A trip to Spain for tapas

At a typical eatery in Spain, Tom Harte gears up for the main meal as Spaniards do, with the customary tidbits and small plates called tapas.

Tapas have evolved from simple fare to dishes like this: a rabbit terrine served at one of Laura Robles' restaurants in Seville, Spain, the city where tapas were invented. (Tom Harte)

El Rinconcillo, one of the oldest bars in Seville, Spain, dating back to 1670 is said to be the place where tapas were invented. (Tom Harte)

The interior of El Rinconcillo hasn't changed much over the last 300 years. Said to be where tapas were invented, it is still one of the best places to indulge in the Spanish custom of small plate dining. (Tom Harte)

Roasted pork with fried potatoes, as served here at an outdoor cafe in Seville, is a popular item at tapas bars throughout Spain. (Tom Harte)

Platters of sausages and pork like this one photographed in Seville are a common sight in the tapas bars of Spain. (Tom Harte)

Home to some 4000 tapas bars, chalkboards like this announcing the daily selections are everywhere in Seville, Spain. (Tom Harte)

Tapas-sized skewers of stuffed Spanish olives await their destiny at the Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid. (Tom Harte)

Ensaladilla Rusa or Russian Salad, like this one photographed in Cordoba is a popular item at tapas bars throughout Spain. (Tom Harte)