| If the Three Tenors had collaborated on a restaurant | | | | a place "where everyone knows your name" and if |
| instead of "Nessun Dorma," they might have founded | | | | you're a guest to our island, you're quickly made to feel |
| the popular new Tapas in Barbados. | | | | at home. |
| Instead, three Italians well-known in the Barbados | | | | In his heavy Italian accent, Alfredo told me, "The |
| restaurant scene collaborated to make beautiful food | | | | restaurant is my home. I feel like people come to my |
| together. Located on the new boardwalk on the south | | | | home. At 17, I work receiving tourists at the port (in his |
| coast, Tapas occupies the two-level space Aqua | | | | home town in southern Italy). I end up taking everyone |
| once had. It's one of the most stunning sea-front | | | | home for a meal with my mother and father." |
| locations on the island. | | | | The Food at Tapas |
| Tapas offers an elegant, quite posh space and, on this | | | | If you're at Tapas for tapas, you will start your evening |
| island known for its pricey meals, reasonable prices. | | | | eating tapas and finish eating tapas, not stopping until |
| Four of us will order every tapas plate that strikes our | | | | you're full. |
| fancy (and then hoard our favorites when the waiter | | | | But you can also order off the full dinner menu for a |
| brings them) and still have spent less than $100US for | | | | more traditional dining experience. Starters run from a |
| the table. Paired with a good bottle of white wine, | | | | light and satisfying Beef Carpaccio on rocket salad |
| dinner is a true Barbados bargain. (And believe me, | | | | ($11.50US) to the adventuresome Pan-Fried Goat |
| paradise doesn't come cheap.) | | | | Cheese in a Panko Crust (with pumpkin, delish!) ($11US) |
| The Owners of Barbados' Tapas Restaurant | | | | to a hearty Parmigiana (layers of baked eggplant, |
| The trio of Italians behind Tapas is comprised of | | | | tomato, and Parmesan cheese) ($9.50US). |
| Alfredo Giovine, from the wonderful Mama Mia; Franco | | | | I've not had the New Zealand Rack of Lamp (with |
| Parisi, formerly executive chef at Lone Star; and, from | | | | warm pepper and olive salad and spicy potato |
| Dolce Gelato, Franco Diamanti, who makes the best | | | | wedges) but friends who have rave about it ($28US). I |
| gelato in the Caribbean - at least that's what my finely | | | | have had the Fish of the Day - local fish such as king |
| tuned sweet tooth tells me. | | | | fish, flying fish, snapper, mahi mahi (which we call |
| I caught up with Alfredo one night and asked why, | | | | dolphin here) - pulled out of the sea just a couple of |
| without any advertising, Tapas has been doing so well | | | | hours before being blackened or grilled, as you wish, |
| since its mid-August opening. As Norah Jones music | | | | and paired with mango salsa. Now is that a |
| mixed with the soft music of the waves in the | | | | tropical-paradise meal to remember? |
| background, Alfredo told me he thinks that Barbadians | | | | I don't know about you, but it's enough to make me |
| and tourists alike were hungry for something new and | | | | break out in song. |
| affordable and that word of mouth keeps the place full | | | | If You Go |
| 'most every night. | | | | Tapas: Hastings Main Road, Highway 7, Christ Church, |
| I'm pretty sure Franco and Franco and Alfredo were | | | | Barbados. Telephone: 246-228-0704. Call ahead to |
| all born with the restaurant gene. The food is | | | | reserve a seaside table. Otherwise, walk-ins are more |
| effortlessly good, rare for a restaurant that just | | | | than welcome. All major credit cards accepted. |
| opened. The place also feels good; if you're a local it's | | | | |