Fa-La-La Fabulous Holiday Giveaway #9: "Art of Paella" at Mercat a la Planxa

Tapas Trippin' in Barcelona

If taking a whirlwind culinary tour across Spain is on your bucket list but not in the budget (your private banker has you on financial lockdown) then take a Catalonian detour to Chicago's famed Mercat a la Planxa where you will learn the art of preparing perfect paella from renowned Chef De Cuisine, Cory Morris. Best part? No fiscal fallout.

Giveaway #9: "Art of Paella" at Mercat a la Planxa. Includes a paella cooking demo by Chef De Cuisine Cory Morris and paella tasting for 4 guests (Monday-Sunday; lunch only)

To enter:

1. On Twitter, follow Luxe File Chicago (@LuxeFileChicago) and Mercat a la Planxa (@MercatChicago) AND answer this giveaway question using hashtag #falalafabulous: "Where is your favorite worldwide dining destination?"

Terms & Conditions:

1. Introduction: Luxe File Chicago's "Fa-La-La Fabulous" Giveaway Series - Giveaway #9: Mercat a la Planxa. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.

2. Eligibility: The Giveaway is open to Chicago residents only and winner must be twenty-one (21) years of age or older at the time of entry. Entrant must be following “Luxe File Chicago” and “Mercat a la Planxa” on Twitter to be considered.

Mercat a la Planxa

3. Giveaway Period: The Giveaway begins at 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time (“CST”) on Thursday, December 27, 2012, and ends at 11:59 p.m. CST on Saturday, December 29, 2012.

4. Winning: After 11:59 p.m. CST on Saturday, December 29, 2012, one (1) winner will be randomly selected by Luxe File Chicago. Winner will be notified by Luxe File Chicago (via Twitter). If a potential winner is unreachable for [24] hours after the first attempt to contact such winner, Luxe File Chicago may award the Prize to an alternate entrant. Winner will be required to provide name, mailing address, and telephone number. Prize will be mailed to the Winner.

5. Prize: One (1) winner will be awarded an "Art of Paella" cooking demonstration & paella tasting for four (4) guests at Mercat a la Planxa. Luxe File Chicago will not be responsible for any loss, liability or damage arising out of the winner’s acceptance or use of the prize. Prizes are not transferable. No cash or substitutions of prizes may be made. No alternative prize or other substitution is permitted. Tip/gratuity is the sole responsibility of the Winner.

One-On-One: Five Things You Need To Know About Cory Morris

Chicago is home to some of the world's most iconic restaurants. Which one is your favorite?
The Purple Pig is my hands-down, favorite restaurant in the city. The food isn’t fussy and it is always great. I usually try to go at least one to two times a month.

What is the most challenging aspect of being Mercat's Chef de Cuisine?

It can be challenging in the fact that we just keep getting busier and busier every year. We have been open for almost five years now and were focusing on changing the menu as much as possible but still keeping our signature dishes.

When you're not serving up Catalan cuisine in the kitchen, where would we find you?

I really enjoy going to the gym and rock climbing.

If your life was made into a movie, which actor would play you?

I can relate to the movie, Dinner Rush, and I would be played by Edoardo Ballerini. If you haven’t seen it yet, order it on Netflix. You will not be disappointed.

How will you be celebrating the holidays?

I will be up in Milwaukee celebrating the holidays with my girlfriend’s family. It is going to be really weird to not be working for the holidays so I plan on bringing a few things to cook for everyone.