Reviews

Gourmet San Sebastián

To end it we had dinner at Arzak. I cannot even begin to describe how good the food was at Arzak.  I can easily say that it was the best meal of my life.
–Carla and Sonny, May 2010

Gourmet San Sebastián and La Rioja

The Pintxos tour on the first evening was definitely a great way to get things started but my favorite was definitely the trip to La Rioja. We took a tour of the Roda winery and got to taste all their 3 wines, which Gabriella told us never happens, as well as the different olive oils they produce.  The rest of La Rioja was great as it was interesting to see the bodegas of the different wines I had ordered while pintxos bar hopping. The lunch at Ezcaray was so good.  We started off with an artichoke dish and we ate it in such a way I never had eaten an artichoke before. Then we had a breaded anchovies dish with rataouie and then a beef cheek and foie grois dish, and for dessert, rice pourage with cinnamon. All very very good.

My brother’s favorite was the cooking class. Our chef made us a traditional Basque food.  We were lucky because apparently they were not allowed to fish anchovies for 2 years until this year.  So we bought anchovies in the market and brought it to the gastronomy society which our chef made for us an appetizer.  We had a hake dish and clams and rice dish.  For desert, our chef made us a traditional puff pastry which I am still dreaming about to this day.  Everything the chef made was made so simple, but it was absolutely delicious. 

The day in France was great. They had the best macaroons I had ever tasted that I had to bring some back to Vancouver with me.  It was very interesting to see the difference in the French and Spanish sides of Basque country.  This was definitely more than just a food tour, it was an unforgettable experience.  Gabriella then took us to the restaurant we were supposed to eat at if we walked down the coast to Pasajes de San Juan. The food again was just off the charts.  Lots of seafood and for desert, the chef had just made an apple pie which I could hands down say was the best apple pie I had ever had.

To end it we had dinner at Arzak. I cannot even begin to describe how good the food was at Arzak.  I can easily say that it was the best meal of my life.  Gabriella was amazing and got Elena Arzak to show us the kitchen before our reservation. 

Overall, it was an amazing trip.  Gabriella was a very knowledgeable, well connected, and approachable guide and we couldn’t have asked for anything more.

–Carla and Sonny, May 2010

Gourmet San Sebastián

Just got back from the trip and wanted to say thanks for getting everything organized for us and putting us in touch with Gabriella. She was an amazing guide.  We had an amazing and unforgettable trip because of the both of you. Thank you!
–Carla and Sonny, BC, Canada, May 2010

Gourmet San Sebastián

San Sebastian’s charm and having eaten at Etxebarri that day definitely made a positive impression. Everything was wonderful and perfect. Gabriella was a delight, generous, and so well connected.  Thank you so much for such a fantastic trip.  We could not have done it without you and Gabriella, and everyone else involved with the tour.
–Carl, NY, May, 2010

Madrid, Ribera del Duero, Barcelona and Priorat

Just returned from a fabulous trip to Spain. Thanks to Jane and her superb connections with great tour guides, my husband and I enjoyed a trip of a lifetime! We visited 7 wineries, learned much about Spanish wines, history (including my Sephardic Jewish ancestory) and culture and ate delicious food. The arrangements and accomodations were perfect. Will go back, hopefully soon!
–Deborah, Indiana, April, 2010

Epicurean Madrid and Sevilla

Just back from El Prado y Estado Puro, which is across the street. Thanks for the nudge, it felt less daunting because of it. I took a cab, saw Las Meninas as I have wanted to for over 30 years, and then the martyr-andoing of lots of santos.  I would have been disappointed in myself had I not gone.

I had a lovely meal at puro, on the patio, and got to try the things we did not have room for last night.  The waiter remembered me from being with Gabriela, so that was sweet.

Thanks again, Jane. This trip has been amazing, and I never would have had this experience without your hard work and enchufes.

–Amy, New York, March 2010

Gourmet San Sebastián

I just wanted to let you know how delighted we were with our cooking class in San Sebastian. Chef Haritz did an incredible job of exposing us to what San Sebastian has to offer on a deeper, market-driven level—and made our day with him at the market and cooking class the highlight of our trip. 

By introducing us to various fish mongers, farmers, produce importers, and specialty food shopkeepers, we gained a greater understanding of how Donosti chefs acquire the raw products for their culinary creations. Later, the dishes we prepared during our cooking class were inspired by what we selected at the market in the morning—improvised and truly driven by what was fresh and in season. His friendliness, professionalism, culinary knowledge, and sincere enthusiasm in helping us learn about gastronomy in San Sebastian were outstanding.

We typically shy away from organized tours, but we were so impressed with our Epicurean Ways experience that we will definitely “travel” with you again whenever we go to Spain.

–Manuel, Viridian Farms, Oregon, March 2010

Food and Wine in Madrid

I just adored Gabriela, and she is a wonderful chef. By the end of our classes together, I felt I had gained a new friend. The tapas tour was a delight. We did traditional tapas and then we visited a molecular tapas bar, which was fantastic. Of course she knew the chef and he came out and talked with us and discussed his art.
–Mary Ann, Santa Fe, January 2010

Cooking in Sevilla

Mila and I LOVED our time with Willy.  He truly is not just an amazing chef but a wonderful human being.  I will remember our time together and consider myself very lucky to have had the experience.  Mila and I will absolutely recommend Epicurean Ways to our friends. Thanks again.
Sheila, California, November 2009

San Sebastián

The three days in San Sebastian with Inaki were great.  He’s a wonderful guide with a good sense of humor, loads of energy, and great knowledge of the area.  The pintxos tour was delicious.  And when we did our own pintxos tour a couple of days later, we realized how important local knowledge is!  We enjoyed the winery visit and lunch in the gastronomic club, too. Thanks for helping us have a wonderful visit to Spain!
–Dan and Lynn, New York, October 2009