A Weekend Basking in Basque Cuisine writes travel writer Rupert Parker on Jon Warren’s leading culinary travel company, San Sebastian Food.
If you’ve ever wondered what all the fuss over Basque cooking was about here’s your chance to find out. Get yourself to San Sebastian, find somewhere to stay for the weekend, and a number of exciting food options open up. Pintxos are Basque Tapas and, on offer, are a Pintxo Tasting Tour, a Gourmet Tasting Tour and a Pintxos Cooking Class.
Here is Rupert’s article in full or to to read the review on The Travel Editor, click here
San Sebastián Food is offering Basque tasting tours and cooking lessons, right in the heart of the old city, for food and wine lovers to discover this traditional, yet innovative, cuisine.
Pintxo tasting is an integral part of Basque lifestyle and visitors are guided around the streets of the old town, visiting six wonderful bars, in a two hour culinary adventure. You get choice bites of food paired with a glass of wine in each place. From slow cooked veal cheek to juicy grilled prawns, wild mushrooms, marinated anchovies or delicious seared foie gras, this is a great introduction to the Basque Country’s culinary culture.
A guest enjoying the traditional pouring of local white wine 'Txakoli' after the pintxo cooking class
The Gourmet Tasting Tour is all about quality ingredients and takes in historic landmarks such as the La Bretxa market, as well as small independent shops selling the finest quality Spanish and Basque produce. Visitors can discover the secrets of the local shopkeepers, sample their produce and get an understanding of where the produce is grown and produced.
If you want to try and recreate Pintxos at home, there’s an authentic cookery class, in a traditional working restaurant focusing on fresh, seasonal produce. San Sebastián born chef, Alex Barcenilla, has over 20 years of experience including two years at Akelarre***, the three Michelin star restaurant in San Sebastián. His passion for cooking and knowledge of traditional Basque cuisine makes him an excellent teacher. He also offers a number of other courses including the experience of working with him in his restaurant kitchen for the day.
Costs
A sample gourmet itinerary starts from €400 for two people and includes a Pintxo Tasting Tour, a Gourmet Tasting Tour and a Pintxos Cooking Class.
There’s also a three night food and wine adventure costing €1,195 for two people and including a Pintxos Tasting Tour, Basque cooking class, three course dinner and wine tasting at Rekondo (one of the greatest wine cellars in the world), and a three Michelin star dinner at Arzak Restaurant.
San Sebastián Food also offers a range of gourmet gift vouchers for food and wine lovers to treat themselves, their friends or family to the ultimate gourmet weekend away. Vist their website to buy and to book.
About Rupert Parker. Rupert Parker is journalist, photographer, cameraman and TV Producer. He specializes in factual programming and has worked for the BBC, Discovery and National Geographic, winning many awards including an Emmy nomination. His special interest is food and travel and he’s the chair of the judges for this year’s British Guild of Food Writer’s Food and Travel award. With over 100 countries under his belt, his work for the Travel Editor will reflect new and old travels as well as future adventures. He lives in London.
