Happy National Spanish Paella Day

According the Guiness Book of World Records, the largest paella measured 20m 65ft 7in in diameter and was made by Juan Carlos Galbis and a team of helpers in Valencia, Spain on 8 Mar 1992. It was eaten by 100,000 people. Tangentially related food record held by Spain – World’s Largest Food Annual Fight. Not – I am happy to report – involving the paella.

Spain Recipes has a nice selection of paella recipes including variations for black rice paella, chicken paella and – something new to me but which I really must try one day – mushroom paella. But if you don’t feel like making it yourself, you’ll find excellent paella on offer all over the country.

In the 2007 “Best of New York” issue of New York Magazine, Boqueria was said to have the best paella in the city. Reportedly there are two places in San Fran vying for that city’s top paella spot — B44 and Zarzuela. Miami’s best paella is rumoured to be found at La Dorada and though I can’t speak to it myself, Penelope Cruz reports that Antonia Banderas makes a fine paella. I’m sure he does. I await my dinner invitiation with great eagerness.

And finally, if you haven’t seen the hilarious Posh Nosh take on paella, YouTube provides you the opportunity now.