Drizzled in Gold: How Seville Transformed My Palate

By: Christ J. Desruisseaux

Sevilla completely transformed the way I think about food, especially in terms of sourcing, preparation, and preservation. Our time on the olive farm was eye-opening. I learned not only how to properly handle and store fruits and vegetables, but also gained a deep appreciation for the process behind producing something as seemingly simple as olive oil. I was surprised to learn how versatile high-quality olive oil can be when we drizzled it over chocolate ice cream, which turned out to be a surprisingly wicked combination.

We were taught how to distinguish real, high-quality olive oil from the cheap, mass-produced alternatives. Since returning home, I’ve become a passionate advocate for olive oil, so much so that my friends are probably tired of hearing me preach about it. But when you’ve seen the process from tree to bottle, it’s hard not to care. 

But beyond its culinary influence, Sevilla is also one of Spain’s premier cities for art and architecture. From iconic locations like Plaza de España and the Seville Cathedral to the stunning international pavilions such as the Argentine and Brazilian buildings, every structure felt like a work of art. Each was built with purpose and pride, using materials sourced from their respective countries, reflecting the city’s role in global collaboration and design.  

In all honesty, I wish we’d had more time in Sevilla. Even though our visit was brief, what I saw left a lasting impression. The beauty of the architecture, the soul of the food culture. It all made Sevilla one of the most enriching stops on our whole trip.