Ahh, Sevilla.
I have been “warned” by a couple of friends that as soon as I see Seville, I might fall in love with it and want to move there. Those are big words, and now I understand why. I loved the charm of the old city, the allure of the castles and other stately buildings, the siren song of the food, and the abundance of drinks. But, admittedly it was not Seville that I fell in love with, it was Madrid. That is not to say though that Sevilla was not a contender!
It was, after all, the city that introduced me to my favorite dessert while on vacation (surprise: it’s not churros*).
On the first day of our Andalucian tour, we left Madrid in the morning to head over to Seville. But before we arrived in Seville, we passed by Cordoba. And on the way to Cordoba, we stopped by La Mancha.
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La Mancha is the land of Don Quixote, the character in the novel written by Miguel de Cervantes about a man who loves reading stories about chivalry, knights, castles, jousts, and medieval romances, and who eventually outfits himself as a knight in armor and sets out to revive chivalry.
La Mancha was our first glimpse into our 5-day adventure. But while it was pretty, it was also empty. Cordoba, on the other hand, was busy with locals and tourists. We went on a city tour of Cordoba, where we visited the Jewish Quarters and admired its white-washed walls. We also entered the Great Mosque, a site that was originally a pagan temple, that was turned into a mosque by the Moors, but is now a Roman Catholic church.
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The mosque was magnificent, with red and cream double arches, and massive columns of marble, jasper, onyx, and granite.
(If you’re thinking, that’s nice, Bianca, but where is the dessert? Relax, we haven’t gotten to Seville yet.)
In the afternoon, we left Cordoba and continued on our way, finally arriving at Sevilla. Seville is known for a lot of things: the orange trees lining the streets, the Gothic cathedral, the majestic Plaza de Espana, flamenco, and the food scene:
Remember when I said that pintxo literally means skewer? This is how traditional pintxos look like, and they were selling for just one euro each. I got: 1) toast with a ricotta-like cheese, drizzled with dark chocolate and topped with walnuts, raisins, and dates, 2) a bite-sized chocolate cake, 3) roast beef with cheese sauce, and 4) a caprese-like pintxo with anchovies. I’ve made no secret about my adoration for these salty little suckers, and I am glad that I’ve had my fair share of anchovies in Spain.
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We spent the rest of our time in Seville checking out Plaza Espana, and then going into the old city to visit the gardens and the cathedral. We also squeezed in some time to creep on dapper-looking Spanish men (full disclosure: it was my friend Fe’s idea).
We ate well in Seville, and my favorite meal was at a restaurant called Gusto Ristobar. We went in for a late lunch and the food was very simple, but we relished every bite.
Fresh orange juice, a cheese plate, and jamon Iberico.
The restaurant had different kinds of fresh pastries, but I opted to go for something colder:
And this, my friends, was my favorite dessert during my vacation. I actually didn’t know what it was at first, all I knew was that it was pink and it was in the ice cream section. It turned out to be hazelnut gelato covered in white chocolate.
*I don’t really consider churros as dessert. It is traditionally breakfast fare, or merienda (snack). But best of all, in Madrid, churros were a glorious post-drinking, midnight-or-later treat.
After leaving Seville and visiting other cities, I tried looking for this frozen treat but didn’t have any luck. I thought about moving to Seville for it, but I figured I should have more reasons to move to a new city than just one dessert.
Hi! I’m Bianca Garcia. I love food, running, yoga, sangria, and my job. I'm an advertising professional, social media enthusiast, blogger, freelance writer, and obsessive list-maker. I think about dessert constantly. 
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Your photos are amazing. I’m so glad you creeped on that dapper looking man because If that’s how all spanish men dress, I want to move there now. That dessert at the end looks delicious. So girly and fun. :)
Bianca Garcia replied August 12th, 2012 at 12:26 pm
Hi Amy! Thanks ;) It was so nice meeting you last Thursday at Cafe Burrito!
stunning photos, I really love the one of that bridge. and your favorite dessert looks incredible!
oh I am so jealous you were there! I lived in Sevilla and taught english there- it was such an incredible experience!
Bianca Garcia replied August 13th, 2012 at 12:39 pm
How fun! I would love to come back and stay longer.
I really was like come on, where is this dessert?! Ha ha. I went to so many of the same places in high school. So great to relive the trip through your pictures.
Absolutely incredible photos, Bianca! The tiles, the cheese, the pastries…. it’s all gorgeous!
Bianca, I love Seville as well! I also love Granada, but had never been to La Mancha nor Cordoba (totally missed Cordoba – but it’s a long story)! I actually love quiet and seemingly abandoned little towns. And look at that hazelnut gelato…yum!!!
Bianca Garcia replied August 13th, 2012 at 12:40 pm
Thanks Jen! I’m saving my Granada recap for last ;)
The architecture is so beautiful! It looks like you had an amazing trip, and I can’t wait to catch up in person!
Those pinxtos look seriously awesome. I only spent a day in Sevilla and sadly didn’t have much to eat beyond some tortilla, but it was an awesome place.
Bianca Garcia replied August 13th, 2012 at 3:19 pm
Hehe we, on the other hand, only stayed there for a couple of days but somehow ended up eating enough food for about 4 days ;)
how yummy! sounds like a place i need to visit ;)
just stumbled upon your blog…it caught my eye because your name is also Bianca! Lovin what i see so far :) can’t wait to keep reading!
Bianca Garcia replied August 13th, 2012 at 10:57 pm
Hi, Bianca! Nice to “meet” you :) I’m glad you found my blog! Looking forward to reading yours, too.
What a fantastic trip! Had to be difficult to pick both a favorite city and a favorite dessert when everything looks amazing :)
Bianca Garcia replied August 13th, 2012 at 10:58 pm
Haha yes! Thanks, Carol!
It all look so beautiful and so very different from where I live! The desserts look so tasty, I don’t know how you can pick a favorite.
Thank you for the beautiful sites and the stunning food tour :D
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
I haven’t been to Sevilla since I was a kid and your pictures are making me want to plan a trip back!
Oh my gosh, how fabulous! That mosque is stunning–I love European (and especially Spanish!) architecture and history. And things on skewers. I think this means I need to book a trip of my own :)
Bianca Garcia replied August 15th, 2012 at 10:35 am
Hi Allie! Thank you :) Yes it is really fun to eat things in skewers!
Thanks you for posting these pics. It was like I was on vacation too. The food looks amazing.
I love your pictures. This makes me want to go to Spain real bad!!! Especially for that ice cream.
your pictures look amazing, the food looks divine and the architecture of everything looks spectacular. continue to enjoy your trip. question, is the bridge in plaza espana? it’s gorgeous, love all the details
Bianca Garcia replied August 15th, 2012 at 10:32 am
Hi Cassie! Thank you :) And yes, the bridge is in Plaza Espana! Everything really was gorgeous.
my favorites were definitely seville and barcelona. i missed cordoba though. looks like sucha fun trip.
This post is amazing…actually, I made up my mind after reading your post that one day, I am going to visit Seville. Loved the bridge and all other pictures. That hazelnut gelato looks so inviting!! Looks like you had a great time there!
Bianca Garcia replied August 15th, 2012 at 10:33 am
Aww thank you! And yes, I had such a wonderful time and can’t wait to go back :)
Oh my goodness, this trip looks amazing. I feel relaxed and full just looking at your photos, which are fabulous! I love the man in the hat reading his book I went to Seville many many years ago and have yearned to go back ever since. I am so jealous.
I am so jealous. I would love to go to Spain. I feel like in my “old” life I was from there haha. Maybe dreaming about the country too much makes you think of it that way haha. thank you for taking me there…even for just a glimpse.
Love love this post,
Malou
Bianca Garcia replied August 16th, 2012 at 11:20 am
Hi Malou! It was my pleasure, I am so glad you enjoyed reading the post!
Bianca – these photos are gorgeous! I lived in Cordoba my junior year of college so I was looking forward to your review! I’m sad you didn’t eat there, but who can resist Sevilla? It’s so magical.
Oh wow everything looks so delicious!
Your pictures are so beautiful, you’re like a pro!
Enjoyed reading about your trip, it sounds like it was amazing!
Bianca Garcia replied August 25th, 2012 at 12:55 pm
Aww thanks Heather! Hope you’re enjoying the weekend!