Canary Culinary Redemption!!

I admit it: I was a bit harsh on the culinary wonders of the Canary Islands in our first "Eat" post. But seriously, what did I expect? If you eat in the tourist zones, you eat tourist food. In hindsight, my initial grumbling was probably more of a nervous commentary on what to expect in Northern Europe later this summer than an actual review of true Canarian fare.

As we branched out from the beach strips of Gran Canaria to the rugged landscapes of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, the food and wine didn’t just get better—it became a highlight of the trip.

The real turning point was discovering the Teleclubs. These community centers were originally built across the islands during the Franco era to provide rural villages with a communal television. Today, they’ve morphed into cozy, unpretentious hubs where the best local flavors are found at local prices. When you walk into a Teleclub, you aren't just getting a meal; you're getting a seat at the local table. Whether it’s a hearty goat stew or a plate of Lapas (limpets) with green mojo, the soul of the islands is in these kitchens. We also learned to seek out the ports and explore the local fish markets and Mercados. There is something invigorating about wandering through a market where vendors are shouting over the freshest meat and produce you’ve ever seen. If you're too tired to cook after a day of exploring, these markets almost always have "fortification stations"—small bars serving up incredible tapas that give you the energy to keep going. All in all, the food and wine in the Canaries are excellent. The secret is simple: avoid everything within a block of the beach—unless, of course, you just need a plate of fried squid and a cold Tropical beer. It happens. Ask me how I know!