Getting to know a foreign country through its traditional flavors is a whole-body experience. In Spain, the scent of sofrito—a mix of garlic, onion, peppers, and tomatoes sautéed in olive oil—can open the mind to Spanish culture just as quickly as a visit to Sagrada Família in Barcelona. Throw in a carefully made seafood stock, Spanish paprika, and Valencian-grown rice, and you’re getting closer ... Read Full Article
Spanish Ham: Jamón Serrano and Jamón Ibérico
Every restaurant in Spain (except for the few vegetarian places) serves ham. Not just any ham, not thick slices of Virginia country ham, nor Italian prosciutto style—no, the ham in Spain has its own very distinct flavor and tradition. Spaniards take great pride in their Jamón Serrano and Jamón Ibérico.On a recent visit to Madrid, we tasted ham in crusty rolls, ham in tapas snacks, ... Read Full Article
A Tapas Tour of Northern Spain
Tapas. Pinxtos. Or less formally, little bites of Spanish goodness. There are plenty of reasons to go to Spain; tapas just happen to be the tastiest. In northern Spain, typical tapas styles and the dishes that represent them can vary widely, as can the protocol for ordering and eating them in different regions. Here’s a primer on enjoying these small bites in three northern ... Read Full Article
Spain’s Best Culinary Experiences
Spain is a culinary wonderland as diverse in tastes as it is in landscape and culture. From the hot, dry south of the Andalusia region to the hilly northern Basque country, Spain offers delicious delights at every turn. Here are some of the top tastes to try when visiting Spain.Rioja WineSpain’s famous wine region is a can’t miss destination for any wine lover. There are over 500 wineries ... Read Full Article
Wine Touring in Spain’s Rioja Region
The Rioja region (in the north central part of the country) is Spain’s most famous wine-producing area. While there are over 500 wineries in the area, many are no-nonsense operations that haven’t yet caught on to the idea of wine tourism. Few have websites or offer tours and the majority that do require advance reservations, especially for a tour in English. For this reason, wine ... Read Full Article