Sebastian

Dinner at Sebastian starts before you even enter the restaurant. If you´re not lucky enough to be staying in the charming medieval village of Fuenterrabia, park just outside of the 15th century walls, walk through the main gate and up the narrow cobblestoned Calle Mayor. Sebastian is on your right just past the town hall. Formally, a tobacco shop it still retains it’s curious shop windows filled with liquors of yore and preserved fruits.

Sebastian himself welcomes you at the door and is immensely warm and accommodating. We had a last minute special seating request which was quickly and amicably resolved.

The cozy downstairs dining room has open beams, a fireplace and is filled with paintings by local artists. After ordering from a varied menu ranging from traditional dishes such as Hake in Green Sauce to Venison and Chanterelle Ravioli, we were offered a delicate salmon pate appetizer.

First courses are divided into hot and cold with many people opting to share several before their entrees. Gratineed oysters on a bed of julienned leeks perfumed with vermouth were delicious. A warm salad of sautéed squid, lobster and wild mushrooms also drew admiration. Simpler appetizers such as Cured Jabugo Ham or fresh steamed artichoke hearts are also worthy choices.

Sebastian is well known for it’s superb treatment of fresh fish and most are simply grilled. The Sea Bass over a truffle cream with marinated olives was very good, firm fleshed and flavorful although the olives were a bit too tart.

Game is amply represented on the winter menu. The venison medallions grilled over a wood fire are served with wild mushrooms and a chunky reineta apple jam. Wild boar, a treat these days is roasted with prunes. Filet mignon and grilled chops round out the menu.

Lime soufflé with fresh cheese ice cream tops the list of desserts. It’s worth the wait. Olive oil ice cream with chocolate fondue is another specialty.

Coffee is served with homemade chocolate truffles .A fitting end to such a meal would be a glass of the ethereal dessert wine Casta Diva Cosecha Miel.