For our travel issue of JBF Notes, we asked top toques about their favorite international locales for culinary inspiration. Below, chef Bryce Shuman and GM Eamon Rockey of the 2014 JBF Award–nominated Betony share their picks for San Sebastián, Spain:
San Sebastián’s gastronomic community resonates with a strong sense of pride in regional Basque culinary tradition, from their pintxo bars to some of the world’s most famous food destinations. Don’t miss:
Bar Zeruko for the amazing array of highly progressive tapas.
The market under the Plaza de la Brecha for the city’s finest selection of produce and seafood.
Gran Paladar for the best olives and cured meat in the city. (The family who owns it is the archetype for the city: passionate, kind, hospitable, and warm!)
In addition to the fantastic cured meats available throughout San Sebastián, be sure to try the incredibly flavorful mushrooms when on offer, as well as offal specialties (look for crispy, juicy, chewy pig’s ear!) and caramelized cheesecake (the best may be at La Cepa) to finish a tapas tour.
