Vancouver has a little-known Spanish quarter called La Bodega Restaurant and Tapas Bar which has been serving up Spanish fare and hospitality since 1971.

The traditional Spanish sentiment is heightened by exposed brick walls and red and white table cloths. You might forget that you're actually in Vancouver.

The tapas menu includes succulent seafood with lemon and butter, marinated black olives, mussels, tuna or a dry ham served on tomato-brushed bread. If braised pork, tender rabbit, chicken livers, pork sausage and a array of seafoods tickle your fancy, you're in luck.

Owners José and Paco work hard to ensure their renowned paella keeps people coming back. The succulent blend of saffron rice, pork, mussels, clams, chicken and prawns has made regular patrons out of many new diners.

The great ambiance at La Bodega really does feel like you're in a quaint, little Spanish villa. -L.D.