On the road with Gwyneth and Mario

MANILA, Philippines – The Spanish Tourism Board and the Asian Food Channel recently held a media night of Spanish food, wine and dance, highlighted by the showing of an upcoming episode of the food and travel series, Spain… On the Road Again.

Starring celebrity chef Mario Batali, Spanish-speaking Gwyneth Paltrow, Mark Bittman and Spanish actress Claudia Bassols, the TV show, currently being shown on the Asian Food Channel, is a road trip through some of Spain’s most interesting culinary destinations. It’s a carefree, funny journey as the four road-test and savor the best the country has to offer.

The media event, held at Spotlight in Makati, illustrated why Spain is considered one of the best culinary spots in the world.

Guests sampled a wide variety of tapas, paella, sangria and Spanish wines. They were also treated to a mouth-watering Spanish cooking demonstration by Gaudi chef Alexandra Got Pradera Cacho, who led guests in sampling pescado ala sal (fish baked in salt), sobre sada (Spanish sausage or paté) and authentic paella.

Attended by distinguished members of the Spanish community, the Spanish Tourism Board’s culinary fiesta allowed Filipino guests to experience the complexity of Spanish cuisine.

Guests were also regaled with a dance and music performance by Fundacion Centro Flamenco, the premier flamenco institute in the country, and the Yerbaguena musicians. After that, an episode of Spain… On the Road Again (the 13-part series is shown Tuesday, 9 p.m., on Asian Food Channel locally) was aired for guests.

Hosted by the Spain Tourism Board, the “Spain… On the Road Again” food fiesta was done in partnership with the Asian Food Channel, Tapella by Gaudi, BPI MasterCard, Gastro Chef, Trucco, Fuego Hotels and Properties, L’Oreal and Amoroso.