The judging panel This is not another list, Joe Warwick and Andrea Petrini repeat as often as is necessary to point out why the World Restaurant Awards is different to what is already out there. Does the world need another list is often the question they are asked time and time again. We have become accustomed to lists from this year’s top books to the essential places you need to visit before you die, to the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, the La Liste, a data driven list, the Best Chef’s list, the Chef’s Choice for chef of the year and so much more. It is exhausting to keep track but unfortunately it is what generates clicks, interest and buzz in the age of social media. So what’s different and what’s new with the World Restaurant Awards and why have some of the world’s top names in the restaurant world from Massimo Bottura to Elena Arzak, from René Redzepi to Clare Smyth, from David Chang to Ana Ros, from Dan Barber to Helene Darroze and from Yotam Ottolengi to Manu … Continue reading
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8 Belgian restaurants feature in first ever World Restaurant Awards longlist
Chambre Separee was nominated for Atmosphere category Eight Belgian restaurants feature in the first ever longlist published by the World Restaurant Awards which was released earlier today. Another, Belgian pop-up and concept features in the ethical thinking category. The restaurants are Chambre Separee in Gent, The Jane in Antwerp, De Jonkman in Bruges, Bon Bon, Bozar Restaurant and Humphrey in Brussels, L' Air du Temps in Liernu and Hertog Jan in Zedelgem. They join Mary Pop-in, a concept by Eatmosphere which raises awareness on food waste in the ethical thinking category. 100 judges which include some of the top names in the restaurant world as well as food writers and influencers have nominated nearly 300 restaurants for the first ever long list featuring 18 categories (12 so called Big Plates and 6 Small Plates). Kobe Desramaults' restaurant Chambre Separee in Gent features in the Atmosphere of the Year category. Hertog Jan, of chef Gert De Mangeleer and Joachim … Continue reading
First long list of World Restaurant Awards announced: full list here
The first ever long list of the World Restaurant Awards which will be held for the first time in Paris on 18 Feburary has been announced. The long list has been compiled with the input of 100 judges which include some of the top names in the restaurant world as well as food writers from around the world. In all, 37 nationalities are represented in the judging panel. The long list includes restaurants from 43 different countries in the world. The World Restaurant Awards which will be held for the first time in Paris on 18 February will have 12 big plate awards and 6 small plate awards that will change on a yearly basis in consultation with the judging panel. The short-lists from which the winners will be determined will be announced in January. Judges are currently visiting the restaurants that have been short-listed in the categories and if you are social media savvy you might already guess some of the restaurants that have made it to the short-list. The awards, the … Continue reading
Low Food – the beginning of a small Dutch food movement
If you ask a Dutch about their food culture they will probably tell you about their snert (the famous slow cooked pea soup) or the stamppot (vegetables mixed with mashed potatoes). Ask anyone not Dutch what they know about Dutch food and they might mention Gouda cheese or stroopwafels if you are lucky. But chef Joris Bijdendijk wants to change that. As the successful chef of restaurant Rijks in Amsterdam, he wants to create a small Dutch food movement that can serve to bring about the change and show the world that some great things are happening in the Netherlands. On 13 January 2019, the Low Food Symposium in Amsterdam will bring together some of the most successful initiatives that have sprung up in recent years and offer a platform for these new and promising developments. The Low Food Symposium is intended to be an annual event that brings together Dutch food pioneers who can be inspired and also learn from other pioneers in other parts of the world. Joris believes … Continue reading
Lateral Cooking: Niki Segnit on the art of unleashing your creativity in the kitchen
Food writer Niki Segnit believes that by learning the basics of cooking you can unleash your creativity without needed to use a recipe book any longer. With the release of her second book Lateral Cooking, which she has been working on for the past 8 years, she explores the basis of 77 recipes which show readers how one dish can lead to another as they expand their culinary horizons and increase their confidence in cooking. Having worked on this book for 8 years, this is the companion to her first award winning book Flavour Thesaurus which won critical acclaim among chefs and food lovers alike. With Lateral Cooking she wants people to understand the connection between a custard, a creme caramel, a creme brûlée and an ice-cream. "Ultimately, they are all variations of the same theme," she explained. The book grew organically and she never expected it to take eight years to finalise but she continued to discover new things as she went about her research and she had to test each … Continue reading
