Paella
 

Where do I get it within 25 miles?

Pretty good paella at Latinas Y Mas in Ocala (not as good as I used to get in the Iron Bound Section of Newark, but still very good). I believe Harry's in Ocala also serves Paella, but I haven't yet had it there so I can't say if it's good. Most of the other stuff at Harry's is ok.

Hopefully the new Seviche Spanish Tapas place that is coming to Brownwood will have paella. Can't wait til it opens.
I go to Ceviche in Orlando. I haven't tried their paella but I like their tapas.

I know what paella is but I don't know what tapas is. Many dishes are served and enjoyed in some geographic regions of the country more than others.

Tapas (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈtapas]) are a wide variety of appetizers, or snacks, in Spanish cuisine. They may be cold (such as mixed olives and cheese) or hot (such as chopitos, which are battered, fried baby squids). In select bars in Spain, tapas have evolved into an entire, and sometimes sophisticated, cuisine. In Spain, patrons of tapas can order many different tapas and combine them to make a full meal. In some Central American countries, such snacks are known as bocas. In Mexico, similar dishes are called "botanas."
The serving of tapas is designed to encourage conversation because people are not so focused upon eating an entire meal that is set before them.[citation needed] Also, in some countries it is customary for diners to stand and move about while eating tapas.[citation needed]

Gracie,
Tapas is a Spanish word loosely translates to small plates. A Spanish tapas restaurant is usually a lot of fun. If it's a true tapas restaurant, it will offer small dishes that run anywhere from $4-$8. You usually order one or two at a time, they cook to order and each plate gets brought to the table when ready. Then you order another tapas or two. You get to try many different dishes. Many tapas restaurants also have Spanish entertainment...flamenco dancers etc. Lots of fun.

At the tapa's bars that I have been in, there may be as many as 20 prepared foods in a case. You select, and each selection is served on a small plate. You can rest this plate on your wine glass and it acts like a "hat" or "cover" ( tapa) for your drink. After you eat your first you might order a second, all the while having a conversation with other bar patrons.
PS: I am not an expert on this.

A lot of small tapas bars will have what you describe. But usually the case is only cold tapas. They usually also have a small grill to cook up some hot dishes.
Here's the tapas menu from Ceviche Orlando. They also have a full plate menu.
But $4 tapas and $4 Sangrias on Tuesdays....good deal. This menu is very similar to the tapas menus that I 've seen when visiting Spain or other Spanish speaking countries.
Unfortunately, in the US, a lot of restaurants open up with TAPAS in the name but when you go and look at their menu, all the dishes are about $15-$20. So you only try one dish. I am really hoping that the Brownwood restaurant will be a real tapas restaurant.


Tapas Tuesday Menu | Ceviche

Remember the episode on Seinfeld? Estelle Costanza makes a great paella dish.

I used to make terrific paella, but then I had an outstanding fish market.

Something's fishy
 

You owned a Fish Market? That's cool! :ho:

Harry's does not offer Paella. Rely on The Villages Gourmet Club to find your special dish. Enter "Paella" in Section 4c and limit the distance you want to travel (say 30 miles) in Section 3a.
LINK

Eso es todo!

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The Best
 

It is worth driving to Tampa to the Columbia
Restaurant for the world's best!

Latina's y Mas is very good as is Harry's Ocala. Harry's is Cajun and doesn't have Paella on the menu, but the New Orleans type food is excellent. Harry's Seafood Restaurant Bar and Grille in Florida

Latin's Y Mas is one of the best Latin restaurants around. https://locu.com/places/latinos-y-mas-ocala-us/#menu but I don't see Paella on their menu.

This is one of the things that I can make better myself, so why go out?

Paella really is easy to make at home, and you do not need a special pan. I will send you my recipe if you PM me with your email.