With the colors of the Spanish flag painted on the walls, the La Paella restaurant opened its doors to students. The Spanish eatery hosted the annual Spanish II and III class trips to a cultural restaurant, March 28.

The ethnic atmosphere along with strictly Spanish-speaking servers immersed students in a true Spanish dining event.

"I think it's more interesting when my students get the opportunity to listen to someone else other than their teacher," Senora Beatriz Foth said. "It makes learning more interesting."

Students were served four different courses for $20, including Spanish omelets and breaded chicken, salad, chicken paella and Spanish flan.

"The food was really good, but the bread and the sauce were absolutely fabulous," Kristina Palmer, '09, said. "That was really the best part of the meal."

Jose Herrera, the owner of La Paella, introduced the students' meal as well as the origin of paella, the restaurant's main dish and namesake.

"During the Spanish depression, people couldn't afford the food at markets," Herrera said. "So paella was made with rice, an ingredient that everyone had and whatever else you could find in your garden."

"When I first started doing field trips with my Spanish classes, the only Spanish restaurant open was La Paella," Foth said. "Then Flamenco opened, but it was more expensive and the owner wouldn't give our group any rates. Plus, Paco Vidal, the original owner, was born in Spain, so the students were getting a first-hand experience from him."

While some students favored the flavors of La Paella, others enjoyed the welcoming tone along with an opportunity to spend time with friends.

"The food was really interesting, but my favorite part was being able to just hang out with friends," Richard Garcia, '08, said. "It was fun just being able to see and talk in the Spanish culture."

Foth intended students to put their Spanish skills to practice. Though most students find this aspect of the trip difficult, Garcia enjoyed the challenge.

"Sometimes it was difficult understanding, but it was still interesting," Garcia said. "They said everything again in English, though, so it was not too hard."

Some students believe that the trip's success was due to the welcoming nature of the restaurant owner and his family.

"The atmosphere was very friendly, I think mostly because the restaurant is owned and run by Herrera and his family, " Tatiana Fontes, '10, said.

While Spanish II classes watched a video on preparing the dish, the students dined on the meal prepared by Herrera's family. Such a foreign meal allowed students to recognize subtle differences between foods of a different culture.

"I learned all about Spanish food, and the differences between Mexican and Spanish food," Palmer said. "They are very different."

Foth understands that students sometimes desire a change in her classes academic pattern. By offering an off-campus trip to La Paella, Foth hopes her students gained Spanish appreciation outside of the classroom.

"I want my students to know more about Spanish culture through the food," Foth said. "You can learn so much about the culture without leaving the country."

For more information, questions or reservations at La Paella, Fresno, call 559.434.6224. The Spanish restaurant is located at 1137 East Champlain Drive at the corner of Champlain and Perrin.