To Catalans, gastronomy is synonymous with the region’s culture. Barcelona prides itself on the quality of fresh goods and the upholding of market shopping. Lunch and dinner are appreciated as sociable activities. There is no finer example of this than calçotadas – a semi-primal culinary experience in which families, friends and whole villages feast on calçots (similar to large onions) dipped in a traditional sauce. Whether you want to study cookery as a hobby or gain a professional qualification, there are courses to suit you. For information on where to find your nearest school, look at www.escuelasdegastronomia.com. Alternatively, community centres are excellent for studying recreational courses at reasonable prices. Barceloneta Centre Cívic (www.civicbarceloneta.com) offers cooking courses in Moroccan cuisine (cuina Marroqui), local cuisine (del mercat a la cuina) and cooking therapy (el valor therapeutic dels aliments) for €48.50 per trimester.