Category Archives: events

el puerto getaway – cuatrogatos wine fest

24 Saturday Feb 2018

Posted by in events, food & drink, getaways, sherry, wine

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I had been going back and forth about attending this wine event in El Puerto de Santa María and then yesterday morning decided to go for it. The wineries participating sound amazing and, you know, a trip to the coast before my oncology appointment on Monday suddenly seemed like a Very Good Idea. Instead of the original plan of a day trip, I also got a good deal on a place to stay overnight, so now it is officially a GETAWAY. Anyhow, will report on the event after I get back – meanwhile watch my Instagram. Hope you are all having a great weekend too. xx

arroces at alabardero

21 Wednesday Feb 2018

Posted by in events, food & drink, sevilla

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[click on image to enlarge]

This week we were once again at the annual rice cooking demonstration held by the Escuela Superior de Hostelería de Seville at the Taberna del Alabardero, presided over by master rice chef Juan Tamarit.

The school is regarded as one of the best in Spain training people for the hospitality and catering industries, with hands on experience in the bar-restaurant-hotel of the Taberna, a rather splendid 19th century building in the heart of the old city.

The demonstration itself was held in the main courtyard of the building, on a day bright enough to open up the roof for an almost out of doors experience. After the demonstration, of course, comes the sampling of the results (always my favourite part). This time we had a traditional rabbit and chicken paella, a seafood rice, and a vegetarian rice, washed down with a nice glass of chilled Tío Pepe. And of course, as always, the chance to touch base with friends and colleagues in the biz.

A big thank you to all those involved in organizing this event. You can register here to take one of the courses being held throughout the week.

Also posted on Azahar’s Sevilla

cata hedonia

16 Friday Feb 2018

Posted by in events, food & drink, gastronomy, sevilla, tapas, tapas bars, wine

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Last night I was invited to a wine tasting and tapas pairing at newly opened Hedonia Tapas & Brasas. The tasting was led by my friend, wine expert, journalist and author Javier Compás. It was a real treat to watch Javier in action, and as the wines were all new to me, I also learned a lot from his casual and informative presentation. The food pairings were all very good, and it was a nice introduction to a new tapas bar. Great to see some of the local foodie gang too. Thanks for a lovely evening Hedonia and Javier!

jueves de cata

10 Saturday Feb 2018

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The Corte Inglés Gourmet Experience and Probando Wines have put together a series of “jueves de cata” wine tastings, and the first one was this beautiful selection from Bodegas Diez Mérito. While all the sherries were outstanding, the VORS Fino Imperial amontillado totally blew me away. It was a very relaxed event, led by Fran León, and was followed by a sampling of sushi from Sushi Spot Corner, which we didn’t stay for. But hoping to catch the next tasting!

madrid fusion 2018

17 Wednesday Jan 2018

Posted by in andalucia, events, food & drink, gastronomy, sevilla, spain, tapas, tapas bars

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Madrid Fusión is an international gastronomy fair aimed particularly at chefs, but also at other industry professionals. As well as the main exhibition area, the highlights are the cooking demonstrations and master classes, wine tastings and competitions, and seminars on a wide range of topics from new cooking techniques to environmental issues.

This year’s event is the 15th edition and runs from the 22nd – 24th of January, and is extra special for Sevilla because the City Council and Tourism Board is promoting the city and its tapas, including a Tapas Jam Session “show cooking” on the opening day. This fabulous video features the four bars taking part in this presentation and I am so proud to be able to say that they are not only four of my favourite bars, chefs, owners and teams, but they are also my friends. I’d love to be there to cheer them on, but I have a previous work obligation so will be there in spirit instead.

The featured bars are: La Azotea (chef Santiago González) Cañabota (chef Marcos Nieto), El Gallinero de Sandra (chef & co-owner Nacho Dargallo) and Lalola Taberna (chef & owner Javier Abascal). Watch the video – it’s gorgeous.

[also posted on Azahar Sevilla]