of food. The origin of this new meaning is uncertain but there are several theories: The tapas tradition may have begun when king Alfonso X of Castile (1221-1284) recovered from an illness by drinking wine with small dishes between meals. After regaining his health, the king ordered that taverns would not be allowed to serve wine to customers unless it was accompanied by a small snack or "tapa". Another popular and more modern explanation says that King Alfonso XIII (1886-1941), the last ruling monarch of Spain, stopped by a famous tavern in Cádiz (Andalusian city) where he ordered a glass of wine. The waiter covered the glass with a slice of cured ham before offering it to the king, in order to protect the wine from the blowing beach sand, as Cádiz is a windy place. The king, after drinking the wine and eating the ham, ordered another wine "con la tapa" ("with the cover"). See also List of tapas List of hors d'oeuvre Aahaan kap klaem Antipasto Crostino Hors d'œuvre Meze Pincho Pu pu platter Smörgåsbord Smørrebrød Zakuski References External links About.com Guide to Tapas in Spain. El mundo de las Tapas. History and recipes in Spanish and English Tapa Tells All Appetizers Serving and dining Spanish cuisine