Chef José Andrés Shows Us Why Asturias Is Spain's Unsung Culinary Haven
José Andrés Daniel Seung Lee
With restaurants and humanitarian missions around the world, Chef José Andrés is globally renowned but always returns to his birthplace, Asturias, to reconnect with his roots. This lesser-known region in norther Spain is where his passion for food first began, inspired by its abundance; fresh seafood on the coast, cave-aged mountain cheeses, plentiful produce, and orchard-grown cider. On a recent trip with Capital One and PRIOR, Andrés shared an insider's look at the region's culinary richness. As we explore Asturias through his eyes and palate, don't be surprised if you want to plan your next culinary getaway here.
'The land of my birth, Asturias, is a beautiful, ancient kingdom between the mountains and the sea,' says Andrés. 'If you want the natural beauty of both mountains and oceans — and great food — you need to plan a vacation to this tiny corner of Spain.'
Born in a small town called Mieres del Camín just south of the town of Oviedo, Andrés left the region as a child but the tastes and emotions surrounding Asturias never left him. 'I think Asturians are very simple, very welcoming, very honest people,' says Andrés. 'We've always been isolated by the mountains, but when people come to visit us, we welcome them in with a glass of sidra and a toothpick of chorizo.
Asturian Cider Factory Daniel Seung Lee
Of course, a trip to a cider factory was part of the itinerary the chef developed together with PRIOR, a luxury travel company which creates bespoke itineraries that lets travelers experience destinations like a local. Later this year, Capital One cardholders have a chance to explore the Scottish Highlands with golfer Colin Montgomorie or dive into design and entertaining with tastemaker Athena Calderone.
Another absolute must was tasting the region's most esteemed dishes, Fabada Asturiana, made with beans from Asturias with tender, thin skins, cooked with chorizo, morcilla, bacon, pimentón, and garlic. The hearty dish is rich and filling, the type of meal to power a mountain hike in Asturias.
Fabada Asturiana Daniel Seung Lee
The itinerary also took guests behind the scenes of one of Spain's largest fish markets where a rich bounty of anchovies, crustaceans, and other seafood is delivered daily. Fishermen and fishmongers welcomed Andrés back as their culinary hometown hero while Capital One cardholders had a chance to see the daily bidding and selling process for the best fish and got try the freshest seafood, including unsightly but highly tasty gooseneck barnacles. Other highlights also included a stop in a secluded cheese cave and dinners at Michelin-starred restaurants that Andrés selected and is friends with the chefs.
Asturian Cheese Cave Daniel Seung Lee
In 2018 Andrés traveled with culinary legend Anthony Bourdain to Asturias to film an episode of Parts Unknown . While there they ate seafood, fabada, cheese, drank cider and even sang. It was a memorable few days where one chef showed the delicacies of his birthplace. 'Oh man, that was such a magical time. I have so many good memories from that trip,' says Andrés. 'It was one of my best moments with one of my best friends; when the episode aired, I watched with tears in my eyes, remembering what we had shared.'
José Andres at Asturian Fish Market Daniel Seung Lee
Asturias isn't just enticing to the tastebuds, it's also a treat to the eyes as you can wake up seeing the rugged peaks the Picos de Europa or smell the salty breeze of the Cantabrian Sea a quaint coastal village. Once its own kingdom, the 'Asturias es España; lo demás es tierra conquistada' (Asturias is Spain, the rest is conquered land) speaks to the deep pride in the region with its own unique culture and history. There's even an Asturian national anthem.
From something as simple as eating freshly picked L'Arbeyu peas to enjoying luxurious caviar in freshly oysters, the spirit of Asturias was reflected in every dish, every story told by Chef José Andrés and every warm welcome at the local restaurants. Traveling with Andrés to his home region immersed guests into the heart of Asturias not as tourists but as honorary locals.
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