Thu, Oct 26, 2006
Spain is filled with delicacies. Whether it's the Luques organic olive oil from Cordoba, the Galban's pastries from Aracena or the Pastrana's wines from the Priorat region near Barcelona, Joan samples them all. She'll meet the families behind the products and gain an understanding for what drives their culture.
Thu, Nov 9, 2006
Christmas time in Austria is a fairy tale for Joan and her family, as they taste sumptuous pastries at Innsbruck's Cafe Munding, prepare schnitzel and spatzle at the Stollhofer Inn in Inzing and enjoy the Christmas Market, sledding, and a traditional holiday celebration with a local Austrian family.
Thu, Nov 2, 2006
Joan experiences Greek hospitality at Bairaktaris, one of the largest restaurants in Athens. A walking tour leads her to the legendary Stavros Melissinos poet and sandal shop and Varvakios market, to meet the oldest butcher in Athens. Finally, Joan enjoys some Cretan food and dance traditions at Pasifae restaurant.
Thu, Oct 12, 2006
Joan's trip to Portugal begins with a visit to Casa Do Paco D'Ilhas. She prepares a traditional Portuguese stew and marmalade with owners Miguel and Margarita Cuhna. Then, it's off to Sintra, a medieval village where Joan meets up with Fernando Cuhna, one of the owners of Piriquita Bakery. Famous for their cheese pies, this fifth-generation family-run business has been serving up tasty treats since 1862. Joan's next adventure takes us to the seaside village of Ericeira, where Mario Claro, one of the owners of Marisqueira Cesar, a popular seafood restaurant, accompanies her. Joan and Mario take to the sea, catch fresh lobsters, and return to the restaurant to learn how to make the Claro family's signature dish, shellfish rice.