The “Xatonada” is a ritual meal eaten in Spain during Lent, when historically meat would not pass the lips! According to legend the name of this typical Catalan dish comes from the word chateau, a reference to the size of the plate and the shape of this delicious winter salad. Originally cooked by the fishermen and consisting of cod fish, salad and a sauce
Very few Catalan towns have had the luck for their traditions to receive such recogniton as Valls, but the people of Valls have certainly worked hard to promote their Human Castles (Castells) and Catalan BBQ Spring Onions(Calçots). That’s why nowadays, when you think Valls, the capital of Catalan Alt Camp Region, you think it’s the land of Calçots and Castells.
Originally from Andalucia, but now adopted all over Spain, Las Tapas were designed to be eaten between main meals as food that allows the body to survive until lunch or dinnertime. Read more
How proud are we that one of our favorite local artists is so venerated in the US, with the opening on Tuesday last of a new Dali Museum in St Petersburg, Florida, magnificent in the painter´s surreal style. The Museum was officially opened by Cristina, Duchess of Palma de Mallorca, Read more
Turrón is perhaps the most well known of Spanish sweets and although it can be enjoyed any time of year, it is particularly famous for its traditional appearance at Christmas time. Spanish children are excited when the first turrón of the season is brought home as it is a signal that the Christmas season is fast approaching. Read more
White blossoms in Catalonia and Andalucia yield an ancient delight, almost as much a part of life as the blue sky over the countryside. The Marcona almond is called the Queen Almond for its incomparable, delicately sweet flavor. Thought by some to be the ultimate almond, Marcona almonds from Spain have a uniquely buttery and sweet flavour. Lightly salted, they are just the thing to eat with a cold glass of dry sherry and delicious with any appetizers and are a sophisticated snack to enjoy before a meal. Read more
Girona plays host to many festivals and celebrations throughout the year which are an opportunity to give visitors and new inhabitants an idea of the Catalan culture and lifestyle. The “Fires i Festes” of Gironaare a week-long city festival which are also referred to as Sant Narcis, Girona’s patron saint, held from 24th October -1 November. Legend has it that Read more
The mushroom hunting season is upon us and Autumn with all its glory and reddened leaves brings with it too the rain and dew upon which wild mushrooms really thrive and grow. The tradition of gathering mushrooms is deeply rooted in the Iberian Isles but it is here in Catalonia, Spain and the Basque country that mushroom picking is at its most popular. In our region, the mushrooms’ greatest fans in recognition, hunting and consumption of the species can be found. It is worth noting that the boletus edulis, commonly known as Porcini, Read more
If you are the type that likes a bit of fear in your life and want to enjoy Halloween like never before, be brave and enjoy, with Gourmand Breaks, a unique and unforgettable tour of Spanish winery Bodegas Protos in Peñafiel.
Protos’ warehouse will become a mansion of terror on the evenings of the 30th and 31st of October and the 1st of November. Normally a good tour of the Spanish wineries facilities is highly recommendable, but these particular tours will be additionally really chilling!
Saffron is the most precious and expensive spice in the world and is often said to be worth its weight in gold. The Saffron filaments, or threads, are actually the dried stigmas of the saffron flower, “Crocus Sativus Linneaus”. Each flower contains only three stigmas and these threads must be picked from each flower by hand; more than 75,000 of these flowers are needed to produce just one pound of Saffron filaments, making it