Latest news with #MediterraneanCuisine
The Independent
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Independent
Take a culinary tour of the Costa Dorada: from traditional eats to haute cuisine
Stretching along the Mediterranean, the Costa Dorada (locally known as Costa Daurada) is not only beautiful but has a reputation for seriously delicious cuisine. Thanks to its proximity to the water, seafood is a highlight. But its mountainous inland terrain also offers up a wide variety of meat and vegetables, as well as a wonderful terroir for a wealth of wine varieties. What's more, with Jet2holidays flying to the Costa Dorada from 12 UK airports and a range of two to five-star accommodation, it's easy to plan your next culinary adventure. Jet2holidays is always giving you more, to help make planning and booking as smooth as possible. That goes for the PayPal Pay in 3 interest-free payments** option, as well as the 22kg baggage and 10kg hand luggage, and return transfers† that are included. Look out for Free Child Places***, and infants under two go free‡. From great eateries and foodie experiences to the best local dishes to try, here's what you can look forward to on your gastronomic travels… Delicious traditional dishes Begin your travels with a journey around some of the region's most delicious traditional dishes. Like xató; originating from Tarragona, it's made with escarole (similar to an endive), tomato and salt cod or tuna, and served with a sauce made from almonds and ñoras (dried peppers).Another popular fish-based dish is suquet de peix, a tasty stew which features a variety of seafood and vegetables. Meanwhile, many menus also offer the likes of arròs caldós, a soupy rice dish, rossejat, a seafood pasta dish, and mar i muntanya, which combines seafood and meat, reflecting the region's 'sea and mountain' cuisine. You'll find all these, and more, in local restaurants in some of the region's most charming locations, all around Costa Dorada, or look out for them on the menu at one of the restaurant options at your Jet2holidays hotel. Fabulous foodie experiences Time your visit for a calçotada, a festive Catalan gathering held between November and April, where people celebrate the harvest of calçots (a type of large, sweet onion). It's usually served grilled with romesco, sauce, accompanied by meat and wine. For a truly authentic experience, head to Valls, the birthplace of the tradition. Olive oil is also a revered ingredient in the Costa Dorada; going back to ancient times, olive cultivation is a key part of the region's Mediterranean heritage. Centres, museums and historical mills offer tours combined with tastings, walks among olive groves and gastronomic menus with lashings of olive oil. Head to the Olive Oil Interpretation Centre in Vandellòs, located in an old olive mill, where you'll observe everything about the production process, from harvesting to bottling. Or follow the Priorat olive oil route, which offers 26 different experiences aimed at discovering and tasting the finest extra virgin oil. There's even an olive oil cycling route, which meanders through the region of Baix Camp, just 20 minutes from Tarragona. It produces one of Catalonia's most famous olive oils under the DOP Siurana. Finally, don't miss a trip to the nearby village of Riudecanyes, dotted with many olive trees that are over 100 years old. The world of wine (and vermouth) The Costa Dorada promotes enogastronomy, the art of pairing wine with food, so you'll always have something delicious to drink alongside your meal. The whole area, particularly the DOQ (Denominació d'Origen Qualificada) Priorat region, is known for great wine, especially robust reds. But you'll also find fabulous red, white and rosé wines from the Designations of Origin Montsant, Tarragona, Conca de Barberà, and Penedès. Embark on a wine trail through Priorat, to discover grape varieties such as Carignan, Grenache and Grenache blanc. Take tours through vineyards, learn about the wine-making process and, most importantly, enjoy tastings. Close to Priorat area, Conca de Barberà, produces light red and fruity rosés; while closer to the coast, Penedés is famous for its sparkling Cava. Moreover, the Costa Dorada – particularly the elegant city of Reus, birthplace of legendary architect Antoni Gaudí – is also known for vermouth, a sweet, aromatic fortified wine flavoured with botanicals, herbs and spices. Find out more at the city's Vermouth Museum, dedicated to the culture of this unique drink with a collection of over 6,500 items related to it. Then set out on the Reus Vermouth Route. This features dozens of establishments which either serve it or are connected to its history, including its incredible modernist architecture. Eateries for everyone The Costa Dorada brims with producers and professionals who pride themselves on showcasing the region's gastronomy. Many also make sure they only offer local products – known as the 'Slow food