Travel: A taste of the Med- a cooking holiday
One of the best things about visiting a different country is the cuisine, which is why so many people head to the Mediterranean each year. Its delectable combination of sun, sea, scenery and food is among some of the best to be found in the world. However while you can’t bring the sunny climate home, you could bring back some Mediterranean culinary know-how.
If you feel that gastronomic competence is something that’s always evaded you, think again, as travel agent Mallorca Farmhouses is offering a cookery course with a difference. This autumn and the following spring culinary-challenged holidaymakers will be able to take advantage of a series of guilt-free gastronomic getaways to Mallorca.
Aimed at those wishing to know the secrets of cooking impressive dishes with little effort, the courses will be tutored by master chef Bruno Canillao. He is also responsible for organising Mallorca Farmhouses’ private chef service, so you will be in good hands.
Whether you are interested in intensive tuition or just want to be able to make a decent omelette, you can choose whether to take part in the two three-hour long, cooking workshops or simply sit back and relax. If that’s not enough to tantalise your taste buds, you can enjoy some of the additional activities such as walking, horse-riding and cycling between courses.
As well as expert cooking tuition, beautiful scenery and fun activities, the programme also includes an escorted trip to the local food market in Felanitx with tips on how to buy the freshest of fish, meat and vegetables. So there is no excuse for slipping into bad habits once you get home.
Guests will also be treated to a visit to famed wine-growing region Ca’n Vidalet in Pollenca, with wine-tasting and a tour of its wines. After working up an appetite round the vineyard there will be an organised lunch and dinner at two traditional Mallorcan restaurants to sample the local cuisine.
The courses will be based at the luxurious Finca Tort, a magnificent 250-year-old stone-clad country house which is set in seven acres of complete privacy amid rolling natural countryside and comes complete with its own private swimming pool. All bedrooms are en-suite with two double and four twin bedrooms to choose from, easily accommodating couples or friends wishing to get away for some cooking tuition or a short break in the sun.
Should you wish to extend your stay, you can choose from a selection of properties that are available for bookings of three nights or longer. These include the Burgues and Caselles de Baix in the north of the island or Es Serral and Finca Es Fasser, which can be found in the south.
The four Gastronomic Getaways, each lasting three days, will take place on 27 September 2008, 1 October 2008, 28 March 2009 and 1 April 2009 and will include instruction in cooking local and international dishes. The Guilt-Free Gastronomic Getaway is priced from £799 per person (based on two sharing) and includes three nights accommodation on a full board basis and includes cooking workshops or alternative activities.
For more information go to www.mfh.co.uk.
