It is said of Spain, notably by Anthony Bourdain, that “any reasonable, sentient person who looks at Spain, comes to Spain, eats in Spain, drinks in Spain—they’re going to fall in love” - in this country, food is more than sustenance—it's a way of life. In one of Conte’s luxury holidays to Spain, discover the sculptural hills of the Basque Country to the sun-drenched coasts of Andalusia. On this culinary journey of Spain, the distinct regions and cities offer a rich plating of flavours waiting to be delighted in.
In the Basque Country, food is an art form. The tradition of pintxos, small bites served on bread, is both a culinary and social experience. In San Sebastián, each pintxo bar presents a feast for the senses, with seafood taking centre stage. It's a place where simplicity meets sophistication, where every bite tells a story of the sea, man and our symbiotic relationship.
Culinary Journeys in Spain: Just a Fraction of a Cultural Portrait of the Country
On a Food Journey in Spain, travel south to Andalusia, and you'll find a cuisine shaped more by its Moorish past than its location. The vibrant streets of Seville and Granada are alive with the aromas of tapas—small, flavourful dishes perfect for sharing. Andalusia’s gazpacho, a chilled tomato soup, offers respite from the heat, while fried fish, fresh from the coast, embodies the region's culinary heritage. In Barcelona, the heart of Catalonia, Conte finds a blossoming field of creativity, not just in its art and architecture, but in its cuisine. Here, the markets overflow with fresh produce and seafood, and local dishes like escalivada—a smoky medley of roasted vegetables—highlight the region's love for bold flavours. End your meal with crema catalana, a dessert as rich in history as it is in taste.
Another city navigating the clash of modernity and tradition is Madrid, the capital. With cultural renditions of the past singing through the city's tapas bars - a microcosm of Spanish cuisine, offering everything from the rustic cocido madrileño, a hearty stew, to delicate churros dipped in thick hot chocolate, the city swells with pride for both its own culture and that of the culture of its diverse population. Less visited, but arguably the gastronomic mecca of the country, San Sebastien is home to an impressive array of Michelin-starred restaurants. Yet, it's the humble pintxos bars that capture the essence of Basque cuisine, where each dish is crafted with duty and consideration.
As Anthony Bourdain goes on to finish, if you don’t fall in love with the country, “there's something deeply wrong with you”. Whether you're wandering through centuries-old markets or sharing tapas with friends, Spain invites you to savour every moment and every bite, tracking the paths of acclaimed chefs such as José Andrés and Eneko Atxa who have modernised the country with their outstanding accolades and contributions.