San Sebastian – This bar is one of the many great pinxtos bars in the old town. Don’t forget to order the hot pinxtos as well and do not only eat the ones displayed at the bar.
Best time to go? Actually, any time of the day. You can go before or after the beach (about 10 mins walk from concha beach) in your flip flops or also in the evening but keep in mind that Spain still has the Siesta in the later afternoon.
Bilbao – The Basque Country has so many good restaurants, but the “La Viña del Ensanche” is one of my favourites in Bilbao! The venue has a bar, a shop and an elegant restaurant with a set menu. The menu contains 7 courses for 50 EUR and changes regularly.
When I go next time, I will probably have the apero in the bar or do one evening with pinxtos in the bar and the other in the restauant.
To reach the restaurant you need to walk through the shop. The delicatessen look great and is full of the best of the Spanish and Basque kitchen…
The dinner itself was just great and we took some ideas home to try to cook at home as for example warm green fettuccine pasta nicely arranged in gazpacho soup.
Freienbach – In autumn 2014, Fredi Bloch moved from his former restaurant “Seeli” to this new location more or less to the other side of the street. The plates contain a lot of local fish are famous and we liked it already in Seeli. By the way, restaurant Seeli just reopened after some building works just 1 week ago and I am excited to visit it as well.
So, if you like fish in a traditional cozy house (frame /timbered house) then you should not wait to visit!
Malaga – about 10 minutes outside from Malaga is “El Palo” a rather ordinary outskirt but if you really want to enjoy fresh fish and seafood you just have to cross the street and go to one of the little restaurants at the beachfront. There are too many and for most you cannot reserve a table.
The chiringuitos are very simple restaurants or bars directly at the beach, some tables are even placed in the sand. But what you get for your money is outstanding in taste and quality.
Entertainment is guaranteed as well as you can watch people strolling along the beach and enjoy the Spanish sun…or watch and listen to the guys at the grill boat arguing with each other…we haven’t found out the reason. We were a little worried if they would forget about our merluza (sea bass) that was burning on the little boat grill but when it came on our plates it was wonderfully juicy and tasted just great as the shrimps pil pil, fresh tomato salad and fried baby fish.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pe%C3%B1a-Barcelonista-El-Palo/192388220824494
Zurich – I haven’t been to Bindella restaurant (In Gassen, near Paradeplatz) for years. I still remember the “Gnocchi alla Gorgonzola” and found they were the best I ever had.
Some time went by and my disappointment was that I could not find any Gnocchi on the menu. The waiter explained that they do not serve them every day. So I have a reason to go again.
The restaurant is very elegant and people dress up.
My choice of Osso bucco was perfect. Tender, juicy and the Saffron Risotto al dente as it has to be. Spaghetti can be ordered also gluten free.
Washington D.C. – I flicked through some interior design magazine and found this wonderful place. The stylish atmosphere and decoration is indeed worth a visit. We went on a Monday evening and it was packed! It is indeed a very multicultural place for people at every age – from a casual dressed student to the business men in a suit.
We had pisco sour to start – unfortunately not comparable with the ones I had in South America…but the food made us forgiving. The menu is selected and you can choose from Chinese, Japanese to Peruvian kitchen but actually it is all mixed with each other in a way I never had. I specially want to mention the “Causagiris”: Peruvian Causa married to Japanese Sushi….and the “Ceviche Nikkei”: Ceviche with soy sauce and much more.
I really wonder why there is no such restaurant in Zurich? Or even in Switzerland, please tell me if you know of anything similar!
Washington D.C. – This elegant place is perfect for a light meal after a long flight.
We had three different kind of oysters followed by stone crab with asparagus and brussels sprout (some call them frog eggs….).
The 12volt wine from Mallorca tasted great with it.
Book in advance!
Washington D.C. – Previously we booked a table at Le Diplomate where we have been already one year ago. Unfortunately Open Table mixed up something with the dates and it was closed. So we just crossed the street and found this wonderful place. The decor is all about seaside living and has a touch of shabby chic. The restaurant belongs to the www.blackrestaurantgroup.com. We have been to “Black Salt” from the same group last year, which was also very good.
I never had such a fresh and fluffy doughnut topped with a glazing that was melting on our tongue within seconds.
I had poached eggs with salmon on muffin bread, topped with a gorgeous looking and spicy tasting sauce. I long to go again just know that I`m writing about it.
sybillesbeenthere 