Donostia-San Sebastián, or San Sebastián as it is commonly known, is a small city of less than 200,000 people located on the Bay of Biscay on the northern coast of Spain, situated within Basque country. Although not large in stature this seaside city is often thought to be the jewel in the culinary crown of Europe. San Sebastián boasts seven three-Michelin Star restaurants, and chefs leading the way internationally with inventive modern cuisine. However it is not the Michelin star restaurants that draws the most foodies from around the world to flock to this seaside city. Pintxos are Basque style tapas that have developed into small gastronomic delights, that at the top bars have become more akin to an amuse bouche than a simple bar snack. In San Sebastián the locals eat Pintxos as part of a Txikiteo, which is a pre dinner or lunch bar crawl in which you might meet friends, have a small glass of local txakoli wine and one or two pintxos, and then move to the next bar. However many a gluttonous tourist has been compelled to graze over a much larger selection. Pintxos can range in price starting from two dollars and although traditionally are served on bread, can include any small bite. They can comprise of a simple combination of olive, pepper and anchovy through to a a less traditional combination of foie gras and apple. Pintxos literally means 'thorn' or 'spike' and refers to the toothpick that is a part of many pintxos. They can be used to hold food together, but also can be used to identify different prices and varieties of pintxos. Traditionally the pintxos are laid out across the bar and you take what you like, and upon finishing your bill is tallied using the honour system or by counting the toothpicks.
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