Spanish Cuisine - The most diverse cuisine in the world

Spanish cuisine differs drastically from region to region. Spain has a complex history of diverse small kingdoms coming together, each with their own traditions. And then there are the foreign influences. That is why Spanish cuisine has recipes changing every few miles due to cultural and geographical differences. Sometimes the only common ingredients found in these delicacies are olive oil and garlic. Spanish cuisine is one of the few cuisines that still uses the age old cooking methods and ingredients which has helped in keeping alive the essence of traditional flavors and adding a little twist when suited. With Spanish restaurants trying to experiment and establish themselves in every part of the world, the cuisine has been evolving and is more known to people around the globe. In the recent years, foodies have been looking for much more than just good food. They want the right ambience, innovative recipes, locally sourced produce and most importantly – variety. And that variety is best provided by Spanish cuisine because of the diverse culinary regions of Spain.

Diversified and Delicious Spanish Cuisine

Spain is popularly divided into six regions on the basis of taste buds. Food found in Galicia and Asturias are said to be from the North of Spain and are characterized by lots of sauces and seafood. Then comes the region that is the home of the chilindrones, sautéed peppers, tomatoes and onions, the Pyrenees. Here onion is a common accompaniment to various dishes. The third region is the Cataluña region where the concept of casseroles or cazuelas is bountiful. The Eastern region includes the Community of Valencia, where the hero delicacies are rice-based like the popular Paella Valenciana. Then there is Andalucía, where fried fish is a staple food and the locals serve a drink only when accompanied with tapas to munch and crunch on. Central Spain is where roast meats and cocidos or stews rule the diets every day. This is the region of Castilla-Leon.

Spanish cuisine is not just about different region but can also be categorized by ingredients found in these particular regions. Spain is the lead producer of olive oil, and olives are grown all over Andalucia. Many typical dishes in Spanish restaurants are fried in olive oil.

Did you know! Cocido, olla, pote, guiso, estofado, or escudella are all Spanish terms for stew. Every region in Spain has a version of this dish and yet this one dish is an important part of the cuisine. Not to forget other dishes like Paella, and the world popular tapas. Who doesn’t like indulging in the bite-size heavenly food masterpiece?

Today you can find tapas bars all over New York City. You can find an elaborate menu of tapas at a popular favorite called Alcala in Midtown New York. Their tapas menu is just as delicious as it looks. The Albondigas are well seasoned and the perfect portion size to enjoy with drinks. Other tapas to look for in their menu are the salted cod wrapped in pimento, grilled sardines and charcutterie. This restaurant is a perfect spot for the first date with some comfort food from the specials of Spanish cuisine. Do give tapas a try and as the Spanish say, "Buen provecho!"

Alcala - Spanish Restaurant in New York - http://www.alcalarestaurant.nyc/

The best Spanish restaurant in New York

A spoonful of Olive oil, a clove of garlic and a pinch of paprika. The simple ingredients for a perfect dinner for the lovers of Spanish cuisine. Spanish cuisine is made of traditional, earthy, simple food that boasts of the ingredients available locally or the crops grown regionally. Spanish cuisine is very varied. The first recipes were written way back in the fourteenth century and since then the cuisine has been influenced by many. The Moors, Sephardic Jews, Arabs, French and Italians, as well as the natives going on journeys around the globe, resulted in a huge range of new ingredients. Ingredients that have a character of their own and give a completely new personality to a delicacy, every time they are paired differently. All this with the variances across the country in geography, culture and climate, have given birth to a cuisine that is extremely diverse. Giving an astounding thousands of recipes and flavors to experience. This influence is clearly seen in many recipes in many restaurants. But one thing remains the same, Spanish cuisine is inherently fresh, abundant and full of flavor.

Delicious and Authentic Spanish Cuisine - Alcala

The Spanish love their food, and love serving it to others. Every Spanish restaurant tries to bring part of the Spanish culture to New York through the wines and the food but only a few succeed. Unlike other popular food, Spanish cuisine drifts in and out of fashion. There are weeks when paella is a global favorite and there are times when foodies will turn against calling the simple, brined olives an admirable appetizer. But through the crests and troughs, a handful of restaurants consistently offer a taste of true cuisine. The American foodie especially New Yorkers are always looking for Spanish restaurants in New York that offer a nuanced menu of tapas and regional specialties. And these restaurants have long gone beyond serving the main culinary dishes like tapas, paella and sangria. Spanish restaurants have struck a chord with the New Yorker’s taste buds in the last decade. Everyone knows their tapas. Whether it’s garlic shrimp or stuffed mussels or ham croquettes. One doesn’t need to be a chef to see that Spanish cuisine is on a rise.

But who is doing it best? With over 450 Spanish restaurants in New York, it’s a tough choice on who you should trust with your paella. But Alcala, a popular Spanish restaurant in New York, makes it easy for everyone. Simple delicacies executed with fresh and organic ingredients excites the American palate and leaves them wanting more of this authentic restaurant. Their tapas are best in the area and the Gambas al Ajillo-Shrimp in a sizzling garlic sauce is a crowd favorite. People love to visit this place for its cozy ambience and immense hospitality. With a perfect location, Alcala sees many regular visitors from the nearby offices and also admirers travelling far distances. This dining spot is serving delicious home style Spanish food. The next time you’re in Midtown East, New York go for a scrumptious Spanish lunch.

Source: - http://www.alcalarestaurant.nyc/