My Culinary Journey : Rioja Paired, Episode 1
As y’all may have seen from my last post, Rioja Paired is now out in the world. On my food and wine journey through Rioja for this documentary, I discovered that this region offers much more than just beautiful landscapes—it’s a living testament to the harmonious blend of food, wine, and tradition. As a chef from Birmingham, Alabama, diving into the culinary culture of Spain’s Rioja was an adventure for both my palate and my heart.
Well! Episode #1 is officially out, and in it you can see where I started (my hometown of Birmingham, AL) and how I ended up in Basque Country and, by extension, Rioja.
Exploring the Flavors of San Sebastián and Bilbao
This episode is so fun! It begins in San Sebastián, the jewel of the Basque Country, the birthplace of the pintxo (more on that here), and the place I now call home. Accompanied by Chef Antonio Belotti from Casa 887, we wander through the vibrant fish market. The glistening seafood you’ll see is more than just ingredients; it’s the heartbeat of San Sebastián’s culinary identity. I loved this scene because you can really see the deep connection between the sea and the local cuisine, a bond that defines the region’s dishes. Also, gotta love Antonio and his own amazing story (and culinary talent)!
From there, my journey took me to Bilbao, a city full of contrasts—where old meets new, and local culture meets global design. Every time I go, I am amazed by the diversity in flavors, ingredients, and techniques—filming this doc was no different. Be sure to watch, because Bilbao is more than just the Guggenheim.
One of the most memorable stops on my culinary journey in Rioja Paired Episode 1 was at Garena, a charming farmhouse in Dima, where the young chef Julen Baz works his magic with local, organic ingredients. His dishes showcase the natural bounty of the land—simple, yet surprising. The connection between the farm and the table was so lovely to behold, a reminder that great cuisine often starts with the humblest of ingredients .
Watch on and you’ll get to my favorite part, a delightful surprise in the form of a lively paella contest in my very own neighborhood, where I was not just an observer but a participant. Loved seeing all those Basques get passionate about paella, a fairly foreign dish for us in Basque Country. I even picked up a few insider tips on perfecting it.
We finish at one of my favorite spots, Rekondo wine cellar, where I chat with lovely Lourdes about her father’s obsession with Spanish wiens. Nestled in the hills, this cellar is one of the top 5 in Europe, home to an extraordinary collection of wines. Also, the world’s best collection of Rioja wines.
This trip was a celebration of Basque food culture, and I hope it shows you a little bit about my story. My culinary journey through Rioja Paired isn’t just about tasting, after all—it is about connecting with the people and places that make this region so special.
Ready to Explore?
The first episode is only a sip of all the incredible adventures we had filming this series — from hidden vineyards to wild wine pairings, this show is a deep dive straight into the heart of Rioja. If you know me, you know how much I love exploring this region—and now you all can come along with me! Each episode reveals the secrets of a different Rioja wine region, offering a unique glimpse into the wine culture, culinary gems, and spectacular landscapes that define this area.
Streaming now on RiojaPaired.com 🍷🍇🍷
Whether you’re already a fan of Rioja wines or just curious to learn more, Rioja Paired is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Spain’s most enchanting wine region. Tune in now to start your journey!