Tue 26 Feb, 2013 THE BILBAO BUZZ Basque cuisine is king Spanish food in London is nothing new. Sure, we have our fair share of authentic pizzazz – Barrafina, Pizarro, Brindisa, José and Bar Tozino, to name a few – but now joining the likes of Basque go-tos Pix and Donostia, are two new big openings. Arzak, San Sebastian's legendary three Michelin-starred restaurant (often hailed as best in the world), is going into The Halkin hotel. Headed up by Arzak owner and godfather of "New Basque Cuisine" Juan Mari Arzak, and his inimitable daughter Elena, Ametsa with Arzak Instruction is set to be just as big as the original. Expect elegant design (including a glass test-tube ceiling, pictured) and an even better menu mixing honest, regional flavours and near-scientific techniques. It's all still being kept a secret, but if the original is anything to go by – dusted egg and mussel, ham and tomato "smoke", strawberry soup with chocolate balloons – you can expect the unexpected. Less haute, more traditional Basque? Australian MasterChef: The Professionals winner Ash Mair is opening an outpost of popular Spanish restaurant Bilbao Berria. As the name suggests, there'll be a casual, open-kitchen pintxos area as well as a more formal dining space with classic and modern Basque dishes. It won't be an exact replica of the Spanish version, though, as seasonal English produce will merge with Spanish staples like piquillo peppers, artichokes, jamón and chorizo. Just a drink? The Basque Country's txakoli – pronounced chak-o-lee – is a dry, fizzy white wine always poured from shoulder height (it's allegedly big in NY right now). Head to the aforementioned Donostia for a tumbler (they even pour it properly). Otherwise, Vagabond Wines stock it. Chin chin. NB. We'd like the next Spanish transfer to be led by Ferran Adrià. Please.   Info Donostia, now open, 10 Seymour Place, W1H 7ND Ametsa with Arzak Instruction, opens March 8, The Halkin by Como, Halkin Street, SW1X 7DJ Bilbao Berria, opens Spring 2013, Lower Regent Street, W1B LINK TO THIS FEATURE: Eat & Drink by JC Calendar Picks This Week’s Spanish Picks EAT FILM FASHION BOOK NOW More Spanish tapas are on the horizon with Salvador & Amanda. Opens February 28. 1 Vernon Place, WC1A 2EP Watch Almodóvar classic Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! in anticipation of his upcoming film in May. Peter Pilotto AW13 mixed their signature designs with Spanish flair. We want. Book now for sun, sea, sand… and dance music at Sónar's 20th birthday. June 13-15, Barcelona. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LISTINGS LIKE SHARE FORWARD PREVIOUS EDITION (c) 2013 Urban Junkies. All rights reserved. Reproductions of any portion of this website only with our express permission. Urban Junkies is a free daily mailer. All listings and features are editorial: We do not receive any payment from venues, artists or promoters. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information listed but we cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions.