Dinner with Picasso
On the Picasso trail in Andalusia, visiting the artist’s Malaga birthplace and discovering his favourite dishes
Our editor recently embarked on a journey through Andalusia, tracing Picasso’s footsteps, experiencing his birthplace in Malaga, and indulging in the Mediterranean flavors that inspired the legendary artist. This firsthand experience brings an intimate perspective to the Picasso trail, from visiting cultural landmarks to savoring dishes the artist himself loved.
Picasso’s Andalusian Roots: Where Art Meets Gastronomy
A small easel and paintbrush on the table are a subtle clue to what’s in store. The brush is dipped in blue paint, and the table is set for dinner. This is the Picasso Experience, and we are about to eat a meal inspired by the artist’s favourite dishes, recreating recipes that he loved with ingredients from the Mediterranean that he remained drawn to throughout his life.
But Picasso’s story in Andalusia goes beyond the dinner table. This region, where he was born and spent his formative years, deeply influenced his art, colors, and inspirations. Walking through Malaga’s historic streets, one can see echoes of the vibrant energy that later appeared in his paintings.
Malaga: Picasso’s Birthplace and Cultural Gem
Half a century after his passing, Picasso remains one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. While his name is often linked to the south of France, he was born in Malaga, a vibrant Andalusian city best known to British tourists as the gateway to the Costa del Sol.
Picasso’s legacy extends beyond art, and his connection to Spanish cuisine is deeply rooted in his love for fresh, simple Mediterranean flavors. Exploring Malaga offers a chance to experience the food that shaped his tastes, from seafood to rich Andalusian wines.
Why Malaga Is More Than a Stopover
Many travelers pass through Malaga on their way to the coast, missing out on a cultural gem. The city has undergone a renaissance, transforming into a major artistic hub with over 40 museums, a stunning cathedral, a Roman theatre, and an 11th-century Moorish fortress. Combined with pristine beaches, top-tier restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife, Malaga makes for an excellent weekend destination or an extended stay.
For art lovers, the Picasso Museum is a must-visit. Housed in a 16th-century palace, it showcases an extensive collection of the artist’s works, giving insight into his creative evolution. A short walk away, visitors can see the house where he was born, now a museum dedicated to his early life and influences.
The Picasso Experience at Anantara Villa Padierna Palace
We’re staying at Anantara Villa Padierna Palace, along the coast from Malaga between Marbella and Estepona. It’s a sprawling, luxurious hotel that offers a Picasso Experience package for culture lovers as well as three 18-hole golf courses and a golf academy that attracts golfers from around the world.
We’re here for Picasso, and after a smooth flight and a short ride from the airport, we’re ready to discover what the artist liked to eat. But first there’s a tour of the place, which is improbably beautiful.
The hotel is known for its impressive art collection as well as its impossibly photogenic courtyard pool surrounded by lush palm trees. There are several private villas in addition to the main building (the one where Michelle Obama stayed has been named after her for posterity). Our room is vast, with views over manicured grounds with a lake and a golf course.
The Picasso Dinner Experience
As part of the Picasso package, dinner is set up for us privately in a romantic, secluded room. It starts with champagne and Picasso’s tastes, perhaps not surprisingly, prove to be very much focused on the Mediterranean.
There’s a lovely chilled almond and garlic soup to start, followed by a simple bowl of clams in tomato sauce and a piece of grilled tuna with onions. Picasso was said to love the local Vino Dulce, and a glass of that accompanies an excellent honey cake dessert.
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