was in Puerto Rico, stepping onto stable ground from the plank (not the pirate kind) of a stately cruise ship on a Caribbean vacation, when I first saw the tall ships. I looked up—way up—in amazement at these striking vessels. Upon returning to my huge ocean-bound home after an on-land excursion, I felt gypped. Even though this modern-day voyager had everything imaginable (even a rock-climbing wall, in case you needed one while at sea), it seemed to pale in comparison to these smaller sailing ships from long ago. The grace of their sails, the minimalist elegance of their skeletal frames. And they were very, very tall.

Some of the tall ships are visiting Boston this week, gracing our harbor today (June 16) and setting sail for their next port Monday. Specifically on this trip is Spain’s beloved Juan Sebastián de Elcano (above), a magnificent four-masted steel-hulled schooner from the 1920s used today as a Spanish naval training ship. At 370 feet long, she is the third-largest tall ship in the world.

When the tall ships dock at the Seaport World Trade Center, the Seaport Hotel will celebrate with its Tall Ships & Tapas festivities in its brand new outdoor Tamo Terrace, just a stone’s throw from the Juan Sebastián de Elcano, and in its restaurant, Aura.

Enjoy Spanish cuisine and ambiance just steps from the water’s edge, where these ships will capture all eyes this week. Flavorful, small-bite tapas include cool fish ceviche, pinchos morunos (spiced grilled pork kebabs), tortillas de camarones (crispy shrimp fritters with sweet pimento), and a Spanish charcuterie and cheese plate featuring chorizo sausage, Manchego and Cabrales cheeses with quince-based membrillo paste and Serrano pepper jam. And, of course, no meal would be complete without Spanish olives. (At least, my husband doesn’t think so.)

Thoughtful wine pairings include white Albariño and Verdejo varietals, along with popular Rioja and Ribera reds. For a total sensory feel, Spanish music will play and the hotel will be dressed with Spanish flags. And favorite deserts will be on hand, too, like arroz con leche, a sweet rice pudding, and olive oil cake with almond ice cream and oranges.

We all know my love for España. I’ll try to hold it together when I see this Spanish craft. And Spanish Navy. And Spanish tapas. Oh, who are we kidding? I don’t stand a chance.

Father’s Day Food

Here are some special happenings around town for your pop, along with choice menu items to whet all appetites.

The Biltmore Bar & Grille, Newton Upper Falls: jazz brunch with special whiskey menu

Burtons Grill, North Andover, Boston, and Hingham: 14-ounce ribeye steak and 24-ounce Sierra Nevada Summerfest Lager special

Craigie On Main, Cambridge: brunch with Papa Panino, a mantastic combo of pork heart sausage, pickle relish, provolone, and fried egg, or pancakes, or grilled, spice-rubbed Berkshire pork chop with fried egg

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Boston: customizable three-course prix-fix brunch menu (beef tenderloin, vegetable frittata, berry-stuffed French toast, filet Benedict) with $25 gift card for dads

The Metropolitan Club and Met Bar and Grill, Chestnut Hill, Natick, and Dedham: brunch with tomato and mozzarella salad, barbecue beef ribs, pulled pork, and chicken breast

Stanhope Grill, Back Bay: all-you-can-eat barbecue brunch (hot dogs, hamburgers, Atlantic salmon, New England flank steak, waffles, omelets, oyster bar)

Stoddard’s Fine Food & Ale, Boston: cask ale brunch (olive oil poached salmon, Merguez sausage, stuffed French toast) with complimentary shoeshine, two pints of cask ale, $25 gift card for each dad

Tryst, Arlington: brunch (wild mushroom omelet, turkey and bacon panini, huevos rancheros) with live jazz from noon until 2 p.m.

Heading to the Cape? Check out Cape Cod food and dining secrets at the new MySecretCapeCod.com.

Additional reporting by Jackie Herder.

Also read Cheryl Fenton’s health and beauty blog, Easy Peasy.