San Sebastian is arguably one of Spain’s most beautiful cities, boasting remarkable architecture, world-class beaches along the Bay of Biscay, and an old town brimming with some of the finest dining on the planet. The tree-shaded central city is spotless, with pedestrian-only streets full of shops and cafes, and the tap water is crisper than anything from a bottle.
Yesterday, balmy weather in the 80s drew us to the water and a leisurely stroll along the broad beach packed with sunbathers. Next stop was in the bustling old town and a favorite destination: always crowded Paco Bueno, a pintxos spot renowned for fried shrimp. There, we shared a bench with a delightful couple from Madrid, Alberto and Rachel. We quickly bonded over our favorite restaurants and ended up joining them for their next couple of stops. They introduced us to tiny pintxos eateries we might never have discovered on our own.
One was Bar Txepetxa, which featured marinated anchovies crowned with various (and often unusual) sweet and savory toppings, including foie gras and applesauce, spider crab, and tapenade. Delicious. Next time we visit, Rachel suggested we try the blueberry topping. Why not! No wonder culinary and movie stars make this shoe-box-size eatery a must-visit.
Our wine of choice was the fizzy Txakoli, poured on high into a tall glass. A perfect match for the food, company, and fun on this sunny day. Salud!