Many years ago, I remember seeingĀ an exhibit by celebrated British conceptual artist David Shrigley. Already a huge lover of taxidermy, I instantly fell in love with his ‘I’m Dead’ sign-wielding …
Europe RestaurantsSketch Restaurant, London: Stunning venue for a special occasion
Europe RestaurantsThe Ivy Market Grill, London: Vast oceans apart
I’m always encouraged by established business’ open to understanding how they can diversify their offering to cater for changing tastes. If for no other reason, such attempts can help make …
Europe RestaurantsThe Wolseley Restaurant, London: In the mood to celebrate
For any self-respecting foodie who lives in London, there’s an unspoken short list of world-renowned establishments one must experience in their lifetime. This list includes a pre-theater meal at The …
Europe RestaurantsEyre Brothers Restaurant, London: Joyful, quality food
Contrary to what you may think, I’m a man of simple tastes. There’s nothing that strikes more terror into my beingĀ than when someone talks about ‘clever twists’ or ‘modern fusion’ …
Europe RestaurantsL’Anima Restaurant, London: Not for me
My experiences ofĀ Italy – be it when travelling the country, staying in its hotelsĀ or with the cuisine encountered – have always fallenĀ into one of two distinct categorizations: annoyingly old fashioned …
Europe HotelsHotel Cala Saona, Formentera: Idyllic island hideaway
Iāve wanted to visit Formentera for as long as I can remember. Mesmerised by images of iconic Playa Illetas and travel editorial descriptionsĀ of a laid-back Bohemian lifestyle and sleepy seaside …
Europe RestaurantsLa Belle Ibiza Restaurant, San Rafael: Ibizan shabby chic meets French bistro
If aesthetic alone were to determine how your evening meal will pan-out, then our palate should have been mesmerized by La Belle Ibiza. Decked out in the finest of Ibizan …
Europe RestaurantsPortixol Hotel Restaurant, Palma: Scandic cool in Mallorca
Whatever your experiences of Mallorca as an island destination, Palma has always been a tricky one to love wholeheartedly. I remember first coming here years ago, immediately after the Puro …
Europe RestaurantsMerchants Tavern Restaurant Review, London: Between a rock and hard placeĀ
The physical experience of being at Merchants Tavern brought back a flood of memories from the early noughties – a reminder of many a great evening spent at Cantaloupe, which …
Europe RestaurantsEtxanobe Restaurant, Bilbao: Delivers a novel, memorable experience
A foodie visit to Bilbao often means a case of having too many restaurant options to consider, withĀ not enough time to experience everything on offer. With a limited number of evenings on our weekend getaway, and an array of Michelin star restaurants of noteworthy quality, the choice of where to dine really wasn’t a job for the faint hearted. There are many exceptional experiences to indulge the palette of even the most fussiest of gourmands, and our choice – Etxanobe, is right up there with them.
AsĀ were celebrating a special occasion (the other Mr. Highlife’s birthday), I had high hopes for an evening of good food and company, and we were certainly looked after well by the warm and charming Etxanobe staff. Setting-wise the decor wasĀ whimsical and of a very Basque taste, and theĀ entire dining room swiftly filled upĀ shortly after our arrival.
We opted for the tasting menu with wine pairing, which did not disappoint. This was a meal that included dish after dish of delectable delights including scampi with fresh pasta, hake in mussel and saffron jus, grilled scallop with mussel and vegetable ragout, a txangurro of prawn in bisque and even a dessert of white chocolate with orange cream on liquid nitrogen served at the table.
The Verdict
EtxanobeĀ was a memorable evening of interesting, novel food concepts that I would highly recommend you try when in Bilbao. An attentive sommelier, efficient service and the highlight of the evening – a table-side visit by chef Fernando Canales added to the overall experience. Not be missed.
Restaurant – 8/10
Experience – 9/10
Europe HotelsWestin Palace Hotel, Madrid: In the heart of Madrid
The Westin Palace – a landmark hotel in Madrid, benefits from a superb location overlooking Plaza de las Cortes. As you ascend the marble staircase to reach the frescoed lobby, …