Santiago Festival - Celebrating Spain's culture, cuisine and cocktails July 27, 2008

Taberna del Alabardero will celebrate Spain’s culture, cuisine and cocktails with a one-night-only ‘Juerga’ (or party), in honor of the famed Santiago Festival held in Spain every year. Amid lively Spanish music and colorful flamenco dancing (guests are encouraged to join in on the dance floor), Sommelier Gustavo Iniesta will teach revelers how to make traditional Spanish cocktails, while guests will also enjoy an array of popular Spanish tapas, created by Executive Chef Dani Arana.

The northwest Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia named after Saint James the Great, honors the renowned saint every year by throwing a festival at the end of July, complete with food, drink and entertainment. People from all over Spain pilgrimage to the city to join in the festivities. Across the Atlantic, Taberna del Alabardero will honor Santiago by having a fête of their own.

During the celebration, Iniesta will demonstrate and teach guests how to make several traditional Spanish cocktails including: Agua de Valencia, a cocktail hailing from Valencia, Spain; Agua de Sevilla, a traditional drink that comes by way of Sevilla, Spain; Rebujito, a simple cocktail from the region of Andalusia; Queimada, a punch that originated at the Pagan Festival of Galicia; and of course, Spain’s staple drink, Sangria. Tapas will also be served at stations throughout the party.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 202-429-2200, on the website at www.albardero.com, or at the restaurant.

Official Website: http://www.alabardero.com