what's your favorite tapas in city?

DH's family is from Spain...and they have eaten at a few place that they say are close to being 'Spanish'

1. (my absolute fave - great for groups) La Paella 9th btw 2&3


2. La Sala on Bowery

i have a question - yes I lead a sheltered life LOL - what the heck is tapas??

Easy definition - small appetizers.

here is one I found on a website:
Literally translated from Spanish, tapas means lid or to cover. Today we think of tapas as small snacks or appetizers. This definition derives from the days when barkeepers of open air taverns and pubs in Spain served beverages such as wine or sherry to their patrons covered with plates to keep the flies out. Often salty snacks such as toasted almonds or olives topped these plates, satisfying hungry customers while increasing their thirst for another cocktail! Tapas are a fun way to sample creative, multi-cultural dishes while sipping a glass of Sangria and hanging out with friends!

We went to El Boqueron in Astoria tonight for my birthday dinner. I don't know if I would go back for tapas but their paella was the best ever! This is a great place for paella and sangria. I also had that strawberry and cream dessert - OMG - I've never tasted anything like that!!! It's so worth going back for that dessert alone! I grabbed a business card on the way out - we will definitely be going back!

BTW, the wait staff was incredibly attentive, even though we didn't have reservations (that was the first question we were asked and almost did not get a table because we went without making reservations).