kilometre zero' initiative. You'll also find plenty of fantastic restaurants which serve locally-sourced dishes which prioritise local and organic farming and use seasonal ingredients. This way, you're connected to tradition and authenticity by what's on your plate. If you're looking for even more elevated cuisine, head to Cambrils – known as the gastronomic capital of the Costa Dorada, with two Michelin-starred restaurants alone. Or you could venture to Salou or Cornudella de Montsant for some out-of-this-world fine dining. At your Jet2holidays hotel, make sure you delve into the diverse cuisines and speciality dishes on offer, as well as the ever-changing live chef stations and in-house pop-ups. And if you're planning to take a taste of the Costa Dorada back home, make sure you visit local producers for excellent sweets, jams, rice, vinegar, hazelnuts and more. There's also a wealth of great places for families to eat out. Head to Salou for fab ice cream parlours, ideal for hot, sunny days, or to Cambrils for buffet-style eateries, where every family member can choose exactly what they want. Reus has a selection of brilliant local markets, such as the Mercat Central and the Mercat del Carrilet, where you can purchase traditional produce, from meats and cheeses to delicious bread, to take to the beach for the perfect picnic. With Jet2holidays, you can book your trip to the Costa Dorada with lots of package perks thrown into make getting away even easier. From a low £60 per person deposit*, PayPal Pay in 3 interest-free payments** , 22kg baggage and 10kg hand luggage per person to return transfers†, it's all included. Families can make the most of Free Child Places***, while infants under two go free‡. And with flights included and the choice of two to five-star hotels, Jet2holidays is always giving you more. For more Costa Dorada travel inspiration, and to find and book your ultimate holiday, visit Jet2holidays. Plus, right now, myJet2 members can save £100 per person§ in The Big Jet2 Sale (correct at original publish date). *On bookings made ten weeks or more before departure. Full payment required by balance due date. **Spread the cost over three interest-free payments. Available when booked online, for holidays under £2,000, departing within ten weeks. ***One free child place per two paying passengers. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply, please see for further details. †Unless otherwisestated. ‡Applicable for all infants under the age of two years on the date of return. Infants are not entitled to a flight seat (they must be seated with a parent or guardian) or a 22kg baggage allowance. §£100 per person off holidays for myJet2 members departing until 15 November 2026. myJet2 members will need to be logged into their account at the time of booking for the discount to automatically apply. Book online, via our app, through our call centre or with your travel agent. Please note the discount is not applied to children travelling on a free child place. Terms and conditions apply, please see for details.
The National
7 days ago
- Business
- The National
Novikov Abu Dhabi first look: London-born bistro brings comforting Mediterranean flavours
After testing the UAE waters with a cafe in the Dubai Mall, Mayfair restaurant Novikov is bringing its Mediterranean flavours in a fine-dining setting in Abu Dhabi. Located on second level of Galleria Mall in the heart of Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi, the restaurant is due to open on or around June 14. But I have taken up the opportunity to check out what's on offer in advance. It is located in a corner of the mall by itself, but when I step inside it becomes immediately clear from the plush interior that it has an atmosphere all of its own. Pushing for the best A selection of fresh fish on ice catch the eye, across from a DJ station. The open kitchen, where guests will be able to watch chefs prepare and plate their food, takes up a large part of the space. The seating area is spacious, with comfortable sofas hugging each table and an expansive view of the water canal. Later, when the sun begins to set, a warm yellow glow washes over the area, soaking guests with sunlight and creating a cosy sanctuary. The resident pianist's soft sounds play in the background and a smell of aromatics and herbs fill the air, adding to the overall charm. Once night falls and the lights dim, the space transforms into a lively evening destination, as the pianist suddenly becomes the in-house DJ and the bar lights up. Italian head chef Alberto Dorigo, 26, says he will feel the responsibility of making customers happy. 'We will communicate through taste,' he explains. 'Taste sometimes is much more simple. It creates one unique culture, which is about enjoying food together. 