This week the Academia Sevilliana de Gastronomía y Turismo held its closing gala for the Año del Arroz de las Marismas del Guadalquivir. Who knew that Sevilla produces 40% of all the rice grown in Spain? Who even knew that Sevilla produces rice? Anyhow, the closing ceremony brought everything full circle with the recognition of the various collaborators over the past year. As I have only been a member of the Academy since late June I missed most of the activities but look forward to taking part in next year’s Año del Aceite de Oliva Virgen Extra de Estepa.

Afterwards we were treated to a delicious tapas lunch, including three rice dishes, provided by Restaurante Manolo Mayo. As a newbie I didn’t realise I was supposed to stick around for the group photo of the Academy members (duh) and headed straight to the dining area with everyone else. I did get a pic taken later on with the Gastro Guías but really felt like a dunce for missing my first Academia foto de familia. Oh well, next time.