I'm Preston Todd — "The Unlikely Spaniard" — a Montana-born, Idaho-raised paellero bringing authentic Spanish tradition to gatherings across the Pacific Northwest.

Thirty years ago, an unexpected friendship changed my life forever. While living in Seattle, I rented a room to Azucena, a visiting professor from Spain. Every weekend, she would visit Pike Place Market for fresh ingredients and prepare traditional paella and fideuà just as her family did back home near Valencia.

What started with me running errands quickly became a passion and apprenticeship. Over the years, Azucena and her husband Luca became lifelong friends, mentors, and extended family, welcoming my family and me into their home and traditions in Spain year after year.

Inspired by the warmth, hospitality, and communal spirit of Spanish cooking, I've spent decades mastering paella and other dishes from Hispanic cultures. Today, The Unlikely Spaniard brings that same authentic experience to weddings, corporate events, family celebrations, and gatherings of all kinds — creating memorable meals meant to be shared.