Many years ago, I remember seeing 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 …
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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 …
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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
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My experiences of Italy – be it when travelling the country, staying in its hotels or with the cuisine encountered – have always fallen into one of two distinct categorizations: annoyingly old fashioned …
Europe HotelsHotel Cala Saona, Formentera: Idyllic island hideaway
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Europe RestaurantsLa Belle Ibiza Restaurant, San Rafael: Ibizan shabby chic meets French bistro
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Europe RestaurantsPortixol Hotel Restaurant, Palma: Scandic cool in Mallorca
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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, with 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.
As 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 was whimsical and of a very Basque taste, and the entire dining room swiftly filled up 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
Etxanobe 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
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