Q&A - ASK Montse
In recent months, our inbox has literally been flooded with questions from people across the country pertaining to all things Spanish. We encourage you to jot down any questions that relate to Spanish food, wine or lifestyle and Montse will see to it that your questions are answered. (Please note that sometimes it takes a bit to get back to you but we will do our best to answer as many questions as possible.)
Email your questions to info@freixenetusa.com. Please include your name, email address and where you are from.
Q: Dear Montse, What are some activities that might help me meet some of the locals the next time I am in Spain?
- Lupe Pineda, New York, NY
A: Lupe, Considering that much of Spanish life revolves around the celebration of family and friends, many of the locals spend their time meeting in groups at their local chiringuito (a place where you can grab a quick snack). A chiringuito can be a bar, coffee shop or restaurant. Visiting one of these places is a great bet if you're aiming to meet some of the locals. And don't be afraid to introduce yourself!
Q: Dear Montse, What are some of your favorite Spanish dishes you would recommend a visiting tourist try before they leave Spain?
- Sam Linares, Austin, TX
A : Sam, It would be a sin to leave Spain without having tried some form of paella. Paella is a flavorful rice based dish that comes with an assortment of items (seafood, meat, vegetables etc.) mixed in. Fortunately you can order paella at virtually every restaurant without having to empty out your wallet!
Q: Dear Montse, What are some of your favorite cities to visit in Spain?
- Kadeja Gaines, Atlanta, GA
A: Kadeja, As a native to Barcelona I may be a bit partial in saying Barcelona is by far one of my favorite cities in Spain. The culture, history, and people of Barcelona are fascinating and the city is filled with wonderful sites to visit. Another more quaint and intimate city I also love is Toledo. Although Toledo is a much smaller city, its cobblestone streets are always full of life and traffic running in and out of the restaurants and trinket shops.
Q: Dear Montse, What do the Spanish do on any given night out on the town?
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John Engelbert, Santa Barbara, CA
A: John, In any given city in Spain, it's safe to say the local tabernas (bars) and discotecas (night clubs) are surely full of life as the night sets in. These are perfect places for the younger crowd to meet people and have a great time with their friends. I would encourage you to pay a visit to any such places if you're looking to take in the Spanish nightlife.
Q: Dear Montse, I have a couple questions about siesta. Do the Spanish still siesta in Spain and if so when does siesta usually begin and end? Thanks!
- Laura Oertel, New Orleans, LA
A: Laura, Siesta is a tradition in modern Spain that is very much alive and well. Siesta usually runs from around 2:00pm to 5:00pm. During this time shops and businesses close down while the locals simply relax or visit a restaurant for a glass of vino and tapas with friends.
Q: Dear Montse, What modes of travel do you find are most reliable and helpful?
- James Wellman, South Bend, IN
A: James, The bus lines in Spain, I find are quite reliable for those visiting without their own mode of transportation. Either that or grabbing a taxi would be a great bet if you are traveling within the city. If you are traveling between cities, taking the train or bus shuttle are also some great options that are affordable and can get you to where you're going. You can find transportation information in various languages at any train station or bus depot.
Q: Dear Montse, I'm a vegetarian and visiting Spain soon. Are there many traditional Spanish dishes that I'll be able to enjoy without meat?
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Christina Lewis, Reno, NV
A: Christina, In Spain there is definitely less of a variety of vegetarian friendly dishes to chose from than in the States so your best bet will be to ask your waiter to hold the meat. You might want to try paella. Many forms of this dish come with vegetables mixed in to provide you with additional substance in case it is necessary to do without meat.
Q: Dear Montse, What is one of your favorite, easy to make tapas that you would recommend I try if I am hosting a small get together?
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Cassie Bratberg, Greenville, NC
A: Cassie, One of my favorite tapas to make that doesn't take much work can actually be found on the quick tapas section under Food and Wine on the Tapeña website. I love the smoked salmon slices recipe and often serve that alongside some of the other recipes provided on the site. They are great snacks to enjoy while you relax with your friends.
