This year, I had a hybrid holiday. I had booked to go to Catalonia, to Saint Antoni de Calonge, a gorgeous little town on the rocky coastline of northern Spain. Four of us had booked a villa, set back from the seaside promenade, which was perfect for people watching – anyone who knows Spain knows about el paseo – where people of all generations put on something smart and embark on a leisurely stroll, through streets, along the sea front, or across squares as a prelude to dinner.  

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Everything was perfect, from the morning swim in the almost still sea, weaving around groups of older women enjoying animated gossip sessions, to the coffee and tiny custard doughnuts served by smiling waiters. The relaxed warmth and friendliness of the (mainly Spanish) tourists and locals were infectious. Even I chilled out. 

But back to those dinners! In the week we were in this beautiful place, we ate some of the best food I have ever had. Baked artichokes with cheese and Iberica ham; razor clams; coca bread spread with sweet tomatoes, garlic and olive oil. And exceptional grilled baby clams, mussels, and roasted garlic. The........

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