'We are here to create the best restaurant in Abu Dhabi, so we push for that and we're going to succeed.' Italian executive chef Marco Lubian adds: "I like the concept of bringing comfort food to a very high level. Here we have 60 to 70 per cent Italian food and we bring our vision from the Mediterranean sea." Plates from the Mediterranean and beyond Offering more than 45 dishes, Novikov's menu is a colourful and diverse, bringing together comforting Italian flavours, classic Greek dishes and staple Asian bites. One of its signature starters is the beef carpaccio (Dh105), elegantly arranged with thin slices of Parmesan, rocket leaves, small dollops of truffle mayo and black truffle pieces. While the truffle and cheese pairing with the beef is exquisite, the presentation of the dish is even more enjoyable. The pieces of truffle and cheese are extracted to the side, while the carpaccio is carefully rolled up with the arugula stuffed inside. It is cut and served with the toppings, creating a perfect bite into one. The salads are light and fresh, stimulating the palate before the main dishes arrive. The catalana lobster salad (Dh220), made with fresh lobster, celery and potatoes, is a tribute to the summertime. The celery is an unexpected yet pleasant addition to the dish, enhancing the flavour profile to the next level. As for pizza, the black truffle (Dh187) is a Novikov special, made with three cheeses and fresh black truffle pieces adorning each slice. The dough is neither thin nor thick, while the cheese and truffle melt together. If you are a fan on black truffle, this dish is for you. Pasta dishes are a focus of the Mediterranean brand. One of them is the lobster linguine (Dh265) featuring sweet meat tossed in an herby tomato sauce. This dish transported me to the shores of a Greek island, its ocean-fresh flavour distinct with every bite. Another fan-favourite in Novikov branches across the world is the rock shrimp tempura (Dh110), which is fried to a crispy-golden perfection and paired with a spicy mayonnaise sauce. While a simple dish, the visually-appealing presentation and satisfying crunch is a marker of its success. As for the meat, the Australian grilled Wagyu sirloin (Dh480), which happens to be the most expensive dish on the menu, is worth splurging on. Cut into neat slices cooked medium, the well-salted meat is paired with a warm umami-gravy and a side salad with sun-dried tomatoes. Its tenderness is evident and the gravy seeps in the meat's crevices. It can all be washed down with a 'where's your smile' sweet lychee mocktail (Dh50), infused with pieces of strawberry and blueberry. Every sip is refreshing and addictive. The dessert menu is extensive. I try the vanilla gelato with candied cherries (Dh55) and it turns out to be a light yet sweet homage to Novikov's Italian cuisine. Contact information Novikov Abu Dhabi can be found in Galleria Mall, Al Maryah Island. When open, the restaurant will open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations can be made from June 14 by calling 02 563 2937.
Grazia USA
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Grazia USA
Unforgettable Bites: The Lighthouse Just Became Everyone's Go-To Spot For This Reason
Photo: @thelighthouse_ae Instagram There's an undeniable allure that The Lighthouse brings to the city. Between the laid-back charm and bursts of flavour, its title as the go-to is well-deserved – and for good reason. Since its launch in 2017, The Lighthouse has firmly established itself as a pioneer in Mediterranean cuisine, ushering a true breath of fresh air into the region's culinary landscape. With its signature soul, impeccable aesthetic and devotion to bespoke tastes, The Lighthouse's penchant for detail remains unmatched. And now, it's extending the same fervour and finesse beyond the borders of its kitchen. Naturally, The Lighthouse doesn't merely serve exquisite platters of food, with it comes a curated experience, one that lingers even after the last few bites. The Lighthouse's approach is quite simple: to turn every dish, flavour and bite into an unforgettable memory. Whether it's in intimate private gatherings with your closest circle, with colleagues or a major milestone birthday, every element is catered and designed with utmost detail and care. Photo: @thelighthouse_ae Instagram Always staying true to their values, they offer a one-of-a-kind catering and bar service where every menu is tailored according to your refined taste. From artfully plated hot or cold canapés, buffet-style spreads, or sharing platters to perhaps a full-course meal complete with their signature starters and mains ( the grilled ribeye is divine ). With their full service, you can surely expect nothing less than elegantly plated dishes. They even offer live food stations and bespoke beverage menus made by their master mixologists–a standard far beyond. Above all, what truly sets The Lighthouse apart is its speciality in the art of setting the tone, designing the ambience, and curating a fine celebration where every guest feels considered, and every detail is just absolute..
