If you missed out on a Euro summer (or you’re just trying to pretend you’re still there), the perfect solution is about to arrive. Introducing Eat Spain, Drink Spain Festival – a nationwide celebration of the very best of Spanish gastronomy! The festival is running from September 4 to October 4 and there are plenty of events and offers to add to your radar. To make things a little easier for you, we’ve pulled together a list of some of our faves!
Events:
These are the spots hosting themed dinners, tastings and special events during Eat Spain, Drink Spain Festival!
1. Cocido Madrileño at MoVida Aquí
On September 12, MoVida Aquí is serving up a special $80 4-course lunch in a traditional Madrid style. In addition to this, you can visit MoVida Aquí or MoVida Original at any time during the festival to get a special Casquería Menu. Priced at $65, the menu is dedicated to the Spanish style of nose-to-tail cooking.
2. Flamenco Evening at Meigas
In Ballarat, Meigas is kicking off the festival with Flamenco Evening on September 4. This will mark the start of their month-long journey of events, all dedicated to celebrating the food, wine and culture of Spain. Expect tapas, vino, flamenco and fiesta throughout the festival duration!
3. Vermouth & Tapas Tasting at Botanik Bottleshop
On Saturday September 12, stop by Botanik Bottleshop in Kyneton at 6pm! In collaboration with Vermut Australia, there will be a guided tasting and food pairing discovering the diversity, history and traditions of Spanish vermouth culture with a delicious side of tapas-style bites.
4. Club Tapa at Hands Down
La Carta Wine is taking over Hands Down in Fitzroy with Club Tapa! On October 4, don’t miss out on a celebration of Spanish culture with wine, vermouth, music and traditional Spanish bites. This is set to be one very special evening where guests will feel like they have been transported directly to Spain.
Special Offers:
Here’s where to go for daily discounts, drink upgrades and fixed-price menus during Eat Spain, Drink Spain Festival
1. MoVida Next Door
MoVida Next Door has a special $30 menu on offer for the duration of the festival. Choose between Bodegas Yzaguirre Reserva Vermouth Rojo or Blanco and pair it with one of two Spanish bar snacks. There’s a La Indurian (San Sebastián-style pintxo made with albacore tuna, Emilia white anchovy and Munduate guindilla pepper) or txistorra (Basque sausage), chargrilled and served with piperade and potato terrine.
2. El Rincón
This five-course Spanish degustation menu pairs perfectly with ten Spanish wines. Expect to taste your way through the diversity of Spanish cuisine and wine with this curated dining experience.
3. Manolo Bar
Manolo Bar has crafted a menu of signature Spanish cocktails including El Matador (wine, cranberry and spiced brandy) and the Manolo Bar Signature (a refined sour crafted with Spanish gin). Choose your favourite and enjoy it alongside a complimentary chef’s special tapa, prepared thoughtfully to accompany your visit.
4. Tinto
Visit Tinto at any time during the festival for two curated experiences. Three different bocadillo options are on offer, each one pairing perfectly with a distinct gin & tonic serve and inspired by modern Spanish aperitivo culture.
5. La Central Spanish Deli & Bodega
Make sure you have the special password ready when you stop by La Central Spanish Deli & Bodega…Say “¡Qué rico!” when you stop by between September 16 to October 4 for $10 wine and sangria and free Bonilla chips when you dine in! There will also be an in-store tasting on Saturday September 19 from 8am-3pm – you’ll be able to try Fisan 100% acorn-fed Iberian ham.
6. Sebastian
Sebastian in Williamstown is bringing a taste of San Sebastián to Melbourne during Eat Spain, Drink Spain this year. Stop by for some signature dishes that highlight local produce while showcasing Spanish tradition. There is also a curated drinks list featuring Spanish wines and cocktails on offer.
7. Asado
Throughout the festival, Asado is offering up a menu of exciting drink specials, all designed to pair with a selection of Spanish snacks.
8. Simply Spanish
Paellas are on the menu at Simply Spanish, which has been awarded “Best Paella Outside of Spain” three separate times – so this is definitely a spot to visit. Pair your paella with one of the Spanish wines on offer to really feel like you’re in Spain.
Bring Spain home
Beyond all the restaurants and events, there’s plenty of shopping to be done as well – both online and in-person!
1. Direct from Spain (Online)
Take 15% off site-wide on Spanish wines, conservas and gourmet pantry goods.
2. Simon Johnson (Toorak & Subiaco)
Stop by the Toorak store in Melbourne & Subiaco in Perth on Saturdays for free in-store tastings of all different products.
3. United Cellars (Online)
Use the code ESDS10 – this exclusive discount code will work across Albariños, Verdejos and Rioja Gran Reservas.
4. Hispanic Pantry (Online)
All online pantry staples are 10% off, including paella rice, meal kits and gift hampers.
5. Platinum Fine Wine (Online)
Curated especially for Eat Spain, Drink Spain, Platinum Fine Wine has put together curated packs for shoppers to discover new Spanish drops.
6. The Canned Company (Online)
Get 10% off all Spanish products and stock up on tinned seafood straight from European producers.
7. Vermut Australia (Online)
Order Padro & Co tasting kits to try one of Spain’s most distinctive drink categories at home!
8. Something Fishy (Online)
The tinned seafood specialist is offering up themed tasting packs and promotions on Bonito del Norte and anchovies.
Interstate spots:
Don’t worry if you’re travelling during the festival dates, you’ll find highlights of the festival all around Australia.
1. El Portón (Gold Coast)
It’s all about paella at El Portón! Indulge in a delicious Spanish dish and take 50% off all paellas on offer. If you visit here on wine night, you’ll also be able to take part in a guided tasting through Spain, one region at a time.
2. Meninas Grill (Perth)
Get ready to feast on a curated sharing menu that has been crafted to celebrate regional traditions and authentic Spanish ingredients while including premium Australian produce.
