Pintxos, Part V

A neoclassical garden opens to the public, Albert Adrià's long-awaited gelateria, a 13-room hotel on the Basque Coast

Summer Sips

From Left: Achaar Bar, image courtesy of Ingrid Pratmarsó; Amateur Bar

I’m loving Barcelona’s latest crop of natural wine bars. There are so many fun, hip new spots that are as serious about good wine as they are about great food and buzzy ambience. Among them: Amateur, Achaar Bar, Canvis Nou, Mula Bar, and Lola Divine. On a related note, a friend and I recently signed up for a group wine tasting at Salut Wine Studio, and, despite the event’s gimmicky wine casino concept, we both agreed it was one of the most memorable nights we’ve had in the city. I’m looking to participate in a tasting at Suc Suc next.

Empordà’s Cultural Scene Heats Up

From left: Studio Tramuntana's new showroom; Empordà's rolling landcape, image courtesy of Viu Empordà

I was in the Costa Brava last week, and my god, I fall more in love with the place every time I visit. My friend and I are already planning a return trip later this summer to check out all the new art and design happenings in Empordà. Studio Tramuntana just opened a stunning design showroom in Girona housing regional antiques and custom furniture (visits by appointment only); Catalan sculptor Yoyo Balagué is showcasing a new ceramic series at Secret Mill; and Alzueta’s Palau de Casavells is showcasing never-before-seen works by Enrich R.

A 13-Room Hotel Opens On the Basque Coast

Images courtesy of Trenchs Studio

In August, we’re headed north for Philippe’s family reunion. While we’re there, I’m hoping to plan a little detour to the Basque town of Zarautz, where the 13-room Ur Bare (which means “calm waters” in Basque) opened last fall. Built in 1944, the three-story mansion is located on the slope of Mutxio Park, with views of the Zarautz beach—the longest on the Basque Coast—and the Mallarri islet. The local owners worked with architect Beatriz Bergasa and three interior design studios (Trenchs Studio, Anna Trondelacreu, and Crude) to reimagine the seafront property, maintaining original details like grand staircases while adding contemporary style and elevated spaces amenities including a wine cellar, spa, a pool with views of the Cantabrian Sea, and a restaurant headed by Basque chef Javi Sierra.

Earthly Delights

If you find yourself in Madrid this summer, be sure to visit Palacio de Liria. The palace’s neoclassical gardens are opening to the public for the first time in history, offering visitors a glimpse of its manicured hedges, grand marble statues, and tidy mazes. It’s considered the most beautiful private garden in all of Madrid, so be sure to book your tickets well in advance.