Class offers paella pointers

Marlene Karas/ViewCafé Ba-Ba-Reeba server Michael De La Pena prepares plates of paella. The restaurant uses ingredients imported from Spain for the dish. Café Ba-Ba-Reeba sous chef Raul De Leon prepares for a paella-making class at the Spanish restaurant located inside the Fashion Show mall. The restaurant offers the class the last Saturday of every month and each participant receives a paella cookbook.Marlene Karas/View Advertisement

Sous chef Raul De Leon of Café Ba-Ba-Reeba inside the Fashion Show mall began teaching the Spanish restaurant's monthly paella-making class almost two years ago, and since then, he has discovered his passion for the culinary arts lies not just in preparing a delicious meal, but also in educating others about how they can do the same.

A small cooking station is set up for the class in the back of the restaurant.

"I can get up there with my ingredients -- all authentic and imported from Spain, by the way -- and my microphone, and it's very entertaining for everyone, including me," De Leon said. "I think that people come to the paella class not just to sample great food, but to learn how they can recreate the experience at home themselves."

The restaurant began offering the class five years ago in an effort to familiarize the public with Spanish cuisine and the concept of tapas -- smaller portions, or appetizer-style foods.

"This is an idea that is very popular in Europe, specifically Spain," said assistant general manager Scott Schmalfeldt. "But the smaller portions and ordering a number of things off the menu isn't something a lot of Americans are familiar with. We are trying to better acquaint the public with this authentic Spanish tradition."

Schmalfeldt explained that in Spain, when groups of people dine together, they order many tapas and share them for a more flavorful and enriching dining experience.

"You can try anything that's ordered, because people usually order two or three things on the menu," Schmalfeldt said. "The food is brought to the table, tossed and set in the middle for everyone to share. That, and constant questions about how to make our signature paella, was what prompted us to start the classes."

Paella, which means frying pan, or pot, is a traditional rice dish usually garnished with vegetables and meat or seafood. The three main ingredients are rice, saffron and olive oil.

Paella classes at Café Ba-Ba-Reeba include a two-hour instructional session with De Leon, complimentary tapas, beverages and hot chocolate.

"I like to explain every ingredient I use," De Leon said. "Saffron, for example, is a very flavorful spice. I give them a bit of history and explanation for the cost of the spice and emphasize methods for use. I prefer to roast the strands, for example. I tell our guests that it only takes a few seconds to do. You can then take them out of the pan and crush them into powder. If you do that with an ounce of saffron, you will still have a bottle-full two years from now. A little bit goes a long way. These are the types of things I teach in the paella class."

The class takes place from 10 a.m. to noon the last Saturday of every month and costs about $38 per person. The restaurant also has created a take-home paella package, which includes a complimentary paella cookbook, extra virgin olive oil, sweet paprika, a jar of saffron threads, a paella pan and 2 pounds of Spanish rice. The price is $50.

"It includes everything that you need to get started at home," De Leon said. "I highly recommend it to anyone interesting in getting started cooking paella without losing your wallet."

While management insists that making a reservation for the class is always the best idea, walk-ins also are welcome. The next class is scheduled for Aug. 25. To find out more, call 650-5186.