February 2016 - Page 2 of 2 - Gazing and Grazing

Attica – One of Melbourne’s “Musts”

February 7th, 2016

I've been watching a documentary on Ben Shewry, chef of Melbourne's Attica, and thinking that I must return to the restaurant. Attica uses local ingredients - yes, wallaby, for one - but presents them in a totally delicious manner. While some of the dishes can be said to be experimental, I found that he didn't go overboard - not like Mugaritz (see blog) in Spain where some dishes were definitely challenging. The other reason for returning was that the entire experience was a lot of fun...

Arzak is Resting on Past Laurels

February 6th, 2016

Arzak, one of San Sebastian's leading restaurants, doesn't seem as novel as it once must have been. Indeed I couldn't shake the sense that the restaurant is resting on its past laurels and coupled with patchy service for a Michelin 3-Star restaurant, our experience was disappointing. I'm hoping that perhaps we got them on a bad day but I don't think the dishes were memorable enough to warrant trying them again. Especially when there are so many other good restaurants in San...

Asador Etxebarri – Ultimate Grilling

February 6th, 2016

This has got to be one of the most fulfilling restaurants in the world. Humankind discovered fire for this reason - to cook meat, and no one does it better than Etxebarri. The freshest produce supplied by nearby farms and fishermen are grilled just right, and without a lot of dressing so that the natural taste of the food comes through. From fish to steak, even cheese, every course was pure joy.

Located midway between Bilbao and San Sebastian, Etxebarri is worth the taxi ride...