Cuisine

The Catalan cuisine is famous for its variations and combinations such as the concept of "mar i muntanya" (sea and mountains), the so-called combination of fish and meat in one dish. This tradition stems from the rich variety provided by both the sea and the countryside. Typical examples are "pollo con gambas" (chicken and shrimp) and "mar y cielo" (a stew of sausage, rabbit, shrimp and fish). Another Catalan classic is "pan con tomate" which is the combination of bread and tomato, olvie oil and some salt. This tasty, local alternative to buttered bread is used as a basis for sandwiches with e.g. cheeses or cold meats.

Many restaurants in the Costa Brava area make good use of the natural riches and the cookery is based on a mix of the traditional Catalan and Mediterranean influences. Along with the Basque-Country, this region is said to have the finest cooking in Spain.