Spanish cuisine is renowned throughout Europe and the world. The saying, "Live in France, travel in the United States, and eat in Spain," elevates Spanish cuisine to a world-class status. Spanish cuisine uniquely blends the essence of Mediterranean and Arabic cooking, and what one eats often reflects the character of a nation. Therefore, before immigrating to Spain, understanding some representative Spanish dishes will help in quickly adapting to life after immigration.
Artistic Style:
Four Cats Restaurant: The first exhibition of Picasso, "Four Cats," is actually a saying from the Barcelona area, meaning "a very small number of people." It reflects the pride and aloofness of cats. It is no wonder that the young Picasso chose this restaurant as the venue for his first exhibition, as it truly aligns with the attributes of a modern artist.
The restaurant still uses the menu designed by Picasso himself, and his works hang on the walls, creating a strong atmosphere of modern art. Even Woody Allen chose this restaurant as a filming location for his movie "Vicky Cristina Barcelona." One wonders which dish satisfied this artist's palate?
Fauvism:
Paella is considered the national dish of Spain, with many varieties that are hearty and filling. It originated as a farmer's vegetable rice dish, but coastal residents began adding the freshest seafood, elevating this dish to new heights.
Later, Spaniards added saffron to the rice, which not only eliminated the fishy smell of seafood but also introduced a unique aroma, allowing the essence of clams, shrimp, crabs, squid, and other seafood to be fully released into the rice. One must especially cherish the thick crust at the bottom of the pot.
Stylish Taste:
Spain's geographical location and soil make it the third-largest wine producer in the world, with excellent wineries that rival those in France. On a sunny, lazy afternoon, visiting the La Rioja region, a family can sit under the vines of Bodegas Portia, enjoying a delicious lunch while receiving guidance on tasting various vintages of red and white wines. This is the essence of a stylish life.
Spain strongly supports the talents of chefs, which has led to an increasing number of Michelin stars in recent years. The rating of a restaurant is determined by N food inspectors who visit 12 times a year, and only after thorough evaluation by the Michelin headquarters can a rating be confirmed. Therefore, visiting a Michelin-starred restaurant in Spain and quietly enjoying a delicious meal is undoubtedly a meaningful experience.