Wrapping it all up, there is little doubt that dTapes is getting more and more popular every year which is a credit to the fantastic organisation behind this event and the many great restaurateurs of this city.

Started in Tarragona, it has now been copied by many other places including the mighty Barcelona, but I have yet to see the same high standard replicated to equal measure  - Tarragona still holds the crown.

Roses for sale at Sant Jordi, Tarragona from the boys of Artesania Florae

Today, 23rd of April, is Sant Jordi, also known here as ‘the day of Books’ or ‘the day of Roses’ and the thing to do is to give a book to your man and a rose to your favourite girl (needless to say, a lot of girls buy their own rose to get in to the spirit of things).

If I can single out one drink that distinguishes this part of the world it’s Vermouth, but not as you know it.

The vermouth made here is complex, beautifully rich, with strong hints of caramel and bitter orange.

The classic way to serve this drink is  in not mixed up with other stuff but neat, in a tumbler full of ice, garnished with aceitunas rellenas de anchoa (that is olives stuffed with anchovies which add a wonderful satly contrast to the flavour) a slice or orange or lemon.

Mercat de Bonavista orange seller

Although not strictly part of the city,  the Mercat de Bonavista is reached after a short 13 minutes bus ride and everyone  flocks there for some bargain shopping on a Sunday.  The Mercat the Bonavista is a large area filled with hundreds of stalls selling cheap clothes, fantastic fruit and vegetables, olives, dubious art, household goods, live poultry, cheese and meats.

This chilled, subtle, almondy, slightly sweet, milky looking drink is one of  the most subtle and refreshing  things you can get in this part of the world.