GASTRONOMY
Pintxo par excellence of San Sebastian
In the narrow streets of San Sebastian's old town, the tantalizing aroma of pintxos wafts through the air. Among the varied options, there is one that stands out for its bold flavor and intriguing history: gildas. These small bites are an essential part of Basque gastronomic culture and have become a symbol of the city. In this article, we will explore the fascinating history of gildas, their ingredients and the best places to try them.
Gilda
Legend has it that gildas were born in the 1940s at the Bar Casa Vallés, a Donostia establishment located on Reyes Católicos Street. At that time, it was common to accompany drinks with olives and other pickles. However, one day, someone decided to combine green olives, pickled chilli peppers and anchovies on a single stick. Thus was born the gilda, a pintxo that has become a classic.
The gilda is a simple but explosive combination of flavors. Each toothpick contains:
1. Green olive: the base of the gilda, providing its salty and meaty texture.
2. Pickled chili pepper: the spicy touch that awakens the taste buds.
3. Anchovy: the star ingredient, with its intense and salty flavor.
The mixture of these three elements creates a symphony of flavors that is irresistible for pintxo lovers.
Gilda
If you visit San Sebastian, you can't miss the authentic gildas. Here we recommend some places where you will find these delicacies:
1. La Cepa de Bernardo: this cozy bar is famous for its gildas. Accompany them with a cold txakoli and enjoy the experience.
2. Bar Néstor: an emblematic place in the old town of San Sebastián. Their gildas are legendary and served with love.
3. Casa Bartolo Etxea: a traditional corner where the gildas are a true masterpiece. A pintxo that has in its simplicity the secret of its success.
4. Bar Casa Valles: we could not miss the place where the gildas were created, by pure chance, in the 40s.
Gildas are more than just a pintxo; they are an essential part of San Sebastian's culinary identity. So, the next time you stroll through the streets of San Sebastian, don't hesitate to try a gilda.
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