The Spanish grilled cheese ($10) is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. It’s made with salty Manchego cheese and a spicy alioli (the Spanish word for “aioli”), then griddled to crispy perfection.

Dinner would come later. Much later. In Spanish tradition, dinner generally isn’t served until around 10 p.m. (the time of night when I’m already in bed, almost asleep!).

After opening three other Spanish restaurants, he opened the first Si Tapas in Dallas 18 years ago. The popularity of it since has led him to open Si Tapas in Fort Worth’s Artisan Circle.