Dining and sharing a good meal with friends is definitely one of the great pleasures in my life.

Last weekend, I went to La Merenda with some new friends, one in particular who is often known as the “Milwaukee Maestro.” He has a distinctive palate and true adoration for good food, which make him a delightful dining partner. Co-owner and Executive Chef Peter Sandroni uses his influences cooking in many Asian and upscale American restaurants, his Italian heritage, and his wife's South American heritage to create the ever-changing menu of international tapas. Sandroni runs the restaurant with his wife Sonia and co-owners Nick and Melissa Cataldo.

Tapas, derived from the verb “tapar” or “to cover” got its name from the legend that in old Spanish taverns, slices of bread, then small plates with snacks were used to cover sweet sherry to prevent fruit flies from getting in the glasses in between sips. The idea is that the small portions are so flavorful and rich, they fill you up. The trend is catching on in the U.S. and this European way of dining just might be America’s answer to the obesity epidemic. I think it is highly unlikely though, especially if Sandroni keeps whipping up these amazing concoctions that make you crave more.

We started the meal with a smooth and fruity Argentinean Malbec (one of the house red wines, only $19 for the bottle!) and then we continued to chirp out requests to our waitress until we had ordered just about everything on the menu. The items that really stand out are:

Ravioli - stuffed with sweet potato and prosciutto (it was a special that night)

Sambal Goreng Udang - Fresh shrimp sautéed with tomatoes, coconut milk, ginger and sambal, served with coconut mashed potatoes

Veal Osso Buco - Braised veal shank served with a roasted red pepper risotto

Argentinian Style Beef - Grilled beef tenderloin marinated in chimichurri sauce, served over mashed sweet plantains with crushed walnuts

Humba - Tender pork shoulder braised with mushrooms, fermented black beans, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, soy sauce and Klisch beerRight in my own home town, being able to taste so many different exotic flavors and cuisines is truly a wonderful experience. It was like taking a world tour with your senses and never having to leave your seat.