Located 30 minutes outside of Bilbao in Axpe, ETXEBARRI, was probably the best meal of the trip.
It isn’t exactly the rustic grill place where the guy makes his own charcoal that I had expected, although it IS an asador and he DOES make his own special type of fuel from various wood species, shown below.
The dining room is elegant (in a comfortable way) modern and clean. The food is equally pristine. The light touch of chef/owner Bittor Arguinzoniz’s grilling only cajoles more natural flavors from his quality ingredients.
My first ever PERCEBES, the infamous gooseneck barnacle from Galicia in the Northwester part of Spain known for its top-notch seafood and beef. Percebes taste like a sweet clam, but more delicate in flavor and less chewy. The generous waitstaff will demonstrate the proper eating technique. Yes, they do look odd and they’re a bit pricey, but the taste is one that should be experienced...and once won’t be enough!
Everything else is of the best quality too....
the most interesting and delicious grilled item I have eaten, ever...
Yep! CAVIAR.
I chose Etxebarri based on an article in Town & Country but upon my return, there was a whole article on the restaurant in the June 2009 Gourmet Magazine!
Only a couple tapas for dinner in Bilbao in the Parte Vieja (Siete Calles) area.
Overall, I would very much recommend Bilbao. It is a walkable city that feels easy to live in. Don’t miss the Guggenheim. There are really interesting exhibits at the moment too.
CIAO FOR NOW! Next Stop- Gourmet’s delight, San Sebastián