Food and city tours in San Sebastián, Spain
If you think you know anchovies...think again. These vinegar-cured, silvery delights can be topped with spider crab cream, sea urchin, fresh veggies, or, if you can believe it, blueberry jam.
Hey, don't diss it 'till you try it. You might be amazed.
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Perfectly grilled entrecôte with eggplant?
Anchovy with trout eggs over warm, toasted bread?
Piquillo pepper stuffed with succulent bonito tuna?
This couple from the Pacific Northwest of the USA said "Yes, please!" - and to so much more. A memorable evening.
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We love the adventurous spirit of solo travelers during the off-seasons. From Miami, USA - and also visiting the autonomous community of Asturias during her trip - this explorer uncovered the many facets of pintxo culture during her tour.
Bidaia ona izan, C. !
We think choosing to remain open only in the off-seasons and focusing on the smaller moments is not only a healthy approach, but it also provides travelers with a deeper, more resonant experience.
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A bright, tangy ceviche with freshest local fish, tiger's milk, toasted corn kernels (Chulpe corn), and sweet potato chips.
Peruvian classic with Basque ingredients - a perfect fusion.
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Delicately flavored anchovies with red peppers, guindillas, and a fresh garlic tomato spread. All balanced on a perfectly toasted, warm slice of bread and bathed in extra virgin olive oil.
I'll have eight, please. How many for you?
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A spoonful of blue lobster, trout roe, garlic mayo, and sprouts - all drizzled with a crisp vinaigrette. A vibrant, lovely start to a delicious pintxos outing in beautiful San Sebastián.
Pair it with an albariño white wine from Galicia - and off we go!
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Miguel Induráin is a retired Basque cyclist who won five Tours de France and he did it, get this, consecutively!
In his honor, the created a now classic pintxo. With five guindillas representing his victories, a slice of fresh onion and a manzanilla olive mimicking his helmet, and a hunk of delicious, local bonito del norte at its base - this sculptural pintxo portrays Indurain and his roots.
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Yes, it is January...and, technically, this is not a pintxo. Yet we never shy away from enjoying the best this town has to offer.
Kukurutxo txikia de cafe, mesedez!
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Txirimiri: a Basque word referring to the fine, misty rain that lingers in the air.
In our view, walking through txirimiri from cozy bar to cozy bar, sampling their pintxos and warming the soul with drinks creates unshakeable memories.
The kind that sneak up on you years later when you least expect them.
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Es la hora del vermut. Do you prefer a dry or sweet vermouth? Either way, pair it with a Gilda around 11am.
No one will bat an eye in your direction.
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Taking advantage of the newly installed flight route between London and San Sebastián, these fantastic folks experienced some of the world's best dishes during our relaxed, unhurried off-season.
We also added some city exploration - watching the Urumea River flow into the churning Bay of Biscay.
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https://www.cntraveller.com/article/best-spanish-towns-to-visit-in-the-off-season
See these popular destinations without the crowds.
"Txipiron relleno de txangurro" - it is common to see a fleet of small, one-person boats dot the horizon at dawn. They dedicate themselves to line-catch baby squid and bring them ashore.
This dish consists of grilled baby squid (txipiron) filled with fresh spider crab (txangurro) sourced from the same waters, and bathed in parsley-infused olive oil.
A blast of San Sebastián maritime terroir - if you will.
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As the air around us gets cooler and mistier, it is a pleasure to dip in to a cozy bar for drinks and pintxos.
Here we have slow-roasted pancetta over a bed of hummus - sprinkled with toasted hazelnuts and drizzled with a lemon-mustard vinaigrette.
Pair it with a crisp, cold beer and just settle in for a while.
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Succulent cod (bacalao) topped with silky alioli, crispy algae, and drizzled with parsley oil. It flakes perfectly unto your fork and into your memories.
Along with the Vikings, Basque fishermen have a long, storied history pursuing cod wherever it may lead. Some say, it led the Basques to North America way before Columbus arrived.
But, being secretive by nature, there was no need to boast about such discoveries.
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We find it very hard to disagree with the choice for #1 here.
