***image1*** Portable Spanish grub.
EL MESÓN
213 Washington Ave., 983-6756,
There's no good reason not to call up this plaza-area tapas joint and order up a list of little plates for your tailgate party. El Mesón has a long list of options, from grilled chorizos to garlicky shrimp, fried artichokes with goat cheese, marcona almonds, and smoked Idiazabal cheese with tomatoes, oregano and caper berries. If you really want to go all-out, you can order a seafood-rich paella and cause drooling envy from passing ticket-holders. Just don't forget to ask for some flan or chocolate mousse for dessert.
EL FAROL
808 Canyon Road, 983-9912,
Just think of the Spanish meal you could put together from El Farol. How about some tuna with a lemon-olive mojo; cumin- and chile-brined olives or clams steamed in sherry and fennel broth? If all that sounds too messy, consider some of the chef's bocadillos, grilled sandwiches that are as palatable as they are portable. Choose fillings like pork tenderloin with Idiazabal cheese and red onion marmalade, ahi tuna and egg with arugula, Serrano ham and Manchego cheese or grilled portobello and goat cheese.
Walter Burke Catering
473-9600,
If you're planning a super-special opera event and you want to have dinner delivered to your very own tailgate, a custom caterer like Walter Burke is what you need. They'll cook anything you like, but consider their opera opening menu, which includes roasted pepper empanadas, serrano ham and quince preserves with manchego, shrimp ceviche, paella (with chorizo, mussels, lobster and duck), fried plantains and orange mousse in a chocolate-dipped cookie cup. Call at least 48 hours in advance and prices vary, but expect to pay upwards of $125 per person for dinner delivered to the opera grounds.
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