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Serica (the Silk Road): Combining two cuisines at a new Milan restaurant
Chinese chef Chang Liu who has just turned 30 is the chef of a newly opened restaurant called Serica in Milan which aims to serve as a bridge between Chinese and Italian food. After three years working at the Michelin starred Yoji Tokojoshi which is known for Italian cuisine that is 'contaminated' with Japanese techniques, he has decided to open his own restaurant named Serica located in Milan, Italy. The young and talented Chinese chef has a range of experiences including at Daniel Boulud in Beijing, as well as an internship at Noma in 2014. The Chinese chef was also a finalist in Italy's Hell's Kitchen with Carlo Cracco. He won the … Continue reading
Tom Kerridge on British cuisine: “We have no shackles, we can go wherever we want’
British chef Tom Kerridge believes that the UK food scene at the moment is a phenomenal place to be in. That is not just due to the rich heritage that exists but also thanks to diversity that has emerged after 50 to 60 years of immigration from over the world which has created a wonderfully rich and eclectic mix of backgrounds and diversity in the food scene. "You can get a Michelin star for Chinese, Indian, curry houses, Japanese. All of these ingredients can become amalgamated or mixed together and could grow into our own food scene. We don’t do just roast beef and fish and chips although that is kind of what I do here at the Tom Kerridge … Continue reading
Skiing, fine dining and wine in Austria this winter
For the first time ever, gourmet-skiing routes have been developed in five regions in Austria. Based on regional culinary traditions, they are designed to highlight the specialities of each region. The suggested routes combine leisurely skiing with getting to know both the ski resorts and the local cuisine. The regions are Salzburg Sportwelt, Schladming-Dachstein, Gastein, Grossarital and Hochkonig. From 16 to 23 March 2019, more than 20 hotels will be offering packages geared towards the theme of skiing and wine. For the whole week, wine tastings will be offered in the hotels and at the ski and wine huts. A special highlight will be … Continue reading
6 top chefs from Asia to cook in charity dinner at Hertog Jan
On Wednesday 19 December, just three days before the last service at Hertog Jan, 6 of Asia's top chefs will be guests of Gert De Mangeleer and Joachim Boudens and cook a dinner in aid of Music for Life. Together with Gert and the entire team of Hertog Jan, they will cook a special dinner that evening in aid of Music for Life 2019. Gert and Joachim announced the closure of their three Michelin star restaurant in Zedelgem on the outskirts of Brugge in January this year. They have decided to conclude the Hertog Jan chapter meaningfully. All the proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Alexine Clarysse Fund. For the evening, … Continue reading
Diogenes the Dog: A wine bar in London that goes against the grain
With a laser focused vision Sunny Hodge is determined to shake up the London wine scene. He has set the bar high, wanting to turn a former pub in Elephant and Castle into one of London's top destination wine bars and after just a few weeks open he believes he is on the right track. The son of an Olympian and commonwealth games silver medalist and a graduate of Mechanical Engineering he has a contrarian vision just like Diognes, a Greek cynic who inspired the name of the wine bar. “I want Diogenes The Dog to be a place where people come to try something new and different and that they cannot try anywhere else, a place that will attract … Continue reading
The hunt for that elusive Belgian third star
When Gert de Mangeleer and Joachim Boudens announced they would be closing their flagship three Michelin star restaurant Hertog Jan in Zedelgem, Belgium at the end of this year many started to speculate as to which restaurant or restaurants would clinch the third Michelin star. The closure of Karmelit, the restaurant of chef Geert Van Hecke in Bruges in 2016 had already been seen as a blow to a country that takes gastronomy so seriously. But, after last year’s announcements that the guide had visited a number of restaurants many times with international inspectors including Brussels restaurants Bon Bon and Sea Grill as well as La Paix (at … Continue reading
British chef Simon Rogan to open 2 restaurants in Hong Kong
