I don’t care what anyone says. City hotels like the Sheraton Stockholm, that are primarily geared towards the business traveller will get my vote every time. Alongside the Nordic efficiency …
Europe HotelsSheraton Hotel, Stockholm: A solid hotel for business travel
Europe RestaurantsPark Chinois Restaurant, London: Posh Chinese Extravagance
If you were to cross the sexy, opium-den ambiance of Janet Jackson’s 90’s music video ‘If‘, with the atmospheric mood of that most stylish of stylish films In the Mood for Love, …
Europe RestaurantsGauthier Soho Restaurant, London: No shortcomings to this dining experience
Most sane people lament over the amount of ‘junk’ that makes it’s way into their inbox. I am not one of those people. Even by average standards, I probably subscribe to an inordinate …
Asia Pacific HotelsKeraton Plaza – a Luxury Collection Hotel, Jakarta: Haven of private luxury
When it comes to an island nation like Indonesia, it’s easy to forget just how expansive its territories are, stretching from Malaysia in the west, all the way to Papua New …
Asia Pacific HotelsSule Shangri-La Hotel, Yangon: Creature comforts in central Yangon
For the more selective traveller, one of the advantages of a branded hotel is knowing you’ll be getting a certain level of quality and standard – both in terms of 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 being than when someone talks about ‘clever twists’ or ‘modern fusion’ …
Europe RestaurantsL’Anima Restaurant, London: Not for me
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 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
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, …
Asia Pacific HotelsShangri-la Hotel, Tokyo: Discreet luxury with uncompromising service
Is there any other place like Tokyo? This is a city that effortlessly manages to combine centuries old tradition and culture, with a view of the modern world that’s brashly …
Hotels South AmericaW Hotel Santiago, Santiago de Chile: High-end boutique hotel
My sense of timing is often inopportune, as I was reminded of flying over the Andes from Buenos Aires on our way to Santiago de Chile. I’m not a fearful …