Bites Nearby: Sangria Tapas Cafe

Sangria Tapas Cafe, 401 S. Lafayette, Royal Oak, (248) 543-1964 

 has been dishing up the tastes of Spain in colorful space done up with Picasso-esque paintings across the street from the since 1999.

There's a remarkable continuity here. The list of hot and cold tapas is virtually the same as it was when proprietor Luigi Cutraro brought over a chef from Spain to set up the menu that also includes paella, the made-to-order saffron-scented rice and seafood dish.  

Paella is served in the two-handled pan in which it is cooked, a beautiful and aromatic presentation, and variations range from the classic seafood and vegetables in fish broth, to chicken, pork, vegetables simmered with chicken broth, and a third that combines all of the ingredients. There's also a vegetarian version that gets its flavor from wild mushrooms.   

Because it is a shared dish, it has the effect of making a party out of dinner.  

Recommended dishes: Black bean soup, tapas including mushroom caps with shrimp and bread stuffing in garlic/herb butter, pork meatballs, shrimp sauteed in white wine, paella, and the red wine version of the house sangria

Prices: Soups and sandwiches $3.95-$8.75; tapas $5.95-$7.95, paella $28.50, serving two or three or $75.50, serving four to five; dinner entrees $16.95-$19.95

Credit cards: All major

Hours: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-11:45 p.m. Friday, 4-11:45 p.m. Saturday, 4-9 p.m. Sunday