TXOKO means ‘cosy corner’ in Basque. Traditionally it’s blokes in berets from Sebastian or Guernika gathering in private dining clubs to display their culinary prowess. Legend has it spawning the cutting edge gastronomy for which the region is famous, fuelled by copious amounts of that tongue-tingling white wine called Tzakoli.
Now, without minding its Txs and Tzs, Manchester is to have its own version, launching appropriately enough in that well-named Ancoats cosy corner, Squid Ink. Chef patron Anthony Barnes has lent them his premises for the debut of Txoko on Tuesday, May 16, where a group of like-minded gastronomic enthusiasts will gather to cook… ToM’s not quite sure, but it should be fun.
It’s the brainchild of hyperactive supper club maestro Iain ‘Drunken Butcher’ Devine, who has cooked in various sociable tzokos while over on business around Pamplona.
These days these former all-male bastions accept women in their society ranks, which we are sure will be the case in Manchester (but probably not the berets). If you fancy making the launch (from 6pm at Squid Ink, 68 Great Ancoats Street, below) email [email protected]. Places are limited. For further details follow @ManchesterTxoko.
