Our friend Pepe Ruíz provides our Calasparra paella rice, and we always enjoy visiting the tiny town of Calasparra to visit with him.&nbsp; The rice grown in fresh water, high in the mountains along the Mundo and Segura rivers.&nbsp; Why grow rice in the mountains?&nbsp; One story is that centuries ago malaria affected the low lands near Valencia, and as an accident of history, they blamed the disease on the location of the rice fields. When they moved the rice crop to the mountains of Calasparra, the mosquitoes were left behind.&nbsp; In the new climate the grains of rice took longer to mature, and so are able to absorb an amazing amount of rich broth – the secret of good paella!&nbsp; Calasparra rice is the only DOP protected rice growing region in Spain, and it is still artisan grown with no insecticides or herbicides.<a href="/food/rice-and-pasta">See our artisan paella rice ►</a>

Pepe Ruíz - Rice Farmer

Master artisan Augustín partners with his daughter Belén to continue the ceramic tradition, which stretches back to the medieval days of Moorish Toledo. They chose to locate their studio in El Puente del Arzobispo, a small town with abundant top quality clay, and a very strong artistic temperament. We find it a joy to work with Belén, a bright woman, who is adapting ancient traditions to the modern world.&nbsp; She is now able to produce hand-painted plates to make them dishwasher proof (not a problem in Moorish times!)<a href="/table/ceramics">See our artisan ceramics ►</a>

Belén de la Cal Hidalgo - Ceramic Artist

Our friends Bernát and his son of the same name work together in a modest workshop in a village on the island of Mallorca. They are a vanishing breed of craftsmen who create olive wood bowls, plates, mortars and pestles and other utilitarian objects from whole pieces of olive wood – nothing is laminated or glued together. The search for large pieces of fallen olives trees is a daunting task, but once the olive wood enters their workshop, father and son transform it to a thing of beauty.  Standing next to them amidst the sawdust and the lathes is a magical event.

	<a href="/table/olivewood.html">See our artisan olive wood ►</a>

Bernát Fiol - Olive Wood Carver

We've been seeking out a truly authentic Galician empanada for years, so we were excited to visit the artisan bakery called Ternura. Owners Javier and José Antonio run a renowned gourmet shop in A Coruña called La Tienda de Lino. Their handmade empanadas became famous across Galicia for their flaky crust and delicious fillings. So, the friends decided to open a small production bakery to offer a frozen version of their empanadas. They named it Ternura, which means ‘tender,' to represent hands-on artisan methods and the texture of their amazing empanadas. Once we tasted the empanadas, we had to share them with you!<a href="/products/artisan-tuna-empanada-ternura-bd-90">See our Galician tuna empanada by Ternura ►</a>

Javier and José Antonio - Empanada Bakers

Cheese Sale - Up to 25% off artisan cheeses from Spain!

Delicious Paella Made Easy - Find all the ingredients and gear you need for a next-level paella.

It's Grilling Season - Cook out with the delicious flavors of Spain this summer!

Share the Joy of Tapas - Shop the best ingredients for a tempting tapas spread.

We're All About Familia - Our family-run company supports Spains's amazing artisans.

Best Sellers ►

Cinco Jotas Sliced 100% Ibérico de Bellota Shoulder - 3 oz

Sliced Ibérico Ham by Peregrino, Nitrate Free - 2 oz

La Tienda's Jonathan Harris demonstrates
La Tienda's Jonathan Harris explains the difference between Jamón Serrano, Ibérico and Bellota

Difference Between Jamón Serrano, Ibérico and Bellota Video

Mild Palacios Chorizo from Spain

La Tienda's Jonathan Harris demonstrates serving Palacios Spanish chorizo

Serving Spanish Chorizo by Palacios Video

Anchovy Stuffed Olives by Peregrino - 'Extra' Quality

Video describing Peregrino, La Tienda's house brand

Peregrino Brand Foods Video

Tortilla Española Potato Omelet with Onions by Peregrino

Artisan Cooking Chorizo Sausage by Peregrino

Bomba Paella Rice by Peregrino

La Tienda's Jonathan Harris discusses the qualities of paella rice from Calasparra Spain

Paella Rice from Calasparra, Spain Video

Jamón Serrano Boneless Center Piece by Peregrino (2 Pounds)

Up to 25% Off Select Spanish Cheeses! SHOP SALE

Cheese Sale

Delicious Paella Made Easy

It's Grilling Season

Share the Joy of Tapas

We're All About Familia

Cheese Sale

Delicious Paella Made Easy

It's Grilling Season

Share the Joy of Tapas

We're All About Familia

Best Sellers ►

Welcome to La Tienda!

Meet Our Artisans

Learn More About La Tienda

Try Our Best Paella

Get Free Paella Recipe eBook!

Try Our Best Paella

Get Free Paella Recipe eBook!