Savour the taste of Spain with Salt Tasting Room's free tapas

Mixed olives, marinated white anchovies, Medjool dates stuffed with Mahon cheese that’s aged 12 months, and sliced-off-the-bone 20-month-old Serrano ham are just some of the delicious Spanish delicacies that patrons visiting Gastown’s Salt Tasting Room can pick from when they opt to indulge in the popular charcuterie and wine room’s San Sebastián Experiment.

Banding together with local specialty food vendor Bosa Foods, the Salt Tasting Room is offering free tapas, (yes, you heard right, free tapas) to guests of the restaurant, just as they’re offered in tapas bars all over Spain, when they simply order a glass of wine, beer or sherry.

Prompted by Bosa’s acquisition of a premier line of Spanish products, purchased on a recent trip to Spain, Salt Tasting Room is dishing up a range of creative small bites and plates, based on the culinary culture of Spain’s Basque Country.

Running from now through to October 11, Salt Tasting Room’s small bar bites trial occurs from 3 to 6 p.m. daily. If all goes well, the eatery hopes to add the most popular tapas items to their menu, says manager Natasha Carter.

How the experiment works: Patrons who order a drink receive one tapas free, while those who order a flight receive two tapas for free.

Diners can choose from a variety of beverages, including beer, bubbles, sherry, rosé, and white, red and fortified wines. With such an extensive list some may find the choice a tad overwhelming. Luckily, Salt Tasting Room’s knowledgable staff are on hand and more than happy to help find a suitable drink, based on ones taste preferences.

Once diners have chosen their drinks, they then have the task of deciding what tapas to nibble upon. More enticing tapas options include smoked paprika deviled eggs, tomato tapenade bruschetta, a warm salad of Spanish artichoke hearts with piquillo peppers and mixed Mediterranean olives, and Manchego and chorizo potato croquettes, which are served with an aioli of roasted red peppers and smoked tomato.

Guests who purchase a second glass of wine, beer or sherry (or a flight) will receive a second round of tapas, right up until 6 p.m.

Sipping on carefully chosen beverages, while snacking away on a variety of tempting small bites is not only a wonderful way to unwind and kick-off an evening, but also provides ultimate foodies with great insight into how Salt Tasting Room operates and the products they serve.

There can be no denying that Salt Tasting Room has conjured up a pleasurable social gathering experience and an unbeatable deal, where guests can relax and relish in the Basque Country’s culinary tradition of a pre-diner drink with an accompanying snack or two.

Salt Tasting Room is offering their San Sebastián-inspired dining from September 8 to October 11. For further information check the restaurant’s website and social media pages.

UPDATE: Salt Tasting Room has extended the San Sebastián Experiment! They’re still running through October 11, but its newest iteration begins October 12 and runs through November 8. Seatings taking place Tuesdays to Saturdays from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m, and all day Sunday and Monday from 4:00 p.m. until late. Tables of six and under can enjoy the San Sebastián Experiment.

Salt Tasting Room

Address: 45 Blood Alley Square
Phone: 604-633-1912
Website: www.salttastingroom.com