Ideas to avoid boredom when the weather is bad
Lately, getting out of the house is becoming a major achievement. The blanket-sofa-Netflix pack is winning the battle over the tedious combination of umbrella-coat-scarf-gloves. However, everything (or almost everything) has a remedy and winter in Bilbao is no exception.
Here is a list of places that become even cosier in the rain and you will never want to leave them. For some mysterious reason, these places ooze a relaxed atmosphere and call on you to enjoy afternoon tea during the week or a Sunday brunch.
Txocook. Its oak tables with views over the river of Bilbao are perfect to just have a coffee or to have brunch, as its kitchen is open almost all day. You will not see the word “breakfast” on its menu, but you won’t miss it: its delicious pintxos will make you forget everything else. A piece of advice: don’t miss the opportunity to try a good txakolí from Bizkaia.
Charamel. This cafeteria-patisserie with a Bohemian air has been open for two years and it has become a classic. You can savour local cakes, such as the “bollo de mantequilla” (butter bun) or (choux pastry filled with cream) to Arabic or Hindu sweets. It is like your own living room but with an endless pantry of lovingly prepared cakes and sweets. My favourite combination: brioche with hot chocolate.
Basquery. This is the sibling of Txocook and I am not sure of which adjective to use to define it. A cool cafeteria? A high flying bar? Or everything rolled into one? The truth is that it is difficult to describe. A place that makes its own beer, sells delicatessen products and prepares sandwiches to die for is difficult to classify. Although, perhaps that is exactly what it is fleeing from. Who knows. The question is that it offers a wonderful brunch and for my birthday, somebody who knows me very well reserved a table for two. And I liked it. Very much. Everything.
Cinnamon. The first time you enter, you will ask yourself whether you have come to a cafeteria or to a vintage furniture store. Both replies may appear to be possible but when you try its super sandwiches accompanied by its maxi salads, you will be left in no doubt. If you decide to finish off with a slice of home-made cake, you will want to stay forever. Its brunch on Saturdays is also highly recommendable.
All in all, it seems that there is life beyond the drizzle.
P.S: As it seems that the winter has no intention of leaving Bilbao, any suggestions about cosy chic places (or in other words, attractive and pleasant) to take shelter from the rain are accepted.
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