16 Thursday Mar 2023
Posted in andalucia, gastronomy, restaurants, sevilla
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The Andalucia Academy of Gastronomy & Tourism held its annual awards this week at the Hotel Alfonso XIII, hosted by Academy president Iván Llanza and broadcaster Pepe da Rosa. It was a pleasure to celebrate the award presentation with friends and colleagues in the sector and later enjoy local dishes and wines at the reception in the beautiful orange blossom scented courtyard. Congratulations to all the winners.
15 Wednesday Feb 2023
Posted in birthdays, gastronomy, restaurants, sevilla, wine
Don’t ask. Perhaps because of all the sad stress of this week with Loki, or maybe for no reason at all, when I met up with Lucy to try out a new cheese bar (new to me, been here as long as I have – since 1993) we then ended up back at Jaylu to try the amazing jamón selection I’d missed when I was there on my birthday lunch with Peter. Then Lucy said, as she is wont to do, LET’S HAVE SOME FIZZ. Well, I don’t know what I was thinking so when I asked the barman which Cava they had by the glass he told me a couple of names and then I asked if he had any Corpinnat and he said Yes! Recaredo! Well, said I, let’s have that one! You serve it by the glass?? He said not usually but that he’d happily open a bottle for us and we could drink as many, or as few, glasses as we wanted. Ha. Too easy. And no, I didn’t ask the price. He left the bottle in a bucket next to us and said we could help ourselves. I think we all know what happened next.
Anyhoodle… who cares? It was Wednesday after all and Lucy and I realised that this was just a continuation of our Birthday Week. Plus we had a fabulous time hanging out at the bar and chatting with everyone. Much more convivial than sitting in the posh dining room, though that was also lovely when I did it in January. But I think I’ve found my favourite spot at Jaylu. Fabulous place.
19 Thursday Jan 2023
Posted in gastronomy, sevilla, tapas, tapas tours, teaching
A fabulous day out with my fabulous We Love Tapas team Nell and Elena. I was showing them the route for our Tasting Triana Tour and so of course they also had to taste EVERYTHING (seen hear sampling the fried quail at Casa Ruperto). Next week it’s Sherry Class!
16 Monday Jan 2023
Posted in gastronomy, sevilla, spain, tapas
It’s also Blue Monday but I don’t believe in that.
This is way more fun (and tasty!).
What’s your favourite croqueta?
30 Friday Dec 2022
Posted in gastronomy, spain, television
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This is now streaming on HBO Max and Discovery+. Of course José Andrés has become a legend these past few years not only for being a world class chef but also with his humanitarian work and heading World Central Kitchen. During lockdown he was putting up short videos on social media of him at home cooking with his daughters and they were so charming that when I read about this series about taking his daughters around Spain I was really looking forward to it. And well… I just wish I liked it more. There are six episodes and I’ve watched three (Barcelona, Andalucía and Madrid) and I don’t know. They feel a bit superficial as if they are aimed for an American audience to promote travelling to Spain. I mean, it’s fine. It’s still fun to watch but I didn’t expect to see them ordering sangría (!!!) and extolling the virtues of the Boquería Market (which has become a full-blown tourist attraction). Anyhow, it still has some nice scenery and it’s entertaining. Let’s see how it goes with Valencia, Asturias and Lanzarote.
UPDATE: The final three episodes felt quite different from the first three. Perhaps because I’m less familiar with those locations? Also, some amazing scenery, especially in Asturias and Lanzarote. Overall an enjoyable series.
casa azahar 