By Colette Nguyen and Caitlin Pham, staff writers
FVHS students from Spanish classes taught by Katie Ellis, Daizy Garcia, and Valerie Macias-Gomez attended the restaurant, Tapas Flavors of Spain, to earn culture points and experience traditional Spanish culture last Friday, April 17.
This year was the second time Spanish 2 students and teachers attended Tapas. The night consisted of a three-course meal of authentic Spanish dishes and a traditional Flamenco dance show. Students were also required to speak Spanish the entire night, with failure to do so resulting in a reduction of points.
“It’s a good experience for all of the students because they get to get out of the school area and so they get to actually go to a restaurant and experience more of the Spanish culture and see what people actually do, and watch the flamenco show,” said Ellis. “It’s much different than going to a restaurant near the school where you’ve already been.”
The first portion of food that was brought out was the appetizer: tortilla espanola, or Spanish potato tortilla prepared with eggs, potato, onions, and a side of chopped lettuce. It was served as a light snack before the main dish.
Following the appetizer was the main course: paella, a classic Spanish rice dish filled with saffron, sauteed bell peppers, chorizo, shrimp and chicken. Vegetarian choices were also available, one of which was the pasta dish served with broccoli and carrots.
“Spanish food is different from like Mexican food or American food and so I like it a lot. I know a lot of people might think its more bland or different taste but I personally like it,” said Ellis.
The dinner also came with dessert, a simple flan dish, to finish off the meal.
During the meal, entertainment was provided with traditional Spanish music and flamenco dancing. Three flamenco dancers performed together and individually as the band played in the background. The dancers incorporated audience interaction into their performance by inviting customers to dance along with them on stage.
“Although the food at Tapas was okay, because it’s slightly different than Mexican, the Spanish experience was amazing. We got to watch a flamenco dance and hear Spanish music,” said Teresa Nguyen (‘17). “I definitely recommend future Spanish 2 students to go because you can challenge your Spanish and experience the culture which involves stepping out of your comfort zone.”
