Open to business owners or anyone interested in starting a business. All beers, cocktails, specialty drinks and selected appetizers at $3. Bring along plenty of business cards and business literature. Great fun: 50-50 raffle, gift bag, and much more.

Interested in being an event sponsor? Don't miss the opportunity to showcase your business. Call Jorge Ribas at 301-404-1946.

When: Wednesday, October 21, 2009 (third Wednesday of the month at 5:00 PM).

Time: 05:00 PM – 07:00 PM

Where: La Tasca - Spanish Tapas Bar & Restaurant, 141 Gibbs Street, Suite 305, Rockville, MD 20850.

Admission: It includes one (1) free drink and appetizers and the opportunity to win lunch for two at La Tasca. Members: $12.00; Non-Members: $15.00. Pre-registration required. All beers, cocktails, special drinks and selected appetizers at $3. Bar appetizers courtesy of the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Info: For more information about this event contact MAHCC Vice President Jorge E. Arce at 301-642-2409 or Jorge Ribas at 301-404-1946.

Event sponsorship: For more information contact MAHCC Vice President Jorge E. Arce at 301-642-2409 or Jorge Ribas at 301-404-1946.

Membership Info: For information about membership in the Chamber, please contact Jorge Ribas at 301-404-1946 or Jorge E. Arce at 301-642-2409.

The Story of Tapas: Tapa means "lid" or "cover" in Spanish. The origins of the modern-day tapas are not truly known, but here is one explanation that we like: At day's end, farmers and laborers would often go to the local "Tascas" (Spanish pubs serving those tantalizing appetizers known today as tapas) for a well-earned drink, on top of which they would find a slice of bread to protect it. Little by little the inkeeper would place things on top of the bread, such as cured meats and sausages as an accompanying snack. This edible "lid" was the start of the tapas we know today.