Basque Country: A Culinary and Cultural Journey

SAN SEBASTIAN: A SEASIDE CULINARY PARADISE

Nestled along the sparkling Bay of Biscay, San Sebastian is a true feast for the senses. The city's Old Town, or Parte Vieja, is a labyrinth of narrow streets lined with pintxo bars (the Basque version of tapas). One of my favorites was Bar Haizea, where the legendary Anthony Bourdain once indulged in their famous croquettes. Trust me, these crispy bites are worth the hype!

The Old Town is a labyrinth of pintxo bars like Gandarias, where I enjoyed classic Basque bites recommended by a local friend. Another standout was Karrika Taberna, where I tried the famous "Pintxo Keith" during a food tour. For an affordable yet delicious dinner, check out Bodegon Alejandro, praised by my food tour guide.

For a splurge, Casa Vergara delivered with huge steaks, fresh sea urchins, oysters, and an excellent wine list. Borda Berri, recommended by a local chef, is a gem for its incredible risotto.

No visit is complete without the croquettes at Haizea, where Bourdain once dined. And if you can't make it to a traditional cider house, Bar Restaurante Bare Bare offers a tasty steak pintxo.

For a more upscale dining experience, I highly recommend Casa Vergara. This elegant restaurant serves up succulent steaks, fresh seafood like sea urchins and oysters, and an impressive wine list. It's the perfect spot for a special occasion or a splurge-worthy meal.

No visit to San Sebastian is complete without a stroll along the Paseo Marítimo, a scenic beachfront promenade. Grab a coffee from Old Town Coffee, a cozy spot serving delightful matcha lattes, and watch the sunset over the iconic La Concha beach. It's a moment you'll never forget.

BILBAO: INDUSTRIAL CHIC AND CULINARY GEMS

Just an hour's drive from San Sebastian lies Bilbao, a city that has transformed from an industrial hub into a vibrant cultural center. The crown jewel is undoubtedly the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, a stunning architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Gehry. Even if modern art isn't your thing, the museum's exterior is a sight to behold.

But let's talk about the real reason I fell in love with Bilbao: the food scene. The city's Casco Viejo (Old Town) is a foodie's paradise, with countless pintxo bars and traditional restaurants. One standout was El Globo Taberna, serving superb crab pintxos. La Viña del Ensanche stunned with its vintage atmosphere and incredible acorn-fed jamon. For a casual lunch, Erribera Merkatua, an Art Deco indoor food hall, can't be missed.

Gure Toki and Café Bar Bilbao are two other excellent pintxo spots in Plaza Nueva. And for modern Basque cuisine, make reservations at the acclaimed La Cuchara de San Telmo.

Other gems included Goiz-Argi for its local vibe, Bar Tomas-Enea, and the famous cheesecake at La Viña.

For a more casual lunch, head to the Mercado de la Ribera, an Art Deco indoor food hall brimming with local vendors selling everything from fresh seafood to artisanal cheeses. It's a sensory overload in the best possible way.