Pícaro Tapas y Copas is just off a side street from the triangular and colorful Plaza Mayor in Cuenca. This is our first real introduction to a tapas bar. Oddly enough, while it is the largest wine producer in the world, Spain really loves drinking beer as a way to pass time during the day. The refreshing lager comes in a small glass, caña, or a doble. You usually receive free olives and the tapas of the moment. They say that the mark of a good bar can be detected by olive pits and crumpled napkins.
We had an exceptional sampling of tapas.
Morteruelo is a pâté from Cuenca containing liver, game meat (quail, partridge, and rabbit), bread, and spices, that is served in a clay dish that you dip toasted crackers into. The pâté is smooth, meaty, and warm.
Ajoarriejo is also served in a clay dish with pureed salt cod.
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