Page 182 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL MAGAZINE FALL 2023 DISCOVERING TURKEY

from Venezuela, guided us down the narrow
streets of the old town to a restaurant that was
closed for the day. He ushered us into a large
professional kitchen, outfitted with industrial
kitchen appliances. Then he introduced us to
Saul, a colleague and chef from Argentina,
who would be our hands-on kitchen guide.
Dressed in cool embroidered Devour aprons,
we lined up along a stainless steel table, facing
our friendly chef-teachers. In front of us were
the kitchen tools we’d use, including a sharp
knife and cutting board. Right away, we knew
this class would be hands-on–just the way we
like them.
We would make - and eat - a complete
Basque meal, including three savories and a
dessert. Four dishes were ambitious and sur-
prised us. Most classes we’ve taken focused on
only a couple of items. Clearly, we were in for
some serious cooking fun!
As we prepped each dish, Carlos shared its
history and importance and showed chef tech-
niques and tips. Both chefs were affable, pro-
fessional, and very, very patient. The class
bonded immediately into a team, laughing and
cheering as their fellow students joined the
chefs in some high-wire moves demanded by
the menu. Though out the evening, Carlos
coached and encouraged us with his slogan,
“Easier done than said.”
Up first was the world-famous San Sebastian
or Basque Burnt Cheesecake, which is much
more appetizing than it sounds. Carlos ex-
plained that Burnt Cheesecake was created in
the early 1990s by chef Santiago Rivera at his
now-famous old-town restaurant, La Viña.
Rivera’s quest was for a home-grown cheese-
cake that rivaled New York’s dense and creamy
version.
After much trial and error, Rivera finally
perfected his recipe, which included a local
sheep’s cheese and no crust. Baking it at a
high temperature gave it a slightly burnt
caramelized exterior and a gooey, custard-like
center. He called it “Tarta de Queso.” Soon,
people from around the world were lining up

182 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE FALL 2023