Tapa: (pronounced tah-pa) Spanish word which literally means small plate or lid.
Tapas have an interesting history, distinguished not only by their longevity, but also by the fact that this dining tradition grew out of a simple gesture by a scrupulous barkeep. Trying to keep dust and flies kicked up in a roadside taverna from getting into a glass of sherry, servers would cover the wine with a slice of bread. Topped then with a small slice of salty cheese, sausage or ham, the "lid" (tapa comes from the verb tapar, "to cover") would be eaten by the patron, perhaps inducing them to order another one. More on Tapas Menu