Also, I guess we'll just deal with the fact that our town only reached #2 in the "Best cities in the world" category. 🙄
https://www.cntraveller.com/article/best-cities-for-food-in-the-world
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These are the tastiest cities in the world, as voted for by you in this year's Readers' Choice Awards
Autumn with its cool, misty air is nigh. There are few experiences more memorable than traveling to new lands, slipping into a cozy joint, and tasting soul-warming dishes.
This soup made with white beans from Navarra is topped with fresh, seared foie gras from just across the border (France is only 15 km. away).
The broth itself is rich and deep, but add the foie to the mix... it's divine decadence.
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Hailing from Ohio, USA — these intrepid vineyard owners sampled some Txakoli, Ribera del Duero, Rioja, and Pedro Ximenez wines...quite the spectrum! More power to you!
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Vieira o zamburiña? You will find this an interesting flavor exploration as we jaunt from place to place.
Though both are scallops, they have fascinating differences. Vieiras tend to be sweeter with a meatier texture while zamburiñas have a more intense flavor yet delicate in texture.
The best grown in Galicia — zamburiña peak season falls between December and April.
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Even when the weather turns a little rainy and misty, we can dip into a sheltered street-side joint, have an out-of-this-world tortilla, and wash it down with a crisp local beer.
After all, this guest is a Seattle native - so he is used to this sort of thing.
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Cradled by a bed of perfectly cooked mushroom risotto, a succulent slice of foie gras offers you the perfect example of "the fifth taste" — umami.
Join us on an expedition to find this sometimes elusive dish.
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A refreshing cold soup for those langurous summer days — Salmorejo is made from a tasty blend of extra virgin olive oil, bread, tomatoes, and garlic.
Though it is a typical dish from the southern Spain community of Andalucía, it has a northern twist here with a smoked sardine topping and a drizzle of parsley oil.
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No, it is not the "black oil" from The X-Files. This Bokatita de Calamares contains lightly fried and beautifully seasoned calamares embraced by a Bao bun that has been flavored with squid ink.
Embrace your goth side.
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Our amazing and adventurous group from Seattle were dynamos tonight. Willing to try the more unusual & mysterious options while thoroughly enjoying the outing.
Zorionak, pintxo warriors, you graduated with honors.
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After the Tour de France zoomed through town, these lovely folks from Portland, Oregon sampled a glorious variety of pintxos.
A night of free-flowing conversation...and wine, of course.
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Usually taken mid-day, a couple hours before lunchtime, and in the company of friends or colleagues, Vermouth is a steadfast companion around these parts.
Known as a "marianito" — these "vermuts" can be enhanced with combinations of gin, bitters, drops of orange juice, juniper, and/or herbs. Each bar approaching the creation of the marianito in their own way.
You will be forgiven for ordering them at anytime.
📷:
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Off-Season Tours is proud to offer our Pintxos Tour to Donosti Cup visitors this July.
We will savor gastronomic classics and hidden gems within the Parte Vieja of Donostia-San Sebastián.
We usually don't run these in the summer, so book your spots before they are snapped up. More information at https://offseasontours.com/ess
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Lurking underneath these succulent open clams bathed with garlicky green sauce lies some gooey Puglia burrata waiting for your fork to tease it out.
Perhaps you are used to cheese melted over the clams, but this variation marinates the burrata with flavor and gives you the control. Awesomesauce!
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Though the Basque cheesecake tends to get all the glory — other amazing dessert options exist in this town.
The Torrija is present throughout Spain, but you will find an amazing ex*****on of it here. A milk and egg-dipped slice of quality bread that is then transmogrified via caramelization.
Similar to french toast, but with a crunchy and slightly charred sweetness. Yum!
