episode 86 :: made in spain
Posted by Phil on November 6th, 2011
On today’s show, we’re talking about the magnificent food of Spain. It is a country steeped with culture and filled with people who hold a very deep appreciation for the highest quality ingredients available, and never fall short on ideas on how to prepare them.
They’re not just people with great national pride. They’re proud of the food the country produces, and aren’t afraid to share their wealth of knowledge with us. Of all cuisines available at our disposal, perhaps Spanish cuisine mixes the best of all worlds. Spain has given us the Adria Brothers. It’s given us José Andrés. Anthony Bourdain is so in love with Spain, its food, and its chefs that he’s said on many occasions that he wished Juan Mari Arzak from San Sebastián would adopt him.
We’ll be making Extrameduran Cold Tomato and Bread Salad from José Andrés’ book “Made in Spain” – a companion cookbook to his excellent show on PBS. In line with most recipes in his book, this is incredibly easy to prepare, and the ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores.
Like all good cookbooks, this one requires little to no special techniques or equipment and proves two of the most important truths about cooking:
1. The best food is simple food.
2. Anyone can cook.
In this episode:
• “Shut the F**K up and cook!” Top Chef Arrogant Quote of the week
• 4 Calling Birds – Belgian Strong Ale from The Bruery
• Mario Batali defends his restaurant’s clientele as not being the “greedy one percent”
• The diversity of Spanish cuisine
• Making Extrameduran Cold Tomato and Bread Salad
• Modern Cuisine, and the effects of Spanish influence
• The state of California wants you to eat shitty french fries
BUY BOOKS, DVDs, AND MUSIC FROM THIS EPISODE:
Music in this episode by Morgan Page.
Great show! I lived on the Costa del Sol for a semester in college – what an amazing experiance! I think living there really sparked my interest in food. Your episode really took me back there! Thanks!
Loved the show Phil. I’ve eaten at many tapas restaurants throughout Spain and it’s one of the most satisfying experiences for any true gourmand.
Tyler was a complete douchebag in that first ep of TC. I’m not sure anyone will be able to top that performance. Even after he was sent him he thought he was going to win? WTF? Last week, one of those remaining chefs from the stew room ended up cutting his finger really badly.