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Spain
Pan con tomate: This simple but delightful combination of toasted bread and tomatoes is a classic Catalan tapa served before the meal. In every village and restaurant in Spain, they make a simple tapa called "pan con tomate", bread with tomatoes. Thick slabs of country-style bread are toasted over a wood fire until lightly golden. The bread is rubbed with garlic, tomato halves are smeared all over the toast (tomato pulp will rub off onto bread), drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil, and sprinkled with coarse salt, and freshly ground black pepper. The light sprinkling of salt over the tomato and olive oil is essential to bring the flavors together.
Espadrilles: The term espadrille is French and derives from espardenya, which derives from espart, the Catalan name for esparto, a tough, wiry Mediterranean grass used in making rope. Espadrilles have been made in Catalonia since the 14th century at least, and there are Catalonian shops still in existence that have been making espadrilles for over a century. Traditional espadrilles have a canvas upper with the toe and vamp cut in one piece, and seamed to the rope sole at the sides. Often they would have laces at the throat that would be wrapped around the ankle to hold the shoes securely in place. Early espadrilles were worn by both men and women.
Modern espadrilles
Once peasant footwear, espadrilles have grown in popularity, especially in Catalonia and the Basque Country, where many men and women wear them during the spring and summer months. Espadrilles can now be found designed by top designers such as Donna Karan, Pare Gabia etc. Modern espadrilles are predominantly for women, though some men's shoes are made in this style.
