1. Can accommodate up to 6 guests

2. Saturday would be best but can be flexible.

3. Includes: class, meal, and entertainment (flamenco music). We could make a seafood paella or not, depending on food allergies.

4. Sra. Madariaga's Story: "I was born and raised in the region of the Basque Country, close to the French border, in Spain. Paella is a traditional/staple rice dish served all over Spain, although it originated in Valencia, on the Mediterranean coast, around the XV-XVI century as a lunchtime meal for farmers and farm workers, who would gather whatever they had available near the rice fields, like tomatoes, snails, chicken or rabbit, as they needed a hearty meal to continue with their hard work in the fields. As Valencian rice became more available, paella recipes were adapted to include more variations with other ingredients like peppers or saffron, including making it with noodles instead of rice, in which case it's called "Fideua" instead of "Paella".

Valencia being on the coast, various types of seafood began to be included into the recipes over the generations. Now "Paella" is the distinctive name for over 200 rice dishes from Valencia and other parts of Spain.

The making of Paella is traditionally left to the men, who cook it over a grill. Eating Paella is something unique, not only people congregate to eat paella at a restaurant after spending the morning at the beach, but it is often cooked on weekends at homes, in bodegas or txokos (also called "gastronomic societies") or at picnic sites. There are also many Paella competitions all over Spain and many times a gigantic Paella is the centerpiece for many fiestas. Paella can create a party or even a debate - often over how to make it or what ingredients should be included or not! But making it is one of the most sociable and enjoyable of the culinary occasions!

Expires: September 7, 2025