Appetizers aside, the first notable small plates or "tapas" on the bill in Philadelphia were served at Amada. Jose Garces' flagship locale in Old City is still packing in people years later. What impresses me most is that he hasn't changed his menu much since Day One. If it you ain't goin broke, don't fix it. Since Amada's inception and immediate popularity, Garces has sprinkled tapas-based places all over the city. First, Tinto then Distrito and now Chifa (see Facebook album, "Chifa"). Here, on tiny plates, you will savor the big, modern taste creations of Latin America and Spain.
Other tapas places to pop up are Bocca, Valanni, Tria, and Philly Mag's #1 rated Zahav (stay tuned...pics to come on Facebook!). Out of these few only Zahav and Tria remain faithful to the tapas creed. Most restaurants boasting small plates seem to be size-conscious so they offer a separate "regular" menu. They can't commit to the cause 'cause they are afraid of losing business. Paranoia sets in and owners wonder, "Who would be satisfied after only a few small bites?" Admittedly, I have left tapas dinners un-stuffed, but is that a bad thing? Perhaps this is the way we should be eating. It is probably wise to leave a little room to breathe after a meal. Easier said than done but these places are serving up such delectableness that it's not as hard as it used to be.
My recommendation is to order 3-4 plates and a dessert per person. When I think about it I'm getting more for my money eating tapas. The cost of 5 tapas plates averages out to the same as 3 courses at a large plate restaurant. However ordering tapas gives diners a larger sense of what the chef has to offer and more of an eating experience.
Five is better than three. Numbers don't lie and size definitely doesn't matter.
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