose from in most resorts but it would be a shame to leave without trying authentic Spanish cuisine.
Spain is the home of the 'tapa', where it is all supposed to have started (with a canny barman who placed a slice of salty bacon over the top of a glass of sherry, either to keep the flies out, or more likely to stoke up a thirst for more liquor). Originally a mouthful of food included in the bar-price of a fino, wine or beer, a tapa is designed to accompany drink and good conversation. And whether thirst provoking or absorbent, they should be easy to eat so they don't interrupt the flow of conversation.
Walk into any Spanish tapas bar worthy of its name and the first thing that hits you is the variety: pickles on cocktail sticks, cheeses and hams, homely omelettes, baby earthenware casseroles with sizzling hot dishes and elegant mayonnaise-topped mouthfuls. It's the chance to dip into so many tastes, as well as the visual spread of tapas that make them universally appealing.
Be bold and try unfamiliar tapa, such as the wild asparagus in autumn, salt cod fritters, or callos, tripe, ham and sausage stew, - you will be surprised by how delicious they can be in capable hands. In the right place, the trusty staples, like serrano ham and aubergine fritters can be out of this world.
Another authentic Spanish appetizer is Chorizo - a spicy sausage usually served with bread or salad. There are seventeen officially recognized varieties of chorizo in Catalunya. It is usually made from lean pork, garlic, paprika, red bell peppers, and red chile pepper flakes.
With all the fishing harbours along the coast of Catalunya it's no surprise that the sea harvest is a rich source of inspiration. Classic Spanish seafood dishes include paella (pronounced pie-ale-ya), escalivada - an olive oil dressed cold salad of grilled or baked vegetables and suquet - a rich seafood stew with rice and vegetables.
The vineyards of Catalunya produce some of the best wine in Spain. If you're looking for a bit of sparkle try Cava wine - a sparking wine made in centuries old tradition which is synonymous with the region. Beer drinkers will find the most popular Spanish beer - San Miguel, available on draft in almost every bar.
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