euskalkultura.eus

By Jillian Spiegel

BASQUE DINING

Santa Fe Hotel

The Santa Fe Hotel has been serving a delicious Basque family-style dining experience to guest for more than 50 years. This family-owned business was once home to Basque settlers traveling through Reno, and has since transformed into one of Reno’s oldest and most valued dining hot spots. Take a step into the state’s history by experiencing one of the oldest dining traditions the city has to offer that won’t leave you hungry, and will have you coming back for more.

Louis’ Basque Corner

Louis and Lorraine Erreguible premiered a glimpse into their Basque heritage in 1967 by opening a restaurant serving Basque cuisine that has since become a Reno tradition. The restaurant gives you an authentic Basque experience with delicious food, servers dressed in traditional Basque attire, and a comfortable environment that is a snapshot of what true Basque culture is like. While downstairs is a comfortable, family restaurant, upstairs is a full-service bar with an amazing nightlife and the signature drink – Picon Punch – will blow you away (and get you quite buzzed).

The Picon Punch

Louis’ signature drink, The Picon Punch, is a Reno staple that will get the party started as soon as these drinks start flowing! Unique to the Basque culture, immigrants brought this drink alive in northern Nevada, bringing many fun nights to those who choose to partake in this unique cocktail. The next time you’re in Reno, try one (or two!) but be sure to pace yourself!

Basque Picon Punch Recipe:

•fill glass with ice
•1 teaspoon grenadine
•1 ½ ounces of Picon or Torani Brand Amer
•Shot of seltzer water
•Top with a splash of Brandy
•Add a lemon twist (peel only)
•Serve and enjoy

BASQUE CULTURE

The National Monument of the Basque Sheepherder Euskal Artzaiari

Located near the intersection of McCarran Blvd. and North Virginia St., this monument stands tall, representing the amazing Basque history. The monument displays a sheepherder and the map illustrates the Basque settlement in the United States. A perfect way to see this beautiful monument up close is by visiting San Rafael Park for a day exploring the park’s trail system, which offers views of downtown Reno and Sierra Nevada mountains.

Reno Basque Festival

The Reno Basque Festival showcases all the amazing features of the Basque culture to help fully immerse you in all that it has to offer. Delicious cuisine, traditional music and dancing, and authentic traditions are all waiting to be explored at this annual celebration. This year’s event will be held July 15 at Wingfield Park in downtown. There will be interesting activities this year, such as a weight-carrying contest, wood-chopping demonstration, war cry contest, Basque cooking tips and so much more.

Basque Library

Located on the third floor of the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center on the University of Nevada, Reno campus, the library is considered to be the leading library on Basque topics outside of Basque Country. It was founded in the late sixties and has professional Basque Studies researchers and every English publication on anything Basque ranging from culture to history.