Taste of Spain in San Francisco

May 10, 9:28 AMSF Romance Travel ExaminerKarla Erovick

You many not be aware of San Francisco's ties to Spain. The Spanish who first occupied Southern California, made the journey North into San Francisco in 1775 as part of "Sacred Expedition" led by Gaspar de Portola. The following year they established the Presidio Army Base. Meanwhile also in 1776 an expedition from Mexico, part of New Spain landed and established a Mission called Mission San Francisco de Asis. The original mission building had to be rebuilt in 1791, and it is the oldest surviving structure in San Francisco. The Mission was named after the Catholic patron saint of animals, St. Francis of Assisi, and it gave rise to San Francisco's name.

Spanish influence can still be felt in many ways in our fair city. Take fashion. Zara and Mango, both Spanish retail chains have opened stores here. Fortunately for local fashionista's, they can have up-to-the-minute style at affordable prices. Who hasn't purchased a pair of shoes, or ten, or other leather goods while vacationing in Spain?! They know a lot about leather! Spanish brands such as Pedro Garcia, footwear can be found at Neiman Marcus; and Ras and Alima footwear brands are available at Bloomingdale's.

SPANISH FOOD:

There are a number of Spanish restaurants in San Francisco and beyond. Patio Espanol is located on Alemany Boulevard in San Francisco as part of the Spanish Cultural Center. They specialize in traditional cuisine and paella is one of their specialties.They can accommodate large groups and often have Sunday Brunch Buffets.

Contigo in Noe Valley specializes in Spanish and Catalan cusine. They serve rustic dishes inspired by Barcelona flavors. All food is prepared from scratch daily and they strive to use only local and organic ingredients.

Bocadillos, a Tapas bar, is a great place for a casual meal with friends. Located on Montgomery Street near the Pyramid Building it is a quick walk from the Financial District. They offer a selection of sandwiches, tapas, salads and desserts. Their wine selection includes both Spanish and California wine by the glass or bottle, at reasonable prices. If you haven't visited it yet, you should. They consistently receive great reviews for good reason - the food is excellent. Try the marinated Monterey Bay sardines with the fennel salad. See above photo of Bocadillos.

Lalola, located on Nob Hill towards North Beach is a fun neighbrohood Tapas Bar. Featuring a casual atmoshphere for enjoying food and wine, they serve both red and white wine sangria, as well as a selection of small plates to share.

 B44 Catalan Bistro on Belden Lane specializes in Catalan cuisine from Barcelona. Dining is both indoors and outdoors. They have an extensive Spanish wine list along with a selection of tapas and paellas to choose from. If you want to experience a trip to Barcelona without the travel, come for a glass of wine, paella and the lively music. The rich warm colors, Catalan art, and savory food will have you in a Spanish frame of mind in no time.

Thirsty Bear serves Spanish style Tapas and house-made beers on tap. They brew and pour a minimum of nine distinctive, Premium Organic hand-crafted beers complemented by Spanish wines and Cava and a full bar. Their food is excellent. On Sunday nights they have two Flamenco performances by the Flamenco Room. The first show is at 7:15 pm and the final show is at 8:30 pm. Come for one or both and enjoy some savory food and drinks. See above photo.

Sabor of Spain, located in San Rafael is Marin's only Spanish style Tapas and wine bar. They provide locally-grown food paired with Spanish wines.

Iberia Restaurant, located in Menlo Park has been satisfying palates since 1984. They have outdoor dining on the shaded patio, an indoor dining room, and a wood burning fire in their tapas bar featuring a wine collection of over 15,000 bottles from Spain and California. They also operate the Rock of Gibralter Comestibles next door, with restaurant favorite foods to go and they are the largest resource for imported Spanish food products in Northern California. They also offer hands-on cooking programs.

SPANISH WINE:

The Wine Merchant, in the Ferry Building is holding a series of Spanish Wine Tastings from the Ribera region of Spain. The Ribera del Duero tasting series will explore everything from the approachable and versatile Crianza wines to the blockbusters that have made a name for the region. This region produces wines that are able to straddle the line between flashy and traditional. They retain typicity by respecting tradition but are not afraid to use innovation. See schedule below.

Reserva Style Wines:
Tuesday, May 11th, 5:00 - 7:00pm
Flight of all four wines: $22
Aged for three years with a minimum of one year in oak barrel, these wines come to market a full three years after harvest. By bottle aging in winery cellars, these wines offer maximum enjoyment, full flavors but with elegance and a rich, lingering finish.

"Nontraditional" Wines:
Tuesday, June 22nd, 5:00 - 7:00pm
Price TBD (wines subject to change)
While the traditional classifications are helpful, there are many producers breaking the traditional mold and producing wines that offer the complexity of a Gran Reserva or Reserva without following the rules set forth in the classification system. There are also some lesser aged wines that offer as much concentration and intensity without all the oak. The tasting will highlight a special selection of some of our favorite finds from the region.

The Big Guns:
Wednesday, July 21st, 5:00 - 7:00pm
Price TBD (wines subject to change)
There is no doubt that the famed Vega Sicilia is the wine that put Ribera del Duero on the map, but there are plenty of other top estates making wines that WOW! Come and taste the top wines of the region and see for yourself it you prefer the stalwart Vega Sicilia or if there are some other producers who may be poised to challenge the King of Wines.

FLAMENCO:

Spanish culture is closely associated with Flamenco music and dancing. San Francisco has a thriving Flamenco community with collaboration between local and Spanish artists. Lucky for us, because there are some great places to watch Flamenco in San Francisco on a weekly basis. Not only are there intimate venues for watching Flamenco, but San Francisco also hosts big Flamenco shows. The Bay Aea Flamenco Partnership has a show on June 15, 2010 with performers coming from Spain. SF Flamenco is an organization that exists to promote Flamenco and provide education. They sponsor a number of workshops and classes with guest artists.

Thirsty Bear has a Sunday evening Flamenco Show that has been ongoing for 7 years. The Flamenco Room has two lively performances, at 7:15 pm and 8:30 pm. The show is always exciting with a different group of performers each week. Kerensa DeMars, Artistic Director of Flamenco Room is also a performer with Theatre Flamenco. See above photo for a Flamenco Show at Thirsty Bear by Steve Han.

Peña Pachamama has a Thursday evening performance each week, located in North Beach. Get there early to get a seat and order sangria or wine before the performance. This is an intimate setting with shows starting at 8:30, you'll be entranced for the next two hours. The weekly show has a $10 cover charge.

Mojito features Flamenco Saturdays, located in North Beach near Grant & Green. Enjoy a drink, sample tapas and experience a Flamenco Show presented by Caminos Flamencos.

San Francisco's own Theatre Flamenco celebrates it's 44 Anniversary this year; they were the first American resident dance company to stage full Productions of Spanish dance in the United States. They have a number of performances throughout the summer, including a May 28, 2010 show at 111 Minna, in San Francisco, click here for a schedule. Their dancers are gifted performers who have toured with Flamenco companies internationally and most have spent time in Spain.

SPANISH FOOD PRODUCTS:

To recreate a special Spanish dish, where to go? The Spanish Table in Mill Valley and Berkeley offers a full range of wine, Spanish cooking ingredients, and cookware. If you are looking for a paella pan to feed 50 - rest assured, they have it here. They also have ceramic serving platters and dishes to create just the right mood. Check out their large selection of Spanish wine, cava and sherry. They also have children's books and cookbooks.

Celebrate Spain at one of San Francisco's Spanish restaurants or visit the Wine Merchant for wine tastings from the Ribera Wine Region. In any case, a dose of Spain brightens everything.