Browsing through The Guardian food pages, I found out about Jose Pizarro's new venture, a Tapas bar simply named Jose at 104, Bermondsey Street in London.

In His Review on June 24, John Lancaster points out that Jose is not a restaurant masquerading as a Tapas bar. It stays closer to the Spanish model with mostly stand up crowd enjoying small plates with a glass of wine including a nice sherry selection.

Wanting to know more about Jose, I visited Jose Pizarro's page on Twitter and learned about his presence on stage (cooking, not singing) at Rioja Tapas Fantasticas 2011 on first day of festivities, June 25.

Entrance to the event is Free as long as you just want to walk around.

To sample either Tapas or Rioja wines you will have to purchase tokens.

For wine, pay 3 British Pounds and you receive a glass and 4 tokens you can redeem for 4 tastes (if I got my facts straight).

Tapas are offered by some of the best 'tapas' places in London. Jose is not one of them has they have their hands full with recent opening.

Seminars offered at Rioja Tapas Fantasticas required the purchase of a separate ticket and seem sold out.

Event takes place at Potters Field Park.

My apology for sharing this event too late for Saturday happenings.

There is still Sunday.