tapas or Super Bowl?

Sunday we went to a great party that was billed as a tapas party but toward the end had a distinct Super Bowl air to it. Whatever it was it was terrific. Great food contributed by the hostess, of course, and also by the guests. Everyone was to bring something that resembled those delicious little botanas served up in Spanish bars and cafés. Quite an eclectic selection; everything from tsaziki to Kraft singles and Ritz crackers.

Roasted tomatoes with garlic, goat cheese, roasted jalapiños

Raw vegetables that had been marinated over night in a delicious dressing. I spent a lot of time at this dish!


Five different cheeses, each one better than the last.

Lots of interesting wines from Mexico, USA, Chile and France, too. In general I would say it was a "tasting" party all the way around, and everything tasted wonderful.

Round about 6 o'clock many of the guests congregated in front of the TV to watch the game but it didn't seem like a very dedicated crowd. People just wandered by, gave a glance, and headed back to the tables to graze on the goodies. The party was hosted by a couple with a lovely beach front home. Big, open rooms, lots of mingling space, a screened-in patio (no mosquitoes at this party!), and a great dog, Sammy, who strolled through the crowd from time to time, hoping some goodies had dropped on the floor. He finally gave up and stretched out on the patio, bored yet patient, knowing when we all left he'd have his house back and probably his dinner would be served.


At 2:30 AM Monday morning it started to rain again, just lightly. By 7:30 it had stopped but the sky was filled with beautiful big clouds and gorgeous light. Quite a spectacular start to the day. Worth getting out of bed to see.