Kansas City’s own Spanish Tapas restaurant
“Tapas are a way of life. It signifies leisure, camaraderie, and good humor. In Spain, Tapas are usually accompanied by wine. Spaniards are not so much about talking as they are about eating and drinking. The wine is the medium that holds the conversation with friends and the food together. You make time to enjoy the moment in an unhurried way.”
That excerpt is from the La Bodega website about the custom of Tapas and after reading it, I am adding a trip to Spain to my bucket list. However, until I can get there I have found the next best thing….La Bodega.
There is something about sharing food that brings people together and La Bodega’s offerings of small plates and Tapas, does just that. 
The selection of Tapas are amazing and even though I really cannot pronounce any of the names, the flavor combination used to create them are fantastic.
What is not to love about Spanish Serrano ham with Manchego cheese on tomato bread (Jamon Iberico) or thin crepes layered with feta cheese, leeks and basil (Crespelle de Feta y Puerros) and I have to mention one of my personal favorites white bean purée, rosemary & roasted red peppers (Alubias Blancos con Pimiento.) I love this stuff! If you just read about the R Bar you know rosemary is my weakness. It is so good I am working on recreating a version of my own. Once I have it perfected, I will post the recipe.
La Bodega has a large selection of wines, wonderful sangria, specialty cocktails, and the Spanish Coffee, which is set ablaze tableside with cinnamon and sugar. Just as stated above, about the wine holding the conversation, the variety of drinks La Bodega offers pull it all together.
In addition to their Southwest Boulevard location, La Bodega will be opening a second location October 29 in Leawood at the One Nineteen shopping center.
I was invited to the Leawood location for a preview night and had a great time. The new location is beautiful and in true La Bodega fashion the food exceptional. Plates of the white bean puree, assorted skewers, bacon wrapped dates and other sensational Tapas where served alongside their delicious Sangria.
Visit La Bodega at the original Southwest Boulevard location or the sleek new location in Leawood and “make time to enjoy the moment in an unhurried way.”
La Bodega
703 Southwest Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64108
(816)472-TAPA (8272)
OR
4311 W 119th St
Leawood, KS 66209
(913)428-TAPA (8272)
If you have a great food find or restaurant in KC email me.
In Good Taste
Sharm