Basque Gastronomic Brotherhood

Gastronomic culture is deeply ingrained in Basque society, as can be seen in the high standard of its restaurants and famous local cuisine, as well as its gastronomic societies, known as txokos (pronounced "chocos"). Txoko is a Basque word meaning nook or cozy corner. These are private venues where groups of friends (which the locals call cuadrillas) get together to cook and enjoy spending time together around the dinner table. They have helped cultivate and preserve the Basque Country's traditional culinary heritage.