This weekend we went with the Catalan students to Tarragona to participate in a Calçotada, a feast held between the end of winter and March or April, where calçots, something between a leek and a bulb onion, are consumed massively. We started off the day with a tour of Tarragona, enjoying the sunshine.
We then went into the country side for the actual feast. The meal starts with going outside to the open grill where the table is set for everything you need to enjoy the Calçots. Calçots are then barbecued and dipped in salvitxada or romesco sauce, and accompanied by red wine or cava. Pieces of meat and bread slices are roasted in the charcoal after cooking the calçots.
The actual eating process can get a little messy...
We then had a very long 3 hour meal with beans, pork, artichokes, bread, and a dessert that was basically Creme Brulee in a cake - DELICIOUS. I don't know how much of a cultural experience it was, but as far as gastronomic experiences go, it was amazing!
