During the midday meal or la comida, the Menú del Día or Menu of the Day is generally offered and is the most economical way to eat at a Spanish restaurant. It normally includes a soup or salad, main course with a side dish and dessert – all for one price. It’s a great way to taste some traditional Spanish food and it will probably include dishes that you would not have ordered if left on your own.

In my area you can often get a menu del dia for around 7 euros, but don’t order it if you afraid of fat as they can be a rather greasy affair sometimes. Spanish people and their olive oil…But one thing is for sure: you will not leave the table hungry! It is available at spanish restaurants and ventas and will include a drink which could be some spanish wine, water or maybe a beer at the same price.

Unfortunately since the menu changes daily depending on season and what is fresh on the market, the choices on the menu are often not written down, but presented verbally by your waiter. Who will then proceed to let your know your choices in a quick fire way prompting you to make him repeat it up to 3 times…some people are not very good at understanding what it is like to be a novice in Spanish. Rather than speaking clearly and slowly, they think just repeating the same thing but louder will make it much clearer to you. NOT.

Just writing about this is making me hungry, so I must go. Lunch is waiting in the kitchen, only one course though, and not very Spanish.