Lately I’ve been enjoying the idea of meals with lots of little bites.  Doesn’t matter the country or the culture.  Just about everybody has the concept.

Sunday, with the addition of some sage flower sangria (the sage flower syrup was from my friend Kate) we had a lovely meal of Spanish tapas.  My favorite bite was this almond toast from Steve Parle, whom I stumbled across in his terrific writings for The Telegraph.

I really love his aesthetic.  He has the dream job of researching and uncovering truly local foods from around the world.  And honestly, if I could do something everyday, it would be to travel everywhere and find out how people are cooking in their homes in all corners of the world.  I am inspired.

It’s the Belle Lorraine of Alsace, the liquor distilled from the yellow Mirabelles that are local to Nancy and Lorraine.  It’s the puffy tacos found only in San Antonio, Texas.  Or it’s takoyaki  from Japan that is now found in a little stand on the streets of Columbus, Ohio.  Or Korean bibimbap.  My plate is eternally full.  Everywhere, each day, cooks – especially home ones – are transforming local ingredients and family recipes into moments that encourage everyone to slow down, savor and remember.

This little two bite wonder is a symphony of flavor: smoke from the grilled bread, citrus, fresh mint, rich Marcona almonds and perfect umami from anchovies.  It’s perfect paired with that sangria and encourages you to do just what you’d love to do: relax.

Playlist included Lover’s Carvings by Bibio.