Renowned British chef Simon Rogan is set to open two new restaurants in Hong Kong at the beginning of next year. This is the first time that Rogan is venturing outside the UK. The first will be Aulis Hong Kong.which is his first ever overseas chef's table and development kitchen concept in the heart of Hong Kong in early January 2019. It will be followed by the opening of sister venue Roganic Hong Kong in early February 2019. Simon already has five restaurants to his name including the 2 Michelin starred L'Enclume in the Lake District, 1-Michelin starred Roganic in London and the 1 Michelin starred Rogan and Co. in Cartmel. His … Continue reading
A tour of the world in 75 recipes: San book launched
Sang Hoon Degeimbre, Belgian chef of L’ Air du Temps in Liernu and creator of three successful San restaurants has launched a cookbook called San, Around the world in 75 recipes. The book is inspired by recipes of dishes that have been served in the San restaurants since the first one opened 3 years ago in Brussels. The concept behind the restaurant is to serve food in a bowl and to eat it with a spoon. The menu changes every month according to the seasons and the travels of San and his team and is always inspired by Belgium, Korea or cities around the world. Out of over 100 dishes that have been created at the San restaurant over … Continue reading
Arnaud Donckele from Le Vague d’Or places top in Le Chef’s 100 best chefs 2019 compilation
The awards season keeps on giving. Arnaud Donckele from the La Vague d'Or restaurant in Saint Tropez has been named the best chef in the world according to the Le Chef compilation of the 100 best chefs in the world for 2019. The second on the list Michel Troisgros also came from France while Jonnie Boer from the Netherlands placed third. The Le Chef list is compiled by asking two and three-starred chefs of Michelin restaurants to provide a list of five names they think best represent the cooking profession and the one name they would like to see at the top of the list. Five of the top 10 on the worlds best chefs list were from France … Continue reading
‘London opening at the Corinthia is a big deal for me’ – Tom Kerridge
Tom Kerridge, the first ever chef to clinch two Michelin stars for pub food at his restaurant The Hand and Flowers in Marlow has opened his first restaurant in London at the Corinthia Hotel. In London, it has been considered as one of the hottest openings of the year. "It is a big deal for me personally. I know it is massive but it is not daunting because I worked in London for 10 years before I opened the Hand and Flowers in Marlow," the British chef told Food and Wine Gazette in an interview at Tom Kerridge Bar and Grill. Tom is a household name in the UK and beyond. He became popular not just for his two restaurants in Marlow but … Continue reading
Four new grape varieties permitted for Austrian quality wine
Four new white wine varieties are now permitted for Qualitätswein (quality wine) in Austria, via a collective amendment to Austrian wine law. Three of these are fungus-resistant new crossings known as PIWIs. Blütenmuskateller, Goldmuskateller, Muscaris and Souvignier Gris, all white grape varieties, were elevated to the status of Qualitätswein varieties during the summer through a collective amendment to Austrian wine law. This increases the total of Qualitätswein varieties in Austria to forty. The inclusion of the Goldmuskateller (Moscato Giallo) takes into account that, along with Muskat Ottonel and Gelber or Roter Muskateller, the … Continue reading
How to make the perfect Prosecco based cocktails for Christmas
From Snowballs to Mulled Wine, no Christmas party would be complete without a festive cocktail or two. This year, Prosecco DOC has chosen their favourite Christmas cocktails to suit any kind of occasion and every kind of guest. With such a variety of styles and flavours available, the versatility of Prosecco DOC wines will take you through the entire festive period. At this time of year, in the lead up to Christmas, the month of December officially transforms into party season. Whether it’s a casual family get-together or a glamorous office party, there’s a Prosecco cocktail to suit every mood. The Office Christmas Party The office … Continue reading
Get ready for disruption in the wine industry: How Gary Vaynerchuk and Empathy Wines plan to cut the middlemen and sell the best $20 wine
Gary Vaynerchuk, also known as Gary Vee has created Empathy Wines with a radical new way of selling wine. With the aim of eliminating the middlemen, Empathy Wines wants to sell the best possible wines at a $20 price point for wines that would normally sell at double the price. Jon Troutman, CEO of Empathy Wines told Food and Wine Gazette that staring a wine brand is something that Gary has been thinking about for two decades. "Gary finally had the right executives in place to help him. Both Nate and myself have been working with Gary across his previous wine businesses and most recently at VaynerMedia." Empathy Wines itself started … Continue reading
