The cosmopolitan culinary influence in Pune is on a zenith, as the city boasts of cuisine from across the world. Be it Italian, French, Mexican or the good 'ol Chinese, you name it and you've got it right here in the city. Adding to the list of exclusive, authentic eateries is the newest entrant and this time, it's Spanish. Throwing open its doors to Pune foodies on January 14, Zara specialises in serving tapas and complements that with an exhaustive main course and desserts.

Tapas, is essentially a style of eating rather than a form of cooking. "It is simply a snack or appetiser taken with a drink or two at lunch or supper. It's said that the first tapa, which literally means a lid or cover, was simply a chunk of bread placed on top of a drink to keep the flies out. Here at Zara, these 'little dishes' give you a tasty mouthful of Spain," says Sebastian Galvez Bunge, general manager of the stand alone joint located in Viman Nagar.

In the beginning, tapas consisted of a simple olive or almonds frined in olive oil and sprinkled with salt and served while still hot. These were the original tapas and the simplest of all. As the tradition took roots, tapas became more elaborate, with each region in Spain developing its own version of the dish. At Zara, connoisseurs can take their pick from Pasta Y Langonstinos (Prawn and Pasta Salad), Salchichas de pollo picantes (Spicy chicken sausages), Alas de pollo con pure de patatas (Chicken winglets and mash potato), among a whole range of tapas. For the vegetarians, there's quite a few on offer, including Xampinyones al ajillo con vino tinto (Mushrooms in red wine and garlic), Croquetas de espinacas (Spinach croquettes) and Berenjenas gratinadas (Baked aubergine).

"The USP of the menu at Zara is that you can get an idea of the type of food you are going to order by just having a glance through the menu card, which contains pictorial descriptions of all the tapas we have on offer," says Chef Aji Joesph, executive chef, Zara. "I recommend Pollo con vino blanco (Chicken with garlic and white wine) and Pollo a la milanesa (Breaded chicken supreme)," he adds.