IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FOODS AND WINES FROM SPAIN
To celebrate Eat Spain Drink Spain 2024, chef, writer and Spanish food and wine expert Blanca Valencia shares her insider knowledge on where to find the best Spanish fare in Ireland …
BEST EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OILS Castillo de Canena stocked in Fallon & Byrne and Nobleza del Sur, Finca La Torre and Mas Tarrès from Sarah & Olive are all early harvest extra virgin olive oils which means they are made when the olives are green and not ripe yet, full of health-giving benefits like polyphenols. They taste fresh, peppery and slightly bitter with aromas of tomato vine and grass that elevate any vegetable, fish or meat dish. Look for new season olive oils starting in November and consume them quickly. BEST IBÉRICOS Xtreme jamón ibérico from N The Club and Lucas Wine Bar in Monkstown is worth seeking out. Made in Extremadura, Xtreme is made from 100 per cent free-range Iberico pigs fed on acorns during the fall season. Iberico ham tastes nutty with a silky texture with luscious (and healthy!) melt-in-your-mouth fat. The packaging also brings gift-giving to another level.
Blanca Valencia.
BEST GREEN OLIVES The best green olives, hands down, are from Vera Foods. Simply spectacular briny taste, firm texture with a chilli kick. I love the giant Gordal spicy olives and the Manzanilla olives are essential to make the iconic Gilda pintxo, which is made with a Manzanilla olive, a piparra pepper and an anchovy. BEST BOTTLED LEGUMES AND VEGETABLES Premium piquillo peppers, piparra or guindilla peppers and high-end legumes are produced by El Navarrico. Find your favourites at Sheridans, Fallon & Byrne and Tom & Ollie. BEST CAVA Freixenet and Masia Vallformosa from Catalonia, both at a very reasonable price at O’Briens, McHughs and Wineonline.ie. Lasting bubbles and a beautiful apple and citrus flavour. Pair with Ibérico ham for a truly Spanish combo.
BEST FISH PRESERVES The best fish preserves are from La Curiosa, made in Cambados, Galicia, imported to Ireland by Vera Foods. The tins look great on any tapas table and make adorable gifts for a host. Try the mussels in escabeche with plain potato crisps and add the squid in ink tin to a bowl of just cooked pasta or rice. BEST CHEESES Some of the best PDO artisan Manchego cheese in Ireland is at Sheridans Cheesemongers and the award-winning goat milk cheese Montenebro from Avila in Castilla León is available at Avoca stores and in the Fallon & Byrne food hall.
Blanca is part of the team hosting Eat Spain Drink Spain 2024, a vibrant celebration of Spanish food and drink taking place across the country from 1-19 October that includes tastings, wine dinners, tapas trails and interactive workshops. To find an event close to you, visit the Upcoming Event section at www.foodswinesfromspain.com.