A culinary tradition rooted in local produce, the sea and the mountains
A culinary tradition rooted in local produce, the sea and the mountains
Once you’ve explored the coves and harbours of the Costa Brava, wandered the trails that wind among the centuries-old vineyards and Argudell olive trees of Empordà, hiked through the volcanic lands of Garrotxa and the valleys and high mountains of the Pyrenees, it’s easy to see how Girona has gained its reputation as a truly unique gourmet food and wine destination. And planning a tour to discover the outstanding local cuisine is a good enough reason to visit in itself.
The red prawns from Palamós, Roses and Blanes, crayfish from Llançà, lobster from Creus cape, a nchovies from L’Escala, and sea cucumbers… are pure seafood delight. As are the sea urchins, a particularly unique local product and the star ingredient of the Costa Brava’s unmissable winter gastro festival, the Garoinada de Palafrugell.
The house specialities are sure to include some flagship local dishes, such as fisherman’s stew, Pals rice casserole, as well as signature sea and mountain specialities, such as chicken with crayfish, cuttlefish with meatballs and stuffed squid. All of which would be perfect paired with a glass or two of one of DO Empordà white, grey or red Grenache or Carignan wines.
Moving on from this fusion of sea and mountain, we head for higher ground, to the aromas of the forest and a hearty taste of the volcanic and mountain cuisine of the Pyrenees. Wherever you go you will be treated to a slice of delicious bread and tomato and an assortment of local cheeses and cold cuts. With other signature dishes that reflect this mountainous land, such as artisanal sausages, colt or veal, Santa Pau beans and the classic Trinxat de la Cerdanya mash.
And no gourmet adventure would be complete without taking the chance to sample one of the region’s most celebrated sweet treats, its Xuixo de Girona pastries.
Once you’ve explored the coves and harbours of the Costa Brava, wandered the trails that wind among the centuries-old vineyards and Argudell olive trees of Empordà, hiked through the volcanic lands of Garrotxa and the valleys and high mountains of the Pyrenees, it’s easy to see how Girona has gained its reputation as a truly unique gourmet food and wine destination. And planning a tour to discover the outstanding local cuisine is a good enough reason to visit in itself.
The red prawns from Palamós, Roses and Blanes, crayfish from Llançà, lobster from Creus cape, a nchovies from L’Escala, and sea cucumbers… are pure seafood delight. As are the sea urchins, a particularly unique local product and the star ingredient of the Costa Brava’s unmissable winter gastro festival, the Garoinada de Palafrugell.
The house specialities are sure to include some flagship local dishes, such as fisherman’s stew, Pals rice casserole, as well as signature sea and mountain specialities, such as chicken with crayfish, cuttlefish with meatballs and stuffed squid. All of which would be perfect paired with a glass or two of one of DO Empordà white, grey or red Grenache or Carignan wines.
Moving on from this fusion of sea and mountain, we head for higher ground, to the aromas of the forest and a hearty taste of the volcanic and mountain cuisine of the Pyrenees. Wherever you go you will be treated to a slice of delicious bread and tomato and an assortment of local cheeses and cold cuts. With other signature dishes that reflect this mountainous land, such as artisanal sausages, colt or veal, Santa Pau beans and the classic Trinxat de la Cerdanya mash.
And no gourmet adventure would be complete without taking the chance to sample one of the region’s most celebrated sweet treats, its Xuixo de Girona pastries.
