Good Eats in San Sebastian (Quinta y Ultima Parte)

"I myself."  Ni Neu which translates to "I myself" in Basque is located in the Kursaal building facing the east.  You can sit inside or out on the boardwalk but be sure to ask for a view because it is exquisite.  I love to people watch the hundreds of pedestrians on the boardwalk with the Cantabric Sea as a backdrop and if you are lucky, you will have a clear view of the sun setting in the horizon.

Ni Neu (Discovered June 2011)
Restaurante ni neu
Avda de la Zurriola, 1
20002 Donostia - San Sebastián
http://travel.nytimes.com//2011/08/07/travel/36-hours-in-san-sebastin-spain.html

Though it has been several year that I have eaten here, I haven't forgotten the best dessert I may haver ever tried in my lifetime.  They call it "Torrija Empapada."  It is a cake resembling warm, moist pound cake served over carmel with vanilla ice cream.  Words cannot express what you will experience after one bite of this.

The food, atmosphere, and service were phenomenal but the dessert is the reason I continued to come back a second and a third time during my trip to San Sebastian.  Helpful Hint: If you only want to try the dessert, order it at the bar.

Outstanding Chocolaterias

Chocolate.

Mmmm... what can be better than chococlate?  If you travel to Spain do yourself a favor and try the Chocolate con Churros (Churros with Chocolate).  My favorite is to go to a Chocolateria, meaning that they specialize in chocolate, and order a side of churros to dip. 

In Madrid,  the best, but most tourist-trendy is Chocolateria San Gines.  I discovered this little spot on my trip in June 2007.  It is tucked behind a church right off of Calle Arenal in a very central area of Madrid just off of Sol.

In Salamanca, the best one is Chocolates Valor.  I discovered it on my trip in July 2012.  They have a fancy menu and can offer you their delicious chocolate in just about every form...but I always go back to a hot cup of thick chocolate and churros. The best thing about Valor is they are located in over 10 cities in Spain.

The practice of eating these is acceptable at any time of the day.  My favorite was for breakfast, snack, or late night. Truth be told, many small bars will also have a churro machine and will serve chocolate too.  It doesn't matter if you can't be in Madrid to try San Gines or in a city that has a Chocolates Valor because the tradition is what is appreciated most.  Sprinkle some sugar over your gooey, chocolatey churro for a real sugar treat.