Essentially Basque: Bringing Spanish Cooking Home

Essentially Basque is a comprehensive cookbook from expert chef Ryan Bartlow and longtime Anthony Bourdain collaborator and food writer Laurie Woolever that spans the entire Basque region in Spain, a destination that is beloved by the food world for its fresh produce, delicious dishes, and moreThe Basque country, nestled between Spain and France, is legendary among chefs for its vibrant markets, deep culinary traditions, and a culture that prizes eating well.From rustic tavern fare to the refined techniques of Michelin-starred kitchens, it’s a place where food is a way of life. Ryan Bartlow spent his formative years cooking at Akelarre, a three Michelin-starred restaurant in San Sebastián, while living above a humble village tavern where croquetas, txuleta steaks, and simple red wine became his daily sustenance.Those experiences shaped him as a cook and continue to inspire his menus today at his acclaimed New York restaurants Ernesto’s and Bartolo. With just a handful of simple ingredi