October 3 - 12, 2024 — Now Booking
Seville-Granada-Malaga and points in between
Here’s a special opportuntity to be one of the few who explore the beauty and bounties of Andalucia, Portland Food Adventures style, hosted by Urdaneta’s Javier Canteras and two of the people who make Portland’s Urdaneta so hospitable, Javier’s wife Jael, and server Aundre! While Chef Javier’s roots are planted in Northern Spain, his family spent much of their time in this special region of Southern Spain,.
After three years of awesome, extremely well-reviewed trips in the North, Chef and his wife are ready to share their faves of Andalucia with eager adventurers. Jump in!!
We will start in Seville. Owing to its role as gateway of the Spanish Empire's trans-atlantic trade, managed from the Casa de Contratación, Seville became one of the largest cities in Western Europe in the 16th century. Coinciding with the Baroque period, the 17th century in Seville represented the most brilliant flowering of the city's culture.
The 20th century in Seville saw the tribulations of the Spanish Civil War, decisive cultural milestones such as the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 and Expo '92, and the city's election as the capital of the Autonomous Community of Andalusia.
Then we move on to beautiful Granada, with a stop in one of Javier’s favorite cities, Cordoba, for an incredible lunch. The city's cuisine is a combination of Middle Eastern and Andalusian food. Its Arab roots are also present in the dishes that use the same spices as Moorish creations. The region of Granada also boasts a wide variety of local ingredients.
We finish in Malaga for some relaxing time at a beach resort. Malaga is one of the oldest cities in the world, founded in the 8th century by the Phoenicians. Today, art is everywhere-- you can experience exhibits dedicated to glass and crystal, classic cars, contemporary installations, and, of course, the works of Picasso, who was born here.
This itinerary is subject to changes as we get closer to the trip, either in the interest of enhancing the trip or necessary changes due to size of the group, reservation availabilities, etc..
Come be a special Urdaneta and Portland Food Adventures VIP for life. LIMITED TO 16 GUESTS IN ADDITION TO YOUR HOSTS
THIS ITINERARY WILL BE HONED AND DEVELOPED AS WE GET CLOSER TO THE TRIP. IT IS NOT YET COMPLETE. Right now, it’s for general purposes to get a feel for the flow of the itinerary, but not specifics.
Each day’s experience includes breakfast at the hotel and at least one dining experience, curated by Chef Javier and Jael. We will be doing other special activities along the way.
Arrive - 4 Days/ 3 Nights in Seville
Opening Night welcome and dinner
4-Star Hotel for 3 nights
City Tour
Wine tasting
More
Day 4
Seville-Cordoba-Granada
A beautiful drive through the countryside
A visit to the Mercado Victoria in Cordoba
Stop at Chef’s favorite Cordoba spot for a late lunch
Check in to 4 star hotel in Granada for 3 nights
3 Nights in Granada
Tour the Cathedral of Granada
Special Meals and tastings throughout our stay
Time to yourself
Day 7
Granada - Malaga
A stop for wine tasting on the way to Malaga
Check in to 4 Star resort on the sea
Dinner on the sea
3 Nights in Malaga
Time to visit Malaga’s wonderful museums in a city where Pablo Picasso grew up
Time to relax at the beach
Cooking class culminating with Chef Javier cooking our finale meal on the last full day of the trip
Day 10
DEPART from MALAGA
SEE PRICING AND TERMS IN THE RIGHT HAND COLUMN
Pricing/Terms
10 days/9 nights — Book before Jan 1, 2024- $8440 per person double occupancy. After Jan 1, 2024 - $8940 per person double occupancy
Save by booking early!!
$2200 single supplement. (There may be a surcharge due with any significant fluctuations in the dollar/euro exchange rate.)
(see deposit and payment details below)
Non-refundable deposit of 50% of cost of trip due to secure your spot(s) via check only. Then, balance of full cost of trip due by 7/15/2024. All payments are non-refundable, but are transferable. PLEASE CALL CHRIS AT 503 314 4221 TO INITIATE THIS PROCESS.
