Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cooking Courses
Mallorca's fledgling cooking-course scene is just starting to spread its wings, with res-
taurants and
fincas
(farms) occasionally offering the odd class where you can roll up
your sleeves and learn the basics.
Cooking Holidays Mallorca
( 971 64 82 03;
www.cookingholidaysmallorca.com
; Avinguda Llonga, Cala d'Or) holds courses at the
Yacht Club Cala d'Or, covering everything from one-day tapas classes to seven-night
gourmet breaks. You can learn to make tapas or prepare paella at three-hour courses run
lilea), northwest of Palma. It also organises winery and market visits. See the websites
for dates and prices.
Local Specialities
You might think of Mallorca's coastline and expect to find nothing but fish on menus, yet
traditional dishes are surprisingly gutsy and meat-focused, especially in the rural interior.
Pork is a popular ingredient and is found in countless sausages, stews, soups and even
some vegetable dishes and desserts. The centuries of hunger Mallorquins endured taught
them to appreciate every part of the pig; even today, they use everything but the oink.
It's true that much of the fish eaten on Mallorca is flown in from elsewhere, but many
species still fill the waters near the island.
Besugo
(sea bream) and
rape
(monkfish) are
some of the most common fish caught here. Especially appreciated is
cap roig,
an ugly
red fish found around the Illa de Cabrera.
Although you'll find fish and seafood cooked in a variety of sauces, this is largely a
nod to foreign tastes. Mallorquins long ago learned that fresh seafood is best served
grilled with just a bit of salt and lemon. Another delicious way to eat it is 'a la sal'
(baked in a salt crust).
Paella may have its origins just across the water in Valencia on the mainland, but this
and other rice dishes have been taken to heart by Mallorquins to the extent that some of
Spain's best paellas are found on the island.
PRICE INDICATORS
The price categories used in this guide relate to an average main course.
€
budget
<€15
€€
midrange
€15-25
€€€
top end
>€25
