Tapas is the name for a wide variety of appetizers in the Spanish cuisine, similar dishes is served all over the world. Mexicans call them Antojitos, in Chinese Dim Sum and in the Middle East Meze. As customs do, eating tapas is a social ritual and often the portions are shared by diners. With tapas you can make up your own combination, according to your individual taste. The word tapas means lids or covers, and tapas were originally pieces of bread or cured ham placed on top of a wine glass to keep dust and flies out. Eventually it occurred to someone to put bit of food on top of the lid. The ingredients that go into the making of Spanish tapas are limitless, and the combinations can stretch as far as the imagination. Vegetables, seafood, poultry, dairy and meat are all part of this grand culinary experience. The key to quality tapas is freshness and prime ingredients. Tapas, one of the great inventions of western civilization, are those tasty tidbits of food served up at countless bars all over Spain. Much more than just a snack, tapas are a way of life, a time-honored ritual, a chance to gather with friends, an edible reminder of the finer things in life. In Spain the tapas experience goes hand-in-hand with hospitality, friendship and conversation. Guests traditionally linger for hours in an atmosphere that encourages friendly interaction. Tapas can be served hot or cold or at room temperature. Most are not difficult or time consuming to prepare.