Quick Byte: Espana - Pinxtos

Pinxtos, pronounced pinch-o's, are tapas of the Basque region. Most pinxtos allow chefs to experiment with new combinations of ingredients and are served on top of a sliced baguette.

As you walk into the various pinxtos bars of the area, chefs line the bar with various dishes that you can pick and choose from. Then, when you're ready to pay your bill, some will count the number of toothpicks, or in San Sebastian, many are on the honor system and you tell the hostess how many you ate. Most pinxtos run for under two euro's, so you can eat relatively cheap.

Here's some pics of my favs:

Sagardi

These were from Sagardi (in the Ribera District near the Picasso Museum) in Barcelona - a great recommendation from Rick Steve's. Here we got a variety: a mini leek quiche; croissant with jamon; baguette topped with goat cheese and a red pepper; baguette topped with tuna, shredded cheese, cherry tomato and anchovy; a "Gilda" (see below); and a chorizo pinxto.

Quick Byte: Espana - San Sebastian, Bodegon Alejandro

Fun fact: Did you know that San Sebastian has the most Michelin rated restaurants (per km) than any other city?

True story.

But, since the 59th annual film festival was going on and celebs (like my future husband Clive Owen) and the Hollywood studios usually book these restaurants in its entirety, most were booked up. However, we did get to dine at Bodegon Alejandro, a Michelin recommended restaurant that specializes in unique Basque combinations and flavors.

After glancing at the menu, my family and I decided that the six course pre-fixed menu with the wine pairing was the best deal since it allowed us to sample a majority of the menu. Piggies, we know.

Amuse bouche: A gazpacho shooter of watermelon and tomato juice accompanied by toasties.

Course 1: Anchovy lasagna - my brother, who hates anchovies, was pleasantly surprised by this first course. Anchovies were the top layer of the "lasagna." The lasagna was filled with roasted peppers, onions and eggplant - all smothered in a gazpacho cream.

Course 2: Risotto. Probably the best risotto I've eaten. The moist risotto had chunks of cuttlefish, was topped with freshly grated Idiazabal cheese and a salty calamari leg. The squid ink was also drizzled along the side of the dish, adding another unique flavor.

Risotto

Quick Byte: Espana - Barcelona

I feel like whenever peeps hear Espana, they immediately think paella. If you know anything about me by now, you know I love some good paella and appreciate the work that goes into it.

On our first night in Barcelona, we headed to a nearby seafood restaurant to enjoy the local cuisine. Since Barcelona is near the water, seafood is must. As we walked into the restaurant, I was impressed by the display of tapas, jamon having from the wall and presentation of all the dishes.

Starved from our travels, we all opted for sangria and seafood paella - touristy, I know. But, the paella was amazing. Fresh seafood, including calamari, mussels, shrimp and chunks of lobster.

My crazy huge serving of seafood paella.

Quick Byte: London's Harrod's

Before heading over to Espana my sister and I met up with our brother to enjoy London for a few days. Since we've all been to London and had limited time, we decided to avoid the tourist traps and stroll the city at our leisure.

While there, my sister celebrated her 24th birthday (aka one more year in the stairway to hell, better known as the Quarter Life Crisis). To ring in her new year, we treated her to a breakfast at the Terrace Bar, where I got eggs benedict.

We then wandered around and stumbled upon the food court.

Um, two hours later, we left after visiting a few of the hot spots in Harrod's.

Pastries galore.

Quick Byte: Dublin - Bedlam Restaurant

So after four years, I've been lucky to partake in a sabbatical. Which means, for the next month, I'll be traveling around and living the dream basically.

This past weekend, my sister and I made a pit stop to Dublin before making our way to London and Spain. Although we only had two days, we were able to catch in the sights and see Trinity College, Kilmainham jail, Temple Bar area, Dublin Castle, Old Parliament and caught in a rugby game since my friend who lives in Dublin was able to snag some extra tickets.

My eating habits were a bit off since I refuse to eat airplane food and will not eat fast food while traveling.

On our second day, my sister and I found an awesome brunch/lunch restaurant while walking in Castle Market. Bedlam had a great atmosphere with awesome decor.

My mushroom risotto that was topped with chopped arugula, fresh ground pepper and shaved parmesan.