If you are looking to add a little worldly adventure to your dining experience, try Tapa the World on 2115 J St. between 21st St and 22nd St for some flair, great food and a lot of wine.

According to Tapa the World’s Web site, tapas originated in the South of Spain by tavern owners. Pieces of bread were placed over the glasses much like a lid to prevent objects from getting in to their patron’s wine. To attract more business, tavern owners began placing small portions of food onto the bread such as ham and cheese. This invention spawned a new way of dining.

Tapa the World has created an inspiring atmosphere to partake in this Spanish inspired cuisine.

To begin and accompany your dinning experience, Tapa has a list of what appears to be over one hundred wines displayed in a book ?” not a list – with a table of contents.

The wine book contains selections from all over the world including Spain and California. Prices range from $22 to $650 for a full bottle and $20 to $200 for a half bottle. Select wines are also available by the glass.

The menu features Tapas Espanolas, Tapas de la casa, lunch entrees, dinner entrees, soups, salads and dessert.

Spanish inspired, the Tapas Espanolas section of the menu features various appetizers sized portions ranging in price from $1.50 for dipping sauce made of olive oil, balsamic vinegar and chunks of garlic to $7.50 for Pinchos Morunos which is grilled skewers of naturally raised Kurobuta pork marinated with cumin and chilis.

Tapas created by the chef from the Tapa de la casa section of the menu feature dishes such as grilled chicken strips, grilled vegetables and Kobe beef ranging in price from $5.50 to $9.50.

Lunch, which for the most part is served all afternoon, includes a three course meal featuring your choice of soup or salad, the chef’s special and then your choice of dessert or coffee, sandwiches, pasta, tri-tip and fish. The prices range from $6.50 to $11 per entree.

If you chose not to share an array of appetizers, Tapa offers a dinner section of the menu featuring entrees for one that includes lamb, chicken, pasta, sandwiches, Paella and Pimientos del Piquillo Rellenos which is roasted red peppers from Spain stuffed with grilled eggplant, zucchini, caramelized onions and Manchego cheese. All dishes range in price from $8.50 for a veggie sandwich to $19 for Lomo de Corderro (grilled lamb tenderloin).

House soups which change several times per week are offered in a bowl or cup and Salads are also available and range in price from $4 for a small to $10.50 for a large.

Dessert includes Flan, Rice Pudding, Fruit Empanadas, Chocolate Strawberry Addiction, Cheesecake, Fresh Ice Cream and Sorbet.

The atmosphere both in and outside the restaurant is very inviting. The tables inside are close and quaint and can be problematic when ordering several plates of Tapas. The wall hangings share a little culture and history with the diner as you wait for your food to be served.

Outside, there are tables in front and in an alley on the side. Heat lamps join the tables, but unfortunately the night we went they were not lit.

The service was very fast, organized and knowledgeable when it comes to both the wine and food. Our server was more than willing to take us on a tour through the wine book and make suggestions for a new wine according to what we like.

We ordered dipping sauce, Champiñones al Ajillo (mushrooms sauteed in olive oil, garlic, parsley, and white wine), Berenjenas (eggplant, breaded and fried, topped with a fresh tomato, garlic & herb compote and shredded), Parmesano Grilled Vegetables (an assortment of grilled locally grown vegetables garnished with Manchego cheese, balsamic reduction and Romesco sauce), a large Mixta (mixed greens with crispy shoestring carrots with Spanish extra virgin olive oil and aged sherry vinegar), and a bowl of vegetarian cream of broccoli soup.

Although the portions are smaller, ordering so many dishes does add up to a lot of food. The dishes listed above were ordered for three people, but could easily have been shared by four.

The dipping sauce, although basic was delicious and paired nicely with the complementary house bread.

Our mushroom dish (Champiñones al Ajillo) had potential in the sauce, but just couldn’t quite pull it off combined together. The mushrooms just weren’t that good.

The Berenjenas was much like eggplant parmesan, crispy, flavorful and also very delicious.

Our plate of parmesano grilled vegetables, although tasty, was not very impressive. It was just a plate of vegetables similar to something that can easily be done at home.

The Mixta salad was made of various types of lettuce and was rather bland. There was nothing really to it, just some carrots lettuce and barely any dressing for $6.50.

Tapa’s vegetarian cream of broccoli soup not only is filled with chunks of broccoli, but onions and potatoes as well. This soup was definitely a crowd pleaser ?” perfect for the rainy season that will soon be upon us.

Our bill came to $40, including tip for three people and we left very full and satisfied.

Overall, our Tapa the World experience was very enjoyable. Unfortunately we were not able to sample from the well-endowed wine book, but hopefully next time we will be able to experience what Spain has to offer.

Whether you’re hungry for dinner or just some late night snacks with your friends, take a little trip to Spain or just off J St. and Try Tapa the World.

Rating: 4 Stars

All of Liz’s dining and nightlife reviews are held to this rating system:

1 Star: Stay at home.

2 Stars: Not worth the gas money.

3 Stars: If there’s nothing else to do –

4 Stars: Better than most.

5 Stars: Proves that Sacramento is more than just a cowtown.