Beautiful Emporda is situated right between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea, which gives it a unique richness of fish and seafood, fruit and vegetables grown in volcanic soil, fresh meat from livestock that roam the hilly pastures, mushrooms and cheese of the best quality. That s why Emporda cuisine is called sea and mountain cooking. But the heritage of so many different cultures has also been essential for all the richness Emporda has to offer. The first inhabitants were the Iberians, then came the Greeks who settled in Empuries bringing the first wines, then the Romans with their finest cuisine (known for the Apicius recipes), then the Arabs who brought the sweet and salty balance, and recently of course, the French cuisine influence! Generally speaking chefs from this region are humble, generous and hard working. They are very traditional, they love their roots, but they are always open to using new ingredients.there is a strong influence of the roman recipes used which used fruit to cook with meat, "salt and
sugar". The school works with several chefs but the cooking classes are with Chef Joan who is a great chef specialising in Baix Emporda rice and all traditional Catalan cuisine. He uses the freshest products to elaborate his recipes, as this area is one of the richest in local products. It is very much "slow food" utilizing produce from local farmers and fishermen from between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean sea. The hotel is a warm and friendly retreat, a totally refurbished seventeenth century home with six comfortable and wellequipped bedrooms with dining room, living room, open fireplace and outdoor terrace. All rooms are designed with style and personality and have an en-suite bathroom, TV, Hair-dryer, heating and airconditioning. This is a fantastic personal environment making it possible for you to experience the region s traditions and customs. The hotel offers homemade pastries and bread for breakfast and your hosts will take care of all your needs
during your stay. The Hotel is located in the small and cosy town of Sant Feliu de Boada, right in the heart of Baix Emporda. Within its walls you will encounter the warmth and well-being of old rural homes together with many refurbished rooms. The past and present sit perfectly side by side and offers you both tranquillity and comfort. This is a great escape from city life and it offers you the chance to disconnect from the world and enjoy a stress-free environment. The cooking school is located just a few minutes from the hotel.
Visit the pyrenees, a breathtaking landscape Visit the ruins of the Iberian town of Ullastret and the Roman town of Empúries The museum of the surrealistic painter Salvador Dalí, located in Figueres For music linking the earth and sea, noteworthy are the Havaneres Spain Emporda Tour - CAD $5299 per person, based on twin/double share Groups of 4 or more Single Supplement CAD $759 Non-cook companion rate N/A ** Minimum group of 2** 5 x Nights acommodation, with breakfast Airport transfers to/from Girona airport All relevant transportation between the venues English Speaking guide
3 x Cooking sessions followed by meal with wines 1 x Lunches & 4 x Dinners with wine Visit to vineyard and wine tasting Excusions to Girona, Pals and other villages Visit to cheese-maker Other activities as shown on holiday itinerary Flights, visas, insurance suitable for vegetarians car hire required extensions available Escalibada and Garum (baked red pepper and eggplant with a black olive sauce) Duck brochette with pears Caramelised Iberian pork and chalot with
orange. Chocolate coulant Catalan creme The Empordá Rice INGREDIENTS: Serves 4 400 g. rice 200 g. squid rings 150 g. pork 4 sausages ¼ chicken 4 prawns 4 onions 2 tomatoes 1 green pepper 2 artichokes 60 g. peas 2 litres fish stock Oil Salt Parley
Garlic METHOD: Place an iron casserole dish on the stove, add oil and fry the chicken, pork and sausages until golden brown then remove from the casserole dish. Cook the onion until it is dark brown. Add a small amount of water every now and again to help the onion caramelise and create a jam texture. Stir constantly, and once the onion is the right colour, add the previously diced green peppers and a few cloves of garlic (whole). Once all this is dark in colour, add a small amount of fresh grated tomato. Add the diced squid and artichokes and stir constantly for 15 minutes. Add a few drops of water to make sure the mixture doesn t burn. Add the rice to the casserole dish and stir in with the onion and squid, then add the fish stock and previously cooked meat. Leave to cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure the rice doesn t stick to the bottom of the casserole dish. Add salt and leave for 16 minutes. Remove from stove and let the rice cook using the residual heat of the iron casserole dish (this will ensure the rice doesn t overcook).
Visit the pyrenees, a breathtaking landscape Visit the ruins of the Iberian town of Ullastret and the Roman town of Empúries The museum of the surrealistic painter Salvador Dalí, located in Figueres For music linking the earth and sea, noteworthy are the Havaneres Spain Emporda Tour - CAD $5299 per person, based on twin/double share Discount offer: Group of 4 or more - CAD $4239 per person Single Supplement CAD $759 Non-cook companion rate N/A ** Minimum group of 2** 5 x Nights acommodation, with breakfast Airport transfers to/from Girona airport All relevant transportation between the venues
English Speaking guide 3 x Cooking sessions followed by meal with wines 1 x Lunches & 4 x Dinners with wine Visit to vineyard and wine tasting Excusions to Girona, Pals and other villages Visit to cheese-maker Other activities as shown on holiday itinerary Flights, visas, insurance suitable for vegetarians car hire required extensions available El Baix Empordà has a mild Mediterranean climate. The best months are April, May, June, September and October. Not only will the weather will be at its best, but as
our chefs work with seasonal products so autumn and spring are perfect for the mushrooms, vegetables and fruit as well as for fish and seafood. El Baix Empordà is in a privileged situation in the European continent and the geographical location of El Baix Empordà gives it a warm climate, meaning you can enjoy the region right throughout the year. 2010 Dates: Mar: 07, 14, 21 & 28 Apr: 11 & 18 May: 02, 09, 16 & 23 Jun: 06, 13, 20 & 27 Sep: 05 & 12 Oct: 03 Citizens of the EU (European Union) do not need a visa to visit Spain, regardless of the length of stay. Nationals of many other countries, including Australia, Canada, Israel,
Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland and the USA, do not need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days. Always carry your passport or identity card. Passports should be valid for at least 6 months. Euro Ryan Air flies from the UK direct to Girona airport, where your host will be waiting to take you to the hotel in a comfortable minibus. If you are flying into Barcelona International Airport you can take the express train (1 hour ) to the Girona train station where your host will be waiting. Best time to arrive is mid afternoon on day- 1.