Lovers of Basque sausage and Basque homemade gastronomy must be happy since the annual California Txorizo Contest will be held this weekend. On Saturday, February 7, the 39th edition of this culinary feast is expected to attract Basques not only from the Golden State, but also from Nevada and, depending on the weather, from Washington too. As told to EuskalKultura.com by organizer Bert Ithurburn, what makes this event attractive is that “the txorizo is the center of the attention, nothing else.”
Yuba City, CA. Cooks and Basque food aficionados will gather at the Sutter Youth Hall (7780 Butte House Rd, Sutter, California), in the Yuba City area, to be part of the contest, scheduled to kick off at 11:00 a.m. “It will probably start a little later, because there is always a lot of people,” said Ithurburn. 34 teams, with two people each in most cases, took part last year, but since registration will be the same day of the event organizers don’t know yet the exact number of participants in this year’s edition. Winners will get a trophy with their names on it and an apron.
Those willing to compete will have to take with them 10 to 15 pounds of home-made txorizo (enough meat for five judges and three heats), a frying pan, a cutting board, forks, and knives. The kitchen has room for four teams working at the same time but organizers will bring a couple of extra stoves.
One of the peculiarities of this gathering is that there are neither Basque musicians nor dancers in the program. “We tried to have music in previous years, but people are talking and hanging out and it is too loud to have music,” indicated the organizer. But there will be a wide variety of Basque food, not just txorizo. Because besides the contest, the Yuba City event is also a potluck where people share traditional Basque dishes, like meatballs or tongue, and even Basque paella.
[As the organizers stated, due to the expenses incurred in renting the Sutter Youth Hall ($600) and acquiring insurance ($350),any donations at the door will be greatly appreciated]p>
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