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Shelter Pererenan Honored with Prestige Gourmet Gold Award 2025
BALI, Indonesia, May 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Shelter Pererenan is proud to announce its recognition as a recipient of the Prestige Gourmet Gold Award 2025, celebrating its position among the Top 10 Restaurants in Indonesia. Hosted by Prestige Indonesia, the inaugural awards gathered a distinguished panel of nearly 30 tastemakers, creatives, and culinary professionals—each selected for their expertise and deep appreciation of gastronomy. Through a highly selective judging process, Shelter earned its place on the national stage for its consistent commitment to culinary integrity and elevated guest experience. "This recognition is a meaningful milestone for our entire team at Shelter. We take great pride in crafting food that is honest, soulful, and deeply rooted in flavor—delivered with intention from our kitchen to each guest's table," said Chef Stephen. More than just an accolade, this recognition is a celebration of Shelter's dedication to quality—from ingredient sourcing and technique to the genuine hospitality that defines every guest touchpoint. About Shelter Pererenan Tucked in the vibrant heart of Pererenan, Canggu, Shelter is a modern Mediterranean restaurant rooted in simplicity, seasonality, and soul. Known for its earthy interiors, open kitchen, and generous hospitality, Shelter is a favorite among locals, expats, and traveling gourmands seeking thoughtful food and a relaxed, yet refined atmosphere. Whether it's a slow brunch or vibrant dinner service, every dish reflects the team's devotion to honest, flavorful cooking. Reservations & Media Inquiries Book a table: Contact: ineke@ Location: Shelter Pererenan – Canggu, BaliInstagram: @ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Shelter Indonesia Group Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Travel Weekly
24-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Jose Andres brings the tastes of the Mediterranean to Caesars Palace
Internationally renowned chef Jose Andres has added a seventh restaurant to his Las Vegas portfolio: the Mediterranean-themed Zaytinya in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. The menu explores the culinary traditions of Turkey, Greece and Lebanon. It includes classic spreads such as labneh (strained yogurt) and baba ghannougem (eggplant with tahini, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil). Signature dishes include Soujouk Pide (spicy sausage, cheese and a soft-cooked egg on flatbread) and Octopus Santorini (grilled and served with marinated onions, capers and yellow split pea puree). There are also vegetable-forward options such as spanakopita (spinach, feta cheese and seasonings baked in phyllo) and seasonal salads. Guests can share mezze with the table, pick their own main courses or a combination of both. One highlight is the grilled lamb chops, prepared with Tangier spice and paired with spring pea tzatziki. Design sets the mood Rockwell Group designed the 8,604-square-foot space. Guests enter through large oak doors adorned with trellises and plants into a vibrant bar and lounge with mosaic tile and soft lighting. Beams and pendant lamps help frame the dining area, which features a fireplace with a large hood. The back bar is built with a glass structure that is symbolic of the Greek evil eye. Drapery provides semiprivate dining areas for gatherings and celebrations. "At Zaytinya, we've focused on curating a vibrant cultural experience," said Sam Bakhshandehpour, Jose Andres Group's global CEO. "The vision was to craft a space where the soul of the Eastern Mediterranean comes alive through bold flavors, stunning design and connection. Ultimately, we believe that food is at its best when shared; it's all about bringing people together." • Cover story: Nobu's next course Since it launched in Washington in 2002, the flagship Zaytinya has been recognized by awards such as Bib Gourmand and the 2021 Michelin Guide. Hours for the Las Vegas location are from 5 to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and from 5 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant will also launch with Mezze Ora, which features specially priced and paired drinks and bites from 5 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Jose Andres Group's other Las Vegas restaurants are Bazaar Mar and Bar Centro (Shops at Crystals); Bazaar Meat (Sahara); and Jaleo, China Poblano and e by Jose Andres (Cosmopolitan).
