Retro Amusement Park, Basque-Style

Many people overlook this magical spot, an enchanting step into the past, right on top of the city of San Sebastián. It's a step into the past, a place that time hasn't touched.

Bumper cars, a non-frightening House of Terror, games of strength, a steep slide, lazy river ride....all reachable by an equally ancient funicular. Upon arriving at the top of Mount Igeldo, the views one is greeted with are worth the price alone.

Montaña suiza? It's a roller coaster. In most all languages besides English, a roller coaster is called a "Russian Mountain". Well, sensible dictator Franco wasn't having any of that back in the mid 20th century, so this roller coaster received the name "Swiss Mountain" instead. ¡Down with communism! Ps, could be one of the scariest roller coasters for sheer fearing-for-one's-life.

365 tuesdays

Orange juice may be ubiquituous in Spain and Basque Country, but that's about where the delicious fresh-squeezed innovation stops. American chef and Donostian by marriage Kevin Patricio has solved this problem, just in time for summer, with his new pushcart, Good Juice. They serve juices made from everything: mango, carrot, berries, even spinach. Or you can watch them take a huge knife to a young coconut for some fresh coconut water to sip through a straw. Refreshing.

Part of the 365cities project.

Now Open: Zumos Good Juice

Hot off the presses doesn't really describe Zumos Good Juice, the latest addition to San Sebastián's La Concha beach. Cold and straight from the juicer is more accurate.  The same folks that brought you La Madame have taken on the responsibility of providing Donosti with exciting, fresh-squeezed juices all summer long.

Order a coconut water (hangover cure?) and watch them take a gigantic knife to fresh young coconuts brought from Africa. I'm thinking the coconut with black straw sticking out of it will be the hottest accessory on the promenade of La Concha this summer.

If you want something with more flavor, there's several juices to choose from, including my favorite, the Diosa Verde (Green Goddess): mango, green apple, spinach, cucumber, celery, lemon and pineapple.

Looks like this summer we'll have good juice and good bread. Do I hear a Mexican restaurant? Anyone??

hours: 12-8, closed on Tuesdays and when weather does not permit

365 tuesday

La Madame is the link between San Sebastián and New York, and not only because of its chef, Kevin Patricio. The food spans diverse cuisines (spanish, vietnamese, mexican, american...) but the real surprise is the new cocktail menu, which debuted this week. It's divided into four parts:  ‘Del Mortero’ (from the mortar: mojitos, caipirinhas, etc), ‘Elegante’ y ‘Aromático’ (elegant and aromatic), ‘Atrevido y Refrescante’ (daring and refreshing), y ‘Soprendente y Misterioso’ (surprising and mysterious). They add up to twenty special cocktails, without even a mention of the ubiquitous gin and tonic. Don't miss the ‘Brown Derby’, a mix of bourbon, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup, or the ‘Puente’, composed of tequila, grapefruit, martini blanco and elderflower. The only spot in San Sebastián with avant-garde drinks. Curated.

Part of this week's 365cities project.

ADIOS Pintxo Asteartea...365 Tuesdays

So, it's a new year and time for a fresh start. As it came to do one of the first Tapa Tuesdays, I realized that I was ready for a bit of a change. Something new.

So it occured to me to share with you all a recommendation that is not always a pintxo. To share something that is part of San Sebastián's general deliciousness. So from here on out I will be re-publishing, in English, my contributions to the 365cities project for you, the readers of my blog.  I hope you enjoy! Please comment below if you feel angry or betrayed. Now down to business:

This year, a lot of honey has been produced on the banks of the Urumea. So much that, for the first time, it's on sale at the azoka, the market in Gros. The honey is artesan, and before it was destined solely for the tables of the family from Martutene. The honey is made from bees that feast on kiwi and borrage flowers and is incredible. Fragrant.

Fruitu azoka (Mercado de frutas)
Plaza Nafarroa, Gros. Donostia