Sander Den Blanken
Latest Reviews
Ubarrechena
San Sebastian is a food lover’s dream, and our visit in May was unforgettable. The highlight was a superb seafood paella at a charming Old Town restaurant. Despite not having a reservation, we were seated at a cozy corner table, perfect for enjoying the warm, inviting atmosphere.
The paella was served in a large, shallow pan, filled with saffron-infused rice and fresh seafood—shrimp, squid, mussels, and clams. The umami flavor was extraordinary, with each bite offering a perfect blend of the sea’s brininess and saffron’s delicate smokiness. The generous portion was so delicious that we easily finished it, along with the freshly baked bread.
This meal perfectly captured the essence of San Sebastian’s rich culinary tradition, leaving us with lasting memories and a desire to return.
The paella was served in a large, shallow pan, filled with saffron-infused rice and fresh seafood—shrimp, squid, mussels, and clams. The umami flavor was extraordinary, with each bite offering a perfect blend of the sea’s brininess and saffron’s delicate smokiness. The generous portion was so delicious that we easily finished it, along with the freshly baked bread.
This meal perfectly captured the essence of San Sebastian’s rich culinary tradition, leaving us with lasting memories and a desire to return.
Patio
We recently dined at Patio restaurant and I must say, the experience was quite a mixed bag. Let me break down my thoughts on various aspects of the evening.
Firstly, the food. We opted for the 3-course menu, and right from the beginning, we were pleasantly surprised. The starters, accompanied by delightful cocktails, were a promising start. The flavors were well-balanced, and it set a positive tone for the rest of the meal. Moving on to the main course, the slow-cooked veal was a true highlight. It was tender, succulent, and packed with flavor. But what truly stood out were the various preparations of broccoli. The innovative and creative approach to cooking broccoli in different styles was a unique touch that added depth to the meal.
However, despite the impressive culinary offerings, the atmosphere left something to be desired. The restaurant boasts an excellent view of the water, which should have contributed to a captivating ambiance. However, strangely enough, the atmosphere felt somewhat anonymous. It's as if the beautiful view didn't fully translate into an immersive experience. Perhaps the choice of lighting, music, or decor could have played a role in creating a more engaging environment.
On the upside, the service at our table was truly exceptional. The staff was attentive, courteous, and knowledgeable about the menu. Their professionalism elevated the overall dining experience and made us feel well taken care of.
In conclusion, our experience at Patio restaurant was positive but not without its drawbacks. The culinary journey was a delightful one, with standout dishes like the slow-cooked veal and the creatively prepared broccoli. The service was top-notch and contributed positively to the evening. However, the lackluster atmosphere somewhat hindered the full enjoyment of the stunning waterfront view. It's worth noting that our visit was on a regular Tuesday evening, and this might have influenced the overall ambiance. It's possible that choosing a different timing could lead to a more spectacular and immersive experience.
All in all, while there were certain aspects that could be improved upon, we left Patio restaurant with a generally favorable impression. With a few adjustments to the atmosphere, this place has the potential to provide an exceptional dining experience that matches the quality of its cuisine.
Firstly, the food. We opted for the 3-course menu, and right from the beginning, we were pleasantly surprised. The starters, accompanied by delightful cocktails, were a promising start. The flavors were well-balanced, and it set a positive tone for the rest of the meal. Moving on to the main course, the slow-cooked veal was a true highlight. It was tender, succulent, and packed with flavor. But what truly stood out were the various preparations of broccoli. The innovative and creative approach to cooking broccoli in different styles was a unique touch that added depth to the meal.
However, despite the impressive culinary offerings, the atmosphere left something to be desired. The restaurant boasts an excellent view of the water, which should have contributed to a captivating ambiance. However, strangely enough, the atmosphere felt somewhat anonymous. It's as if the beautiful view didn't fully translate into an immersive experience. Perhaps the choice of lighting, music, or decor could have played a role in creating a more engaging environment.
On the upside, the service at our table was truly exceptional. The staff was attentive, courteous, and knowledgeable about the menu. Their professionalism elevated the overall dining experience and made us feel well taken care of.
In conclusion, our experience at Patio restaurant was positive but not without its drawbacks. The culinary journey was a delightful one, with standout dishes like the slow-cooked veal and the creatively prepared broccoli. The service was top-notch and contributed positively to the evening. However, the lackluster atmosphere somewhat hindered the full enjoyment of the stunning waterfront view. It's worth noting that our visit was on a regular Tuesday evening, and this might have influenced the overall ambiance. It's possible that choosing a different timing could lead to a more spectacular and immersive experience.
All in all, while there were certain aspects that could be improved upon, we left Patio restaurant with a generally favorable impression. With a few adjustments to the atmosphere, this place has the potential to provide an exceptional dining experience that matches the quality of its cuisine.