Welcome to Salsa and the City! This is a new monthly column by Erin about Salsa in the Circle City. Salsa has become a lifestyle for some of us: music, dance, parties, fashion, travel, friends, relationships, and, did I say dance? For those who are addicted to Salsa, this is a place where you can read about what's going on in the city, and share your ideas, comments, and gossip. Erin has been a regular of Indy's Salsa scene since 1998.

Tapas Night
by Erin Lamb
posted June 13, 2007

Finally! We have a real Spanish tapas restuarant in Indy! BARcelona Tapas Restuarant is the best thing that has happened to downtown Indianapolis dining in some time. Last Friday, June 8th, IntoSalsa held a Tapas Night at BARcelona. About 30 people showed up to share the experience. Everyone had a great time. For once, as dancers, we got together to talk and to laugh. It is nice to occasionally take time away from the dancefloor to get to know someone outside the usual 1,2,3...5,6,7.

Tapas is a part of the Spanish social ritual. People often go from one bar to another eating, drinking, and chatting in a convivial atmosphere. BARcelona offers true Spanish "tapas" and not just some fancy American appetizers. Many bars around Indianapolis use the word "tapa" because it sounds chic but not because that is what they actually serve. BARcelona has all the traditional tapas tapas such as tortilla española, patatas bravas, calamari frita and a lot more. You can order from a variety of cold tapas to hot tapas to tapas "clasicas." We shared many different items with our friends, and there was not one thing we didn't like.

In addition, they know how to prepare sangría. Since I returned home from a study abroad trip to Spain in '99 I have been searching for a good glass of sangría. BARcelona did not let me down. They serve the sangría in traditional "jarras" from Spain, a very nice touch. Oh, and the taste - spot on!

On top of the good food and good drink, the atmosphere was wonderful too. It is a nice open space with high ceilings. Typical decorations from Spain give it an authentic feeling. Doors on the side of the structure open out onto the street, mimicking the cozy cafes of Europe. During the dinner, they played a mix of Salsa, Merengue, and Reggaeton music in the speakers. Strangely, nobody brought up dancing. We were too busy eating, drinking, and chatting. It proved that we could have fun without dancing, even just for one night!

If you missed the outing, we plan to do it again soon, so you'll have another chance. Until then, see you on the dancefloor!

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