Carlos Espinosa de los Monterso and Annie Sibonney
Alegria Narvaez, Laura Pena Alberdi and Sara Sánchez of the Embassy of Spain with Annie Sibonney
1st course: Atun en "codido" vegetal
Guests enjoying a great meal
Dessert: Torrija - toasted honey and walnut "natillas" (custard), with pacharan poached quince
I’ve never been to Spain, but after having the pleasure of attending a gala dinner hosted by the Embassy of Spain in Canada, where the focus of the evening was the country's food and wine, I really think I need to go.
Guests from Toronto’s travel and cultural communities gathered at The Carlu to partake in a sumptuous gastronomic adventure. Guiding us along the way was Toronto’s own Annie Sibonney - travel writer and host of 2 televised food shows: One Night Stand and From Spain with Love. Having spent 9 years, as she says in her own words, “eating my way through Spain in search of memorable meals,” Sibonney is incredibly knowledgeable about Spanish culture and food and speaks about it with infectious passion.
"For me it’s about the art of eating standing up, elbowing your way through a crowded bar, between holding a drink in one hand and little wipe in the other. Sipping, eating, gesturing, speaking loudly. The ritual doesn’t only represent how Spanish people eat, but how they live and enjoy life. There’s an importance placed on the social interaction and social aspect of eating. And the importance of time spent with family and friends. It’s why I never wanted to leave Spain.”
Before diving in to our 5 course meal, guests learned about Marca España, a government initiated program created in 2012 dedicated to promoting Spain in the areas of industry, cultural affairs, tourism and gastronomy. The goal of the program is to improve the country's own self image, as well as to attract foreign investment and interest.
“Gastronomy in particular is key to the tourist experience in Spain, and is unique to the world,” said Laura Pena Alberdi, Consul in Charge of Tourism Affairs for the Embassy in Canada. Pena Alberdi shared some statistics stating that tourists choosing food-centric experiences is growing by leaps and bounds… up over 32% last year bringing in €8.62 million. Some of the experiences included tours, learning how to match food with wine and learning the process of making wine. “They spent more than the average tourist and enjoyed the experience much more.”
Carlos Espinosa de los Monterso is the High Commissioner for Marca España and says that tourism represents 10% of the country’s GDP. "Spain today is a leader in 'innovative gastronomy'”, added Espinosa de los Monterso," and a number of our chefs are recognized as best in the world, including Joan Roca and Ferran Adria." The master behind this evening's meal was local Chef Michael Caballo of Edulis Restaurant. Coming from Spanish decent, the flavours of the country are a big influence in his own culinary creations.
Without further adieu we bit into our 1st course called Atun en “Concido” Vegetal, which consisted of lightly seared albacor tuna, tomato "chorizo", green chickpeas and brussel sprout leaves in a tomato and jambon broth. The dish was paired with Miguel Torres Vina Esmerelda, a silky white wine with floral notes. To describe all this in one word: fabulous. The approving sound of content eaters was heard throughout the room, and course after course was met with equal approval.
“Spain is a place where you should go if you love food," said Sibonney as we neared the end of the meal. “Every bite changes you and makes you a part of that place. Whether in a tapas bar down the street or seaside shack, or 3 star Michelin restaurant, there’s an expectation of quality that is consistent throughout the country that you can’t find anywhere else."
Quoting the phrase that now represents Spain’s tourism campaign, Sibonney’s closing remarks of the evening were simple and sincere. “I need Spain, and I hope you do too.”
¡buen provecho
