Cooking for Friends on a Magical Ibiza Island
Picture this: you and a bunch of fun and food loving people gathered on a serene, sun-kissed island, surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, cacti, and agave. The air in the spacious, open concept kitchen is filled with the dance of ingredients hitting the hot pan, and the sound of laughter and live music echoes through an enchanting campground location called the Hippie Hill.
Community Dining:
A Recipe for Nourishing Connections
Cooking is not just about preparing a delicious meal; it is an art form, a celebration of flavors, and an opportunity to connect with each other. And what better way to enhance this experience than by sharing it with a bunch of lovely human beings? Cooking and eating together creates a special bond, as you work side by side, exchanging ideas and sharing stories while creating and tasting culinary masterpieces.
Earlier that day, two culinary fans wandered through a local market in Santa Eulària des Riu. These fans are myself and my local dear friend Aurika, who is, just like me, obsessed with the art of gastronomy, and we've been friends since the good old days back in our hometown, Kyiv. As we wandered through vibrant displays of fresh veggies, unique spices, and the freshest seafood, we put our heads together to plan our menu and visualize the ingredients that would soon become a mouthwatering feast.
The Magic of Island Cuisine
When you think of Ibiza, you probably picture loud techno beats, glitter, and shiny mirror balls, which is totally true. But there's so much more to this island than just the rhythmical sound of electronic music. In Ibiza, you have a chance to dive into the rich world of island cuisine and its flourishing agriculture. Aurika, who's become quite the green-thumbed expert and agricultural wizard, grows all sorts of organic veggies and beautiful sunflowers that represent our homeland, Ukraine. Her garden is where we found the key ingredient, sorrel - a herb that tastes like a tangy green apple and is widely used in Eastern Europe, especially in a comforting, herb-packed soup known as Green Borscht.
“It's not just the delicious food that makes the dining experience memorable. It's the perfect combination of location, people, music, vibes, and of course, the feelings and memories that the food can stir up.”
But it's not just the delicious food that makes the dining experience memorable. It's the perfect combination of location, people, music, vibes, and of course, the feelings and memories that the food can stir up. Just like in that heartwarming movie, "Ratatouille," where a single bite of a simple dish transports a food critic back to their childhood, a few of our guests felt that the flavor of Green Borscht reminded them of their European roots. One guest even got so emotional that they gave me a big hug, which had me feeling teary-eyed too. Needless to say, our first course blended international flavors with local ingredients and created a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience, thanks to Aurika's sorrel-growing mastery.
After the first course, Aurika created a few delightful vegan dishes using her homegrown zucchinis and herbs, showing the island's commitment to sustainable and diverse dining. And we can't forget those refreshing Gin Aperol cocktails that added a touch of elegance and a tropical vibe to our culinary experience.
“In Ibiza, you have a chance to dive into the rich world of island cuisine and its flourishing agriculture. Aurika, who's become quite the green-thumbed expert and agricultural wizard, grows all sorts of organic veggies and beautiful sunflowers that represent our homeland, Ukraine.”
A Dash of Adventure
Cooking with our nature-loving and food-passionate friend Aurika on this magical island was an unforgettable experience. It was a chance to bond over our shared love for food and to dive headfirst into a world of vibrant, multicultural cuisine. So whether you're a kitchen newbie or someone who enjoys a seasoned chef's culinary magic, the dining experience will leave you feeling inspired, and the shared moments will create memories that last a lifetime.
Hippie chefs Iryna and Aurika are having fun creating culinary magic. 
Would like to learn how to create this beautiful cocktail with gin, grapefruit, and rose petals? Click here for step-by-step instructions.
The crowd pleaser - New Orleans Seafood Boil. Check out the recipe on our Instagram page. 