Irish Coast Meets Cantabria, Cooking Classes at Mara
- Marketing - Vitamin Creative Ltd
- Jun 6
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Join us in the kitchen as we fuse the bold, vibrant flavours of northern Spain with the finest Irish coastal produce.
Led by our very own Chef Luis Martin, these intimate, hands-on classes offer a unique opportunity to explore the soulful intersection of Spanish flair and Irish ingredients.
In a small-group setting, you’ll learn how to prepare wholesome, seasonal Irish produce using modern techniques inspired by the culinary traditions of Cantabria.
From fresh seafood to garden vegetables, discover how to incorporate local produce and flavours from Northern Spain with Luis’s signature style. Perfect for passionate home cooks and curious food lovers alike.
Details:
Classes will take place every 2nd Wednesday with the first classes taking place on the 2nd of July at 6pm. You can sign up for individual classes or our bundle package of 3 classes. Group bookings can be made but must be arranged privately.
Class format:
Welcome & Introduction (15 min)
Light snack on arrival
Quick intro to Luis, overview of the menu, ingredients, and goals of the session.
Hands-On Cooking (Up to 2 hours)
Participants split into small teams (or solo if preferred)
Luis demonstrates each dish step-by-step, then guides the group as you cook
Focus on knife skills, timing, seasoning, and plating
Tasting Q&A (45 min)
Sit down to enjoy the food together
Wine pairing suggestions (optional)
Open floor for questions about techniques, sourcing, or kitchen tips
Take-Home
Printed recipe pack with Luis’s notes and alternatives
List of trusted local producers
Mara’s house granola mix as a gift
Sea & Citrus - July 2nd
Join us for the first week of our Mara cooking class series, celebrating bright, coastal flavours:
Starter: Learn how to prepare juicy prawns paired with creamy ajoblanco and crisp brioche croutons.
Main Course: Master the art of perfectly seared cod, served with fresh mussels in a fragrant cider sauce.
Dessert: Create a light and zesty lemon & almond olive oil cake — the perfect citrusy finish.
Ideal for seafood lovers and home cooks eager to elevate their skills with seasonal, seaside ingredients.
Garden & Goat’s Cheese - July 16th
We love cooking traditional dishes with what's local, using new approaches. In this class, we’ll be working with vibrant seasonal summer produce to create fresh, flavour-packed plates. Simply but effective and most importantly very tasty. This is a great class for those who enjoy garden-fresh flavours with a refined twist.
Starter: Heritage tomato tart with goat’s cheese and basil – a celebration of ripe tomatoes and bold, creamy cheese in a crisp pastry shell.
Main Course: Roast chicken supreme with an orange and red onion salad – juicy, golden roast chicken paired with a bright, citrusy salad.
Dessert: Burnt Basque cheesecake – rich, caramelised, and beautifully simple to finish on a sweet note. This is one of our most popular offerings in the restaurant and honestly the best cheesecake in town.
Summer Grilling - July 30th
We don’t always get the weather for BBQs in Ireland, but this class will show you how to create a fantastic summer grilling menu that works just as well indoors as it does outside. You’ll also learn some great dishes perfect for entertaining guests.
Starter: Grilled langoustines with aioli and lemon ash – sweet, smoky shellfish with a rich, garlicky dip and a bright citrus finish.
Main Course: Lamb arreyas with smoked yoghurt and cucumber salad – spiced, grilled lamb paired with cooling yoghurt and a refreshing salad.
Dessert: Charred peach with crème fraîche – caramelised summer peaches served warm with silky crème fraîche.
A flavour-packed session for anyone looking to master summer grilling, rain or shine.
