Iberian Peninsula
It’s easy to feel that same energy in the bustling Mercado de Abastos. There, you’ll see the bounty of seafood and produce that arrives in Cádiz daily. The market has long been a gathering place for vendors selling local fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and fresh fish.The lobsters tend to be particularly large, and plenty of more exotic items, such as sea snails and sea urchins, are on display. “Because of the proximity to the ocean, the fish in Cádiz is diverse and seasonal. And because the city sits close to the mountain, their meats and olive oil are distinct,” Chef Kelly continued. Further solidifying Cádiz as a culinary mecca is the lore of being the birthplace of tapas. King Alfonso XIII is at the heart of this legend. It is said that he was drinking sherry at a tavern in the city when a waiter saw some sand swirling up off the ground, so he placed a slice of sausage over the king’s glass. Pleased by the ingenuity, he ordered a second glass of wine with tapas . While several bars and bodegas in Cádiz and Seville claim to be the setting for this monumental event, the fact that can’t be disputed is that there is nothing like enjoying tapas in Andalusia. “When I set out to design our Epicurean Explorer Tour in Cádiz, I wanted our guests to enjoy authentic Andalusian tapas,” Chef Kelly said. “There is no better place than El Faro. The family-owned restaurant has been a local institution for more than half a century. This experience is a dream for our guests. The idea of being among locals, toasting with sherry, and enjoying tapas where it was likely born is an unforgettable experience.” Among the tapas you may enjoy on your next visit are chicharrones, a fried shrimp omelet, leeks topped with cheese, and Rotena fish stew, all accompanied by a glass of wine or sherry. Then, to walk off your satisfying repast, stroll through several lovely squares to the waterfront and imagine Christopher Columbus returning from the New World to Cádiz with news that would dramatically alter the course of history.
Mari de Armas is a travel writer specializing in luxury cruising. She is a regular contributor to the official blog of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Luxury Goes Exploring. Read more of her posts at RSSC.com/Blog.
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