Canela Fina is simply the best cooking school in Barcelona. I look for cooking experiences that go beyond social entertainment with a quick dip into culture. I found it here. I had a master class in Catalan cuisine with Anna and Nuria, the mother and daughter team behind Canela Fina. I am a retired cooking teacher with years of experience in restaurants and kitchen. I arranged for a private cooking class with Anna and Nuria followed by lunch with my 3 travel companions. The entire experience was perfect. When I arrived they greeted me warmly and the mise en place covered the whole cooking surface. During the 3 hours of cooking I learned how to make the best Sofrito, fish and meat stocks, and Romesco. With these things you can begin to understand Catalan cuisine. The class began with creating our dessert (Crema Catalana), and our starter (Strawberry Gazpacho). In between we made escalivada (for Canalone with Tuna), escabeche (with Pickled Blue Fish), Monkfish with Artichokes, Squid with Pork Jowl, and Beef with Mushrooms and Romesco. Yes, we prepared all that! Throughout I asked many questions and was given expert information. When my friends showed up they were treated to as fine a meal as we could get in a Michelin starred restaurant. They oohed and ahhed their way through the meal which was exquisitely plated and paired with wine. At the end we all branded our own crema catalana and then sadly took our leave. I recommend this school for trained chefs, traveling families, foodies of all kinds, and for those who just want to experience the warmth, generosity, and beauty of Catalan culture. read more