Luis, a veterinary science PhD student in Madrid, grew up in a family that loves to eat, which drove his passion for cooking from an early age. He remembers watching food shows on TV and asking his mother to recreate the dishes, to which she told him he had to do it himself! Luis considers the kitchen the most important place in the house as that is where families and friends get together to eat, drink and cook. Originally from Portugal, Luis now calls Madrid home and is delighted to share the local culture and cuisine. Luis cooks every day and his dream is to one day open his own restaurant. Meet your host Luis at his apartment and sip on a refreshing drink as he shares stories about life in Spain. You will then join Luis at his dining table to enjoy an authentic Mediterranean meal. Your menu may include a few appetizers such as pan amb tomaca (toasted bread with tomatoes and Spanish ham), manchego cheese or fresh tomato salad with ventresca (preserved tuna belly), a main composed of meat stew, pork cheeks or salt-crusted bass, and a side seasonal vegetable such as broad beans or roasted carrots. Enjoy your meal over local wine and fun conversation with Luis. Your homemade Mediterranean meal will conclude with a dessert of tarte tatin or crema Catalana. If you book a cooking experience, join Luis at in his small kitchen to learn to cook an authentic Mediterranean meal from recipes he has added to his repertoire over the years. Your hands-on cooking class will last about two hours during which you will learn to cook two to three dishes from scratch including a tapas, main course and dessert. Luis also offers an optional market tour add-on of the Mercado de la Paz, a local covered food market in the upscale Salamanca neighborhood. Please note that the price of your experience includes up to two glasses of wine.