Que Rico Tapas Pop up January

Delicious Tapas and a boozy finish – Last night saw the first pop up of Que Rico Tapas. It was now time for Spanish born Estefania to introduce Cambridge to her cuisine of which I have had the pleasure to sample on my birthday. My children and other half didn’t want me to slave around the kitchen that day so they organised a private chef for me. Estefania runs Que Rico Tapas, which specialises in catering for parties at home or for businesses.

Estefania in full swing

I have to say, there is nothing nicer than having somebody cooking for you at home. I love being behind the stove myself, but being spoiled on days like this is very special. And it was. Estefania’s attention to detail is amazing. You almost don’t want to undo the bow around the menu as it’s so pretty. We had a lovely evening that night and a clean and tidy kitchen afterwards made it even better!

The table setting

The table setting

Estefania was very particular about her choice of location for her Pop Up. It had to be cosy and close to the city centre. What better place to hold it than at Black Cat Café in Mill Road. She was quite taken by it during the pop up arranged by Urban Street Kings.

 

The venue - Black Cat Café

The venue – Black Cat Café

As with all Supper Clubs in Cambridge, there was a great mixed crowd. People were seated at long tables, which gives you the opportunity to mix with others. I love this way of dining as it brings some interesting conversations to the table.

Chestnut soup

Chestnut soup

There is a huge misunderstanding about the word Tapas’. Many people think it is just bite size food. I think images from the many Tapas bars in San Sebastian don’t help as the focus of these images is most of the time on bite-size food, but this is actually not the case. Tapas are snacks, canapés or finger food and come in many different forms and shapes. They can vary from town to town are called in San Sebastian ‘Pinchos’. So let’s get to the bottom of this mystery.

Chickpeas with prawns

Chickpeas with prawns

Pinchos or Tapas can be practically anything from a chunk of salmon, cocktail onion and an olive skewered on a long toothpick, soups, potatoes to piping hot meat with sauce served in a miniature clay dish. It is a big part of the Spanish culture and social scene and you can find it day in and day out in every bar and café in Spain. It’s so popular, that they even have created a verb for it; tapear.

Tortilla de patata - I loved the small pipettes with olive oil!

Tortilla de Patata – I loved the small pipettes with olive oil!

So last night it was definitely a ‘tapear’ evening or let’s and go eat tapas!

Filled Piquillo's peppers with mushrooms

Filled Piquillo’s peppers with mushrooms

I won’t bore you with any more definitions of the word Tapas, but did you know we have our own Tapas place in Cambridge too? No, I am not talking about a Spanish one.. From midday to closing time, you will find British Tapas perked on the edge of the bar of the Pint Shop every day.

Chicken with prunes and pineapple

Chicken with prunes and pineapple

Last night we had a great time and the food was delicious especially the very boozy finish!

Lemon sorbet with Gin&Tonic jelly

Lemon sorbet with Gin&Tonic jelly

Are you keen to learn from the chef herself how to create these delicious dishes? Join Estefania on the 22d of February in the kitchen with our Shop & Cook tour in Cambridge. Our Shop & Cook tours are held in the city centre of Cambridge and only with small groups so you can get the best out of it. The maximum number this time is 8. Online bookings will open soon, but in the meantime please contact me by email or give me a call. Details how to contact me are here.

We create cookery courses with Estefania for private groups too with a maximum number of 20. This fun cooking experience will be created exclusively for you. Perfect for hen parties too.

Gerla

 

Gerla de Boer
hello@cambridgefoodtour.com

Gerla de Boer is the founder of the award-winning Cambridge Food Tour in Cambridge, UK. She is a globetrotter foodie and always keen to get under the skin of a city or country she visits. She likes to get off the beaten track to get to know the latest food, fine local produce, visit their local markets and check out the hot places to eat in town. These experiences she takes back to Cambridge to create amazing food tours and events. Connect with Gerla on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram