The International Kitchen

The Perfect Pairings: Kaseri & Mavrodaphne!

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Let’s talk about a Greek classic, Kaseri, one of Greece’s most beloved table cheeses. With its mild, mellow flavor and semi-hard, pliant texture, Kaseri is as versatile as it is delicious. Made primarily from sheep’s milk in the regions of Thrace, Macedonia, Thessaly, and Lesvos, this cheese offers a subtle sweetness and light saltiness that makes it a real crowd-pleaser.

Imagine pairing it with a glass of Mavrodaphne, a rich Greek wine known for its unique blend of fruity sweetness and a touch of earthiness. While traditionally a sweet wine, some dry Mavrodaphne blends bring out the best in Kaseri, complementing its creamy texture and enhancing its delicate flavors.

For a true taste of Greece, book a culinary vacation with The International Kitchen!

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https://www.theinternationalkitchen.com/cooking-vacations/greece/

The Perfect Pairings: Pecorino Toscano & Chianti!

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There’s something truly magical about the flavors of Tuscany. Pecorino Toscano is a firm sheep’s milk cheese, that has that rich, nutty flavor with just a hint of spice that can instantly transport you to the rolling hills of Italy. Pair it with a glass of Chianti, and you’ve got yourself a perfect pairing.

Chianti has bright cherry notes, balanced acidity, and earthy undertones, which is the perfect match for Pecorino’s boldness. The wine’s acidity cuts through the cheese’s richness, while its fruitiness complements those savory, nutty notes. Try it with mostarda di frutta, a 17th-century Northern Italian condiment made from candied fruit, wine, and a touch of mustard, if you’re curious to explore the full spectrum of Tuscany’s culinary traditions.

You can experience this iconic duo in the very place it was born. Join a culinary vacation to Italy and try Pecorino Toscano and Chianti right where they belong, in the heart of the Italian countryside!

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https://www.theinternationalkitchen.com/cooking-vacations/italy/

The Perfect Pairings: Brie & Champagne!

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Brie is a mild flavored and soft cheese, with a creamy texture, and is a mild yet true classic from France. When paired with Champagne, the magic happens—Champagne’s toasty, bready flavors, delicate bubbles, and fruity notes beautifully complement the richness of Brie. The wine’s acidity cuts through the cheese’s richness, while the bubbles cleanse the palate, making each bite as delightful as the first.

Brie’s ye**ty rind also pairs wonderfully with other sparkling wines like Cava, Sekt, or Pet Nat. For an elevated experience, you can gussy up your Brie on a slice of baguette or make a baked Brie with fruits like raspberries or spices and herbs.

This wine and cheese pairs well with our culinary vacations to France. Enjoy the best of Brie and Champagne in the heart of France! Book your culinary vacation with TIK today!

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https://www.theinternationalkitchen.com/cooking-vacations/france/

The Perfect Pairings: Manchego & Rioja!

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Manchego, a celebrated sheep’s milk cheese from the La Mancha region south of Madrid, offers a firm, buttery texture and nutty, rich flavors that deepen with age. It’s often paired with Rioja, a renowned red wine from La Rioja, known for its bold cherry and plum notes and balanced acidity.

Together this perfect pair creates a harmonious blend of savory richness and smooth, dark fruit flavors—a true taste of Spain. Try this iconic pairing on a culinary vacation to Spain! Experience the vibrant markets of Madrid or escape to the serene olive country of Andalusia.

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https://www.theinternationalkitchen.com/cooking-vacations/spain/

Happy Birthday, Chloe!

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We’re so delighted to have you on the team! In just eight-ish months, you’ve truly made your mark as the perfect addition to the office. As our resident wordsmith and motivated tour expander, we love working with you! Wishing you a day filled with lots of Green Day, laughter, and all the kitty cuddles you could ask for.

Cheers to a wonderful birthday and celebrating with you soon!

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French food has earned its reputation for a reason and bouillabaisse might just be the best fish soup around!

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A typical bouillabaisse includes three types of fish as well as whatever seafood is available, including mussels, crab, sea urchins, and octopus. Vegetables such as potatoes, leeks, and onions are also essential ingredients.
The name of the soup, "bouillabaisse" actually refers to the method used to cook this flavorful soup. A new ingredient is added to the soup each time the broth comes to a boil, with the fish, oil, and spices going in first while the vegetables are added last.
The soup is served with toasted slices of baguette and a garlic aioli called rouille that is made with breadcrumbs, egg yolk, lemon juice, olive oil, and saffron.

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Check out our recipe for bouillabaisse on our blog, and gain access to dozens of new recipes when you sign up for our newsletter!

https://www.theinternationalkitchen.com/blog/bouillabaisse-de-poulets-et-sa-rouille/

Ceviche is one of our favorite foods year round, but this cold dish it particularly hits the spot in the summer! It's the perfect appetizer or beachside snack during the heat of the day.

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Ceviche has been recognized by UNESCO as an object of intangible cultural heritage in Peru, but versions of the dish are popular throughout Latin America. Ceviche is made of raw chopped fish marinated in lime juice and spices then mixed with red onion. Most variations from Mexico include avocado, and parsley, and a typical Peruvian ceviche contains corn and potatoes. Shrimp is another popular addition to the traditional dish.
Ceviche can be eaten on its own or accompanied by chips, lettuce, or crackers for spreading. As this is a no-cook meal containing raw fish ingredients, it is important to eat the ceviche on the same day it was made to avoid food poisoning.

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Are you interested in Latin American culinary traditions? Check out our tours in Mexico, Peru, and Argentina!

Learn to make ceviche at home using this recipe for Ceviche de Mariscos from our Mexican food tour, Cooking on the Riviera Maya!

https://www.theinternationalkitchen.com/blog/ceviche-mariscos-recipe/

Summer in Portugal: A Seafood Lover’s Dream!

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From charming fishing villages to stunning ocean views, Portugal’s coastline is a seafood paradise. Wander through picturesque spots like Cascais and Nazaré, where every meal is a celebration of fresh seafood. Indulge in grilled sardines, succulent clams, and the iconic Polvo à Lagareiro—tender octopus and potatoes roasted with garlic herb oil. Whether you’re exploring Lisbon or Porto, this dish is a must-try!

The name Portugal itself reflects its maritime heritage. Derived from the Roman-Celtic Portus Cale, a settlement near the Douro River, “Portus” means “harbor” in Latin, while “Cale” might come from the Celtic word Cailleach meaning “shelter” or “anchorage,” or even the Greek kalós, meaning “beautiful.” Portugal’s rich history is beautifully mirrored in its cuisine.

Ready for a seafood adventure? Book your escape with us and dive into Portugal’s coastal culinary treasures!

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https://www.theinternationalkitchen.com/cooking-vacations/portugal/

Have you tried Khmer Fish Amok? Get creative this summer and test out one of our favorite regional fish recipes from Cambodia!

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This delicious Khmer specialty is a kind of curry stew served in a boat of banana leaves with optional rice.
"Khmer" refers to the Austroasiatic ethnic group which makes up 95% of the Cambodian population, with a significant presence in Thailand and neighboring Vietnam. Khmer refers to the modern ethnic group as well as the ancient Khmer empire that dominated Southeast Asia during the middle ages.
Traditional Khmer cooking often prominently features fish and rice due to their ready availability in the region. The dishes are usually less spicy than other traditional Asian fare, balancing bitter, sour, sweet, and salty flavors.

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Learn more about our Culinary Vacations to Vietnam and Cambodia on our website and check out our recipe for Khmer Fish Amok at the link below!

https://www.theinternationalkitchen.com/blog/recipe-for-khmer-fish-amok/

Summer Seafood Week: Italian Seafood Pasta

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Frutti di Mare, meaning “fruit of the sea,” is a classic Italian pasta dish that highlights the freshest seafood. Typically found in Italy's coastal and southern regions, it's a true celebration of the ocean’s bounty, combining a variety of seafood like shrimp, calamari, mussels, and clams with perfectly cooked pasta.

The seafood is usually the star of the show, full of fresh, oceanic flavors that perfectly complement an al dente pasta. Light tomato sauce or a garlic and white wine base, allowing the seafood’s natural flavors to shine through. It's about the simplicity and the quality of its ingredients.

Ready to visit Italy’s sun-kissed shores? Book a culinary vacation with The International Kitchen today!

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https://www.theinternationalkitchen.com/cooking-vacations/italy/

Island Culinary Adventures on Poros!

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Are you obsessed with the Mediterranean diet? Ready to lie down on the beach and watch the clouds go by? This tour has it all! Featuring cooking classes with two of Greece's most endearing chefs, leisurely walks through town, and plenty of beach time, this is your chance to relax and enjoy life's pleasures. Spend a week on the beautiful island of Poros during a fabulous and authentic Greek cooking vacation and food tour!

Learn the local cuisine from professional chefs during hands-on cooking lessons and live a slice of Greek Island life that will leave you wanting to return again and again.

Book now, only one spot left September 14-21, 2024!
Please inquire about our 2025 dates!

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French Farmhouse Getaway!

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There’s something for everyone in Normandy! With 350 miles of rolling coastlines, everchanging landscapes, rich culture, and world-class food and drink, Normandy is a must-visit on this unique 4-night cooking vacation.

Immerse yourself in a blend of maritime traditions and rural charm at an 18th-century restored French farmhouse on the picturesque Cotentin Peninsula. Just miles from sandy beaches, charming villages, and beautiful countryside, you’ll experience the art de vivre à la française—where socializing and mealtimes are central to daily life.

Your hosts for the week, David and Alyson, have restored the farmhouse into a charming B&B. With David’s 24 years as a military chef in the British Army, he’ll guide you through Normandy’s culinary and cultural treasures. Explore apple orchards, savor hearty dishes, fresh local produce, exceptional seafood, and rich dairy products.

Join an unforgettable culinary vacation in Normandy! Book your trip today!

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https://www.theinternationalkitchen.com/program/french-farmhouse-cooking-vacation-in-normandy/

Wine Wednesday in Evora, Portugal!

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The enchanting walled town of Évora is a paradise for wine lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Despite its modest size, Évora stands proud as the Alentejo region's primary wine producer, crafting wines with both quality and prestige. Once known for cork production, the town transformed in the 1980s with EU funding to produce top-notch wines.

Alentejo reds are robust and diverse, featuring indigenous grapes like Aragonez, Trincadeira, and Alicante Bouschet, with rich flavors and velvety finishes. The region's warm climate and diverse soil types contribute to the creation of rich red wines, characterized by notes of ripe fruit, hints of spice, and a velvety finish. Alentejo whites are full-bodied and aromatic, offer notes of oranges, lime, and tangerine with low acidity. Rosés from Alentejo are smooth, aromatic, and age well.

Let's not forget the Alentejo region sparkling wine known as Espumante, adding a delightful sparkle to its diverse wine offerings.

Join TIK travelers the weeks of September 2-7 or 16-21, 2024, or inquire for more availability. Taste Alentejo’s exceptional wines on our culinary vacation to Évora!

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https://www.theinternationalkitchen.com/program/delectable-portugal-cooking-vacation/

French Cuisine in Southern Burgundy!

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Looking for a culinary vacation with a cooking-intensive focus? Join Renowned Chef Robert Ash for Cooking Classes in Burgundy! Immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning landscapes of Southern Burgundy. Explore the famous vineyards of St. Véran, Pouilly-Fuissé, and the Beaujolais wine region. Visit the prehistoric Solutré rock, the Abbey of Cluny, and the Château of Pierreclos. Stay in a converted farmhouse near Mâcon with a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen for your hands-on cooking classes with Chef Robert Ash. Discover the town of Mâcon and the celebrated Les Halles market in Lyon.

We still have one spot left for September 8-13, 2024! Don’t miss out—Inquire now for more availability!

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Trust us to keep your culinary vacation "on the rails"!

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Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, our Rome food tours are the best insider’s perspective of the Eternal City like never before. Join in an authentic culinary adventure with TIK and experience Rome as the locals do! Link in bio.

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The Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremonies are finally here!

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These opening ceremonies are sure to make history. The world will witness the first-ever outdoor and floating ceremony, featuring a spectacular "Parade of Nations" along the Seine River, right in front of the iconic Eiffel Tower. This is the first time, the ceremony will take place outside of a stadium, with each of the 91 national delegations showcasing a unique float. With over 10,000 athletes, dozens of influential political figures, and thousands of performers, the event promises to be a breathtaking start to the 2024 Summer Games.

Fun Fact: The iconic Olympic rings, created by Pierre de Coubertin in 1913, symbolize the unity of the five inhabited continents: Africa, America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. The colors of the rings—blue, yellow, black, green, and red—along with the white background, were chosen to represent the colors that in combination make up every country's flag.

Let the excitement of today’s historic event inspire your own travels! What country is next on your bucket list? Check out our website for culinary vacations worthy of gold!

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The Olympic Torch Relay: A Journey Through France

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As we count down the hours to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics opening ceremonies, the Olympic Torch Relay is carrying the flame through the heart of France.

First introduced in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, modern torches are designed to withstand wind and rain, symbolizing endurance and unity. Each torch is uniquely crafted to reflect the host country’s culture and the spirit of the Games. The flame, originally lit in Olympia, Greece, must remain burning throughout the event. If it goes out, it’s only reignited with the backup flame from Greece—never with a regular lighter!

The Olympic flame has followed an epic route never seen before! Starting in Marseille, the torch has traveled through picturesque Provence, Lyon—the capital of gastronomy—through the Loire Valley with its iconic châteaux, to Normandy, honoring D-Day, and then Brittany and Bordeaux. It even made stops through the French overseas territories.

Now, as it arrives in the City of Light, we are reminded of the global unity and spirit of the Olympic Games!

Sound like the perfect route for your upcoming vacations? Check out our culinary vacations in France and find your own perfect journey through France.

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https://www.theinternationalkitchen.com/cooking-vacations/france/

Culinary Initiatives at the Paris 2024 Olympics!

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France, renowned for its cuisine, is raising the bar for the Paris 2024 Olympics with an extraordinary culinary experience for athletes and guests. What are they doing to fuel the over 10,000 athletes before the competition?

The Athletes' Dining Hall, accommodating 3,500 people, is open 24/7. They cater 40,000 meals daily to the diverse dietary needs of both athletes and staff. It will feature an exciting array of cuisines for international athletes to feel comfortable and offer grab-and-go options for those needing a quick bite before competing. Athletes and their teams can enjoy creative meals showcasing cuisine from over 208 territories and nations, including French, Asian, Italian, and more, all in one place. Around 1,200 Michelin-starred meals will be served daily. Plus, approximately 30% of the menu will be plant-based.

As guests of the Olympics, there will also be unique dining experiences at iconic locations:
🍴Dining in the Versailles Gardens while watching equestrian events.
🍴Eiffel Tower dining with live music with a view of beach volleyball.
🍴80 pop-up restaurants throughout the city serving 30,000 diners daily, each with a different theme and format.

These dining experiences go beyond just food. Expect dinner theater, speeches from past Olympians, views of the ongoing games, and even virtual-reality simulations of Olympic events! If successful, this innovative culinary program could be featured in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles

If you could enjoy a meal at any historical landmark, where would you choose? Check out our culinary vacations today! Link in Bio!

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Travel Through Past Olympic Cities

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As the excitement builds for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, let's take a peek at some of the iconic cities that have hosted the Summer Games. The Olympic Games have been hosted by 23 different countries and each city has brought a unique blend of history, culture, and culinary delights!

Tokyo, Japan dazzled the world during the 2020 Olympics with its modernity and rich traditions. Tokyo is the first city in Asia to host the Summer Olympics twice, first in 1964 and then in 2020.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil hosted the Olympics back in 2016. The Rio 2016 Olympics was the first time the Games were held in South America.

London, UK shone during the 2012 Olympics and is the only city to have ever hosted the Summer Olympics three times: 1908, 1948, and 2012.

The 2008 Beijing, China Olympics showcased ancient and futuristic elements. Beijing is the first city to host both the Summer (2008) and Winter (2022) Olympics.

Curious about these iconic cities and all they have to offer? Create your own Olympic journey and savor the world, one city at a time! Book your culinary vacation with TIK today!

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https://www.theinternationalkitchen.com/cooking-vacations/

The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics are just around the corner!

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Let’s take a trip back over 3,000 years to Olympia, Greece, where the Olympic Games as we know them began. While their exact origins are shrouded in myth and history, the Games were created to unite the Hellenic world, then divided into warring city-states. The first recorded Games date back to 776 BC, celebrated every four years in an event known as an “Olympiad” that marked the passage of time!

