Paella For A Few Pesos

While the mother country suffers massive unemployment and fallout from the European debt crisis, Chicago’s Spanish tapas elder statesman, Café Ba-Ba-Reeba, is hoping to kickstart a little pre-Thanksgiving celebration. They’re kicking off a week-long Paella Festival today, running until next Wednesday, the 14th. In addition to a colorful paella menu, drink specials will add to the celebratory atmosphere. All week long, they’re offering small plates of paella and bottles of Estrella Damm beer for just $3 each.

For more serious cooks, they’re holding a paella cooking demonstration on Saturday. You’ll learn techniques and tips from Chef Carlos Palomar of Valencia, the first-place winner of the 52^nd edition of the International Contest of Paella from 10 a.m. to noon. Pair the dish with some wines for a doubly delicious lunch at $30 per person. If cooking in the morning is just too casual, attend Evening in Madrid, Tuesday, Nov. 13. Sample a spread of appetizers and wine while Chef Carlos prepares a family-style dinner of Spanish classics followed by dessert and Spanish sherries for $40 per person. Spanish music will serenade guests for the evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

If there is simply no time to sit down and eat, café staff will also be handing out samples of paella outside the restaurant. Whatever your schedule, there is simply no escaping the arroz along Halsted this week.

Café Ba-Ba-Reeba!
2024 N. Halsted St.
(773) 935-5000