Tapas

For the friend or relative who could use a little pampering, La Residencia Spa is offering budget-friendly mini-treatments, or spa "tapas," as gift purchases through Dec. 24th. The idea: Buy two or more of the 25-minute treatments to build a gift card for someone on your list. Choices include an aromatherapy scalp, head, neck, and shoulder massage for $50; a foot massage for $40; nail grooming with paraffin treatment for $40; a mojito hand and foot scrub with reflexology for $50; and an "expreso" facial for $50. Purchase in-person or by phone.

SAN SEBASTIAN, Spain - Juan Mari Arzak peered out from behind his red-framed glasses as if trying to solve a puzzle. "Food has always been very important here," said the chef, "and nobody knows why. " His own culinary genius, of course, is part of the reason. Restaurante Arzak, where he now shares the kitchen with his daughter Elena, is one of three Michelin three-star restaurants in town and one of only five in Spain, as of 2012. Juan Mari pioneered the contemporary Basque cooking that put this Belle Epoque resort town - indeed all of Spain - on the international culinary map in the 1970s.

MADRID - A taxi through the heart of town goes through an amazing architectural diversity, then down into herky-jerky underground sections with sharp corners and dropouts that are like navigating an abandoned coal shaft through the city’s belly. You pass so many bars and restaurants, the idea of a tapas tour sounds both fantastic and naive. Eating tapas — tiny, snack-like dishes that historically covered a glass of sherry to keep fruit flies out — is one of Spain’s great pastimes, and sampling a few dishes in several places over the course of a few fun hours with friends is part of the game.

Every once in a while a restaurant opens that feels completely fresh. Casa B, in Somerville's Union Square, is one of these. In the downstairs dining room, couples share loveseats at a counter overlooking the open kitchen, watching the chefs at work. Live plants cover one wall. The lighting is flattering, the color scheme poppy red and bright white. Beautiful waitresses greet you - "Ho-o-la-a" - spinning the word out with utmost sass. The restaurant feels like a cross between Barcelona and a tropical island.

SAN SEBASTIAN, Spain - Juan Mari Arzak peered out from behind his red-framed glasses as if trying to solve a puzzle. "Food has always been very important here," said the chef, "and nobody knows why. " His own culinary genius, of course, is part of the reason. Restaurante Arzak, where he now shares the kitchen with his daughter Elena, is one of three Michelin three-star restaurants in town and one of only five in Spain, as of 2012. Juan Mari pioneered the contemporary Basque cooking that put this Belle Epoque resort town - indeed all of Spain - on the international culinary map in the 1970s.

Every once in a while a restaurant opens that feels completely fresh. Casa B, in Somerville's Union Square, is one of these. In the downstairs dining room, couples share loveseats at a counter overlooking the open kitchen, watching the chefs at work. Live plants cover one wall. The lighting is flattering, the color scheme poppy red and bright white. Beautiful waitresses greet you - "Ho-o-la-a" - spinning the word out with utmost sass. The restaurant feels like a cross between Barcelona and a tropical island.

You know the story: A rundown neighborhood of warehouses with low rents attracts artists and creative types. Soon galleries, bakeries, and boutiques appear, creating a buzz. Then before you can say "gentrify," rents skyrocket and artists are priced out of yet another place to call home. In the 1980s, the South End, with the largest district of Victorian row houses listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States, was being renovated at a rapid pace. Not so the area one block beyond Washington Street where large, brick-and-beam factory buildings, erected 150 years ago to house canneries,...

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - The London name has been synonymous with stunning French pastries and artisan breads here for more than 30 years. Now the family behind Mrs. London's bakery and cafe is hoping to parlay that good will to the savory side of the business. Michael and Wendy London (she's the "Mrs. ") have launched son, Max, 28, with Max London's, which adjoins the bakery. The clean-lined, hip spot opened eight months ago and showcases Spanish and Italian foods, such as tapas, Neapolitan-style pizza, homemade ravioli, and grilled meats.

Stella Blu 70 East Pearl St., Nashua 603-578-5557 Open Tuesday to Saturday, 5 p.m. to midnight; Sunday, 4-10 p.m. All major credit cards accepted Accessible to the handicapped There's something undeniably festive about tapas, the "small plates" that have swept the culinary world in recent years. Perfect for sharing and for mixing and matching, these appetizer-size portions can create an extremely convivial dining experience. While these diminutive delicacies have their roots in Spain, newcomer Stella Blu in downtown Nashua is doing its part to globalize the trend,...

How to get there The lowest round-trip air fare between Boston and Washington at press time was $116 on Independence Air. Where to stay Hotel Monaco Seventh and F streets NW 800-649-1202; 202-628-7177 www.monaco-dc.com Part of the Kimpton group, the hotel is grand on the outside and eclectically designed inside. The lobby with vaulted ceilings and fireplaces is cozy and welcoming. Besides standard rooms and suites, the hotel offers special amenities for tall guests, and is pet-friendly.

