Mary Alustiza lived and loved the "Basque Table" as any reader will discern from her obvious enthusiasm. Mary gives a fascinating glimpse into the history of her own Basque family which she became the matriarch of. The author and illustrator, Mary Alustiza, was married to Alfonso Alustiza (1917-1980). The reader is given snapshots of the Alustiza family who came to live in Stockton, CA, where they owned and operated Alustiza's Restaurant in which many traditional Basque dishes were served to delighted guests nightly for many years. This incredible restaurant was definitely one of Stockton's finest and most popular. You won't be able to find another Basque cookbook with such clear instructions and colorful details anywhere! After cooking for many years and raising a large family, aside from the recipes I found so many additional facts. Did you know that if you wrap sandwiches in butcher paper rather than tinfoil or sandwich bags, they will never get soggy? This is an example of the hints from Mary Alustiza