So what’s on your holiday menu this year? I guess the answer to that question rather depends on where you live. Different countries obviously have different traditions, some more rigidly observed than others. My own experience here in Galicia has perhaps been tainted a little by the fact that there is a strong Venezuelan influence in the Martin household, and perhaps the menu is not quite as Spanish as in other homes. However, the inescapable tradition is of course the seafood – the table almost groans under the weight of fresh crab, prawn, shrimp etc., as the first course provides the perfect foil for our beloved albariño grape. In other parts of Spain typical starters might include Ibérico hams and charcuterie products or perhaps a platter of Spanish cheeses, and can be washed down with wines such as cava or sherry.

The main course, I have to say, is perhaps less clearly defined, as in the years I have lived here we have enjoyed a variety of dishes such as turkey, lamb or hare. In other regions a typical menu might include beef dishes, baked hams, lamb or perhaps even fish. To accompany this the choice of wine is also very varied, albeit that the selection is always Spanish – wines from Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Priorat and every denomination, including our very own Rias Baxias wines – not to mention the king of them all – a zesty, refreshing albariño…. the perfect choice for all your Christmas seafood dishes (not forgetting the turkey too).

And as for our own menu? Well, this year we are going British (now there’s a surprise I hear you say). Actually, the surprise is that although our menu is British, it does not include the very traditional Christmas turkey! We will be having a simple but delicious menu of wild smoked Scottish salmon followed by a roast Rib of Beef (with Yorkshire Pudding, for those who know what they are). As for the wine selection? Certainly a Castro Martin Family Estate with the salmon – possibly 2010 or 2011, and then a good red wine with the beef, which I doubt very much will be Spanish – probably Bordeaux or Burgundy.

Cheers!

So what’s on your holiday menu this year? I guess the answer to that question rather depends on where you live. Different countries obviously have different traditions, some more rigidly observed than others. My own experience here in Galicia has perhaps been tainted a little by the fact that there is a strong Venezuelan influence in the Martin household, and perhaps the menu is not quite as Spanish as in other homes. However, the inescapable tradition is of course the seafood – the table almost groans under the weight of fresh crab, prawn, shrimp etc., as the first course provides the perfect foil for our beloved albariño grape. In other parts of Spain typical starters might include Ibérico hams and charcuterie products or perhaps a platter of Spanish cheeses, and can be washed down with wines such as cava or sherry.

The main course, I have to say, is perhaps less clearly defined, as in the years I have lived here we have enjoyed a variety of dishes such as turkey, lamb or hare. In other regions a typical menu might include beef dishes, baked hams, lamb or perhaps even fish. To accompany this the choice of wine is also very varied, albeit that the selection is always Spanish – wines from Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Priorat and every denomination, including our very own Rias Baxias wines – not to mention the king of them all – a zesty, refreshing albariño…. the perfect choice for all your Christmas seafood dishes (not forgetting the turkey too).

And as for our own menu? Well, this year we are going British (now there’s a surprise I hear you say). Actually, the surprise is that although our menu is British, it does not include the very traditional Christmas turkey! We will be having a simple but delicious menu of wild smoked Scottish salmon followed by a roast Rib of Beef (with Yorkshire Pudding, for those who know what they are). As for the wine selection? Certainly a Castro Martin Family Estate with the salmon – possibly 2010 or 2011, and then a good red wine with the beef, which I doubt very much will be Spanish – probably Bordeaux or Burgundy.

Cheers!