In August Tampere was full of cheerful atmosphere, when more than 50 restaurants participated in the Bailliage’s “Tamperrada” fiesta including a competition for the best pintxo.

The Tamborrada Festival in San Sebastian, Spain, was the original inspiration for this food fest – a play on words did the rest. During the week of August 14-18 some 25,000 customers visited the restaurants participating in the competition and consumed around 250,000 pinxtos!

The Basque word “pintxo” (Spanish: pincho) means a small snack. Typically eaten in bars, the many varieties are traditional in northern Spain. In the Basque country and Navarre the snacks are regarded as a cornerstone of local culture and society given their socialising aspect.

Related to tapas, the main difference is that pintxos are usually spiked (in Spanish “pincho” = spike hence the name of the snack) with a skewer or toothpick, often to a piece of bread. They are served in individual portions always being ordered and paid for independently from the drinks.

Subsequent to the “pinxto” week in August, the culminating event of the 2017 fiesta took place on September 9th when a tasty feast was held in the beautiful Tampere Market Hall. The event was quickly sold out. Three hundred happy participants had the opportunity to enjoy dishes prepared by 10 Chaîne member establishments.

Bailli Mikko Reinikka commented, “The event is designed to celebrate our chefs and the rich food culture of our region. It is a unique opportunity in the course of one evening to get to know the ten best restaurants in Tampere and to exchange thoughts with chefs. Experiencing the cheerful atmosphere of the Market Hall is an added pleasure.”

Dishes available to try included oysters, cod and pike-perch from Lake Pyhäjärvi, horse fillet, pork with boletus mushrooms, broad beans and rowan berry, chicken liver and nuts, and mushroom consommé with smoked cream.

Tampere – now known locally as the San Sebastian of Finland – and its “Tamperrada” are a tribute to good food. The 2017 event was a great success. As part of the celebration of its 50th anniversary, the Bailliage is already planning an even bigger and better one in 2018!

Anette Mellin
Vice-Chargée de Presse