Benimaclet, Valencia: Olive Oil and Food Pairing

Nestled in the heart of Valencia, the charming neighborhood of Benimaclet offers a unique culinary experience that tantalizes the senses. Led by expert Johnny Madge, visitors can indulge in an immersive olive oil tasting and food pairing session at the cozy La Ola Fresca café. Over the course of two captivating hours, you will sample a delightful array of exquisite olive oils, each meticulously paired with carefully curated dishes catering to various dietary preferences. This engaging experience not only showcases the versatility of olive oil but also educates attendees on the nuances of production and tasting, promising to leave them with a newfound appreciation for this beloved culinary staple. There’s more to discover in Benimaclet’s vibrant culinary scene.

Key Points

• Olive oil tasting and food pairing experience led by international olive oil expert Johnny Madge at La Ola Fresca cafe in Benimaclet, Valencia.
• Tasting includes 3-5 carefully selected olive oils paired with 5 dishes, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
• Participants learn about olive oil judging criteria, production methods, and how oil variations affect dish pairing.
• Experience is wheelchair accessible and available in multiple languages, with a "reserve now and pay later" booking option.
• Meeting point at the cozy La Ola Fresca cafe, with clear signage and a friendly, knowledgeable English instructor.

Experience Overview

The experience is an olive oil tasting and food pairing activity led by International Olive Oil Competition Judge Johnny Madge.

It lasts 2 hours and takes place at La Ola Fresca cafe in Benimaclet, Valencia. Priced from €54 per person, the experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

It’s wheelchair accessible and available in English, Italian, French, and Spanish.

Johnny Madge brings his global expertise, focusing on a fun, friendly approach to teaching about olive oil and its unique qualities.

Participants will taste 3 to 5 olive oils paired with 5 dishes, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, accompanied by a glass of wine or beer.

Instructor Profile

Johnny Madge, an International Olive Oil Competition Judge, brings to this experience his global expertise. He’s judged olive oils in Japan, Germany, Greece, and Tunisia, making him uniquely qualified to lead this tasting. Madge’s focus is on a fun, friendly approach to teaching about olive oil.

Expertise	Judging Criteria	Olive Oil Production
Knowledgeable about the best oils in the world and their unique qualities	Explanation of olive oil judging criteria similar to wine tasting	Insights into olive oil production methods (good vs. bad)

Participants can expect Madge to clearly explain terms like "extra virgin" and "cold-pressed," and demonstrate how to pair olive oils with various dishes to highlight their flavors.

Olive Oil Tasting

Participants can expect to taste between 3 to 5 olive oils during the experience. The tasting is paired with 5 dishes, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options to accommodate diverse dietary needs.

Each oil is carefully selected to showcase its unique flavors and how they interact with the accompanying food. The instructor, Johnny Madge, guides participants through the tasting, explaining the criteria used in olive oil judging, similar to a wine tasting.

Participants will also learn about olive oil production methods and the differences between extra virgin and cold-pressed oils. The goal is to help attendees discover how olive oil can elevate simple dishes, creating a magical dining experience.

Food Pairing Details

Along With the olive oil tasting, the experience includes pairing the oils with five distinct dishes. The pairings showcase how olive oil can enhance simple foods, creating a magical difference.

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available, catering to a variety of dietary needs. The food pairing component features:

• A glass of wine or beer to complement the tasting.
• Carefully curated dishes that highlight the flavors of the olive oils.
• An opportunity to discover how different oils pair with specific ingredients and textures.

The focus is on demonstrating the versatility of olive oil and its ability to transform the taste and experience of a meal.

Educational Components

Explaining olive oil judging criteria similar to wine tasting, the instructor provides insights into olive oil production methods, clarifying terms like "extra virgin" and "cold-pressed." The focus is on combining oils with food to highlight their unique flavors.

Olive Oil Judging Criteria	Olive Oil Production Methods	Key Terminology
Appearance	Good vs. Bad	Extra Virgin
Aroma	Extraction Process	Cold-Pressed
Taste	Processing Techniques	Unfiltered

Throughout the session, attendees learn how slight variations in olive oil can create a magical difference when paired with simple dishes. The educational component ensures participants leave with a deeper appreciation for the complexity and versatility of this beloved Mediterranean ingredient.

Booking Information

Reserving a spot for the olive oil tasting and food pairing experience is simple.

Visitors have the option to "reserve now and pay later", which allows them to secure their place without committing to the full payment upfront.

To check availability, they can visit the website and select their preferred date and time.

The meeting point is a small cafe in Benimaclet, Valencia, with clear signage, and the English instructor in his 60s will be easily recognizable.

It’s important to note that while the experience includes one glass of wine or beer, any additional drinks aren’t included in the price.

• Reserve now and pay later option available.
• Check availability for specific dates and times.
• Meeting point: Small cafe with clear signage; recognizable English instructor in his 60s.

Meeting Point and Location

The olive oil tasting and food pairing experience takes place at La Ola Fresca cafe, a small and easily recognizable hotel in the Benimaclet neighborhood of Valencia. The cafe has clear signage, making it simple to find. Participants will be greeted by the English instructor, Johnny Madge, who is in his 60s and has a friendly, approachable demeanor.

Meeting Point	Location
La Ola Fresca cafe	Benimaclet, Valencia
Clear signage	Small and recognizable
Friendly English instructor	Knowledgeable and experienced

The cafe provides a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for guests to enjoy the olive oil tasting and food pairing workshop.

Additional Information

Participants can hold off on paying until the day of the experience, thanks to the reserve now and pay later option.

Simply check availability for specific dates and times to book your spot. Beyond the included glass of wine or beer, additional beverages can be purchased separately.

The meeting point is a small café with clear signage, and you will be able to identify the knowledgeable English instructor in his 60s.

• The experience is wheelchair accessible.
• Language options include English, Italian, French, and Spanish.
• Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Own Olive Oil to the Tasting?

No, bringing your own olive oil is not allowed. The experience is focused on tasting the instructor’s selection of high-quality oils and understanding how they pair with the provided dishes. Participants must use the oils provided during the tasting.

Is It Possible to Take the Leftover Olive Oils Home?

Yes, participants can take home any leftover olive oils from the tasting. The experience is designed to allow guests to discover new oils and bring home their favorites for continued enjoyment.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Tasting Cups?

No, you don’t need to bring your own tasting cups. The experience includes the use of professional tasting cups provided by the instructor, Johnny Madge, during the olive oil tasting and food pairing session.

How Much Olive Oil Is Served During the Tasting?

The tasting includes 3 to 5 different olive oils, with a few drops of each sample served in tasting cups provided by the instructor. This allows participants to fully experience the unique flavors and aromas of the oils.

Can I Request a Specific Type of Olive Oil to Taste?

Yes, you can request to taste specific olive oil varieties during the event. The instructor, Johnny Madge, is knowledgeable about various olive oils and can customize the tasting to your preferences.

Sum Up

Benimaclet’s olive oil tasting and food pairing session offers a unique culinary adventure. Led by expert Johnny Madge, participants sample exquisite olive oils paired with carefully curated dishes, catering to diverse dietary needs. This immersive experience educates attendees on olive oil’s versatility and production methods, fostering a deeper appreciation for this essential ingredient. With thoughtful curation and informative guidance, the event promises a delightful and enlightening exploration of the flavors of Benimaclet.