Zacarías

Description:

• Zacarías Puente Herboso is the best-known chef in Santander. Although a geologist by profession, his growing interest in gourmet food led to his opening of this first-class restaurant. As a well-known food writer, he is the local authority on Cantabrian recipes, which he fashions to his own specifications instead of slavishly following the originals. The fresh flavors of the local countryside are enticingly showcased here. Try his fisherman's stew, a delectable kettle made with merluza (hake), clams, and potatoes. His alubias rojas (red beans with sausage) is another favorite. Enjoying local renown is guiso pescadores, boiled potatoes sautéed in garlic, olive oil, onion, fresh parsley, and red chile peppers. Nothing is quite as alluring as his manganos encebollados or calamari and caramelized onion. Most main courses are at the low to middle range of prices below.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010