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"Gastro
sightseeing combining food and history is the logical approach
in a city where designer bars lounge in medieval mansions, gourmet
restaurants recline in centuries old warehouses and no self-respecting
café leaves its wooden beams and ancient stonework unexposed"
Recent years have seen an awakening of gourmet interest in Catalunya and an extraordinary explosion in the number of places to enjoy food and drink in the region's capital - more than four thousand at the last count. intoBarcelona offers you 3 different ways of enjoying Catalan cuisine: Tour 1 - The Gastro Tour
A must for real foodies, this is a relaxed and informal look at some of Barcelona's gastronomic hidden treasures. You'll visit cheese shops & tastings in some of Spain's best, sweet-making shops, you'll see patisseries that are works of art. One of the highlights is an in-depth visit to the largest and most vibrant food market in Europe, La Boqueria - an theatrical explosion of colours and smells. With more than 330 stalls, the market sells the widest variety of farm produce in all of Europe. Its fish counters offer anything from giant tuna to shark. There are also numerous olive, spice, and nut sellers, as well as stalls offering game, exotic meats and the very finest fruit and vegetables. La Boqueria attracts buyers from some of the city's leading restaurants, so whilst feasting your eyes on some of the most diverse and colourful produce in Europe, you'll be rubbing shoulders with the people who are putting Catalan dishes at the forefront of Mediterranean cuisine. Your guide will explain everything you need to know about the various produce, point out his or her favourite stalls and cafes and will also be happy to help if you fancy taking anything back home with you. After the visit to La Boqueria you will be guided back to your apartment through the enchanting streets of the Gothic Quarter, and who knows, you may even be persuaded to take a stop at a tapas bar or two on the walk home? Price
from £130 per group for a 4-hour tour Tour 2 - The Tapas Tour
This tour starts with a shorter version of the Gastro Tour including the Boqueria and culminates in a hands-on tapas cooking class in your own apartment. Tapas are, literally translated, 'little bites' (also known as Raciones or Pintxos) and have become increasingly popular in gastronomic circles as they can be eaten in so many different ways - canapés at a drinks party, a quick snack during the daytime or a sociable lunchtime or evening meal. Tapas can be hot or cold and are never too complicated to prepare, although, as they increase in popularity, chefs are becoming increasingly more creative in both their use of ingredients and presentation. Some typical tapas you might help prepare in your apartment are 'Tortilla' (Spanish omelette), 'Pan con tomate' (Toasted garlic tomato bread) a traditional accompaniment to any Catalan dish ,'Patatas bravas/ alioli' (Fried or baked potato cubes in a spicy/garic sauce), Pimientos del padrón' (Fried salted green peppers), 'Escalivada' (Chargrilled vegetables), 'Gambas alioli' Garlic prawns ..and lots more. All, of course, washed down with a selection of local wines and cava. Price
from £150 per group for the tour and demonstration, which lasts
around half a day. You will also need around 20 Euros per person
for food and wine bought on the day
This hands-on cookery class starts with a trip to La Boqueria for a leisurely tapas and a chance to discuss the menu. This could be anything from Gambas al ajillo (prawns in garlic), or Espinacas con pasas y piñones (Spinach with raisins and pinenuts), followed by Sarsuela (fish stew) or Seafood Paella, topped off with a Crema Catalana (Catalan custard with burnt sugar topping) or Borrachos (tipsy cakes). All the ingredients, including a selection of wines, are bought in the market. The cooking demonstration will then take place in the chef's kitchen and can be as hands-on as you want. It is relaxed, informal and fun. Once your Catalan meal is prepared, all you need do is sit down, relax with a bottle of wine and enjoy the fruits of your labours. Price
from £150 per group for a half day tour, consisting of a tour
of La Boqueria and a hands-on demonstration class.
Approx 15-20 Euros per person will be needed for ingredients. |
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