Ep 1. Episode 1

Rick Stein's Mediterranean Escapes is a travel and food show where viewers are guided through some of the most breathtaking views and places of the Mediterranean. The first episode of season one takes us on a journey through the seafood culture of Spain.

Rick Stein starts in the small coastal town of Roses in Catalonia. Here, he meets Chef Oriol Castro at his restaurant Compartir. They talk about the importance of sharing and how it plays a role in Spanish culture. Castro prepares a delicious dish of red tuna tartare, which is served on crispy bread. Stein looks impressed and explains how the flavors work well together. As he savors the dish, Stein compliments the chef on the simplicity and quality that is the key to great Spanish cooking.

Stein visits the fishing port of Palamos, which is famous for its prawns. He witnesses the workings of the fishing boats and the buying and selling of the fish during the auction process. He meets up with Chef Paco Perez at his newly opened restaurant, Miramar. Perez talks about how he incorporates seafood into his cooking and how the prawns of Palamos are unique in flavor. Perez prepares a dish of prawns with garlicky mayonnaise with such precision that it serves as great inspiration for home cooks.

Stein travels to the town of L'Escala, where he visits a family-run anchovy business called La Consol. Here, he sees the traditional method of making anchovies, which started more than a century ago. Stein enters the factory and watches as the workers gut and clean the fish and make them ready for filleting. The anchovies are then marinated in salt, vinegar, and water for months. Stein tries the anchovies and says they are almost addictive.

From here, Stein heads to a simpler, more rustic location - the home of Catalan cook Book of Esther. She presents her guest with a simple dish of grilled sardines drizzled with olive oil and vinegar. It is a great example of how simple food can be so delicious. Stein and Esther have a conversation about the beauty of cooking and entertaining with family and friends.

Stein's next stop is the town of Girona, where he visits the restaurant El Celler de Can Roca, which was voted the best restaurant in the world in 2013 and 2015. He meets the head chef, Joan Roca, who takes him to the fish market to source ingredients for the restaurant's signature dish - sea bass cooked over a charcoal fire. Roca explains how taking care of every detail while cooking is essential for producing the perfect dish.

Finally, Stein heads to the town of Figueres, where he visits a small restaurant called Cal Tronc. Here, he meets the owner, Dolors Civit, who prepares a traditional dish of monkfish with romesco sauce. Civit explains that the romesco sauce is made with roasted vegetables, nuts, and olive oil, providing a blast of flavors that perfectly complements the delicate taste of monkfish.

Rick Stein's Mediterranean Escapes is a compelling show that highlights some of the best cuisines and places of the Mediterranean region. The first episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in seafood culture, Spanish cuisine, and the joy of cooking.