Orlando Bloom's gastronomic tour of San Sebastián: three restaurants worth discovering
Orlando Bloom, after his last visit to the city 14 years ago, didn't want to miss some of San Sebastián's top restaurants. Upon arriving in the capital of Gipuzkoa last Thursday for the film festival to present his new film 'Buckingbird,' he dined with the film's director, Werner Herzog, at the Akelarre restaurant of renowned chef Pedro Subijana. He also took the opportunity to swim at La Concha b
In addition, the famous actor who played Legolas, the elf archer from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit film sagas, participated last Friday in the Donostia Award gala, where German director Werner Herzog and British actress Naomi Watts received the honorary award in recognition of their careers.
Akelarre, Pedro Subijana's three Michelin stars on Mount Igueldo.
Although restaurants sometimes post photos on social media of celebrities dining at their tables, it's very rare for what they eat and drink to be revealed. Confidentiality is usually paramount. Akelarre did post a picture of Pedro Subijana with Orlando Bloom, thanking him for his visit. And it's more than likely that the actor sampled one of their two tasting menus: Aranori (the pacharán plant) or Bekarki (arugula). The famous Basque chef notes on his website: "We're celebrating several anniversaries these days: my 50+1 years at Akelarre; the 50th anniversary of the creation of 'New Basque Cuisine'; and the 40th anniversary of the founding of EuroToques in Brussels. Therefore, we want to make your life easier and more fun, so we're bringing back the two tasting menus."
My visit to Akelarre a few years ago was already glorious. It also coincided with the San Sebastian Film Festival, and I always perfectly remember Pedro's kindness, hospitality, and big smile. Many of his dishes have gone down in culinary history, such as his famous sea bass with Madagascar pepper, which was on the menu for almost two decades; the egg with caviar; the lobster salad; or the baby squid prepared in two stages: one part cooked traditionally and the other at a low temperature, accompanied by onion cream and pilaf rice with anchovy and Idiazabal cheese.
Arzak, the house of Juan Mari and Elena Arzak: why it continues to be a must-see for stars visiting the San Sebastian Film Festival.
Arzak is another of San Sebastián's great culinary temples, having hosted some of the biggest names in film throughout its history, including Woody Allen, Al Pacino, Pedro Almodóvar, John Malkovich, and Meryl Streep. Founded in 1897, the fourth generation of the family now runs this iconic restaurant, which also boasts three Michelin stars. On this occasion, Elena Arzak received awards from Rami Malek (who won the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury), Orlando Bloom, and Werner Herzog.
To speak of Arzak, located in the residential neighborhood of Alza, is to speak of quality ingredients, innovation, research, and major milestones in the history of national and international gastronomy, achieved by Elena, her father Juan Mari, and the entire team at this legendary restaurant. It's likely that Katy Perry's ex-boyfriend has sampled some of the dishes from the latest menu, such as the seared scallop with pumpkin molasses, tomato oil, apple salt, and coral; the poached and fried egg with quinoa and anchovy garum, accompanied by a crispy strip of sardine and capers; or the grilled sirloin steak with its own emulsion and grilled lettuce heart salad. It's one of those places you have to visit at least once in your life because, as happened to me, it leaves an indelible mark on your culinary memory.
Zelai Txiki, the least touristy ace up its sleeve: the grill on Mount Ulía.
Also visited by other stars such as Naomi Watts and Jeremy Irons at this 74th edition of the San Sebastián Film Festival, Orlando Bloom stopped by Zelai Txiki, located on the slopes of Mount Ulía. This establishment, whose aim is to keep traditional cuisine alive with a touch of innovation, posted a photo on its Instagram account with Bloom and director Herzog, thanking them "for the visit, their warmth, and the inspiring conversations."
They have their own vegetable garden, from which they source the produce for their dishes, and they work with local, zero-kilometer producers. At Zelai Txiki, whose chef is Juan Carlos Caro, who also owns the restaurant with his wife and head chef Eva Hernández, both the à la carte menu and an 11-course tasting menu are available; both prioritize seasonal products and showcase the bounty of the land and sea. Would Orlando order the salted Cantabrian anchovies with black garlic emulsion and gilda sorbet? The grilled langoustines with Euskal-Txerri pork belly and lentil cream? The San Sebastián-style spider crab in its shell? The duck breast with caramelized jus? We would find it hard to choose and are eager to go there and face that dilemma. Bloom has expressed his enthusiasm for returning to San Sebastián. With that gastronomy, that unique film festival, and that beautiful city... who could resist?