No new 3rd Michelin star for Belgium but David Martin finally clinches 2nd star
Belgium has gone down from three Michelin star restaurants to 1 restaurant in the span of two years. Following the closure of Karmelit, the restaurant of Geert Van Hecke in Bruges in 2016 and the announced closure of Hertog Jan by Gert de Mangeleer in Zedelgem next month, the only restaurant to retain 3 stars in Belgium is Hof Van Cleve. Despite speculation that there could be potential candidates for a third star, the Michelin guide decided to retain all 2 Michelin star restaurants at that level and at least reflect for another year as to who to elect to the highest echelon in the red guide. However, there was good news for David … Continue reading
New Alchemist in Copenhagen set to open early next year with 50 servings menu
A year after closing the former Alchemist, head chef and co-owner Rasmus Munk has revealed the features of the new 24,000 sq ft dream restaurant in Copenhagen. The new Alchemist is set to open its 100 sq ft bronze door early next year. The 27 year old chef opened the former Alchemist in 2015 with a vision of challenging the meal and serve more than just great food. When he designed the new Alchemist in 2016, his initial visions were accompanied by the dream of building a restaurant able to stimulate all the human senses to create complete sensory dining experiences. This was always the vision for Alchemist, but now, he feels, the … Continue reading
Brussels: Apero meets philosophy at Notos restaurant each month
In our rushed and busy times, we often don't sit down to reflect a bit about questions that impact our life, our relationships or our future. Brussels Greek restaurant Notos has teamed up with Apostrophos to organise themed philosophy evenings merged with an aperitif. Every month, on a Tuesday different themes from Greek philosophy will be explored. These will be mixed with a Greek wine and some traditional Greek dishes served by chef Constantin Erinkoglou. The first event was organised in October and centred around Philosophy vs Democracy. The discussion was very topical focusing on populism, fake news and posing questions as to … Continue reading
Highlights
Uliassi gets third Michelin star in Italy
Uliassi was awarded with 3 Michelin stars in Italy when the French tyre company announced the publication of the new guide for 2019 in Italy. The 'seafood' restaurant of chef Mauro Uliassi is by the sea in Senigallia, Italy between the port channel and the beach. His cuisine is defined as simple and contemporary because it uses the best of today's technology while at the same time keeping to its traditional roots. The chef describes his cuisine as one that is continuously evolving and is influenced by his travels and his … Continue reading
Limited edition panettone by Niko Romito on sale
The famous Panettone Niko Romito, that is produced in the bread baking laboratory PANE in Castel di Sangro close to the three Michelin star restaurant Reale is on sale and available for distribution across Europe. Only 2,000 pieces are produced in two versions, the classic and one with chocolate. The daily baking process is long and accurate, the preparation takes place over three days and includes three progressive leavening phases. Flour, natural yeast, eggs, vanilla beans, butter, "Sulla" honey, home-made candied orange zests, … Continue reading
10 lessons we learned from Kasper Kurdhal (Le Chalet de la Forêt)
Kasper Kurdhal, executive chef of Le Chalet de la Forêt in Brussels, Belgium loves intellectual stimulation, discussion and reading. It is what guides him in his interactions with chef patron Pascal Devalkeneer and it is also what he cherishes in his friendships. Here are 10 lessons I've learned from my long conversation with this talented Danish chef. Learn to say no: At the age of 27, Kasper Kurdhal could have gone to Seville to open a restaurant for Ferran Adria. Most people would have jumped at such an opportunity but Kasper thought this … Continue reading
Impressive evolution at Risette, Valletta
In 2016, French chef Claude Bosi closed Hibiscus in London. On the closing night, Maltese chef Andrew Borg, who had worked at the two Michelin star restaurant with Claude Bosi, decided to surprise his mentor and former boss and booked to go for the final dinner. It is what the young Maltese chef loves doing. When he has the time, he is travelling in search of ideas and flavours and these experiences are starting to be reflected in Risette's cuisine. Since the end of 2017, he is at the helm of this restaurant that is housed in one of … Continue reading
New winemakers for Three Brothers Winery
