Category: sevilla

Tapeo Extremo

azahar3 Comments

This week I had the pleasure of finally meeting Twitter friend and travel writer @AnnieBennett, who was in town as a part of a whirlwind tour around Andalucía. And so we had three “extreme tapeo” sessions in two days, which was both fun and exhausting with temperatures well above 40ºC. But as you can see, we are seasoned veterans – below you can see Annie enjoying a glass of bubbly at the Alfonso XIII Hotel where we stopped in for some post lunch emergency cava.

We stopped at several of my favourite tapas bars and restaurants as well as taking a short tour around Triana and visiting the market. The two evening sessions were somewhat cooler and it was especially pleasant to finish our last one on the rooftop of the Doña María Hotel. We had tried out the EME Hotel rooftop bar for its spectacular view of the Giralda, but it was trying way too hard to be cool.  I had a great time and hope to see Annie again soon.

[click on collages to enlarge]

If you’d like to take part in one of my tapas tours,
click on the link below for more information.

Sevilla Tapas Tours

La Azotea: Cavas & Blancos Cata

azaharLeave a comment

Last night I attended another fabulous cata at La Azotea Vinos & Más, this time featuring cavas and blancos from Bodegas Sumarroca. An excellent choice for a HOT summer evening. We started off with two lovely white wines that were quite different from each other, then two very refreshing white cavas  (brut reserva and cuvée gran reserva) and finished off the evening with – my personal favourite – a gorgeous gran brut pinot noir rosé. As usual the gathering was fun, casual and informative, and I not only learned a few things but also met some very nice people.

La Azotea will be hosting a three-hour wine course (in Spanish) next Tuesday July 6th, and I believe there are still a few places open. If interested get in touch with Jeanine at the phone number below. I recommend it as a great introduction to wines and wine tastings and, at 30€, it’s also great value.

Jesús del Gran Poder, 44
Tel. 955 11 67 48

Despensa de la Marquesa

azaharLeave a comment

Recently moved from its original location near the Campana, the new Despensa de la Marquesa opened its doors last night with a lovely party. This gourmet food & wine shop also serves tapas and does take-away. You will find everything from coffees, teas & Belgian chocolates to exquisite cheeses, pâtés and jamón serrano, along with a wide selection of wines. César also offers a catering service and makes up very original gift baskets.

Joaquín Guichot, 12
(near Plaza Nueva)
Tel.954 564 168
Open 9.00 – midnight
Closed Sunday in summer

Mercado de la Encarnación

azahar2 Comments

Took a walk over to the Encarnación Market this morning. This was the first market I knew when I first moved to Seville, so I guess it has a bit of sentimental attachment to it. In fact, it’s rather small and poky and not exactly what you would call attractive. But the vendors are very friendly and I can always find everything I need there.

Soon the market is going to be moved to a hideous monstrosity across the street (see below) that the city has been building for years. I shudder to think what it cost, and I can’t walk by the thing without wincing and averting my eyes, but I suspect the market itself will be quite pleasant and an improvement for the vendors.
Continue reading “Mercado de la Encarnación” →

Panepanna Rice Workshop

azahar4 Comments

Anna Mayer (centre) hosts a variety of cooking classes at her home in Sevilla. The one I attended yesterday was all about rice and featured three dishes: supplì, pilaf and risotto. Her classes are totally “hands on”, very informative and relaxed. Attendees not only get to sample their dishes at the lunch that follows the class, but there is also enough left over for them to take home in plastic containers provided by Anna. Below you can see how much fun everyone had  at yesterday’s workshop (click to enlarge)…

Aside from themed classes featuring a particular food item, meal course or cuisine, Anna also gives Spanish cooking classes to visitors and expats … you can choose whether you would like your class in English, Spanish or Italian. You can find more information about Anna’s classes on her Lions and Pancakes blog and also follow her on Twitter as Panepanna.