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Spain, a country with an enduring culinary tradition and a wide spectrum of regional cuisines, has enchanted food lovers worldwide. The Spanish gastronomic experience is characterized by its variety, uniqueness, and authenticity. From the sizzling Paella Valenciana in Valencia to the bite-sized Pintxos in San Sebastian, Spain offers an unparalleled food journey that transcends taste and explores tradition. Let's embark on a gastronomic tour across the country, exploring some of its most noteworthy dishes and the establishments that have perfected their recipes over the centuries.
Overview:
A trip to Valencia is incomplete without a taste of the original Paella Valenciana. Located in the Malvarrosa neighborhood, Casa Carmela, founded in 1922, is the birthplace of this iconic dish. The rustic yet inviting atmosphere, traditional wood-burning stoves, and, of course, their commitment to using only the freshest local ingredients make dining here a quintessential Valencian experience.
Recommended Dish(es):
Paella Valenciana is the star of the show at Casa Carmela. It's a delicate symphony of flavors, using rabbit, chicken, local beans, and a variety of fresh vegetables. Another must-try is the Arroz al Horno, a baked rice dish cooked in a traditional oven, brimming with black sausage, pork ribs, and chickpeas.
Price Range:
€30 - €50 per person.
Overview:
Venture north to San Sebastián, the city of pintxos, and it is impossible to miss Bar Nestor. Known for its simple menu and top-quality ingredients, this modest, family-run establishment in the heart of the Old Town is a testament to how simplicity can triumph when it's done right.
Recommended Dish(es):
The Pintxos are, without a doubt, the highlight. Each pintxo is a miniature work of art, combining a variety of ingredients into a single, satisfying bite. The Tortilla Española (Spanish omelet) is the stuff of legends, while the Chuleta (Txuleta), a thick-cut, perfectly seasoned T-bone steak, is a carnivore's dream come true.
Price Range:
€15 - €30 per person.
Overview:
Ending our culinary tour in the northeast region of Catalonia, we arrive at El Celler de Can Roca. This three-Michelin-starred restaurant, led by the Roca brothers, is a temple of contemporary Spanish gastronomy that beautifully showcases the richness and diversity of Spain's culinary heritage.
Recommended Dish(es):
At El Celler de Can Roca, it's all about the tasting menus, which change seasonally. Highlights include the caramelized olives served on a bonsai tree and the charcoal-grilled king prawn with a sauce made from its head and seaweed.
Price Range:
€180 - €225 for the tasting menus.
Overview:
A whirlwind of flavors, creativity, and texture – DiverXO, led by maverick chef David Muñoz, is Madrid's only three-Michelin-starred restaurant. The dining room, inspired by a surrealist painting, reflects the experimental and unconventional nature of the dishes served here.
Recommended Dish(es):
The menu at DiverXO is ever-evolving and unpredictable. However, one constant is the 'Pekinese dumpling with crunchy pig's ear and strawberry hoisin', a signature dish that encapsulates the chef's approach to fusion cuisine.
Price Range:
€180 - €250 for the tasting menus.
Overview:
In the heart of Seville, Abantal stands as a beacon of Andalusian gastronomy. Holding one Michelin star, Chef Julio Fernández Quintero's establishment brilliantly captures the essence of Southern Spain's rich food culture while introducing a modern flair that elevates every dish.
Recommended Dish(es):
The tasting menu is a must, showcasing seasonal, local produce through dishes like the Red Tuna with Piquillo Peppers, and the presa ibérica, a specific cut of Iberian pork, with carrot and cardamom.
Price Range:
€85 - €110 for the tasting menus.
Spain’s culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry, offering an exciting blend of traditions and innovations that vary from one region to another. This expanded culinary tour has given you a taste of the diversity and creativity inherent in Spanish cuisine, serving up everything from age-old traditions in Valencia and San Sebastián to the avant-garde offerings of Madrid and Girona, and the Andalusian flavors of Seville. Each restaurant represents a unique aspect of Spain's culinary identity, reflecting its regional ingredients, cultural influences, and contemporary culinary trends. Whether you’re a gastronome, an epicure, or simply a lover of good food, a culinary tour across Spain promises an unforgettable feast of flavors, textures, and aromas.
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