"Kika" is a 1993 film by Pedro Almodóvar. Now it is also a tapas bar in the ever-blossoming neighborhood of Kendall Square. Its owners have plenty of experience with Spanish small plates. They operate Tapeo and Solea, too. On the menu are snacks such as olives, charcuterie, and cheese. You'll find plenty of classics, from tortilla espanola to patatas bravas to garlic shrimp. Other tapas include pork sausage with foie gras and apples, lamb meatballs in truffle cream sauce, beer-braised short ribs, and salmon a la plancha with vanilla butter.

For the friend or relative who could use a little pampering, La Residencia Spa is offering budget-friendly mini-treatments, or spa "tapas," as gift purchases through Dec. 24th. The idea: Buy two or more of the 25-minute treatments to build a gift card for someone on your list. Choices include an aromatherapy scalp, head, neck, and shoulder massage for $50; a foot massage for $40; nail grooming with paraffin treatment for $40; a mojito hand and foot scrub with reflexology for $50; and an "expreso" facial for $50. Purchase in-person or by phone.

You know the story: A rundown neighborhood of warehouses with low rents attracts artists and creative types. Soon galleries, bakeries, and boutiques appear, creating a buzz. Then before you can say "gentrify," rents skyrocket and artists are priced out of yet another place to call home. In the 1980s, the South End, with the largest district of Victorian row houses listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States, was being renovated at a rapid pace. Not so the area one block beyond Washington Street where large, brick-and-beam factory buildings, erected 150 years ago to house...

TRES GATOS . ½ 470 Centre St., Jamaica Plain. 617-477-4851. www.tresgatosjp.com. All major credit cards accepted. Wheelchair accessible. Prices Pinchos $4, xarcuterie and cheese $5, tapas $4-$13, desserts $4-$7. Hours Sun-Tue noon-10 p.m., Wed-Sat noon-11 p.m. Noise le ve l Conversation easy. May we suggest Boquerones, xarcuterie and cheese platter, tortilla espanola, albondigas, confit chicken leg, empanadas. The restaurant business is one of calculation.

TRES GATOS 470 Centre St., Jamaica Plain 617-477-4851 www.tresgatosjp.com How much grooviness can you fit in one small space? Quite a lot, as Tres Gatos proves. Formerly book and music store Rhythm & Muse, it expanded its mission and got a new name. Now it’s a tapas bar. In addition to an eclectic selection of vinyl and volumes, you can get your hands on the likes of jamón ibérico and tortilla espanola, plus glasses of cava, Rioja, and sherry. The shop and the tapas bar are connected.

With its extensive waterfront and legendary Fourth of July parade, Bristol rocks in summer. In fall the pace slows: Hotel rates drop, restaurants offer off-season specials, and suddenly there’s plenty of room on the bike path. And once you have gotten the lay of the land (and sea), you’ll be ahead of the game when you return next summer. STAY Bristol Harbor Inn (259 Thames St., 401-254-1444, www.bristolharborinn.com, doubles $95-$249) has a waterfront location with views of the harbor and Narragansett Bay. Kayak and bicycle rentals are available, and the...

If it's a new restaurant in the suburbs, it must be Italian. This has started to seem like a rule. So it's a relief when a restaurant opens in the suburbs and does something different. Apparently a lot of people agree, because on a Friday night, Masa Southwest Bar and Grill in Woburn is doing the kind of business many restaurants would envy. Perhaps its reputation precedes it. This is the second branch of the Southwestern fusion restaurant. The first Masa is in the South End, and it draws shiny young things with the lure of margaritas and reasonably priced tapas and brunch.

How to get there Lowest upcoming round-trip air fare from Boston to Barcelona available at press time started at $476 on Air Italia; to San Sebastin, $642 on Delta; to Madrid, $494 on Air Italia. Driving between the cities affords the ultimate in flexibility and some beautiful, incredibly varied scenery. All the leading rental car companies operate out of Barcelona. Where to eat Barcelona Pinotxo Inside La Boquera, La Rambla 91 A busy tapas bar in Barcelona's famous, beautiful market.

The Chelsea neighborhood is dense with over 200 galleries, from small artist-run cooperatives to powerhouses such as Pace, Gagosian, and Mathew Marks. A day of gallery hopping here can leave an art lover depleted. The perfect way to bolster one’s stamina is to dip into several of the local tapas bars throughout the day. Since most galleries open at 10 a.m., try a Spanish breakfast at El Quinto Pino, which opens at 8, Monday through Friday. This is a tiny space with a circular marble bar, Spanish tiles, and about 20 stools for seating.

MADRID - A taxi through the heart of town goes through an amazing architectural diversity, then down into herky-jerky underground sections with sharp corners and dropouts that are like navigating an abandoned coal shaft through the city’s belly. You pass so many bars and restaurants, the idea of a tapas tour sounds both fantastic and naive. Eating tapas — tiny, snack-like dishes that historically covered a glass of sherry to keep fruit flies out — is one of Spain’s great pastimes, and sampling a few dishes in several places over the course of a few fun hours with friends is part...