Tapas and Pinxtos in San Sebastian, Spain

San Sebastian, Spain is one of the best places to enjoy the tapas or pinxtos adventures of the consummate foodie. Here’s a look at just a few of the delicious items to be had.

IMG_0137In the heart of the “old town” you’ll find several streets loaded with restaurants and bars serving everything from high-end creations to regular favorites like these below.

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The best part about the scene is that you can sample all these delights for relatively affordable prices as well as have a nice stroll and chat as you do. Something I enjoy most about Spain.DSC_2555 Take your time. Don’t forget the wine! Experience it all.

Published in: on October 2, 2017 at 10:59 pm  Comments (1)  
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Tempranillo, Madrid

Another favorite stop for tapas on Calle Cava Baja (in Madrid) is Tempranillo. This place is more “old school” than “new school.” In other words if you order a glass of wine, they’ll bring you a small snack. They also have a menu full of delicious items. But first, let’s see all that wine on the wall:

Wall of wine at Tempranillo, Cava Baja, Madrid, Spain.

Wall of wine at Tempranillo, Cava Baja, Madrid, Spain.

You’re sure to find something you like there. They usually have several bottles of red and white open, selections that are tasty and easy. Here’s a look at the chipirones with artichokes:

Chipirones with artichokes at Tempranillo, Madrid, Spain.

Chipirones with artichokes at Tempranillo, Madrid, Spain.

I also enjoyed a salad of various items that was loaded with olive oil. The photo is not the best, but here it is:

Salad at Tempranillo, Madrid, Spain.

Salad at Tempranillo, Madrid, Spain.

Having been to Tempranillo many times, I’m amazed by the consistency. Always good, always interesting. The people watching here can be fantastic. So, go early, linger, and enjoy.

Published in: on August 2, 2014 at 12:20 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Txakolina, Madrid (2104)

That wonderful street with tapas bars shoulder to shoulder! Of course, I’m talking about Calle Cava Baja. There you’ll find Txakolina, a place worth the effort, and there is some effort because it gets crowded.

Txakolina, Madrid.

Txakolina, Madrid.

This is a pintxoteca, meaning the items are a bit larger than tapas. Here’s a look at the delicious offerings on the counter:

Pinxtos at Txakolina, Madrid.

Pintxos at Txakolina, Madrid.

They serve these bits of goodness with small glasses of wine and beer. Here’s a close up of two:

Pintxos at Txakolina, Madrid.

Pintxos at Txakolina, Madrid.

As mentioned, this place gets crowded and noisy, but so do most of the taparias. That’s part of the fun. And the food is fantastic. So make sure this one is on the list for your tapas crawl in Madrid. Enjoy every meal. Go slow.

Published in: on July 30, 2014 at 11:32 am  Leave a Comment  
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Mercado San Miguel, Madrid (2014)

For a culinary extravaganza in Madrid’s old town, go directly to Mercado San Miguel, adjacent to the Plaza Mayor.

Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Inside you’ll find every type of food both prepared and not. Let’s start with fresh fruits and vegetables:

Fresh fruit and vegetables at Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Fresh fruit and vegetables at Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

If you like fresh seafood, you can have that too!

Fresh seafood at Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Fresh seafood at Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Now how about some olives?

Olives and more at Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Olives and more at Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Back to seafood, how about some oysters?

Oysters at Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Oysters at Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Of course, there’s plenty more, such as fresh-roasted nuts of all types:

Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Fresh nutz at Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

And you can have a seat here while you enjoy your snacks:

Dining area at Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Dining area at Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Don’t forget some bread or pizza:

Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Bread and pizza at Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Of course you’ll need something sweet, too, right?

at Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

Sweets at Mercado San Miguel, Madrid, Spain.

There are these things and much, much more at this market, including wine, beer, raw honey, delicious cheeses, literally everything. So go hungry and plan to stay a while.

Published in: on July 25, 2014 at 2:49 pm  Leave a Comment  
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