Tapas Valencia

Tapas Valencia, 1530 S. State St., South Loop, (312) 842-4444, info@mesonsabika.com, www.tapasvalencia.com. Tapas Valencia opened in Chicago?s South Loop in 2009 and it has developed a following because of its excellent reputation for high quality food and service. Tapas are the Spanish tradition of enjoying many small plates. The entire meal consists of these smaller dishes that are shared around the table creating an interactive, fun experience. Tapas also avails diners the opportunity to have a lighter snack at the bar or a feast for a special occasion. Tapas Valencia is also treasured for its Paella, an internationally-known rice dish from Spain that originated in Valencia. Today, paella is made using a variety of different ingredients. It may contain chicken, pork, shellfish, fish, eel, squid, beans, peas, artichokes or peppers. Saffron is an essential part of the dish that imparts a wonderful golden hue to the rice. Friendly wait staff brings the paella in a traditional pan known as a paellera and plates it for everyone partaking. Entering Tapas Valencia guests are greeting by a high energy yet whimsical atmosphere. Multi-colored mosaic artwork reminiscent of the art of the great Spanish artists Joan Miro and Antoni Gaud