Cooking Classes while traveling is something I will always personally enjoy. I wouldn’t consider myself a good cook by any means (baking is definitely up my alley) but getting to do a cooking class helps me understand the culture and dish. Plus I tend to find it actually doesn’t end up being too difficult. So just like in Lisbon with the Pastel de Nata Cooking Class, in Barcelona I did a Paella cooking class.
While having paella in restaurants is possible for many with food allergies, for those that have allergies appearing in paella doing a cooking class is a great way to get that experience.
Being that I am gluten free, wheat free, dairy free, soy free, shellfish free, most fish and certain tree nuts from the top 9 allergies, then on top of that have many vegetable allergies and intolerances that appear in paella a private cooking class was the route for me.
The kitchen had been sanitized prior to my experience and Maria and I had discussed all the ingredients both visual and hidden - like vegetables in the chicken broth. 100% such an amazing experience!
Have you done a cooking class when traveling? Let me know below!
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#foodallergies #foodallergytravelagent #top9free #glutenfreedairyfree #barcelonaspain #cookingclasses #foodallergylife
Day Twelve: Barcelona, Spain and Paella Cooking Class
A slow morning for our last day with much of it free we explored back over to the Sagrada Familia and then through the city until it was time for lunch.
Copasetic has been a restaurant I’ve been wanting to try but it is a bit away from major areas. However, the taxi fare to get there right at opening was worth every penny. Would’ve eaten here every meal if I could’ve.
Post meal we walk around the city to see Gaudi architecture and then also stopped at the gluten free brownie shop for my husband before the main event a paella cooking class.
With so many food allergies a cooking class is the best way for me to control what ingredients go into the paella. I even discussed with Maria what went into the chicken broth so I felt 100% confident.
Cooking classes are always top tier experiences for me and this one was amazing. Now if you have less allergies you may be able to enjoy a group class if you didn’t want to do private but either way you’ll have a great experience.
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#foodallergy #foodallergytravelagent #cookingclasses #glutenfreefood #dairyfreefood #top9free #barcelonaspain
Day Eleven: Full Day in Barcelona
Today is a full day exploring Barcelona with a private driver and guide to allow us to cover more of the city. But first we had breakfast at the hotel that I pre verified they could make my eggs fresh in a clean pan and not from the buffet to avoid cross contamination. That plus a cup of coffee and we were on our way!
Of course the iconic Sagrada Familia was up first and always an amazing visit, my personal favorite part is seeing the light coming in the stained glass windows. Before we then headed to Park Guell to explore the vast park, could really spend a whole day there.
Lunch break with a pre researched restaurant for my food allergies and then we were back exploring the different neighborhoods and view points!
Tomorrow is another cooking class so stay tuned for that adventure!
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#foodallergylife #barcelonaspain #sagrada #parkguell #livingwithfoodallergies #foodallergytravelagent
@across_portugal
Day Ten: Flying from Porto, Portugal to Barcelona, Spain
While I could certainly find myself living in Porto, Portugal unfortunately it is time to move on and head to our final destination.
Doing a small stop over in Barcelona stopped us from having an extremely long layover and why not hit Barcelona!
Staying only 3 nights I opted for a hotel, but ensured that I reached out before arriving about dining with my food allergies.
After a travel day we ate a quick dinner and headed to bed.
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#portoportugal #barcelonaspain #foodallergytravelagent #foodallergylife #foodallergies #europetravels
@across_portugal
While you can find gluten free Pastel de Nata and separately dairy free Pastel de Nata, for my allergies I needed them to be both gluten free and dairy free among other allergies.
Not only was I able to have Pastel de Nata that were gluten free, dairy free, soy free, etc. but I got to learn to make them and take extras with me. Meaning I got to have Pastel de Nata each day in Portugal so I didn’t miss out.
In terms of safely the kitchen was cleaned and all equipment was sanitized for my private class so I could simply enjoy the experience. They also sent me a list of all the ingredients before the class so I could review and feel relaxed about any shared equipment phrasing on packaging.
Working with vendors that can provide this experience changes the trip to a more immersive experience that you walk away from with knowledge about the how and why something is part of the local cuisine.
Could not recommend a cooking class more when traveling!
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#foodallergies #foodallergytravelagent #glutenfreecooking #dairyfreefood #pasteldenata #lisbonfood
@across_portugal
Day Nine: Porto Bridge Climb and Sunset Cruise
Last full day in Porto, Portugal started the day off slow at an acai shop and yes the acai was totally worth the walk to it.
After a slow morning it was time to break out my more adventurous side and do the Porto Bridge Climb. Which I would much rather climb these stairs then do a stair stepper at the gym, I mean those views so amazing.
Post my workout I headed to a private sunset cruise where snacks specific to my food allergies were prepped for me. I was so in shock to be given cookies safe for me and enjoyed my favorite city from the water.
We then finished out the evening by going to dinner in an old wine cellar. The staff were great with my food allergies and requests to switch out the sides, but having my @equal_eats cards made it easier.
Great final evening!
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#foodallergy #portobridgeclimb #portoportugal #foodallergytravelagent #livingwithfoodallergies #foodallergyfriendly #mcas
@across_portugal
Day Eight: Braga and Guimarães Day Trip
Today we are leaving Porto and heading on a day trip to Braga and Guimarães, two very different cities.
If you couldn’t tell from my video I thought the churches were stunning in Braga lol, but seriously they were all so beautiful. Some were free and others required a euro for entry.
Then of course had a lunch stop in Braga between the two cities. With this being a day trip I had pre contacted the restaurant and just reconfirmed with them about my food allergies. The chef and the manager both came out to discuss with me about the chicken and rice dish. Definitely had my @equal_eats cards to show.
