🌟 Bilbao | A Michelin star for wild ears of pork

🍽️ Nerua, Bilbao: A Michelin One-Star That Actually Delivers Joy After too many let-downs at one-star spots, this Basque gem—tucked in my “spiritual home” of Bilbao—was a happy surprise. Way better than expected. We opted for à la carte: 3 starters, 2 mains, 2 desserts. Wanting to share, the restaurant offered “half portions for two”—slightly pricier than single servings, but worth every euro for the experience. The last time service felt this thoughtful? At Daniel Humm’s DANIEL. ✨ 🐷 Standout Starters: Pig Ear Steals the Show The crispy fried pig ear appetizer was a highlight. Imagine: Crisp-seared pig ear (tender, sticky, almost lip-gluing) Quail egg yolk (silky, rich) Fried pork skin (crunchy contrast) Sweet shrimp (adding a “glassy” texture and briny sweetness) Tarragon sauce and tender arugula (bright, fresh) Every bite balanced creamy, crunchy, and savory—pure satisfaction. 🤤 🐟 Mains: Sea Bass and Pigeon Shine Wild sea bass: Massive, fatty, with tender flesh (clearly wild-caught). The sauce, inspired by pilpil (a garlic-oil emulsion), gets a zing from lime and citrus—cutting richness, making the fish’s natural sweetness pop. Fried pigeon: A twist on Flamenquín (Spanish fried meat rolls). Pigeon breast stuffed with foie gras, coated in a thin, crispy batter. The foie gras adds silkiness without heaviness, and the accompanying sauce (made with local wine) and black foie gras purée? Perfect. Juicy, flavorful, and expertly cooked. 🐦 🍓 Desserts: Playful and Delicious Strawberry, coconut, rose: Fresh, fragrant, with a fluffy “Lazy Goat” topping—light and lovely. Beer sorbet, pumpkin-cinnamon cream, puff pastry: Rich, sweet, with a boozy kick—comfort in a bowl. And the final touch? Brown butter ice cream in a buttery roll—so fragrant, it’s almost sinful. 😋 🌟 Final Thought Nerua proves not all one-stars are created equal. Thoughtful service, creative dishes, and ingredients that shine—this is why I keep coming back to Basque cuisine. For a Michelin experience that feels joyful, not stuffy? This is it. #BilbaoMichelin #BasqueCuisine #FineDiningDoneRight #SpainEats