I should clarify before we go any further.  I suppose I should be saying it’s ‘Pintxo Time’ since we’re in Basque country and that’s what they call them in these parts.  Pintxo, or tapas, are what food around here is all about!

You can’t get very far in San Sebastian with out passing a bar that has enough delicious food displayed that your mouth instantly starts watering.  Don’t be surprised if you find yourself saddled up to the bar, perusing the selection without even realizing that you’ve changed route from your earlier plans.

Of course there are many great things to do in San Sebastien.  The shopping, the beach, wandering the old town; those are all fantastic options.  But if you’re a foodie, you’ll be keen to go straight for the tapas, because the grub that’s lining those bars is pretty impressive.

If you’ve never been before, head straight up to the bar where you’ll get a plate, find some napkins and be welcomed by a bartender who will be more than happy to get you some sangria!

Next you can choose what you’d like to try.  If you’re not sure what something is, don’t be afraid to ask.  San Sebastian gets a lot of tourists and the people working behind the bar usually have pretty good English…or if you’re more skilled than I am, try your Spanish.

A few other things you should know when you’re venturing out for the first time.

Don’t judge a book by it’s cover

Some of the shady little places, or tourist packed joints that you might not think to go in end up having some of the best tapas.  Give them a try!

Don’t be afraid to ask

Many places have a dish they’re known for, or a specialty item on the menu that folks keep coming back for.  You don’t want to miss out, so ask!

Honour System

When you get your plate you can basically take what you like, and go back for more when you’re done.  There’s an unwritten rule that you will keep track of what you eat.  So be honest, because anything else is not cool!

So…are you wondering what I had for lunch???

I started with these three lovelies!  The eggs were stuffed with a creamy crab concoction(I’m sure that’s not the proper name, but that’s what I called it) and the dried ham was topped with goat cheese and fig jam.  To. die. for.

And because I was still feeling a bit peckish, I went for a combo plate of pickled peppers and olives and marinated shrimp.  This also did not disappoint.If you’re in Spain and you get a chance to hit Basque country, make your way to San Sebastian, if for nothing else, just to fill up on Pintxos.  You’re belly will thank you…but maybe not the top button on your jeans.