Patatas Bravas — A Photo Tour

Where Can I Order These Spanish Treats?

By Thomas DeVere Wolsey

Ever since the potato took root in European soil (see what I did there?), the tuber spread all over the continent (I couldn’t help myself.).Though the potato was a well-known source of nourishment to the ancient Peruvians over 8000 years ago, Europeans had to wait until the mid-1500s to cook with the satisfying and popular vegetable known as patatas in Spain.

The Spanish mastered patatas and turned them into one of the best snacks you will find around the Mediterranean. You can read Dim Nikov’s essay on the history and art of patatas bravas here on Medium. Pop on over and read his article but come right back. You won’t want to miss my tour of the world of patatas bravas.

Traditionally, patatas bravas are cubed, parcooked, then fried in olive oil. Served on a plate or in a shallow bowl, the patatas are then slathered with bravas sauce. However, the Spanish make art of darned near everything, so as many bars are there are in Spain there are about as many variations. Buckle your seat belts; we are going on a patatas bravas tour.

In Basque Country, you can go from bar to bar for a unique Pintxo-pote, or a snack and a drink. In Italy, you can tour the country’s regions on tours of their fantastic gastronomy. In California, go on a tour of their wine regions. With this in mind, I invented the patatas bravas tour of Catalunya, and I invite you to come with me on a photographic…