In Spain’s Basque Country: A Culinary Competition

WestportNow photographer Dave Matlow traveled to Spain’s Basque country this week to the small seaside community of Hondarribia and was hosted by the town’s event organizers who wanted to introduce WestportNow readers to its fifth annual pintxos competition, an event for regional chefs to create the best pintxo, the Basque name for certain small portion food creations typically eaten in bars or taverns. The culinary creations have a strong socializing component and are regarded by some as a cornerstone of Basque culture and society. The contest, which attracted wide interest throughout the country, was held in the 13th century town plaza where 75 Basque region chefs competed for prizes for the most creative and gastronomically desirable pintxo serving. Hondarribia, a tourist destination celebrated for its Basque cuisine, is a walled city with an historical heritage, fishing port, and places for hiking. It is served by two airports, one in nearby San Sebastian, the other in Biarritz, France. Matlow provides a photo montage of the competition and a glimpse of the town of 16,000. Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com