Pardon the Punctuation...Seeing the Spain tent at the Food and Wine classic in Aspen really hit home for me. You see, I'm of Cuban, Spanish, and French descent. So I saw pretty stoked when I saw a whole circus tent full of goodies from the only country I'd consider moving to outside of the good old U.S. of A.. A foodie "Disneyland" of all things "Spain."
Nestled in the far back corner was a full leg of Jamon Iberico...which is one of my favorite things on the planet. Most people had no clue the gem that was sitting right in front of them and ignored it in all its glory. The most spectacular cured meat on the planet. Just melts on your tongue. If you ever see it in the deli section but some...trust me you'll love it. The pigs used in jamon inberico eat mostly acorns and olives. This gives the meat a nutty flavor that is un matched. Melts in your mouth.
One thing you must have with this delicious cured ham is good wine. Spain has no shortage of amazing wine. My favorite wine region in Spain is Ribera Del Duero. Located in the northern part of Spain, this region is home to the world-famous and Emilio Moro, Valderiz, Vega Sicilia and Tinto Pesquera wines and is dedicated almost entirely to the production of red wine from the Tempranillo grape. The people from Drink Ribera Drink Spain were set up in the tent and had a wide assortment of killer wine. Luckily the latest vintage of Pesquera which is one of the best wines on the planet for the price and some delish 2009 Valderiz were able to find their way into my glass. It's good to be the foodie.
Last but not least, just outside the Spain tent I was able to meet one of the best chefs on the planet Mr. Jose Andres. If you ever get the blessed opportunity to try his food...do it...like now!!!!
