Cooking Class, Bilbao

Begin your culinary experience at Gastronomía Bilbao in the center of the city, where a professional chef will welcome you. Put on an apron and settle in with a glass of wine as the chef gives you an introduction to Basque cuisine. They'll guide you through the process of preparing two or three starters, which can include chorizo cooked in cider and baked piquillo peppers cooked with olive oil, garlic, and vinegar.

Moving onto the mains, you'll learn how to make classic regional dishes such as marmitako (tuna stew cooked with peppers), hearty Tolosa bean stew, and txuleta (rib steak) from grass-fed cows served with Basque salad. Finally, you'll prepare a delicious dessert like the famous Basque French toast, torrijas, which was devised in the 15th century and features a mixture of bread, milk, cinnamon, egg, and sugar.

Every student will have their own hob to cook on, and you'll be working with fresh products sourced directly from the local market. You'll enjoy drinks from the open bar as you're slicing, dicing, and sautéing away. Sample a variety of local wines such as Riojas, txakolis, or albariños as you cook, giving you an insight into the region's rich wine culture.

Once you've finished cooking, you'll move into the private dining room and sit down with your group to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Feast on your three-course meal paired with more local wines to enhance the flavors of each dish, and chat with your fellow cooking enthusiasts. The meal will be accompanied by a charcuterie board featuring a selection of local delicacies. Afterward, you'll leave with a recipe card to recreate your Basque cooking adventure at home.