now that I have your attention: EL País article that might be fun to read. Makes me want to be a sommelier almost!

Hahahaha ... Certainly does seem that you ladies have a nose for wine ( or is that just nosey ! Jejejeje ) . I'm not surprised that María José Vázquez from the Guggenheim museum restaurant in Bilbao was in the running . When I went to Bilbao for the first time I reserved a seat for lunch having heard how good the place was . I had 3 or 4 courses , a half bottle of wine and finished with a brandy ... just me ... and it cost something like €125 !! It was very good , of that there´s no doubt , but was it worth that much money ... no !

Esperanza - Thanks for a smile and a good article!

Steve, it is so annoying that these restaurants are so expensive@ It is so easy to find good, inexpensive (or medium priced) places all around Spain, right? No real need to go to these exclusive, over priced places. Sometimes it is so discouraging that the fancy, expensive places are the ones that are written about and the good yet reasonable ones are never mentioned.

I do like the photograph of the award. But I think if I woke up in the middle of the night and saw that nose pointed in my direction it would scare me a little.

I agree Esperanza .When I worked in London's financial markets I was entertained in London's finest restaurants and had to entertain my clients in a similar fashion .. Every now and then I like to try these places just to see what all the fuss is about .
Of all the wonderful restaurants i've ever been to , many of which are considered world class .. I would say that only a few have been really special . My top 10 are : Rules , London : http://www.rules.co.uk/ , Vanil , Moscow : http://eng.novikovgroup.ru/ , Madame Zingara , Cape Town : http://www.madamezingara.com/madame-zingara-history.php , Sparks steakhouse , New York City : http://www.sparkssteakhouse.com/ , Docks Oyster Bar , New York City : http://www.docksoysterbar.com/ , The Bridge Café , New York City : http://www.bridgecafenyc.com/ , The Cannery , Vancouver :http://dinehere.ca/vancouver/cannery-seafood-house-the , Tojo´s Restaurant , Vancouver : http://www.tojos.com/Splash.html , L'Auberge du Port , Bandol ( France ) http://www.auberge-du-port.com/fr/index.php , but I save the best for last and board members will be pleased to know that it's in Spain !!! L'Obrer in the tiny mountain town of Benimantell , in Alicante province is internationally recognised . This restaurant is culinary heaven .. The Menú del Día is about €35 . The portions are fantastic , with huge BBqued steaks and meat , great tapas starters , and a magnificent dessert selection . A wonderful wine list , friendly family service .. You will NOT want to leave ! http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserRev...an_Country.html