Arzak



When we planned our trip to San Sebastian, we wanted to eat at El Bulli. Sadly, the restaurant closed July 2011. That left us with three 3-star restaurants: Arzak, Akelare and Martin Berasategui. It was hard to choose but in the end we chose Arzak because we had heard the most about it. Besides, Elena Arzak had been chosen as Veuve Clicquot's World's Best Female Chef in 2012.

The degustation menu was €179 per person, not including IVA, tip or drinks.



The first five dishes--"Arzak Amusements"--came out together. It was hard to remember what was being served and to appreciate and enjoy each dish. I felt like I had to eat quickly because everything was set out at once. To tell you the truth, I can't remember any of the taste of any of the dishes in the "Amusements."

 Scorpion Fish Pudding with Kataifi Noodles

Sardines Marinated with Strawberries

Gooseberry with Crispy Potato

Chorizo Melon in Tonic with Mint Infusion

Figs, Corn and Black Pudding

Cromlech and Onion with Tea and Coffee--Crispy Balloon made with yucca, funghi corn must, foie gras, onion, figs. I guess the powder was tea and coffee.

Lobster with Crispy Ham

Tapioca Salad served with the Lobster

Tuna Tartare

Poached Egg with Prawn Paste. The prawn paste was super concentrated with flavor.

Squid Ink Paste with Onions and Olive Oil. I loved this dish and I licked the squid ink paste. The onions were caramelized and made the squid ink paste so sweet.

Salad that accompanied the squid dish



 I can't even remember what this was. It was some kind of fish.

Pigeon

Lamb

This was one of the desserts. The red balls were gelatinous with a burst of liquid inside.

Passion Fruit/Banana Ice Cream

Beetroot with Pistachio

Ferreteria: Coca Cola, White Cream with Red Tea Ball, Anise, Dark Chocolate Bolt, Dark Chocolate Key, White Chocolate Nut



It would have been nice to have a complete English menu listing all the dishes. I had to keep calling the sommelier (the only one who spoke English) to explain the dishes.

It was definitely a memorable meal with taste sensations that I had never experienced before. The total meal took just under 3 hours. It was worth the cost but probably not something I would repeat. I still prefer my experience at the French Laundry several years ago. It was a slower pace, with time to savor each dish.



2012 10 13