Gastronomy is one of the reasons when it comes to visiting Tolosa. Its local produce is one of its hallmarks: beans, sweets, chillies, cheese, cider... and more delicacies which can be found at the traditional market every Saturday. However, in addition to this, it is also a place where you can enjoy a gastronomic experience sat around a table: for example, at the famous Tolosa grill houses.
Grill houses are very traditional in Tolosa. As you would expect, chops (txuletas) have a big presence; our town has always been linked to the grill tradition. It is said that it was in the grill houses of Tolosa that the first ox chops cooked on a grill were served, an innovation in which the grill chefs of Tolosa were pioneers. At present, this technique is used around the world.
In the 60´s, they replaced beef with ox meat; and it was so successful, that it became the star dish. They also work with calf chops, and now, especially adult cow chops. Throughout the year, thousands of visitors come from different parts of the world, solely and exclusively to savour the Chop Menu. And those who try it, return.
It is a real experience to see how they cook one of the best chops you can taste anywhere in the world on the grill. Some people ask for tips from the person who in in control of the embers in order to prepare chops like that at home, but are our grill chefs going to reveal the secret behind their chops?
Perhaps the secret is the fact that the grill chefs know the livestock farmers and even the cows that they have Perhaps it is knowing how to measure time so that the meat isn´t raw but is medium cooked. Perhaps it is the touch of salt. Perhaps it is the cut. Perhaps it is knowing how to control the embers. Or perhaps it is something intangible passed down from generation to another. Who knows.
What is clear is that in Tolosa there is an unquestionable tradition and feeling for fire, embers and the grill: “if I am here, it is for a good reason, they want me to continue to cook on the grill”. We recommend you watch this video to experience it:
For many years the Chop Festival has been organised in Tolosa, which shows off this spectacular product and the work of the masters of the grill houses of Tolosa. There is a discussion about the culinary technique that has marked the identity of many Basque chefs: the ageing of the meat, its characteristics... But above all, there is eating.
Now, the festival has evolved to become HARAGI, the international meat and grill conference, opening up to the world and also inviting international professionals: it has been organised for two consecutive years, and plans to continue to offer the best of the exciting world of gastronomy, meat and grill cooking. Here you can see a summary of the latest edition of the festival.
Tolosa grill houses and contact:
ASADOR BURRUNTZI:
Tel. 943 65 05 59
CASA JULIÁN:
Tel. 943 67 14 17
CASA NICOLÁS:
Tel. 943 65 47 59
ASADOR BOTARRI:
Tel. 943 65 49 21
