There are not many restaurants in Chattanooga that offer Spanish cuisine. However, one local restaurant had a special role in welcoming the Spanish national football team to the Scenic City.
At Amada Tapas and Wine, you can immerse yourself in Spanish culture by diving into special dishes and wines from Spain.
“Tapas, they originated in Spain, so it’s going way, way, back was the art of eating and drinking together and enjoying those two things. They would be drinking a glass of wine, and they would take a slice of Iberian ham and lay it on top of their glass to keep the flies from getting into their wine, and hence, like the ham being on top of the wine, tapa, and so that’s kind of how it started,” said Amanda Trotter, owner of Amada Tapas and Wine.
The restaurant offers a wide selection of dishes curated from Spain and wines from around the region.
Trotter was inspired after visiting Spain and falling in love with their culture and dining experience. She wanted to bring that experience to Chattanooga and introduce the city to the dishes.
“So, we have taken this dining experience, and we do Spanish techniques, Spanish foods, so like paella, that’s going to be a saffron-infused round rice dish that’s often topped…As far as wine goes, we specialize in Iberian wine, so that’s going to be anything from the region around Spain and Portugal,” said Trotter.
Ahead of Team Spain’s arrival, Trotter’s restaurant was recognized and had an opportunity to help welcome the players to Chattanooga. Trotter and her team offered red sangria, bacon wrapped dates and watermelon skewers for the welcome party and members of the team.
Trotter also had the opportunity to host interviews for The Sports & Events Corporation president, Tim Morgan and CNN.
Being a small business owner just shy of four years, Trotter tells Local 3 News it’s something she never would have expected.
“It feels serendipitous and intentional on our part, because we’ve been doing this for almost like four years, and there’s been an educational hump of having to teach people in Chattanooga what tapas are,” said Trotter. “These are some of the most famous people, and they’re here in Chattanooga. And it’s such a huge honor to be a part of this city as a small business owner, and to be hosting them, and to be even put in the same box as these guys.”
If you’re wanting to experience a little taste of authentic Spanish culture and cuisine with a unique dining experience, the doors at Amada Tapas and Wine are open.
To see the restaurant’s hours and menu, visit their website.