A little corner of Spain in Coral Gables

By Irela Bagué

Nestled on the corner of Galiano Street and Miracle Mile, Copas y Tapas is a quaint establishment that reminds me of my past trips to Spain where all I needed for sustenance was a slice of a potato-and-onion omelet on pan gallego and good glass of Rioja -- olé!

The atmosphere is welcoming and the décor is a trendy take on the Spanish tavern, and it’s cozy enough for a first date or a small gathering with good friends. I have to start by saying that the food at Copas y Tapas tastes as if prepared by somebody’s grandmother back in the old country.

There is an extensive list of Spanish-style sandwiches with various combinations of ham and chorizo, and a variety of cheeses to choose from. The list of tapas is also quite extensive, starting with the house specialties: garbanzos fritos (fried chick pea casserole); ensaladilla rusa, a traditional Spanish potato salad; camarones al ajillo (shrimp in garlic sauce); and chistorra al jerez (chistorra sausage in a sherry wine sauce). All were delicioso!

A fabulous meal of Spanish delights would not be complete without some fantastic Spanish wine, and Copas y Tapas has a wide variety, all divided up by country regions. Just ask Miguel, the owner, for an appropriate wine to pair with your tapas. Don’t miss the seafood paella on Fridays and save some room for desert! They are as traditional as they get and mouth-watering too.

These days when it’s just too expensive to travel abroad for most of us, it’s nice to know that the Gables is has a little corner of Spain at Copas y Tapas … a great place to get your Spanish fix without a passport.