Passport Spain at Central Market begins today, May 11, and lasts until May 24. The foodie store that builds its appeal on the we’re-not-just-a-grocer-we’re a-shopping-experience platform will ramp up its usual activities over the next two weeks, and here’s what not to miss:
1. Flamenco dancing: It’s not food related (unless you consider being famished once you’re finished), but the store will host lessons for kids (4-5:30 p.m. May 15), paired with food (7-8 p.m. May 19), demos by professionals (5-7 p.m. May 21) and audience participation sessions (7-8 p.m. May 18; 4-5 p.m. May 22).
2. Spanish wine: Try wine tasting with tapas (4-7 p.m. May 12), Spanish wine and cheese pairings (7-8 p.m. May 16; free but reserve a spot as space is limited); samplings from Spanish wine superstar Eduardo Eguren (4-6 p.m. May 16) or take a class on Spanish sparkling wine (6:30-9 p.m. May 18; $55) or the wines made from the Spanish garnacha grape (m6:30-8:30 p.m. May 22; $75).
3. Speaking of classes …: If you want to learn about Spanish food, wine and cooking, now’s your chance.
4. Even more samples: Pop into Central Market during lunch or dinner hours on a regular day, and you’ll be able to sample all kinds of store goodies. During Passport Spain, expect to find even more samples from store opening to closing hours.
5. Tapas, specifically croquettes: This Friday night, May 13, the cafe will be featuring these Spanish small plates plus wine flights and live music, and next Wednsday night, May 18, will also focus on tapas. The prepared foods case will specialize in Spanish food and tapas during the entire event. Definitely try the croquettes. Central Market defines them as “cured Spanish ham and and cheeses fried into delectable bites”. Tapas will be 15 percent off from 5-8 p.m. each night, following the Spanish tradition of tapas being served in a social setting following work and before dinner.