La Tasca - Southend-on-Sea

The lively La Tasca chain caters for parties, children's events and family gatherings in addition to anytime dining. These restaurants capture well the warm and vibrant spirit of Spain, and are best known for their tapas and traditional paellas. You could choose from several versions of their menu - rapido, if you are in a hurry, tapas for a tenner, when you want exceptional value, a regular mains list, party and a popular kid's carte - truly a place for all occasions.

Their star player is tapas, which can be had solo or in tandem with a meal. The fritura mixta de pescado, deep fried squid, tuna, whitebait and king prawn with lemon, sea salt and roasted garlic mayonnaise is great for sharing, while the rape a la naranja made of monkfish in white wine, orange and coriander, offers a real treat. Chicken lovers order alitas de pollo, juicy wings marinated in garlic and paprika, or have skewered fresh breast and red peppers. Chef's selection of Tapas for Two offers a dazzling range of delectable dishes for £25.95.

Valenciana is an interesting paella that combines seafood with chicken, and if you have a taste for trivia, you may be surprised to learn that 'la paella' actually refers to the utensil in which the dish is cooked. Jerezana, with chorizo, squid, spinach, hot green chilli peppers, garlic, tomato and herbs was developed by José Luis, La Tasca's Chef of the Year. A variety of tortillas, mushrooms sautéed in olive oil and fried potatoes in a spicy sauce provide enough choice for vegetarians.

Other than liqueurs and beer, there are wines from Spanish vineyards and sparkling cava. All of these, especially the dry rosé wines combine well with tapas. And you would be really getting into the spirit of things if you rounded off with the crema Catalana, a delicious dark and white chocolate mousse filled with creamy liqueur.

La Tasca Spanish Tapas Restaurants and Bars today have over seventy outlets across the UK, so odds on there is a branch close to your home.