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Tim Byrd. Basque is opening at Hotel Biba in West Palm Beach’s El Cid neighborhood on March 22. Basque is a joint venture between Hotel Biba and Collab Hospitality, as part of an effort to reestablish the historic boutique hotel as a destination for both locals and out-of-towners.

The experienced hospitality team at Basque is headed by Chef Miguel Angel Rebolledo, former Executive Chef for Jose Andres, and includes former Buccan Group General Manager Ryan Zemel and Havana Restaurant General Manager Ricky Hussey.

Chef Rebolledo, who mastered his culinary skills at Spain’s most famous restaurant, El Bulli, won “Best Taste of Coral Gables” three years in a row, “Best Paella in Miami” two years in a row and “Best Croqueta in Miami” in 2016.

A native of Santander, Spain, Chef Miguel Angel Rebolledo began cooking at age six and graduated from the Culinary Institute of Cantabria, Spain.  He served as Executive Chef of ThinkFoodGroup by Jose Andres, overseeing all restaurant operations at Jaleo in Virginia and Maryland, Bazaar Meat in Las Vegas, and Chinachilcano and MiniBar in Washington, D.C.  He has also served as Executive Chef and Conceptual Chef for all Bulla Gastrobar locations in Coral Gables, Doral, Winter Park, Tampa, Atlanta and Plano, Texas.

“I am excited to bring both classic and modern interpretations of Spanish food to Palm Beach County,” said Chef Rebolledo.  “Hotel Biba, with its rich 89-year history and beautiful tropical courtyard, has a warm, hospitable vibe, making it the ideal setting for Basque’s thoughtfully curated food and beverage menu.”

Basque will serve Spanish tapas, entrees and paella from a sleek 22-foot mobile kitchen. The restaurant will feature both indoor and outdoor seating, most of which will be located in a 4,000 square foot courtyard with a retractable cover, spectacular lighting, beautiful landscaping and custom misters, which will cool the space by up to 20 degrees during the summer.

The full bar offers an innovative, hand-crafted cocktail program, red, white and rosé sangria, a reasonably priced, approachable Spanish wine list, and frozen cocktails.  Basque will also be the exclusive Palm Beach County purveyor of Spain’s Estrella beer.

Guests can begin their dining experience with a number of crafted charcuterie and cheese boards, including Ibericos, cured Spanish meats from the famous black footed pig, ($18); Quesos, assorted fine Spanish cheeses such as idiazabal, maxorata and tetilla, quince paste and grapes, ($16); Mixta with a variety of Spanish meats and cheeses, quince paste and grapes ($24) and Pan Con Tomate, toasted slices of pan de cristal brushed with fresh tomato, garlic, and thyme ($6).

The Tapas menu consists of fourteen dishes, ranging from traditional small plates like Dates with applewood-smoked bacon, marcona almonds, tetilla cheese and apple emulsion ($9), Gambas Ajillowith Key West pink shrimp, piparra, and black garlic ($15), and Scallops grilled a la plancha with butternut squash puree and Pedro Ximénès

Sherry ($15), to modern interpretations, such as Dragonfruit Tuna Tartare, Huevos Basque, and “Foieppers” with wagyu beef, foie gras, piquillo confit and caramelized onions on pretzel buns ($16).

Diners who prefer a main plate can opt for the Platos and Paella section, which includes six items, and features Fish Caito, crispy local lion fish, potato chips, piparras, tartar sauce ($29), Paella La Floridian, featuring Key West shrimp, Florida clams, local lion fish, and calamari  ($38), and Paella de Vegetables with bomba rice, sofrito rojo, heirloom cauliflower, eggplant, wild mushrooms and fresh herbs ($28), as well as Salmon Papillote, Carne Asada, and Fideos Negros. A variety of Spanish-inspired salads round out the menu. Basque’s menu will feature 18 vegetarian items, 12 of which are vegan.

Basque is located at Hotel Biba, an historic inn that was built in 1929 and designed by the famous architect Belford Shoumate. Hotel Biba is one of the earliest motor lodges in the United States and a fine example of Bermuda Vernacular architecture, which has earned it the distinction of being included on the National Register of Historic Places. ​

Intimate ceilings featuring exposed beams, hand-made light fixtures, custom furniture, and restored original Terrazzo floors create Basque’s warm and inviting setting.

Basque will serve dinner from 5 to 10pm Wednesday through Saturday.  Brunch will be served on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Basque is located at 320 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401.  Basque is also available for private parties and weddings. The restaurant will provide complimentary valet parking with cars parked off-site, west of US 1.

For more information please visit eatdrinkbasque.com or follow @eatdrinkbasque.