Two things are happening at the same time before Grisha takes the Dell Hall stage at 8PM on Thursday, September 13th for the debut of FlamencoAustin.  We’ll have a free and open party on the City Terrace, and we’ll have a full, authentic Spanish dinner served in the Kodosky Lounge ($55).  The party and the dinner both begin at 6:30PM.  Concert and Dinner Tickets here or call 512-474-LONG.

The terrace party features complimentary Tapas by Chef Alejandro Duran from Málaga Tapas and Bar along with Spanish wines selected by Twin Liquors (you will have to buy those!).

For the Kodosky Lounge dinner (includes wine, tapas, entrees, and desserts) we were deeply interested in authenticity.  No one came more highly recommended than Chef Maria Fernanda “Fer” Candil.

Fer is the Chef at Austin’s Paellas, Tapas & More.  Born and raised in Madrid, Spain, she also lived in Cadiz (South Spain), and in Santiago de Compostela (North Spain).  Fer began learning to cook customary Spanish food at an early age from her mother. She continues to use the same recipes that her family has transmitted orally from mother to daughter for generations.

She has traveled through Spain and the rest of Europe with an open mind learning many European food traditions. From delicate caviar in the selective New Year concert in Vienna to wild salmon out of the Scandinavian rivers.  Fer’s biggest pleasure, however, is not so much eating as seeing her guests filling their plates again and again with big smiles in their faces!

Even though she has a law degree, she never practiced. Her passion has always been connecting with people, and for more than 15 years she worked in a major Spanish public company organizing premiere domestic and international events. She actually met her husband organizing a NATO conference!

Here’s a glimpse into what she’s planning for us on September 13th:

The Paellas

Paella Vegetariana

For those who prefer nature’s own, they will make an all-vegetable paella with rice, onions, tomatoes, garlic, red bell peppers, mushrooms, artichokes, green beans, green peas and chick peas.

Paella Campesina “Texas Style”

She also has her very own Texas style paella!!!. Perfectly cooked rice and vegetables (green and red bell peppers, onions, garlic, green beans and sweet peas), boneless chicken, beef, and Spanish chorizo and garnished with lemon.  Yum!

Paella Valenciana

From Spain with Love! This authentic Spanish Paella features a combination of boneless chicken or beef and fresh seafood (shrimp, calamari, mussels, and clams).

The Tapas

Gazpacho Andaluz

A hearty and pungent soup from South of Spain that has gained fame throughout the world for its amazing thirst-quenching, cold and refreshing. Made with Tomatoes, green peppers, cucumbers, bread, vinegar, salt and Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Tortilla de Patatas

Perhaps the most popular Tapa! Typical Spanish potato omelet. This home recipe will make you call for more! The tortilla is made with potato, egg and onion.

Champiñones al Ajillo

For veggie lovers. This combination of mushrooms, garlic, parsley, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and salt cooked with white wine is perfectly balanced.

Pimientos Asados

Spaniards love sweet red pepper, especially when they are roasted. Enjoy our pimientos asados at room temperature. Chef Candil makes them with roasted red peppers, onion, salt, sherry vinaigrette and Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Dessert

Tarta de Santiago

This is a traditional almond cake.  It’s dense and rich in flavor, made with eggs and sugar.  We’ve had it, and it’s delicious!