Spanish Food Through My Uneducated Mind

When I think of Spanish food, I’m taken back to high school. I learned about a lot of foods, but the only two I can really remember are Tortilla Espanola and paella. I recall my teacher making a big deal out of making sure we all knew Spanish food and Mexican food are two very different things. I didn’t make much out of it at the time, but even being here for a few days I understand why my teacher said that. In the U.S. there are tons of Mexican food restaurants, but I can’t recall ever seeing a restaurant that serves strictly Spanish food.  It will be interesting to enjoy all this (hopefully) amazing food while in Spain, and be able to form a better idea of what Spanish food is really all about.

Olive oil is another Spanish staple that comes to mind.  I was first exposed to real olive oil while in Greece last year, and I haven’t looked back since. I brought some back to the U.S., and I rationed it off like crazy. The Greek olive oil was so much better than any one that I’ve ever had in the U.S.  Thus, I’m excited about all the olive oil I will be able to eat here!  I am also a mega carnivore, so I’m definitely pumped about all the meat I have heard Spaniards eat.  On the other hand, I’m nervous about the amount of eggs I have heard are used here.  My sister went to Spain a few years back, and said most of her meals consisted of eggs and yogurt.  I’m okay with the yogurt, but I must admit I have a bit of an “egg phobia.”  It didn’t appease my worries when I told my senora I wouldn’t eat Tortilla Espanola and she nearly fainted.  Still, I’m looking forward to the delicious/luscious food that is to be consumed while in Spain.