KitchenBridge I: Basazabal Gastronomic Society

The Basques' love of gastronomy is not exclusive to elite chefs. Proof of this is the large number of restaurants of different categories offering a high level of cuisine, as well as the existence of gastronomic societies. In a gastronomic society, members can come together to cook as if they were in a restaurant and enjoy what they have cooked with their friends or guests. We would not be exaggerating if we say that practically all Basques are members of a gastronomic society... or several!

When you go to a gastronomic society, several people attending the meal bring along their own food and cook it themselves. Afterwards, the expenses are calculated and split between everyone. It is a management system based on trust.

For those who visit the Basque Country, attending a gastronomic society is an authentic immersion in Basque culinary culture. A gastronomic immersion trip like the one our program offers would not be complete without this.

Accompanied by Nerea Umerez, member of Sammic's export team and a member of the Basazabal Society, we had lunch at this gastronomic society. Several chefs from the team of Enrique Fleischmann cooked for us on this occasion. The meal, based on local products of the highest quality, with the presence of several members of the Society who explained to the visitors how these establishments work, was a perfect immersion into this extremely important aspect of Basque gastronomic culture.