What is ‘Tapas’?

If you go to any Spanish town, invariably you will stumble across a bustling little restaurant with locals standing around, sipping beer, wine or sangria and noshing on small plates called “tapas.” They’ll engage in spirited conversation, listen to the music or simply sit back and watch life pass by.

What are tapas exactly? Well, tapas could be anything served in appetizer-size form. In Spain, this generally means cured meats, cheese, fried goodies and items indicative of a region.  At Parador, we offer a menu which contains typical Spanish fare utilizing the finest ingredients Door County has to offer.

Tapas is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the food. Not only are you sharing small plates of tapas, you’re sharing stories, you’re sharing in drink and, consequently, you’re sharing good times. This is the spirit we aim to create at Parador. We invite you to dine or drink sangria in a place that is both lively and casual.

In Spanish culture, tapas often serve as a bridge between a late lunch and a late dinner. In Americanized versions of tapas, a full meal is comprised of several small plates shared by friends and family. Parador embraces the vacation culture of Door County and will cover the whole dinner spectrum – opening early and closing late.

Tapas in Spain

Why Parador?

The Spanish government owns and operates a collection of hotels throughout Spain known as “Paradores de Turismo de Espana” – each individually known as a “Parador.” Typically, a Parador exists in a building of historical significance, such as an old castle or a fort. Furthermore, a Parador sits on a prime tourist location and possesses a restaurant with fare indicative of the region. Appropriately, Parador is at a prime location on Hwy 42 in the historic Nelson House of Egg Harbor which dates back to 1877. While our menu is Spanish, our ingredients are often from the immediate area.


Nelson House, home of Parador, early 1900s