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HISTORY OF TAPAS There are nearly as many stories about the origins of the Spanish “little plates” known as tapas as there are tapas themselves. With its varied stories and flavors, “tapa” can be a great many things. As is commonly held, it is a style of dining that features a different flavor, fragrance, color, and feeling inside every dish. In our contemporary culture tapas is embraced as a way for friends and families to dine together and enjoy tapas’ varied flavors.
Our favorite story is that centuries ago in Spain, a simple tavern keeper had a simply delightful idea. He dressed up his drinks with tasty tops ("TAPAS") made of bread, cheese, sausage, and such. Naturally, his guests applauded the winning combination of good food and good drinks.
Today there's a tapa for every taste, from light hors d'oeuvres to hearty paella feasts. Friás (cold) or calientes (hot); the range of ingredients is limited only by the chef's imagination and your own sense of adventure. Since our culture and institutional practices are a far cry from those of ancient Spain, our “tapas” need not simply cover our wine, but rather complement the wine we enjoy while enveloping ourselves in the tapa dining experience.
We invite you to share in the “tapas” tradition at our restaurants, San Chez, A Tapas Bistro and San Chez Café, as well as within the comfort and confines of your very own home!
THE HISTORY OF SAN CHEZ BISTRO In 1990, we began looking at unique concepts for a new restaurant in Grand Rapids. We wanted a big city feel, unlike anything in Grand Rapids at that time, so we scouted Chicago’s most entertaining theme restaurants. Tapas cuisine seemed to offer everything we wanted. We envisioned an old warehouse look with high ceilings that was centrally located downtown. We settled on a location south of Fulton Street, what was then the “wrong side of the tracks.” At that time the immediate area consisted of nothing more than decrepit buildings and empty weed-infested parking lots.
On November 24, 1992, San Chez, A Tapas Bistro introduced tapas -- the food and fun of Spain -- to West Michigan. Its special blend of unique flavors, laid-back and communal atmosphere, and friendly, fun service has made it into one of Grand Rapids’ must-go-to places -- especially when entertaining those from out of town.
The building at Commerce and Fulton, home to San Chez Bistro since its opening, has a long and proud local heritage. The four-story Leonard Building was originally built by Charles H. Leonard sometime between 1883 and 1884. H. Leonard and Sons was the first business in Grand Rapids to locate south of Fulton and the building stands on the original Leonard family’s residence. When Leonard and Sons sold in the 1950’s, it was the oldest business in the city and at one point the largest employer. The building was sold to Dykstra Wholesale Distributing in 1951, which closed in 1985. It remained vacant until San Chez Bistro opened in 1992.
San Chez, A Tapas Bistro did more than blaze a culinary trail through Grand Rapids. It literally blazed a redevelopment one too. By 1995 we were an award-winning establishment, known for our high quality. Over the years San Chez, A Tapas Bistro has undergone many changes both internal and external. While refining our strategies, we maintain a strong philosophy of pride and a familial structure. We continually strive to advance our own “best practices”, all the while pushing our own limits as well as the proverbial “envelope”, providing leadership for others in our industry. San Chez Bistro spent 12 years perfecting itself, growing and learning, and in June 2004, gave birth to San Chez Café, our “other side” across the hall from San Chez, at 38 W. Fulton. Mezze Café allowed the team of chefs to expand their skills and become adept in the art of Moroccan Cuisine!
Throughout our growth and development there have been ups and downs. However, our team always excelled. While pursuing ever-more-adventurous flavors, advancing culinary design, and sometimes even girding the edge of the culinary arts blade, San Chez remains a community focused, family oriented part of downtown Grand Rapids and West Michigan.
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