La Gilda is one of the most popular "Pintxos" (tapa, small portion of food) found on bar counters throughout Spain.

"It's green (meaning “sexy” in Spanish), lively and quite spicy. Like Rita Hayworth in her role as Gilda" said Joaquín Aramburu, alias "Txepetxa", the inventor of this pintxo in 1946, taking into account the similarities he saw in its creation with the actress in her acclaimed and sexy role in the movie "Gilda".

Txepetxa, a customer at Bar Casa Vallés in Donosti (San Sebastián, Basque Country) began to string on a toothpick the pickles that were offered to customers while they drank wine: an olive, a green pepper in vinegar and an anchovy.

The bar's clientele began to imitate Txepetxa and the name began to be famous in all the bars in the area; the rest is history...

It is an essential "pintxo" (tapa or appetizer) in Spanish gastronomy. Its vinegary and gently spicy flavor, always washed down with a splash of virgin olive oil, is the best companion to an vermut, wine or spritz and prepares the palate for the subsequent meal.

At La Moraleja, The Quiet Hotel we love it and we hope you do too!