Master Chef Jacques Pépin on Mediterranean Cuisine

A region that is the birthplace of the lauded Mediterranean diet, the diverse Mediterranean region is known for serving up healthy dishes like a traditional feta-studded Greek salad, refreshing summer gazpacho, freshly grilled calamari and aromatic bouillabaisse. It’s also the origin of more indulgent Mediterranean cuisine, richer offerings like crispy batter-fried zucchini blossoms, creamy quiche, hearty moussaka, mile-high tortilla Española, pancetta-laced spaghetti alla carbonara and flaky, honey-laden baklava balance the menu offerings.

A hallmark of Mediterranean cuisine and the dining experience in the region is leisure, of course, with many lasting a few hours as multiple courses are slowly savored and paired with local wines. Our Executive Culinary Director Master Chef Jacques Pépin points out that the chef’s generosity with certain ingredients can easily swing the scale one way or the other.

“There are always rich things you can have,” Chef Pépin said. “Eggs, cream, olive oil and wine can all be very indulgent – depending on the amount.”

And what does the famous French chef love to indulge in most? It might surprise you.

“Tomatoes. Any kind of beautiful fresh tomatoes, or sauce made from fresh tomatoes or dried tomatoes. And the region’s olive oils and bread,” Chef Pépin said. “And the local wine, of course!”

You’ll be hard-pressed to pull up a seat at a table anywhere in the Mediterranean and not find a bottle of wine being uncorked. Home to the production of some of the world’s best wine, the Mediterranean essentially invented wine pairing. From the cava-producing Penedès region outside of Barcelona to the clifftop clusters of vines on Santorini, anywhere you travel you’re likely to stumble upon local favorites.

Chef Pépin’s Mediterranean Secret
According to Chef Pépin, tucked away along Spain’s Costa del Sol is an unassuming beachside restaurant well worth pausing at. The very casual – but always bustling – El Tintero in Málaga just happens to be one of Chef Pépin’s top Mediterranean dining experiences. The modest open-air seafood venue is very popular with locals so it helps you dive headfirst into the Malagueño dining scene.

“There’s no menu. Everything is cooked on an enormous grill and people come and take what they want hot off the grill and carry their plates filled with fresh fish and shellfish into the dining room,” Chef Pépin said. “It’s not a fancy place, but it’s very authentic.”

Inspired? Explore our Mediterranean cruises now to plan your future adventure.

Related Content
Jacques Pépin: A Journey from Palate to Palette
The Artistry of Jacques Pépin at Sea
Jacques Pepin’s Favorite Dishes On Board
Chef Garanger’s Passion for Paella + Secret Recipe