The Bell Tower restaurant in downtown Saratoga had a busy night on May 19 thanks to the Spanish 4 Honors classes’ “Paella y Guitarra” night. Spanish teacher Arnoldo Rodriguex’s students are required to participate in three cultural events per semester as a part of their participation grade, and this night of food and music proved to be popular among students. The following week, on May 26, a subsequent event was held for AP Spanish 5 and 6 students.

“The nicest thing was to do something different and just enjoy the company; eating, laughing, taking pictures, and having fun,” Rodriguex said.

Around 50 students were packed into the restaurant’s outdoor terrace sipping drinks and chatting in Spanish. The event’s goal was to expose students to authentic Spanish food and music, while they practiced their Spanish skills. On the open patio at the back of the terrace, local musicians played live Spanish folk music on guitars and flamenco dancers danced to the beat.

The dinner consisted of fresh salad and paella, a mix of Spanish rice, seafood and chicken. There was also a vegetarian option made with vegetables.

“This was my favorite cultural event this year because we got to learn about Spain’s cuisine,” junior Kristine Johnston said.

Junior Nicole Shadman, a Spanish student and the daughter of owner Michael Shadman of the Bell Tower, said that she thought the night was fun and that the Paella proved to be very popular.

“We were pretty busy and we actually ran out of paella,” she said.

This is the first time that Rodriguex’s classes have had a cultural activity at the Bell Tower. Rodriguex is good friends with the owner and he often dines there on Fridays with some of his students. Shadman and Rodriguex planned the event together.

“I liked that the event was local, which was convenient, and also because it was very social” Johnston said. “Everyone got to be with friends and chat while enjoying quality paella.”