Undoubtedly one of the most famous cultural exports from Spain, flamenco is much more than just a dance, it’s an art form recognised as part of the 'Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity' by UNESCO. With its roots in Moorish, Gypsy and Andalusian culture, Flamenco emerged among the gypsy communities of southern Spain and is performed with a mixture of singing, guitar playing, dancing, finger snapping and hand clapping. Arriving for a special Flamenco and six-course dinner by chef Javier Moreno at the elegant five-star Hospes Palacio Del Bailio, we were seated at a front row table with sensational views of the guitarist and dancer. Beginning with a glass of Spanish cava, the performance began with a solo performance by the guitarist followed by the passionate dance of a local Cordovan flamenco dancer. During the performance, we were served the first two courses of the evening: a delicious Mascarpone yogurt and coffee with foie gras mi-cuit and charcoal smoked eel with nuts and crisp beet tile followed by Chili Prawns served in a giant clam shell. Two entrées followed: Codfish with Miso and Tobiko Cremolata, and a lovely Iberian Pork with Corn and Gochujang Shiitake Mushrooms. For dessert, chef Moreno prepared an excellent Caramel Pannacotta with Chocolate Shoots and Black Sesame Iced Cream with Charcoal. After a delightful evening serenaded by passionate flamenco and a gourmet meal, it was particularly nice to just wander up to our top floor suite in the hotel, and snuggle into bed.
Pretty fresh flowers on each table
Glass of sparkling Spanish Cava
The Flamenco Guitarist for the evening
Flamenco is characterized by hand clapping, percussive footwork,
and intricate hand, arm, and body movements
'Braceo' is when the dancer positions her arms so that they move from one position to another to create a continuous fluid movement
Glass of Albarino
Mascarpone yogurt and coffee with foie gras mi-cuit and charcoal smoked eel with nuts
and crisp beet tuile
Chili Prawns served in a giant clam shell
Flamenco dance uses heels to keep rhythm
Contributing to a rich history, Flamenco is full of passion, beauty and intensity
Codfish with Miso and Tobiko Cremolata
Iberian Pork with Corn and Gochujang Shiitake
Caramel Pannacotta with Chocolate Shoots and Black Sesame Iced Cream with Charcoal
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