Just two weeks before harvest began for the 2018 vintage, Kim White has joined the production team at Three Brothers Wineries and Estates as head winemaker. Paige Vinson was also appointed as assistant winemaker. The change came after winemaker Aaron Roisen announced he had accepted a new position at Dr. Frank Winery. White’s love of science and the ability to be creative are what attracted her to the wine industry and she enthusiastically describes her work as the best of both worlds. She has an impressive resume including harvest … Continue reading
Brussels: Russian night to inaugurate winter season at Le Chalet de la Forêt
Le Chalet de la Forêt, one of Brussels top restaurants will be organising a Russian night on Saturday 24 November at 8pm. Executive chef Kasper Kurdhal told Food and Wine Gazette that the dinner will inaugurate the winter season at the restaurant. "It is the start of winter. The restaurant will be decorated for Christmas from two days before the event and we wanted to initiate the winter season with this themed dinner. Russia provided the inspiration since the start of winter brings with it the cold, the Vodka, the sour cream," he … Continue reading
Record 2018 vintage for Austrian wine
The 2018 vintage, the earliest harvest ever recorded in Austria will exceed the previous year's volume with the most recent data from Statistik Austria estimating about 3.2 million hectolitres! Growers are reportedly pleased with the fine quality of the grapes, which could for the most part be harvested this year without much concern over potential diseases. Winegrowers were granted a nationwide increase of 20 per cent in the maximum yield per hectare to partially offset their crop losses from the 2017 vintage. More modest … Continue reading
Cake and Bubbles in London is Albert Adria’s first venture outside Spain
Albert Adria, voted the World's Best Pastry chef has opened Cakes and Bubbles, the first permanent location outside his native Spain. The dessert only venue opened on 7 November on Regent Street London at the Hotel Café Royal. The Spanish chef, brother of Ferran Adria who together worked at the legendary el Bulli and who today runs a restaurant empire in the el Barri area of Barcelona including Tickets had already opened a successful pop-up at the Hotel Café Royal in 2016 called 50 Days by Albert Adria. The hotel is located between … Continue reading
Niepoort’s 1863 port decanter sells for 100,000 Euros
A decanter by Lalique containing Niepoort's port wine from 1863 has been auctioned by renowned wine auction house Acker, Merrall & Condit in Hong Kong for more than 100,000 euros on 3 November. It was one of five precious decanters that contained the last few drops of this award-winning score that is not only rare but has scored 100 from US wine critic James Suckling and Jancis Robinson gave it 20 points out of 20. The wine comes from the 1863 harvest. Franciscus Marius Niepoort filled the great vintage in wooden casks and laid it … Continue reading
David Martin of Brussels restaurant La Paix is chef of the year for Gault & Millau
David Martin, chef of Brussels restaurant La Paix was named chef of the year by Gault & Millau when they announced the publication of the 2019 guide. A year after the chef had been told by Michelin that they had visited his restaurant more than 10 times but didn't consider him worthy of 2 Michelin stars, the French born chef who has been awarded the highest accolade by Gault & Millau for his personality, vision, expertise, creativity and courage. "He is inspired by French, Belgian and Japanese cuisine. This intelligent and … Continue reading
Sebastian Sandor and Fabio Cammalleri join forces to open Heritage in Ghent
As head chef of two Michelin star Belgian restaurant Pastorale, Sebastian Sandor is ready to take the plunge and fulfil his dream of opening his own restaurant. On the 28th November he will open Heritage, a new restaurant in the Patershol area in the heart of Ghent together with Fabio Cammalleri. Heritage will be housed in the former Pizzeria Barbaro and the opening is testament to his persistence and determination. He has managed to fulfil his dream at the age of 30 also ‘thanks to my stubbornness,” he told Food and Wine Gazette. “I was … Continue reading
18 years of patience to produce Beluga caviar
At 4,000 to 4,500 euros per kilo, saying Beluga caviar does not come cheap is an understatement. But there is a reason why this sought-after and rare caviar costs so much. It is the result of a risky investment. The huso huso sturgeon needs to be grown for 18 years in perfect conditions for the caviar to be produced. A Belgian company has been producing Beluga caviar since 2016. Royal Belgian Caviar has been making 100% Belgian caviar since 2002 but it was only in 2016 that it managed to produce Beluga caviar. Belgium’s top chefs from Peter … Continue reading
Intentional minimalism at Spazio Niko Romito Roma
