Michelin stars and world-class gastronomy: Here's why Spain's tiny Basque Country is a foodie's Mecca
Most food enthusiasts know that Basque Country — the Michelin-starred mecca and autonomous territory of Spain and France — is considered the nucleus of world-class gastronomy.
No less than four of the tiny region's eateries are listed in 2017's World's Best 50 Restaurants, and Basque Country's premier culinary offerings/activities — both budget and blowout — between its handsome coasts and mountain villages continue to grow.
If the recent announcement that Bilbao (one of the region’s finest cities) is hosting the World’s Best 50 Restaurants in 2018 doesn’t already whet your appetite, here are a further 9 delicious reasons to sample the best of Basque.
Azurmendi
Travis Levius
Azurmendi, based a few minutes outside of proper Bilbao, is one of the most innovative restaurants in the world. The hyper-sustainable 3* Michelin restaurant brings guests on a journey in the truest sense: amuse bouche picnics in the atrium, a tour and tasting in the kitchen and other delights atypical of a regular top restaurant. The glassy greenhouse above the restaurant further signifies chef Eneko Atxa’s passion for Basque produce and sustainable eating.
Find out more here.
Pintxos Crawls in San Sebastian
Travis Levius
The “pintxos crawl” is the culinary past-time for San Sebastian locals and is simply a must for travellers wanting the authentic Basque experience. Similar to tapas (though different), pintxos are small dishes of everything from squid to
Similar to tapas (though different), pintxos are small dishes of everything from squid, to jamon, to prawns, and you can sample plenty without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a good starting point among San Sebastian’s innumerable pintxos joints, try Casa Urola, Borda Berri and Bar Txepetxa. Don’t forget to have a glass of rioja, txakoli (a local sparkling wine) or Basque-style cider with your dishes, too.
Basque Culinary Center
Travis Levius
Though the San Sebastian-based institution serves many functions, at its heart is a training and research centre which helps chefs -- both amateur and professional -- reach their fullest potential.
Visitors have a bevvy of options to explore, including restaurant tastings managed by the BCC’s university students, masterclasses and talks from some of the world’s greatest chefs. The BCC is also the brainchild of the prestigious Basque Culinary Prize, which awards €100,000 each year to a chef who has bettered society through food (trailblazing Colombian chef Leonor Espinosa is the 2017 recipient).
Find out more here.
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