Gary Averett enjoying paella at Contigo
Ann Vernon
Early in November, Deborah Tenino, owner of Contigo Restaurant on River Road, generously supported the Treats and Talents Charity Auction by hosting a paella party for 60 guests who purchased this fixed price event. It was a beautiful fall evening and the smell of paellas cooking on an outdoor grill was definitely enough to whet our appetites! Tapas, consisting of setas, sautéed mushrooms with garlic and parsley, artisanal Spanish olives, tortilla Espanola, an egg and potato frittata and crusty bread with toppings, were served first as guests sipped on Spanish beer, Sangria or wine. Next, huge paelleras filled with vegetarian, shellfish, or chicken paella were brought in hot off the grill and placed at each table. It didn’t take 60 people long to devour their servings, and since it was an all you can eat affair, nobody left hungry.
For those not familiar with Contigo, it is an excellent restaurant that serves dishes not only from Spain, but also from many Latin American countries. In addition to several classics such as ceviche a la Peruana, arepas, corn sliders stuffed with pork and other delicious fillings, and empanadhinas, there are a variety of traditional tapas characteristic of Spain: gambas all ajillo which is shrimp in spicy garlic sauce, patatas bravas which are spicy potatoes with romesco sauce and dates stuffed with Spanish chorizo. Entrees include a variety of meats and fish each in delicious sauces. Another outstanding meal at this restaurant is their roast suckling pig, a typical dish from Spain. You must call ahead to reserve a pig and you will want at least four people because there is a lot of food! It is an experience to remember. Buen provecho!