Pintxo Workshop and Fest in the Secret Kitchen

Pintxos, the Basque Country’s celebrated small bites, take center stage at this immersive culinary experience in San Sebastián’s Secret Kitchen. Participants will join a local chef to craft a selection of traditional pintxos and a delectable dessert, all while enjoying regional wines and ciders. With a focus on seasonal ingredients and time-honored techniques, this intimate workshop promises a personalized and engaging atmosphere. By the end, guests will leave with the recipes and skills to host their own pintxos fest at home. What delightful surprises await in the Secret Kitchen?

Good To Know

• A traditional Basque pintxos cooking class led by a local chef, featuring the preparation of five pintxos and one dessert.
• Immersion in the food culture and history of San Sebastián, accompanied by local wines and ciders.
• Participants receive recipes for hosting personal pintxos festivals, focusing on local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.
• Accessible and inclusive experience, accommodating dietary restrictions and preferences, with a maximum group size of six for personalized interaction.
• Exploration of traditional Basque cooking methods, intricate plating techniques, and unique ingredient combinations to foster culinary creativity.

Overview

The traditional Basque pintxos cooking class offers participants the opportunity to learn from a local chef.

During the class, guests will prepare five pintxos and one dessert, all while enjoying local wines and ciders.

The experience provides a chance to take in the food culture and history of San Sebastián. Participants will leave with recipes in hand, ready to organize their own pintxos festivals.

The class emphasizes the use of local ingredients and traditional techniques, focusing on presentation and flavor combinations.

This intimate, hands-on experience promises an engaging exploration of Basque culinary traditions.

Sample Menu

Five pintxos feature prominently on the menu, allowing participants to sample a diverse range of Basque culinary specialties.

The focus is on local ingredients and traditional recipes, with an emphasis on presentation and flavor combinations. Guests can expect to explore:

• A classic pincho moruno, featuring juicy pork skewers with smoky paprika.
• A vibrant vegetable pintxo, showcasing the season’s freshest produce.
• A traditional bacalao (salt cod) preparation, a staple of Basque cuisine.
• A bite-sized version of the beloved Gilda, a signature pintxo of San Sebastián.
• A unique fusion creation, blending Basque and global influences.

The menu also includes a delectable Basque dessert to cap off the culinary journey.

What’s Included

Typically, the workshop includes a brunch featuring five different pintxos and one Basque dessert. Participants will also enjoy six glasses of local wine or cider.

The workshop takes place in a fully equipped hotel, complete with tablecloths and napkins. Afterward, guests receive recipes for hosting their own pintxos festival at home.

Liability and accident insurance are included, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. The workshop is designed to provide an immersive exploration of Basque culinary traditions, emphasizing fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and time-honored techniques.

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious beginner, this workshop promises a delicious and enlightening glimpse into the vibrant pintxos culture of San Sebastián.

Meeting and Pickup

At the Alameda del Blvd., 25W, 20003 San Sebastián, visitors will find a kiosk marked with a typical Basque black beret, which serves as the meeting point for the Pintxo Workshop and Fest.

The activity ends at the same location, allowing for easy access to public transportation. Clear instructions are provided for the meeting logistics, ensuring a smooth and organized experience.

The workshop accommodates:

• Wheelchair and stroller accessibility
• Service animals
• Personalization for food or drink requests
• A maximum group size of six travelers for an intimate experience

Expectations

Participants can expect to receive confirmation of their booking within 48 hours, subject to availability. The pintxo workshop is committed to ensuring an accessible and inclusive experience. The venue is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are permitted. Personalization is available for any dietary restrictions or preferences.

Accessibility	Available
Wheelchair	Yes
Stroller	Yes
Service Animals	Yes
Dietary Requests	Yes

The class size is limited to a maximum of six travelers, creating an intimate and personalized culinary journey through the rich Basque food culture.

Culinary Techniques

During the pintxo workshop, participants explore a diverse range of culinary techniques under the guidance of a skilled local chef.

The focus is on:

• Traditional Basque cooking methods, such as grilling, simmering, and pickling
• Intricate plating and garnish techniques to elevate the visual appeal of pintxos
• Flavor balancing through the use of acidic, sweet, and savory elements
• Experimentation with unique ingredient combinations to create novel flavor profiles

Throughout the class, the chef encourages participants to step outside their comfort zones and embrace the culinary creativity that’s central to the Basque pintxo tradition.

Local Ingredients

The Pintxo Workshop and Fest celebrates the abundance of local ingredients that are integral to Basque culinary traditions.

From fresh seafood plucked from the Bay of Biscay to the region’s renowned Idiazábal sheep’s milk cheese, the menu highlights the very best of San Sebastián’s bounty.

Participants will learn to incorporate seasonal produce like piquillo peppers, wild mushrooms, and green beans into their pintxos.

Local cider and txakoli wine complement the flavors, offering a true taste of Basque culture.

Liability and Insurance

The workshop’s liability and accident insurance ensures participants’ safety and peace of mind during the event. This coverage protects against any unforeseen incidents, providing a secure environment for all attendees.

Key benefits of the insurance include:

• Coverage for personal injury or property damage.
• Protection against third-party claims.
• Compliance with local regulations and legal requirements.
• Assurance that the experience will run smoothly without interruption.

With this comprehensive insurance in place, participants can fully enjoy the Basque culinary adventure, focusing on the joy of learning and indulging in the delicious pintxos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Arrive Late to the Class?

While the class has a set schedule, you’re encouraged to arrive on time to fully participate. The chef and staff will be happy to catch you up if you’re running late, but punctuality is appreciated for the best experience.

Is the Cooking Class Suitable for Vegetarians?

The cooking class provides vegetarian options, allowing participants to enjoy the traditional Basque pintxos experience. Personalization is available to accommodate dietary preferences, ensuring a satisfying culinary journey for all attendees.

Can I Take Photos During the Cooking Demonstration?

Yes, participants can take photos during the cooking demonstration. The chef encourages guests to capture the culinary experience and share it with others. Photographs are allowed as long as they don’t disrupt the class.

How Much Time Is Allotted for the Cooking Class?

The cooking class is approximately 2.5 hours long. Participants will spend time learning traditional Basque pintxos preparation techniques and recipes, as well as enjoy local wines and ciders throughout the class.

Are Children Allowed to Participate in the Class?

Children are welcome to participate in the cooking class. The class is designed to be family-friendly, with accommodations made for younger participants. The maximum group size of six travelers ensures an intimate and enjoyable experience for all.

The Sum Up

The Pintxo Workshop and Fest in the Secret Kitchen offers a unique and immersive culinary experience. Participants will create traditional Basque pintxos and a dessert while learning about local ingredients and cooking techniques. This intimate workshop, limited to six people, ensures a personalized and engaging atmosphere, allowing guests to take home the recipes and host their own pintxos festival.