Cooking with Francis Mallmann | Uruguay

SMALL GROUP JOURNEY

A Culinary Journey with Francis Mallmann

An 8-Day Culinary Adventure in Uruguay, curated by Francis Mallmann. This country has quietly become a hotspot for mouthwatering cuisine and vibrant cultural heritage, exquisite wines, friendly locals, and laid-back lifestyle.

Uruguay offers visitors a more intimate experience under the gentle guidance of chef Francis Mallmann, so guests can feel connected with this enchanting destination.

Embark on this extraordinary adventure in the charming and historic village of Pueblo Garzón, and visit secluded locations that allow you to dive into the vibrant culinary traditions and cultural richness of rural Uruguay. Each experience highlights a thoughtfully curated selection of Francis Mallmann’s favorite spots in this small yet diverse country.

Each day is crafted to unveil Uruguay’s secrets, from enchanting native forests to tranquil rivers that flow into vast ocean beaches, to traditional Uruguayan dishes and cooking methods, this journey offers a rare insight into the country’s heart and soul. Over the last 20 years, Mallmann has created and developed this pioneering experience, so with him as your shepherd and teacher, absorb his wisdom and prepare to master the art of open-fire cooking.

Your adventure begins at Casa Anna, a private country house in the village personally restored by Francis to create an exclusive retreat that inspires creativity and awakens your senses. Against this backdrop of serenity, delve into the magic of Garzón, where history, art, and the culinary world of Francis Mallmann blend seamlessly to create an unforgettable experience.

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DATES

21-30 May, 2025

PRICE

Starting from $25,000 per person

GROUP SIZE

8 – 14 people

HIGHLIGHTS

Open fire cooking classes led by the legendary chef Francis Mallmann. Learn the techniques that define his acclaimed Seven- Fires cuisine
5 nights and 6 days accommodation at Casa Anna, a charming country home, restored by Francis, with warmly decorated suites, views of a verdant garden filled with native trees and agapanthus flowers. An inviting outdoor pool, and attentive bar service with unusual cocktails awaits your daily return.
Active pursuits like hiking, biking, and horseback riding with the local gauchos: the perfect way to see the beauty and charm of the Uruguayan countryside.

DAY BY DAY

DAYS 1:

Arrive to Uruguay, transfer to the picturesque village of Pueblo Garzón and check into Casa Anna. To spend your evening unwinding and familiarising yourself with the charming setting of your home for the next week.

DAY 2:

Experience the Art of Open-Fire Cooking. Kick off your culinary adventure with a session on open-fire cooking in the town.

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon wandering through the beautiful gardens of Casa Anna, or taking a refreshing swim in the outdoor pool. Dinner will consist of a delicious wood-fired meal, preparing your tastebuds for the culinary delights to come.

DAY 3:

Bodega Garzon, top of the World. Start your day with a hike around the area, taking in the breathtaking landscapes surrounding the town and ending at Bodega Garzón. Perched on a rocky outcrop, the winery provides stunning views of the hillside vineyards, where mineral-rich, well-drained soils nurture high-quality grapes. Enjoy a guided vineyard hike led by a local birding expert, then indulge in a well-deserved lunch prepared by Francis. The afternoon offers various activities, from bike rides to the local ‘Pulperia’ to a relaxing yoga session. Conclude your day with a lavish dinner crafted from the freshest local ingredients.

DAY 4:

Fresh, Local Seafood. The day starts with a boat excursion through the tranquil waters of a hidden local river. Towering white sand dunes evoke a sense of being in the desert, while the gentle breeze from nearby beaches carries the scent of the Atlantic Ocean. Today’s culinary focus is on local seafood and fresh fish—a feast of blue crab, local shrimp, fresh catch, and locally grown vegetables. Fires are lit along the riverbanks, where you can enjoy your meal and share stories with Francis and your fellow guests while the sun sets.

DAY 5:

Horseback Riding and Beach relaxation. Begin your day with an exhilarating ride on local criollo horses, starting from the northern side of Laguna Garzón. Traverse rural prairies and private estancias, passing by lakes teeming with capybaras, otters, local “ñandues”, and deer along the way. End your journey at the exclusive Chiringuito Beach Club, where you can spend the day soaking up the sun, swimming in the ocean, and savoring fresh seafood.

DAY 6:

Jose Ignacio and a choice of activities. The morning is set aside to explore the town of Jose Ignacio and the surrounding area. Choose between a bike ride to town, a fishing experience with a local angler or a visit to the MACA museum of contemporary art and Sculpture Park. We will reunite to enjoy a beach lunch at the famous “La Huella”. During the evening, enjoy a special fire-cooked dinner at dusk at the Garzon Train Station, and learn about the days when the town hummed with visitors arriving by train for local festivals.

DAY 7:

Scenic Hikes and a Grand Farewell Feast. Set off on a hike, horseback ride, or carriage ride to Francis Mallmann’s farm, where the enchanting atmosphere and exquisite cuisine create an unforgettable experience. Tucked away in the hills of Garzón, Francis has crafted a sanctuary of simple elegance, adorned with shelves of books, a roaring fireplace, and stunning views of the countryside. This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that blends the beauty of nature with the artistry of Mallmann’s Seven Fires. Reflect on your week’s adventures during this farewell event and celebrate the culmination of an extraordinary journey.

DAY 8:

Farewell and Departure from Uruguay. After a relaxed breakfast, bid farewell to Casa Anna and the charming village of Pueblo Garzón. You will be transferred back to the airport for your departure, carrying with you unforgettable memories of your gourmet adventure in Uruguay.

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

An Idyllic Getaway in the Heart of Garzón.

This charming country home, restored by Francis, comprises seven warmly decorated suites with views of a verdant garden filled with native trees and agapanthus flowers. Step into a home where timeless 1920s architecture is married with modern comforts, embodying Mallmann’s unique blend of artistry, refined sophistication, and rustic elegance.

Kick off your days at Casa Anna with extensive breakfast spreads, followed by fantastic lunches and dinners at handpicked locations including three of Mallmann’s top culinary venues: the acclaimed Garzón restaurant, the seaside Chiringuito, and the winery restaurant at Bodega Garzón. Each meal is an epicurean journey, meticulously crafted to highlight the essence of the seven-fires cuisine, which you will learn about over the course of the week.

The trip includes daily active pursuits such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding with the local gauchos: the perfect way to see the beauty and charm of the Uruguayan countryside. Waiting for you back at Casa Anna is an inviting outdoor pool, and attentive bar service with unusual cocktails.