The International Kitchen & Star Olive Oil Launch Recipe Contest; Culinary Trip to Spain Top Prize

Sept. 14, 2009 - PRLog -- (FRESNO, CA and CHICAGO, IL) – The Mediterranean diet is a lifestyle; it reflects how people around the Mediterranean, especially in Spain, Italy and Greece lived years ago.  Meals were full of fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, and olive oil and low in red meat with moderate consumption of wine. As more and more studies cite the health benefits of this diet, there’s a renewed interest among Americans in how to live “Mediterranean-style” for better health and longevity.

Star Olive Oil and The International Kitchen have teamed up to offer a chance to discover the true Mediterranean experience in their Flavors of the Mediterranean” Recipe Contest beginning Sept 20 through Dec 20.  They’re asking for creative, original recipe ideas using classic Mediterranean ingredients and products from Star Fine Foods. Details at http://www.starfinefoods.com. Grand prize is culinary adventure to Catalonia, Spain with cooking classes, visits to local wineries, food markets, historic sites and a private olive oil tasting at STAR’s facilities in Tarrega. Runners-up receive Sur La Table gift cards and first 500 entrants will receive a free STAR Olive Oil/Vinegar cruet.

More Trip Details:  An easy two hour ride from the bustling Mediterranean city of Barcelona lies the beautiful region of El Priorat where The International Kitchen offers  "Catacurian: Wine and Cuisine of the Priorat."  Guests enjoy a wonderful cooking and wine vacation in an elegant and comfortable private home.  Catalan cuisine is a form of cooking that still closely reflects its medieval origins. Guests are submerged in Catalan food, Priorat/Montsant wines, beautiful landscapes, prize-winning olive oils and professional tastings.

The International Kitchen is the world’s foremost culinary tour operator and has been offering authentic cooking school vacations in Italy, France and Spain since 1994. For more information about culinary vacations and one-day cooking classes visit http://www.theinternationalkitchen.com or call toll free 800.945.8606.

STAR Olive Oil is the #1 selling olive oil in the Western United States, and one of the nation’s top-selling brands.  STAR Olive Oil is available in Extra Virgin, Originale, and Extra Light, with STAR Special Reserve Extra Virgin items in Organic, Garlic and with Omega-3. STAR’s parent company, Borges USA, Inc., is a leading importer of fine Mediterranean products including Wine Vinegars and Spanish Green Olives. Borges USA is committed to providing US consumers with a range of good-tasting, high quality products that are part of the healthful Mediterranean Diet.