Marina’s Tapas, a Spanish tapas stall coming to Optimist Hall, will take over its sister restaurant, Customshop, for an exclusive first look and tasting of its upcoming menu.

The event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. July 14 at 1601 Elizabeth Ave.

“Our culinary team and chef de cuisine, Dre Cavazos, have been working hard to bring the dishes I grew up cooking and sharing with my own family to life,” co-owner and chef Andres Kaifer said. “We’re all about using top-notch ingredients from the rich, nutty flavors of manchego cheese in our bocadillos to the vibrant, garlicky punch of gambas al ajillo. We want people to walk in and feel transported to Spain without leaving the Queen City.”

Co-Owner Alex Bridges said his team was getting so excited working with the contractor and Optimist Hall team that they couldn’t wait for the opening to share their food. The stall is slated to open at Optimist Hall in the fall.

“Our cozy dining room will be transformed into a Spanish tapería where guests will order at the bar and be able to enjoy traditional Spanish drinks like Tinto de Verano,” Bridges said. “It’s a very popular summer cocktail in Spain, literally translating to ‘summer red,’ and it’s perfect for beating the heat in those European summers and equally perfect for this preview taking place during this hot North Carolina summer.”  …

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