There are a couple of different stories relating to the history of tapas, one of which tells us that in the wine-making regions of Andalucia, glasses of sherry or wine were served covered by a small saucer or slice of bread to prevent fruit flies from sampling the wares. Canny hosts soon realised that customers could be tempted to the wine bar by putting tidbits in the saucers or on the bread to hint at the delicious dishes in which they specialized. Thus was born “tapas” (which translated means “lid”) and this small meal is traditionally eaten before a late lunch or late dinner with a glass of sherry or wine, to effectively put a lid on any hunger pangs or keep you going until the main meal arrives!