"The music may be jazz, flamenco, blues or ballads," says Joy Reed, Spoons co-owner. "The tapa menu is designed to make your meal or event an occasion."

Tapa, or tapas when plural, is the Spanish word for "little plates." Reed says guests who dine in such a style are served small portions of food while they socialize and sip a special glass of wine.

Each menu contains six items that are individually priced. Diners may choose from one to all of that evening's selections.

For instance, one Saturday evening menu might include steamed mussels, cured and grilled rare tri-tip or grilled lamb with rosemary - my personal favorite. Each dish is served in portions for two people. Another menu includes chicken Caesar parfait, teriyaki salmon and caramelized onion tartlet.

"Most people order 'all of the above' after they look at the menu," Reed said. "If they get all of the above, they get a six-course meal for about $50."

Reed points out that the cost of a bottle of wine from the Spoons Market & Café wine shop is less than half of what a glass of wine alone would cost at a Sacramento-area restaurant.

Those who have taken part of the tapa experience at Spoons are delighted when warm weather arrives and they can spend their Saturday nights listening to soothing background music while relaxing in the ornamented, balmy courtyard at Spoons. A melodious fountain adds to the romantic ambiance.

Reed adds, with a smile, that establishment neighbors wanted to keep the tapa experience their little secret. But as each partook of the scrumptious food and cozy setting, they "had to" share it with friends and family, Spoons became the "destination location" of Granite Bay.

For diners who have become addicted to tapa or any of the more than 50 menu items served at Spoons, besides to-go orders, owners Reed and Alex Danner have made their unique dining experience available through full service catering for events, parties or private dinners.

"Our designs are ever changing,' Reed reveals. "If you go to a Christmas party catered by Spoons, the next year the service ware will have changed and the food we provide our catering clients is always unpredictable. It's brilliant, colorful and delicious. We call it magic."

For tapa, in-house dining or catering, Spoons serves up a unique dining experience to those who are ready for a "soulical" trip to Spain or delectable food.

Summer hours for tapa, Saturdays through October (weather permitting)are 7 p.m. until everybody goes home.

Regular hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

To order, make reservations or inquire about a catering event call 797-2233. Gift certificates are also available.