Tapas on Long Island
Asian pork belly buns at Vinoco, Mineola. Credit: Newsday/Joan Reminick
Rather than commit to a large plate of food, order one or two tapas -- or small plates -- as a snack, or several to share with friends. It's a festive way to dine.
Here are a few places where the plates are small and the flavors big.
The tapas at this convivial wine bar come from all over the globe. Try the crisp empanadas filled with truffled mushrooms and cheese. Or the steamed Asian buns stuffed with pork belly and hoisin sauce. Skewered boneless dark meat chicken is moist and deeply smoky. 147 Mineola Blvd., Mineola; 516-307-8056, vinocony.com $$
In a rustic setting evoking an old European tavern, you'll find a variety of tapas, along with meat and cheese "boards." The small-plate selections include short ribs, bacon "pinchos" and fried marcona almonds with sea salt. 5600 Merrick Rd., Massapequa; 516-620-0057, salumibarli.com $-$$
Castilian traditions rule at this charming tapas and wine bar, where the repertoire includes tender Galician-style octopus, a comforting tortilla Española (mini-omelet with potatoes and onions) and the classic croquetas de jamon, crisp little ham croquettes. 655 Middle Country Rd., St. James; 631-656-1564, espanatapasli.com $$