Why do restaurants only use their space for lunch or dinner other than to give the owners and their staff time to rest? Is there a more efficient way to utilise a space by offering more than just lunch or dinner? That’s what Niko Romito set out to test with Spazio Niko Romito Roma. His vision was that of creating a space that could serve as a restaurant, a cafeteria, a bakery and a place where Romans could convene in the evenings for an aperitivo or a glass of wine. You can say that vision has materialised. Located in a square in the … Continue reading
Sergio Herman opens Frites Atelier in Ghent, to open first one in Brussels in November
Sergio Herman will open the second branch of Frites Atelier in Belgium in the city of Ghent on 25 October (tomorrow). The Dutch chef said he was excited to open a Frites Atelier in Ghent. "Every time I come to this city, I taste the creativity and discover new things every time. In view of these developments and the growth of Frites Atelier, the choice of Ghent as the second branch in Belgium was obvious. The food scene in the city has changed a lot and Ghent and the city has a tendency to embrace new food concepts. I am really looking … Continue reading
Fernand Obb Delicatessen makes best shrimp croquettes in Brussels
There is nothing more quintessentially Belgian than the croquette de crevette or shrimp croquette. Any traditional Belgian restaurant including even gastronomic restaurants is likely to have it on its menu with a good ‘american’ or steak tartare and mussels with fries. Now, lovers of this Belgian delicacy which is made with small shrimps that are common in the North Sea have a reference point. In a bid to find the best prawn croquette in Brussels, Belgium’s capital, Visit Brussels has organised the first ever contest to find the best … Continue reading
Six Brussels chefs to cook for homeless to raise awareness for Red Cross campaign
Six of Brussels top chefs will leave their kitchens on Saturday 3 November to cook for the Brussels homeless and raise awareness on the winter Red Cross campaign. David Martin of La Paix, Alexander Dionisio of Villa in the Sky, Karen Torosyan of Bozar Restaurant, Lionel Rigolet of Comme chez Soi, Mathieu Jacri (La Villa Emily) and Giovanni Bruno (Senza Nome) will prepare soups and desserts that will be distributed by volunteers to homeless on 3 November at Place de la Monnaie in central Brussels. The event is aimed to raise awareness on … Continue reading
Commotie: A pop-up restaurant in Ghent causing a ‘commotion’
Thomas Gellynck is still 23 but has the maturity and the cooking skills of a more experienced chef. Together with his partner Lara De Vliegher, they manage a pop-up restaurant which will cause a commotion when it closes in November 2019 because it has become the talk of the town in the Belgian city of Ghent. The pop-up restaurant is called Commotie (translated into commotion in English). The food scene in Ghent has been very vibrant over the past few years and this pop-up restaurant adds to the number of interesting food spots that are on … Continue reading
Magnus Ek is first guest for Play Food at L’Air du Temps
Magnus Ek, the chef of 2 Michelin star restaurant Oaxen Krog in Stockholm, Sweden will be the first guest of Sang Hoon Degeimbre at L'Air du Temps in Liernu, Belgium. The first Play Food event will take place on 8 November at 7.30pm. This is not the first time that the Swedish chef will be cooking in Belgium since he will return after the GELINAZ! Brussels Headquarters experience which took place in 2017 at Brussels restaurant Bon Bon. The Swedish chef is a pioneer in many ways. He started using edible plants and foraging for food more … Continue reading
In my blood: The book, the cook and the reviewer
The Oxford Dictionary defines a cookbook as “a book containing recipes and other information about the preparation and cooking of food. Danish Chef Bo Bech’s latest cookbook In my Blood - itself a curious and suggestive title - surpasses this definition, posing an inquiry into what a cookbook and its role in contemporary culture has become. The Book With this beautifully designed artist's art book Bech has created a new genre, one which slips between traditional and contemporary cookbook presentations. This is not simply a cookbook with … Continue reading
New Belgian winery Valke Vleug knows ‘cool things happen on the edge’
After studying engineering Pieter Raeymaekers went to New Zealand to work with winemakers because he did not want to start work immediately. That was in 2005 and the experience had a huge impact on his professional and personal life. Today, 13 years later, he is fulfilling his dream as he is the winemaker of a new winery Valke Vleug that is set to fully open next year in time for the 2019 vintage. On land that was used to grow asparagus, Pieter, Johan Stoffels and Jan Van Lancker are betting that they can produce quality Belgian wine at … Continue reading
Retro Bottega: Modern Italian cuisine in the heart of Rome