The ancient Greeks believed the Games were initiated by divine intervention. One legend tells of the demigod Herakles, who organized the games in honor of Zeus following a victorious battle. Over time, the Olympics evolved and reached their zenith around 500 BC, featuring five days of exciting athletic competitions.

Dreaming of exploring historic ruins and tasting traditional Greek dishes? Book your culinary vacation with us today! Discover our Greece vacation offerings here: https://www.theinternationalkitchen.com/cooking-vacations/greece/

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Happy National Ice Cream Day from TIK!

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Celebrate the sweetest day of the year with a scoop (or two!) of your favorite flavor. Whether you enjoy classic vanilla, rich chocolate, or something more adventurous, today is the perfect day to indulge. The most popular ice cream flavor in the world is vanilla, but in the U.S., chocolate is a close second!

Did you know? The first ice cream cone was served in 1904 at the St. Louis World’s Fair when a vendor ran out of dishes and a neighboring waffle stand offered to roll up their waffles to hold the ice cream!

Looking to make your own delicious treat? Check out Peg's mouthwatering recipe for caramel ice cream! Your taste buds will thank you later!

https://www.theinternationalkitchen.com/blog/recipe-for-caramel-ice-cream/

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Olive Week: Olive Farming in Puglia, Italy

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There's nothing more magical than wandering through endless groves of olive trees in Puglia, Italy, their silvery leaves shimmering under the Mediterranean sun.

Did you know Puglia is known as the olive oil capital of Italy? Over 40% of Italian olive oil is produced in Puglia alone. This region is home to some of the oldest and most revered olive trees in the world. With a mild climate and 300 sunny days a year, Puglia is the perfect place for olive cultivation.

Olive farming is not just about cultivating trees; it's about nurturing a tradition that dates back thousands of years. Each tree has been meticulously cared for and tells a story of resilience, patience, and the bond between the land and its generations of caretakers.

There are 50-60 million trees in the region originally planted by the Romans before the Common Era. Some of these ancient giants, over a thousand years old have been declared national monuments. Olive trees are incredibly resilient, as they age their trunks hollow out, and new growth regenerates around them. It is no wonder they have been pillars of the Mediterranean.

Ready to experience the magic of Puglia’s olive groves for yourself? Join our culinary vacation to Puglia and taste exquisite extra virgin olive oil for yourself!

https://www.theinternationalkitchen.com/program/adventurous-puglia-culinary-vacation-italian-cooking-vacations/

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The making of olive oil, much like the harvesting of olives, goes back thousands of years and has been subject to hundreds of innovations during that time.

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In the 4th and 5th centuries BCE, olive oil was harvested by crushing the olives into a fine paste using a stone mill, then the oil was filtered out using woven bags and baskets that were then pressed over stone basins of water. Hot water would be poured over the remaining mixture to extract any remaining oil, and the olive oil would settle at the tops of the stone basins, where it could be easily collected and stored in small terracotta pots for cooking.
In modernity, olive oil is made in a similar fashion, but with the aid of machinery that allows for superior purity to the old method. "Virgin" olive oil, simply means that the oil is cold pressed. This is important because heat reduces the flavor and nutritional benefits of olive oil, so "extra virgin" olive oil is a more premium oil. Olive oil that has been refined with heat or various chemicals is usually mixed with small amounts of virgin oil in order to improve its palatability.
The process of making olive oil today is still essentially the same, in that the olive is reduced to a uniform paste before being pressed. Nowadays, olive paste is pressed through a device called a centrifuge, which separates the meat of the fruit from the oil. The oil is further filtered and purified using a vertical centrifuge, and then a third level of purification, or "racking" takes place, in which the oil is left to sit in a series of stainless steel drums to allow any remaining sediment to settle at the bottom.
The olive oil can then be tested, bottled, and sold commercially.

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Would you like to visit an olive mill and see the process for yourself? Our Culinary Vacations in Andalusia can introduce you to all things olive oil, straight from the source!

https://www.theinternationalkitchen.com/program/cooking-vacations-spain-cooking-classes-in-andalusia/