EATING MY WAY THRU NORTHERN SPAIN

 

Fact: Spain has more Michelin Star Restaurants than any other country outside of France.
Fact: Spanish wines and Cavas (sparkling wines) are some of the best in the world.

Fact: Northern Spain has some of the most beautiful scenery on the Iberian Peninsula!

 

With that knowledge in hand, when a friend asked me to travel to the land just south of the Pyrenees and to the Costa Brava….my answer was yes yes yes.

 

First stop, San Sebastien - located on a beautiful bay with green mountains for a backdrop, it was once the undiscovered playground of the rich and famous. Now lovely mid-century buildings make it look for all the world like a little Paris or Cannes.

The fresh seafood here is not only copious, but delicious. Everything from Sea Urchins to lovely grouper and snapper top the tables of several Michelin star restaurants.

 

Bilbao was next and a visit to the Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank O. Gehry and an architectural masterpiece.  Dinner at Extranobe (on the list of the World’s best restaurants) surpassed expectations. Each dish hand crafted with locally sourced products and presented with artistry.

 

A 2-hr. drive past Castles and green farms we visited the Rioja region where the grapes of the same name are grown.  Special tour through the Maques de Riscal vineyard and wine tasting surpassed expectations.

 

On to the Costa Brava, where Spain connects with France. Lined with spectacular cliffs cascading down into the Mediterranean far below offered spectacular vistas. Walking next to the sea learning about plants and herbs to pair with wine, world renowned gastro-botanical consultant Evarist March had much to teach. Evarist is part of the team at Cellar de Can Roca, named second best restaurant in the world!

Wonderful Northern Spain and the Costa Brava means lazy days of 3 hour lunches, great wines and amazing creativity of its famed chefs. Thank you, Spain, for this lovely learning experience!