Travel Textures: Al Hambra

The Al Hambra. Built over the course of 600 years, this complex is an awe-inspiring example of human creativity and craftsmanship. The fortress, castle, citadel or palace (depending on what century you are talking about), is perhaps one of the best examples of moorish influence in architecture and design within Spain. The palace court offers room after room of intricate carvings, featuring arabic and patterns within stone, marble and wood. As a designer, the attention to detail was simply breath-taking. While walking through the walls, gardens and courtyards, I imagined the people that dedicated their lives to working on one wall or pathway for years. What would it have been like to spend day after day carving intricate patterns? Was it a mission for God? Was it servanthood to the ruling authority? What do you think?

In 2010, my dad and I took the trip of a lifetime. We traveled all over Spain, visiting the ports of call he was in over 30 years ago while on a tour of duty as a pilot for the Marine Corps. One of our days was spent walking through the Al Hambra, an experience I will never forget.

spanish tapas guide

Our first hurdle in eating well in Spain was understanding what we were eating (given our lack of ability to speak Spanish or Catalan). So, before I left, I made a guide for my dad and I to decipher what was on the menu. Some of the more touristy locations offer menus with pictures (but these places may not have the best food… so go for the small place with a chalkboard menu and bring along a guide to help you choose well). At every location we ordered Patatas Bravas (fried potatoes), Pan con Tomate (tomato bread) and Croquetas (fried cakes usually stuffed with a potato, cheese and meat mixture). My main bit of advice: be adventurous and savor the seafood.

Tapas Guide:
Aceitunas: Olives
Ahumados: Smoked Fish
Albondigas: Meatballs
Almejas: Small Clams
Berberechos: Cockles
Boquerones: Anchovies (usually in oil or vinegar)
Calamares: Squid (this can be fried or grilled, we didn’t care for the grilled versions as they were chewy and had a strong taste of the sea)
Caracoles: Snails
Champiñones: Mushrooms
Chipirones: Baby Squid (slightly more tender than calamares but the grilled version was not to our liking)
Croquetas: croquets (many different varieties – my favorite was Iberian ham and cheese)
Ensaladilla Rusa: “Russian Salad”
Figatells: A burger or meatball (recipe includes liver) skewered to bread
Gambas: Prawns (the preparation is specific to the establishment – if you like shrimp you must try these)
Ibericos y Quesos: A selection of cold meats and cheese (most of the time this includes Iberian Ham and hard goat cheese and sometimes a selection of almonds).
Mejillones: Mussels (typically in a garlic wine sauce with tomatoes)
Navajas: Razor Shells
Pan con Tomate: Grilled crispy bread with tomato and garlic (these are prepared specific to the establishment but are a very affordable start to the meal)
Patatas Bravas: Potato wedges with either a spicy coating served with an aioli (these are prepared specific to the establishment – differing in size, spice level and complexity of the aioli).
Pechinas: Scallops
Pescaditos: Fried small fish in batter
Pinchos (pinchas): A type of kebab served on a wooden skewer
Pulpitos: Baby Octopus (most likely grilled)
Pulpo: Octopus (most likely grilled)
Salazones: Salted Fish
Salpicón: Cold chopped fish dish seasoned with pepper, salt vinegar & onion
Sardinas: Sardines
Sepia: Cuttlefish
Tellinas: Cockles served on the shell (usually in a garlic sauce).

Tapas Links:
Barcelona Tapas Tips
Wiki-Tapas

A taste of Spain close to home (some of my favorite Michigan restaurants that have a commitment to creating an authentic Spanish experience):
San Chez Bistro – Grand Rapids
Sangria Tapas Cafe – Royal Oak

barcelona – friendly and unforgettable

A year ago today I was headed to Barcelona. This was a trip of a lifetime – my dad and I went on an adventure to discover the places he visited over 30 years ago while stationed on an aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean Sea. We arrived early afternoon and walked along La Rambla. The street was buzzing with excitement and energy and offered a beautiful taste of this vibrant city. Taking the advice of a friend, we boarded a tour bus for a guide around the city and scouted out the attractions we wanted to visit the following day. The double decker bus provided a detailed history guide in over 12 languages and we caught our first glimpses of Gaudi’s best work, the Roman ruins of the Gothic Quarter and the breeze of the harbor. We ended the day with a perfect meal of tapas. It was a perfect day with my dad – one I will always remember.

weekend wanderlust – roadtrips

Fresh Air. Freedom. Open Roads. The emotive power of a great roadtrip is unmeasurable. This has been a long work week and I literally dreamed about some of my past roadtrips last night (specifically the one we took to Michigan’s thumb area with Cole enjoying the wind in his face). I am happiest when Doug and I travel together and explore new places in our Mini Cooper. Last year we traveled cross country from Detroit to California. One of the days, we saw the sunrise over the Oklahoma panhandle and set behind the redrocks of Arizona. And although the scenery made a lasting impression, perhaps the best part was how I turned off my phone, shut down my email and just enjoyed exploring this beautiful world with my best friend. The feeling of being free from responsibility and being present in the moment is my favorite part of a vacation (I just wish I could bottle that for every day life)!

Roadtrip Photos: Cole enjoying a beautiful Michigan summer day in the thumb. The coast of Spain – and yes my dad and I did drive that road and I conquered my fear of heights to do it! Somewhere in Utah with the Mini Cooper from Doug and I’s cross-country roadtrip.

Do you have a favorite roadtrip?