Loco for Latin
Colombian foodie Erika Fulenwider takes the temperature of the city’s Latin fever.
Hong Kong suddenly has a passion for all things Latin. Three separate events this month have a distinctly Spanish or Latin American flavor: Spain in Hong Kong 2005, the Latin American 2005 Festival, and the Latin Passion Festival. The city is teeming with art exhibitions, dance performances, cooking demonstrations and special menus celebrating Latin culture.
So you think you're an expert on Spain just because you have taken a few tango lessons? Do you want to visit Mexico so you can eat at “real” tapas bars? Maybe you have been drinking too much tequila. Let’s get a couple of things straight: although they share the Spanish language, Spain and Latin America are very different regions. First, Spain is in Europe, and Latin America is on another continent an ocean away (think Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Peru...). Second, salsa, flamenco and tango are not the same dance: salsa originated in Central America, flamenco is from Spain, and tango has its roots in Argentina. And third, tapas come from Spain only. “Tapa” means lid or cover, and tapas is thought to have originated from people protecting their wine by covering their glasses with small plates of food.
Now that’s clear, we recommend you get out there for a true flavor of the various cultures and cuisines.
All things Spanish
Boca in Lan Kwai Fong has a special menu all month to celebrate Spanish National Day (October 12), with tapas from different regions of Spain. These include chorizo with lima beans in cider from Asturia, mussels with olives from Madrid, and bacalao monocal - a dish of potato, spinach, salt cod and feta cheese - from Extremadura. Try them with wines from Rioja, Pendes, the Duero Valley, Andalucia and Castilla.
Also in Lan Kwai Fong, La Bodega hosts Spanish DJ Rafa throughout October and November. Try the jabugo-wrapped scallops with lime and tomato and a pitcher of sangria before you hit the dance floor.
La Comida, a slice of Spain in SoHo, has a month-long special menu, featuring a new dish a day such as tapas, a special paella, or a meat dish. The regular menu is packed with Spanish goodies, from tapas (tortilla Espanola) to paella to crema Catalana – a variety of custard.
La Comida will also be supplying the tapas at “La Fiesta Espanola” at the Viceroy, which will feature a flamenco performance by Spain’s Ballet Albaicin. Wines are by Miguel Torres. Oct 26 7:30pm, $290 a head.