José became an eatwith host in May 2023, and hosts paella and tapas cooking classes at his home in Valencia. He has a curious eye and is always keen to learn new techniques, recipes and try cooking with new ingredients.

José is driven by that warm feeling of gathering with loved ones around a table, making a toast, and getting lost in conversation. He has dedicated over a decade to perfecting his culinary skills, and is always amazed at how a dish can so “loudly express the character of a nation”.

We had a chat to learn more about his story so, when you book your seat at his table, you know who you’re going to meet!

What inspired you to start hosting local meals in Valencia?

“What inspired me to start hosting was my love for cooking and the desire to convey something deeper than just recipes. Opening the doors of my kitchen to travelers eager to learn and discover has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I have found a true calling in sharing culinary knowledge, anecdotes, and recipes passed down through generations. This close and personal contact, in the intimate setting of my home, has made me realize how special it is to share one-on-one, and it has renewed my passion for cooking.”

During the last 9 months of hosting via eatwith, José has sat people down from all corners of the world at this table. He proudly shares with them the food, history, culture, philosophy, and tradition through the most iconic dishes of the Spanish region he grew up in.

What is needed to be a good host?

“Hospitality is an aptitude. It’s as simple as creating a space, an event, an atmosphere with care, always thinking of others, and aiming to generate happiness not only during the experience but also to create a pleasant memory that endures over time and in the memory of the traveler.”

José puts his best effort into each event, but he also told us how important it is for the experience to be enriching for the host, not just for guests.

“I have formed some friendly and emotional bonds during my time as a host. I have come to realize that for the experience to be complete and fully rounded, it should not only be enriching for the guest but also for the host. When guests feel completely satisfied and grateful, they wish to give something in return for what you have taught them during the cooking class. Whether it’s a cooking recipe, family photos, landscapes from where they live, anecdotes, a guitar song, etc., the activity or experience then makes sense for everyone and can be considered truly fulfilling.” 

What do you recommend doing in Valencia in the summer?

“The perfect summer afternoon in Valencia would be enjoying a Sunday gathering with good friends around a delicious arroz near the Albufera. 

Afterwards, I would take a walk through the rice fields to see how the crops are growing,  whether everything is flooded with water, which is truly impactful to see, or if the rice is already growing and everything is filled with greenery.

Then, I would spend the afternoon at one of the chiringuitos in La Patacona sharing some tapas, like ham croquettes, cod fritters, squid with aioli, or anchovy gildas, and between each tapa, take a refreshing dip in the sea, and then continue.”

Ugh, this sounds too good! Valencia in summer seems like the place to be.

Visiting Valencia? Top tips from a local: 

  • Adopt a dual mindset, half as a local (recreating traditions, going to places they frequent, trying to understand and immerse yourself a bit in their lifestyle) and the other half as a traveler. Be someone who wants to learn, curious, realizing that it’s not just about a camera full of photos but also about going home with a memory full of moments, situations, and discoveries to share with your closest ones.

  • Start the day by strolling through the Mercat Central and taking in all the fresh seasonal products. It’s widely known why they call the Mercat Central the "Cathedral of the Senses."

  • Enjoy some Valencian oysters with a good squeeze of lemon at the Maritime Port; I love the sea breeze in the air.

  • Have a glass of vermouth on a shaded terrace in the Turia Park, surrounded by birthday parties, people picnic-ing, and groups of musicians.

You can book Jose’s classes and other dining experiences in Valencia and beyond through the eatwith app.