Jon-Bxl

Hi

I was watching TV yesterday and they said that on the Spanish mainland many towns and communities have what I think they called a 'sociedad' (sp).

Sounded fantastic for any 'foody' out there. I thought this subject merited being outside of the resto thread.

This is where people meet up and share in the regional cuisine in a homely environment.

Is anyone aware please, of any sociedads around us? If so please let us know how to get involved

Jon

jontxu

Las Sociedades are typical from the Basque country in Northern Spain. Also called txoko in the Basque language. I think that there are not something common in Andalucia
many people think that Basque cuisine is the best in Spain

Regards

EsuriJohn

There is something of this type on the way out Isla Canela just before the local police station and the court after the seaman’s union building. It is two floors and upstairs seems to be the outreach of the communidad and downstairs seems a general meeting place with coffee and cakes. There is also a cafe resto which has in the last couple of years been leased out and does a daily menu. The old boys play dominoes and cards and the ladies chat and watch soaps. It’s great!

Jon-Bxl

Thanks for the feedback jontxu (txu = one of the Texas Universites? I've been there a lot!)

The BBC showed a Brit housebuyer in Lanzarote (or one of the islands) enjoying a wonderful looking meal in a Sociedad. They said the Sociedads are common on 'the mainland'.

Also cant get much further in Spain than there and the Basque country.

But I suppose that if there was one around about here I would have heard about it in the last 12 years+.

I will ask my local Spanish friends - its highly likely (and, perhaps, understandable if its a local secret, to stop hoards of Brits turning up! )

Jon

Jon-Bxl

Hi John

Yes we've seen that. Always curious to enter and try it out.

Where we live in Brussels a couple of minutes walk away, is a place run buy the town hall. All local residents are welcome by producing their ID card for our commune. Each commune probably has one.

However it is really targeted for, perhaps, the 'less privileged' and we feel awkward going there. NOT for any problem of talking to the local people, but to be seen as 'taking advantage'. I am sure it is subsidised.

I had a feeling (don't know why) that this place was similar. But knowing you have gone there and its a nice slice of the local community - makes it very interesting.

Thanks for that - its on the list! However I wonder if it is a sociedad....

Jon

PS With the beast from the east / storm Emma hitting the UK.... I can say that whilst we have rain and grey skies forecast here for the next 10 days or so... its nowhere near freezing. After the Monday Club yesterday - I went to M-Gordo. Coming back at 10pm it was 14 degrees! I drove back with the windows open and the heating on and it was very refreshing. We actually went to bed with the French doors open!

MikeCol

Hi Jon, we were invited to a similar thing, by some Spanish friends, when we lived in CE. It was run by a couple who live on a small holding on the edge of Ayamonte. They had turned the basement of their house into a small restaurant area with a bar and kitchen & served food they had produced. Rather than a business it was more about local produce & the social aspect of dining. We had jamon, cheese & bread when arrived followed by pork, liver, fried eggs, salad & potatoes. It was all absolutely delicious & we were there for several hours eating, drinking & playing silly games. I will say though, it was by invitation only, Bryony x

Jon-Bxl

Wow - wonderful! I'm jealous, its exactly what I was looking for. Well done for getting invited!

We once spent a fun afternoon with the local hunters in a kiosko outside of town, with a mutual friend of ours Bryony. We were invited to a big post-hunt splash-out loads of nosh (and surely booze) for soe days later - but sadly we were leaving.

Would have loved to do it. 'Memories are made of this'

Jon

PS yours does sound more like the sociedad I saw on TV

MikeCol

Hi Jon, sorry I can't be more helpful but maybe someone in your circle of Spanish friends may know it. I do keep an eye on the weather forecast for Ayamonte & noticed you have several days of rain and thunderstorms to come. We have a light dusting of snow this morning in Lincolnshire & it is very cold but snug and warm indoors. Keep dry xx

scrubbedexpat095

I've got to laugh. if you changed a few words in the admirable description above it would serve as a description for Madrid's Cannabis Sociedad's
They too are all about being invited to become a member and tasting local delicacies etc. :-)

Jon-Bxl

No problems thanks for sharing. I am not surprised, as mentioned, if these are by invitation only.

Hope the bad weather misses you and your supermarkets have stock.The headlines were interesting this morning.

Thanks & I promise to keep dry (on the outside )
Jon

MikeJ

Hi Jon

Looks like you've already cracked it: a quick google comes up with "Sociedad De Cazadores De Ayamonte" ie the Society of Hunters!

Get in there

Teed Up

Hi Jon,

Good to see your back at Esuri, its been a while,
Something didn't seem right,you at the Monday club then going to Monte Gordo??, I've never seen you leave in a straight line,, then i remembered John saying you were dry in Febuary?.
catch up soon


Ken.

Margaret and Derek

We also remember that well, it was a fabulous afternoon, I seem to remember you had to be a card holder or as you say by invitation only. When we asked about getting a membership card they just gave a wry smile and shook their head. Very much a closed shop methinks, but as Jon says an experience we shall never forget.

Jon-Bxl

Hi Ken...
Alls well here. Yes one day to go on 'dry Feb'. I couldn't do the UK 'dry Jan'- Well after all theres no longer month than Jan .... And it's not a leap year... Ergo Dry Feb ( 'stands to reason...dunnit!!' )

See you soon!
Jon

JeanMichel

Totally agree with you Jontxu.
The Spanish Basque cuisine is generally recognized as one of the best in the world!..
I am from Iparralde ( French part for those who don´t know).
Regards.