In 2006, the Australian Soccer team embarked on one of its most successful World Cup campaigns. Melbourne was overcome with World Cup Fever, gathering on streets in the cold pre-dawn to cheer on the Socceroos. We learnt the offside rule, we screamed in outrage at unfair penalties and some of us even started calling soccer, football. We all felt so, well, European. In 2006 Melbournians also embraced another European past time, the so called Tapas Bar. At the forefront of these eateries was Bar Lourinha. Cosy, rustic and resembling nothing like a restaurant, we were confused as to how to define it. There were tell tale signs of it being a restaurant. It’s short, well-chosen, mostly Euro wine list for one (a glass of the Cillar de Silos Rosado is a must – all fresh strawberries, sour cherries and dusty spice). Then there was the spectacular Iberian-inspired menu from acclaimed chef Matt McConnell. But where were the individual tables? Why couldn’t we make dinner reservations? And why on earth would we want to share our food with our dining companion? But despite these confronting obstacles, Melbourne was won over by what has remained a consistently satisfying, yet constantly changing dining experience. Now the difference between Iberian and Spanish food is as plain as the difference between a yellow and a red card. Just don’t expect me to share my yellow tail king fish pancetta.