The other two big winners of the Michelin gala in Malaga: Base9 and El Chiringuito receive the 'Bib Gourmand' distinction

The Michelin Gala added some extra sparkle to the province of Málaga. Palodú was the big winner of the night, receiving its first Michelin Star. Despite the great joy of the new Star, there was a bitter aftertaste in the Málaga gastronomic sphere. More was expected, as there were other deserving candidates expected to make their mark. There were also predictions for 'starred' restaurants to move up a level, and it's no secret that both Bardal and Skina are pushing to reach the national Olympus. In any case, Málaga maintained all its Michelin Stars in contention, a feat worth applauding. In addition, alongside Palodú, there were two other restaurants that shone on their own although out of the spotlight: the restaurant of Cristian Fernández and Pablo Zamudio, Base9 (Málaga city), and that of Víctor Hierrezuelo, El Chiringuito (Sedella), were recognized as new 'Bib Gourmands', synonymous with the best quality/price ratio by the Michelin Guide.

After the gala, the Michelin Guide announced a total of 29 new 'Bib Gourmands' throughout Spain, where Málaga gained two more recognitions among over 200. Both restaurants are now part of one of the most challenging and applauded listings by the public that closely follows the recommendations of the Michelin Guide, those establishments that "are always said to be the inspectors' favorite places," as recognized by the guide itself, "places one goes to treat oneself without needing a special occasion."

With these characteristics, where the cuisine is superlative and where the wallet does not suffer too much, both Base9 and El Chiringuito appear, two Málaga restaurants that a few months ago were already among the 'Recommended' by the Michelin Guide and that now share the 'Bib Gourmand' recognition with La Cosmo, La Taberna de Mike Palmer and Platero & Co, the first two in the capital and the latter in Gaucín.

Base9

The restaurant Base9 reopens this Wednesday after several weeks of rest for its two chefs in charge, Cristian Fernández and Pablo Zamudio, the duo who shaped their dreams from Salitre Street 9 just two years ago. Two years in which accolades have been steadily accumulating. Its opening was highly applauded and recognized, then came its award for best croquette in Málaga—whose recipe we know—and after that came the recommendations from the Guía Repsol and Michelin. Now they receive this 'Bib Gourmand' in a further step towards excellence.

"It reflects the dream of a young tandem of chefs (Cristian Fernández and Pablo Zamudio) who have made real the end-of-degree project they presented together at the Morón de la Frontera School of Hospitality," say the Michelin Guide about Base9, which they assure offers "a limited menu with tapas and dishes very thoughtfully designed for sharing, in a contemporary style with a strong traditional base" and from which they recommend two dishes: "What to order? Don't miss the Old Hen Cannelloni nor their curious Potato Omelette, made in the style of Japanese omurice and served with wasabi mayonnaise."

El Chiringuito

Heading to Sedella, the hometown of Víctor Hierrezuelo, the chef behind this family restaurant that is experiencing a revolution in its kitchens. The young chef from Málaga has returned to Axarquía, where he was happy and grew up, to continue with the family business but bringing everything he has learned after studying hospitality and training in some of the best kitchens on the gastronomic map of the country, such as those of Arzak or Bardal. El Chiringuito is another restaurant that was first recognized as 'Recommended' by the Guía Repsol and later by Michelin.

"This restaurant is one of those that keeps gaining followers," say the Michelin Guide about El Chiringuito, the new 'Bib Gourmand' restaurant in Málaga, which they describe as a "modest local with a rustic and family atmosphere, which for many years was run by his grandparents" but which "today defends a menu with a regional and local base that has been updated very successfully (they also offer a tasting menu, only by prior reservation)." Here they also leave their recommendation: "Everything is good, but we were especially surprised by their dessert: As Antonio said, the mission of the poor... to burst before there's any left!"