The food in Spain is, of course, different than in Paris, but the culture of food is also different. In Paris, food is everything, where in Spain, food is the vehicle for socialization (if that makes any sense). The food is more rustic here in Barcelona, with an emphasis on cured meats, cheeses, and table wines. The flavors are richer, but because of the intrinsic flavors in the inredients, not through the building-up of flavors like in French cuisine. I love Spain, but Paris really is the town for foodies. Spain is where you go to party.

I had traditional and neo-tapas several times, but it's kind of sad that even the Spanish are getting away from what tapas really are. They've become in Spain what they are in the States: "sexy" little bites that would never fit as a "top" on a glass of wine. But oh well, they certainly taste great!

Perhaps one of the most intersting situations was when we went to an open house at Angie's school: It was an event for the students, paid for by visiting businesses and entrepreneurs. The menu was so meat and cheese heavy, I loved being a guest, even if I was a crasher! And the interesting (sad) part was that the very expensive Iberican ham was barely touched by the otehr guests. I wanted to take a whole plate and fill my pockets! Back in the states a plate like that would have cost at least four times what they did here in Spain!