Wow, here in Barcelona, enjoying the best of weather and views! Just a quick hello as the day is packed…began early with a visit to the @22 District and then a reception at the Town Hall. Lunch is at the National Art Musuem of Catalonia and straight after a visit to Casa Asia Barcelona which is also the venue for my dialogue on Culture and Food with Chef Carme Ruscalleda. She is the world’s only five-Michelin-starred female chef well known for mixing her native Catalan cuisine with other styles, with an emphasis on Asian food. Around 6, will attend Round Table on Perspectives of Indian Economy for 2020. Dinner is on the terrace with Amadeu Jensana, Director of Economic Programmes and Cooperation Department of Casa Asia and Brenat Masferrer, Director of the Observatory of India and South Asia Casa Asia.
Yesterday spent a fantastic day in Valladolid. First a reception at the Town Hall by the Mayor and then visited the Valladolid University. Around noon, was in Casa de la India for a Round Table on ‘India in the 21st century – challenges and opportunities for Spain in a global world”. Wine tasting and lunch was at the National Museum of Sculpture and then caught an early evening flight to Barcelona. Tuesday had an interesting itinerary in Madrid! Began leisurely with a visit to the BBVA Bank Innovation Centre, followed by a 2 hour Case presentation on Spain at the Instituto de Empresa Business School. Interacted over coffee with Indian students. Lunch was a lot of fun at the Realcade Bernabue which is located in the Real Madrid football team’s stadium. Had Grilled Hake with vegetables! Then we were given a guided tour of the Cervantes Institute and had a working meeting with the directive team. Early evening attended a reception at the Embassy of India, Madrid. Then yesterday reached Valladolid by the AVE (high speed train).
Tomorrow will be devoted to visits to Alliance 4 Universities with lunch organized at the Autonoma of Barcelona University with professors of different faculties. Loads of time to go for sight seeing around the City Centre of Barcelona. The IFLP will wind up with a closing dinner at Restaurant L’Orangerie at Hotel La Florida. This restaurant is known for its exceptional terrace with stunning landscape of Barcelona in view!
Back to Valladolid on Saturday for a Master class at the International Cooking School organized by Guillermo Rodríguez Martín, Director, Casa de la India. This school is the best and newest in Spain. Back home on 4th!
As is my norm, I will pen off with some lovely recipes for you.
Basil Flavoured Rice Pudding with Grilled Tangarine
Till I write again
Sanjeev Kapoor
From My Kitchen 