sandralist

Yes, I know that about Spain, but most people think of Spain as a pork-fat place excepting Andalucia. Foreigners have equally incorrect ideas about Italy -- in fact, most Italians don't eat a lot of cheese -- and Greece (only a minority eat fish regularly).

The reason I mentioned the American TV show Iron Chef is that it is a competition between 3 chefs with a Japanese host, who surprises the chefs with an ingredient that they must use in every dish to make a mulit-course meal, within 30 minutes. The competing chefs are always from Italy, France and Japan -- and I can't remember even seeing one from Spain (although its possible) -- even though I think most "foodie" Americans have believed for some years now that Spain is tops for food in Europe, in particular the Basque country.

kimhe

5 Basque restaurants on top 35 of the S.Pellegrino World's best restaurants list. One Italian ;-) http://www.theworlds50best.com/

mikelg

You´re right, sandralist...the variety of regional foods in Spain is just incredible. Funny that you mention the pork-fat place excepting Andalucía, because they eat a lot of pork there!

I´ll check that Iron Chef competition, it sounds great!! I have a blog on food (in Spanish, though), one of my pleasures.

Robert2533

Who watches Iron Chef when you have chef Karlos Arguiñano Urkiola on TV every day. Sorry, but only in Spain. Besides, Chef José Andrés's "Made in Spain" is far more interesting then anything the Iron Chef program can come up with.

sandralist

I don't even own a TV here in Italy, and I am relying on memories of the Food Network of 10 years ago. I'm not even sure Iron Chef is on anymore -- or if the Food Network exists!

Yes, I recall seeing pork in Andalucia, but then again, Italians eat a lot of potato dishes or soup and you never hear about it, and they don't eat a lot of tomato sauce, but most people can't imagine a plate of pasta without it.

sandralist

(Robert, I wasn't saying Iron Chef was interesting in any other respect that not having Spanish chefs on it, given that most foodie Americans think of Spain -- and maybe Japan -- as now the best cuisine.)

mikelg

One of the greatest inventions of all times in Spain and the gastro world is the Menú del Día. And it´s not that well known among US visitors, not used to it. For around 10 to 15 eur, you can have a first (from a wide selection), a second (same), a dessert (ditto), bread, wine and water included. And sometimes even coffee. I´m lucky to live in a part of the world, the Basque Country, where the Daily Menus are excellent in most restaurants.