While our trips feature smaller groups for maximum enjoyment and interaction, this trip is subject to a low minimum number of guests. Please do not buy airfare until we inform you that the minimum has been met.
WHAT IS/ISN’T INCLUDED: This trip includes accommodations in beautiful 4 and possibly 5-Star hotels, hotel taxes, at least 12 food and/or beverage experiences in addition to breakfast, and associated gratuities, and transportation to our excursions in the country away from the cities during the trip.
They do NOT include airfare or transfers to and from airports or trip insurance (which we strongly recommend) and can be purchased online, mini-bar, incidentals, food not published on itinerary, non-dining gratuities (generally for drivers, tour guides) and personal expenses.
Pescatarians can be accommodated. Please ask about other food issues/allergies. This is called Portland Food ADVENTURES for a reason. Our trips are not great for people with restrictive food issues.
Lastly, our groups are really fun, and we want to make sure we keep them that way. So, if you’re a flexible, open traveler who appreciates the opportunity to sit back and let us do the planning and the legwork while you eat and drink really well, this trip is for you. If you need to be in complete control of your schedule, and need to know what’s happening months in advance on Friday at 3pm during the trip, this may not be the best way for you to travel. Our guests who put this in our hands report the times of their lives!!
We can help you with excursions before, during and after as well.
YOU ARE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED TO CALL CHRIS AT 503 314 4221 TO DISCUSS THE TRIP BEFORE OR AFTER MAKING YOUR DEPOSIT.
We strongly urge you buy travel insurance.
We cannot refund your deposits, but trip insurance can help so much!
Chef Javier Canteras
Inspiration
Javier Canteras is the Owner and Chef of Urdaneta, a tapas-style restaurant deeply rooted in the appreciation for traditional Spanish gastronomy and drink. Quietly tucked away from the bustling Alberta neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, Canteras’ urbane menu dedicated to inventive pintxos, and alongside a menu of hearty, old world tapas, celebrates his Basque upbringing with bold, sophisticated flavors that transcend the typical Spanish fare.
Canteras’ family moved to the US when he was five. A native of Spain, he frequently took trips back with his family where he learned to make desserts and family dishes alongside his father and grandfather. His family cooked together, creating simple yet inventive meals that drew inspiration from recipes passed down throughout the years, the fresh produce found at local farmer markets, food trucks, and tapas bars found across the vast Basque region. The ideas of family meals were – and still are –important to Canteras and his family. Before his grandfather’s passing, Canteras’ fondest memory was of the traditional txokos, a somewhat secret society made up of members who came together to cook and experiment with new techniques.
Canteras holds an impressive culinary track, spanning almost two decades as an established Executive Chef and Owner in several restaurants and projects globally. Upon graduating from the Western Culinary Institute, he immediately dived into the restaurant industry, leading Noir, Northwest Grill, and the Portland’s Living Room Theaters as Executive Chef. He was the personal chef for Stahancyk, Kent & Hook law firm in Portland, Oregon and launched Salt and Flame Catering in Vancouver, Washington. In honor of the traditional txokos he once attended, Canteras established the once-a-month Basque Supper Club pop-up in Portland, Oregon. His most recent venture led him to a brief staging role, working alongside Albert Adria of Bodega 1900 in Barcelona.
Itching to make his roaming supper club a permanent business, Canteras opened Urdaneta in 2016. Urdaneta is a celebration of traditional Spanish fare that sings an ode to the bustling tapas bars found within the heart of Madrid. The thoughtful menu straysaway from the standard Spanish-fare while still honoring the elements and traditions rooted in classical cooking techniques. Many of the dishes reflect those rare moments in time – a fond childhood memory or recent homecoming – of his native Spain, which he now shares with Portland’s growing Spanish food scene.
Outside of the kitchen, Canteras loves to spend time with his wife and stepdaughter. He also considers himself to be a huge movie buff and loves to play music in his free time.
IN HIS OWN WORDS:
Please take a listen as PFA and Right at the Fork podcast host Chris Angelus interviews Javier.