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Our '23-'24 off-season has come to a close. Thank you to all who joined us - such memorable experiences that had you buzzing with happiness. Get ready for our '24-'25 off-season kicking off this October. More delectable food, perfectly paired drinks, and memories to last a lifetime. Click the link in our bio for more info or... 🌐 www.offseasontours.com Agur! #foodtravel #sansebastian #pintxos
Mastering the high-wire act of pouring txakoli sparks irrepressible joy. This group from New Zealand, Australia, and Canada had a rollicking night out - bouncing from place to place and trying it all. • #foodtour #culinarytour #donostia #pintxos #sansebastiantour #sansebastianfood #foodies #foodtravel #basquecountry #basque #sansebastian #personaltour #txakoli #wine #TxominEtxaniz
Tuck in for a bowl of scrumptious, soul-warming alubias with pickled carrots and cabbage. Pair it with a satisfying red Rioja and let time flow at its own languid pace. • #foodtour #culinarytour #donostia #pintxos #sansebastiantour #sansebastianfood #foodies #foodtravel #basquecountry #basque #sansebastian #personaltour #beans #soup #comfortfood
The Day of San Sebastián kicks off at midnight Jan. 19 - 20 with 24 hours of celebration, parades, and drumming. A heart-warming celebration of local culture and solidarity. Great footage from @visiteuskadi #tamborrada #tamborrada2024 #donosti #basquecountry
Yes! Champions League fútbol, beautiful beaches, and fantastic food. Time to book a flight? • #sansebastian #donostia #sansebastiantour #sansebastianfood #basquecountry #ucl #championsleague #bestbeaches #foodies #foodtravel #foodtour #pintxos #culinarytour #realsociedad
A brilliant day — with all the town's sights and experiences available for you at an unhurried, leisurely pace. This is the beauty of off-season travel. • #foodtour #culinarytour #donostia #sansebastian #pintxos #sansebastiantour #sansebastianfood #basque #basquecountry #foodies #foodtravel #personaltour #laconcha #buenpastor #vermouth
A little wind & wuthering is good for the soul, I say. It certainly does not stop anyone in this town from witnessing awe-inspiring scenes. And, of course, you can always dip in to a cozy bar for pintxos and drinks. An all-senses experience. • #foodtour #culinarytour #donostia #sansebastian #pintxos #sansebastiantour #sansebastianfood #basque #basquecountry #foodies #foodtravel #personaltour #urumea #partevieja #plazabilbao
A brilliant fall day begins in Donosti. Is there anything better than walking about with no goal in mind — taking in all the beauty...savoring those dishes? @bartxepetxa @ganbara.oficial @aitorlasagaztategia @casavergara1948 • #foodtour #culinarytour #donostia #sansebastian #pintxos #sansebastiantour #sansebastianfood #basque #foodies #foodtravel #personaltour #citywalk #mushrooms #basquecountry
Beyond the pintxos and the Michelin-starred temples, there are hidden gems in the nooks and crannies of this town. Want to change it up and have deeply genuine tacos? Or scrumptious cakes and pastries? Or, perhaps, hide away in an atmospheric cafe / bar? Dig a little deeper and you will find so much. @donachepina @antojitosreposteria @pubpokhara • #foodtour #culinarytour #donostia #sansebastian #pintxos #sansebastiantour #sansebastianfood #basque #foodies #foodtravel #personaltour #tacos #cake #cafebar
Ah, the classic "Gilda"... a sculptural pintxo assembled with delicate manzanilla olives, soft anchovies from the Cantabrian Sea, and punchy guindilla peppers. Drizzled generously with highest quality extra virgin olive oil. Oh my... An eye-widening pop of flavor that pairs deliciously with local txakoli wine. It might be ubiquitous, but it endures for a reason. • #foodtour #culinarytour #foodtrip #pintxos #sansebastiantour #sansebastianfood #foodies #foodtravel #basque #personaltour #gilda #anchovies #olives #ritahayworth
Evocative poster art promoting Donostia-San Sebastián as a desirable destination throughout the 20th century. Loved seeing how graphic design trends were filtered through Basque eyes. Through Oct. 15 at the always fascinating @santelmomuseoa • #foodtour #culinarytour #foodtrip #sansebastiantour #sansebastianfood #foodies #foodtravel #basquecountry #personaltour #graphicdesign #posterdesign #citymuseum
It's a deeply rewarding pleasure to experience slices of genuine day-to-day life during your travels. A jaunt from San Sebastián to the deep countryside town of Ordizia will never disappoint. Whether you visit the weekly produce market or are lucky enough to witness Artzain Eguna — the Day of the Shepherd — when the season's freshest Idiazabal cheese is presented for all to sample...Ordizia is an unforgettable place. • #foodtour #culinarytour #foodtrip #pintxos #sansebastiantour #sansebastianfood #foodies #foodtravel #basque #personaltour #ordizia #basquecountry #cheeselover
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