At the Table With Northern Spain: A Dinner That Redefined Cultural Connection in NYC

When Food Speaks- How One Dinner Told the Story of a Region by Nwo Sparrow

There are evenings in New York that feel like invitations to step inside another world. The night I attended NORTE DIEM was one of them. The experience took place at the Prince George Ballroom, a historic venue that carried an elegant glow as guests arrived. I walked in expecting a upscale presentation of what another country has to offer, but what I experienced was a cultural showcase. I had the pleasure to attend a dinner guided by artistry, culinary imagination, and the spirit of a region that is quickly becoming a rising destination for American travelers.

The evening began in the front gallery where the creative identity of Northern Spain filled the space. Digital art flickered across the walls that read NORTE DIEM , this help set the mood. Each art piece reflected the emotion of the four regions that make up Green Spain. Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia were represented through visuals that blended old traditions with modern expression. One of my favorite pieces was the Santa Maria del Naranco. This was a painting of a shack built in the 9th century of Spain. Other paintings captured coastal cliffs, mountain villages, and soulful architecture through an artistic lens that encouraged attendees to slow down and look closely. Wine and art the perfect combination to open up a presentation.

Once we entered the ballroom, the atmosphere shifted from quiet reflection to warm celebration. Actress Sidra Smith welcomed the crowd with grace and presence. Her hosting guided the tone of the night. She spoke about the intention behind the event and the pride that the creators felt in sharing their culture. Her voice carried a sincerity that drew people in and prepared the room for an experience centered on connection.

At the center of the evening stood Chef Iñaki Bretal, a Michelin awarded figure from Galicia whose work is grounded in coastal heritage. Meeting him felt like speaking with someone who carries his region in both his craft and his personality. He shared thoughtful insight about the ingredients he brought to New York and the meaning behind each dish. His calm energy reflected the rhythm of Northern Spain. It made the dinner feel personal, as if we were sitting inside his own dining room back home.

The first course set the pace for the evening. We started with a tomato scorpionfish cake that had a soft texture and a clean taste. It felt fresh and light. The white wine served with it was smooth and easy to sip. The pairing brought out a coastal feeling that reminded me of how close Northern Spain is to the water.

The next dish was a scallop cooked in a simple way that let the flavor shine. It was sweet and tender with seasoning that felt gentle and thoughtful of the guest . After that came the veal with radish stew. It tasted warm and comforting with a mix of rich and earthy notes. Each plate showed a different part of the region. It felt like Chef Iñaki Bretal used every dish to share a story about where he comes from and what makes his home special.

The dessert closed the meal on a calm and comforting note. We were served tarta de Santiago, a traditional almond cake from Northern Spain. It had a soft bite with a gentle sweetness that did not feel heavy. The flavor was clean and easy to digest. It carried the kind of quiet charm that stays with you after the plate is empty. It reminded me how much pride the region places on its classic recipes and how each one holds a piece of its history.

During the meal we were shown a presentation that revealed the landscapes and cultural richness of the region. Green Spain feels unlike many parts of the country that American travelers tend to visit. The mountains, trails, fishing towns, and spiritual routes provide a slower, more grounded experience. Don José Manuel Merelles Remy spoke about the increase in visitors who are discovering the area. His message made it clear that the region is gaining well deserved attention. New flight routes and stronger connections between Spain and the United States are opening new doors for travelers who crave meaningful journeys.

What stood out most to me was the sense of pride that filled the ballroom. The representatives from each region carried genuine excitement about sharing their home with a new audience. Their approach to tourism values community, and authenticity. The Ecotourist Reserve highlights this commitment by offering experiences that protect natural spaces and honor local culture. This perspective aligns with what many modern travelers now seek. People want adventure that feels real. They want sights that respects the land. They want stories that come from the people who live them.

NORTE DIEM felt like a preview of what awaits visitors who choose to explore the northern coast. It reminded me that travel is not only about distance. It is about moments that reveal the heart of a place. The event presented Northern Spain as a destination shaped by nature, art, cuisine, and history. It introduced a region ready to welcome the world while staying true to its roots.

Leaving the ballroom that night, I carried a new appreciation for the relationship between culture and food. The dinner created a bridge between New York and the Atlantic regions of Spain. It made me want to walk the landscapes I saw on the screen and taste the dishes again in the towns that inspired them. NORTE DIEM succeeded in offering an introduction to a part of Spain that deserves to be experienced with curiosity and care.