There’s something I’ve always loved about the way José Andrés talks about Spain. His wish for everyone to experience real Spain.
Not just the food itself — though of course the food matters enormously — but the way Spaniards truly live around food. The rhythm of daily life. The long lunches that become conversations. The bustling markets in the morning. The late-night tapas bars still full of life at midnight. The ritual of stopping for coffee in the plaza. The simple act of neighbours standing chatting in the street while children play nearby.
Spain has always understood something many other countries have forgotten: food is not simply fuel. It is culture, identity, hospitality, memory and community all wrapped together.
His new book, Cook, Eat & Drink Like a Spaniard (Spain My Way), is far more than a cookbook. It’s really a celebration of Spanish food culture and the joy of living around the table. José Andrés has spent decades introducing Americans to the joy and generosity of Spanish food culture. Long before tapas became fashionable internationally, he was championing jamón, olive oil, sherry, conservas and the social magic of gathering around a table. In 2012, he was even guest editor of the Spanish edition of Food & Wine magazine, where he highlighted many of the places in Spain that had shaped him. One of those places was Vejer de la Frontera — the beautiful hilltop town I’m lucky enough to call home.
As someone who has lived and worked here for more than 15 years, I completely understand why.
Because Vejer is not a manufactured tourist destination. It’s a living Andalusian town where daily life still unfolds naturally in the streets. Elderly locals sit chatting on benches in the plaza. Children kick footballs against ancient whitewashed walls. Shoppers stop at tiny family-run food stores that have existed for generations. People still buy bread daily. Long lunches still matter. Dinner still starts late. The town still moves to a rhythm that feels wonderfully connected to real life.
An atmosphere that is increasingly rare.
So many visitors come to Spain wanting to “experience authentic Spain,” but often end up isolated in countryside villas, dependent on taxis and disconnected from the everyday life that makes this country so special. My approach has always been different, which is why I created my culinary adventures here.
On my four-night Spanish Culinary Classics experience, guests stay in the heart of Vejer de la Frontera — able to step straight outside into everyday Andalusian life.
Over four nights, I make sure you eat, drink & cook like a Spaniard! With siestas too. I introduce guests to the Spain I know and love. We visit local markets & shops. We cook together for 3 days with Pepi, using seasonal Andalusian ingredients. We explore tapas bars where locals still gather every evening. We taste sherry wines and discuss the traditions behind them. We wander through hidden corners of Vejer while learning about the history and culinary culture of Andalusia.
Most importantly, guests don’t simply observe Spanish life from the outside — they participate in it.
That, to me, is the real meaning behind José Andrés’ message to “eat, drink & cook like a Spaniard.” It isn’t about copying recipes perfectly or ticking famous restaurants off a list. It’s about slowing down. Sharing food. Talking longer. Living more socially. Paying attention to ingredients, tradition and hospitality.
And once people experience that way of life, even briefly, something shifts.
Because Spain is not only a destination you visit. It’s a feeling you carry home with you afterwards.
Guests often tell me afterwards that they feel they’ve experienced the “real Spain” rather than simply visited it.
And honestly, I can think of no better compliment.
If José Andrés’ Cook, Eat & Drink Like a Spaniard inspires you to experience real Spain more deeply…
…then come to Vejer and let me help make it happen for you.
Read about a recent client’s experience HERE .
Click HERE if you want to join one of my cooking holidays in beautiful Vejer de la Frontera and enjoy Carol’s experience