Post a great meal we headed to Guimarães. Which Guimarães was a personal favorite as I loved to see the castle and then also the small streets and courtyards that remind me of Italian or French villages. Just shows that the cities in Portugal can really range in difference.
Portugal holds a lot of history and diversity in its locations throughout the country. While it may seem like a small country there is a lot to explore and learn about. Something that always surprises my clients when they go to Portugal.
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#livingwithfoodallergies #foodallergylife #bragaportugal #guimaraes #portugaltravel
@across_portugal
Day Seven: Douro Valley Day Trip from Porto
Videos and photos never do the Douro Valley justice and with beautiful weather it was amazing. After chatting with Ivo who drove us 45 minutes into the Douro Valley I got to first view the vineyards from the water on a boat ride. Which was so peaceful and serene. Even got to see the location from lunch from the water!
After the boat ride headed to lunch and got a table outside overlooking the beautiful valley. Everything from river cruises to small boats made their way by. For lunch having spoken with them ahead of time they were ready to serve me bread and a salad for a starter before then followed by chicken and finished off with a fruit plate. Overall great lunch but even better with the view.
Post the lunch we headed to Quinta do Seixo for a wine tasting and tour. Stunning doesn’t even begin to describe the views. I could’ve spent hours here for sure!
Getting to explore Douro was amazing but of course there is always more to see so I’ll just have to go back!
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#foodallergytravel #dourovalley #portoportugal #glutenfree #dairyfree #eggfree #soyfree #douroriver
@across_portugal
Day Six: Full Day in Porto, Portugal
Starting our day off with coffee along with a walking tour to learn about Porto. Not only the history but the many restorative efforts that are going into the city. Even with the restorative effects they are still working to preserve the history of the city and then of course add onto the city with a new subway line being put in - drilling into granite takes a lot longer.
Post my walking tour I headed over from Porto to Gaia across the bridge where the port cellars are. Having a tour and tasting at Sandeman was incredibly interesting, definitely a great experience. Plus they had a model of Quinta de Seixo and I’ll get the opportunity to see it in person tomorrow in the Douro Valley.
Post my tour and tasting I headed back to Porto across the bridge and enjoyed a chicken and wine dish, where the only item that needed to be removed was the bread that it normally comes with. Cooked in its own pot made it simple and easy for me, some of the best chicken!
Come back for tomorrow as we journey to Douro Valley!
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#portoportugal #gaiaportugal #sandeman #porttasting #glutenfree #dairyfree #livingwithallergies #nutfree
@across_portugal
Day Five: Transfer Day from Lisbon to Porto, Portugal
There are many ways to move between cities in Portugal. Two popular ways are by train or car. However, train strikes are quite common in Portugal and due to that taking a car ensures no concerns of the train strike, plus you get to stop in some towns along the way. Obidos and Nazare broke up the trip and allowed us to have lunch in Nazare before heading onto Porto for our accommodation check in.
Carlos our private driver not only spoke on the history of Obidos and Nazare but had a video talking about the Monster Waves in Nazare and the how and why they happen. Fun fact there are not monster waves in Nazare year round, really only when storms bring them in.
Before in the early evening we arrived to Porto and checked into our apartment accommodation.
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#portoportugal #obidosportugal #nazareportugal #traveltips #foodallergytravel #foodallergies
@across_portugal
Day Four: Belem, Jeronimos Monastery, and Pastel de Nata Cooking Class
While the trip as a whole has been absolutely amazing so far, this day four was one I highly looked forward to. Private cooking class accommodating all my allergies - yes please! But we’ll get there in a moment.
Starting the day out we did a half day private driver and tour guide to the Jeronimos Monastery first, which absolutely so amazing. With it not being walkable from downtown Lisbon super nice to have a private transfer and then a private guide allowed us to explore at our own pace. Giving us empty hallways at times as big groups cleared out. Absolutely stunning and worth a visit with skip the line in my opinion for the stunning architecture.
Post the Monastery we headed over to Belem Tower area and walking around the water front and monuments in that area before heading back to Lisbon.
Having a relaxing lunch before exploring on our own, then it was time for the main event the private cooking class for Pastel de Nata. Having over 30 allergies the only way to do this class for me is by private. This was a well worth it experience and I’ll be honest cooking classes always make me feel like I can do it at home! Armed with 2 boxes of Pastel de Nata I was ready to have pastries throughout our trip.
This was our last evening in Lisbon before we head to Porto tomorrow!
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#pasteldenata #privatecookingclass #foodallergytravelagent #foodallergytravel #glutenfree #dairyfree #soyfree #jeronimosmonastery
@across_portugal
Day Three: Sintra and CasCais Day Trip
Woke up ready for a full day tour with our amazing driver Carlos and tour guide Elsa. They took us from Lisbon to Sintra first where we had skip the line tickets to keep us from spending so long in line.
If you want to just see the outside of the Palace there is just a ticket for that as well.
Post our time in Sintra we headed towards the ocean to have a seaside lunch that I pre arranged for my allergies. Enjoyed the beautiful views before heading onto CasCais.
CasCais is a seaside town close to Lisbon and a great destination for its own day trip as well.
Once back in Lisbon my husband tried the vegan Pastel de Nata’s that are egg free and dairy free - unfortunately I couldn’t have them but he said they were fantastic.
Before we finished off the day with Potato Prohect fries after the big lunch and explored Lisbon.
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#foodallergyawareness #foodallergytravelagent #foodallergyadvocate #foodallergy #wheatallergy #dairyallergy #sintraportugal #cascaisportugal
@across_portugal