The dessert spoon has already been placed on the table at Retro Bottega in Rome. I've been chatting to one of the two chefs Giuseppe Lo Iudice who owns this place in the centre of Rome together with another chef Alessandro Miocchi. He leaves and soon after returns to replace the spoon with a fork and knife. "We've changed plans he tells me. We want you to try another dish before dessert," he tells me. The dish that follows is pigeon cooked in a Peking Duck style. "My business partner and chef Alessandro Miocchi was in China and he got … Continue reading
Dow’s Aged Tawny Ports launched in Belgium
Dow’s Port, a family-owned business of more than 200 years which was founded in 1798 has launched a range of aged tawny ports in Belgium. The Symington family have called the Douro their home since 1882 and five generations of the family have owned and managed Dow's since they became partners in the business in 1912. Drawing on the knowledge that the Symington family have drawn over many generations, the family legacy is reflected in every bottle of the Dow’s 10, 20, 30 and 40 year old tawny port. Johnny Symington, said during a … Continue reading
The wine battle: biodynamic vs natural wines
Around 10 years ago, I sat for a five session course on wine tasting. The sommelier who was organising the wine course presented us with a range of natural wines, a few excellent, most foul. The scope was not to convince us about the merits or not of natural wine but rather to allow us to spot the defects in a wine whether it was natural or not. Move 10 years and in 2018, most restaurants and wine bars worth their salt are offering many natural wines and biodynamic wines on their wine lists. But have we reached peak natural wine? What’s the … Continue reading
Influential wine writer James Suckling opens wine bar in Hong Kong
James Suckling, one of the top wine writers in the world has fulfilled his dream of opening a wine bar. The wine bar on the second floor of Staunton Suites in Staunton Street, Soho, Hong Kong has softly opened its doors and is welcoming people for a glass or bottle of wine. The brand new wine bar and restaurant is called James Suckling Wine Central and includes a personal selection of wines which have scored between 90 and 100 points by him or his team. "It’s been a dream of mine for many years to open a wine bar. I want to share my … Continue reading
CostardiBros in Amsterdam for one off pop-up dinner at Peroni Risotteria
Christian and Manuel Costardi, also known as the CostardiBros, rose to fame for their risotto. Two brothers that are often considered as twins despite an age difference of 9 years where in Ristorante Hangar in Amsterdam on 9 October for a one evening pop up with Peroni Nastro Azzuro. They brought with them a number of iconic dishes that have made them famous not just in Italy over the past few years. Their focus was on rice, serving two main dishes as well as a dessert using rice that is so popular in their region. They presented … Continue reading
Rodolfo Guzman to cook with Hans Neuner at Ocean Restaurant
A trip that Hans Neuner took to Chilean chef Rodolfo Guzman led him to discover how he could use cactus from the prickly pear for one of his dishes. It was an eye opener for Hans and led to the creation of an exceptional octopus dish. The Chilean chef will now be reciprocating that visit spending a few days in the Algarve discovering the produce, the fishermen and what the region has to offer. He will cook with Hans Neuner at the 2 Michelin-star Ocean Restaurant, located at VILA VITA Parc Resort & Spa, in Porches, Algarve and the … Continue reading
The search for tattoo-free chef and tweezer-free kitchen is on as World Restaurant Awards categories are announced
The World Restaurant Awards which will be held for the first time in Paris on 18 February will have 12 big plate awards and 6 small plate awards that will change on a yearly basis in consultation with the judging panel. The awards, the brainchild of Joe Warwick who is the creative director and Andrea Petrini, the chair of the judging panel has a list of 100 judges which include some of the top names in the restaurant world as well as top international food writers from around the world. Joe Warwick is an editor, writer, broadcaster and … Continue reading
Joan Roca tops list of The Best Chef Awards 2018
In Milan, Joan Roca came top of the Top300 list of the Best Chef Awards 2018, an event that started in 2015. The Spanish chef of restaurant El Celler de Can Roca placed in front of René Redzepi and David Munoz. The results were announced during a gala evening at the Teatro Vetra in Milan. In the presence of more than 300 chefs and industry professionals. Fourth place went to Bjorn Frantzen and 5th to Jonnie Boer. Niko Romito followed in 6th place, Alex Atala in 7th, Massimo Bottura in 8th, Yannick Alleno in 9th and Vladimir Mukhin in … Continue reading
Riccardo Camanini joins the ‘seven wonders’ of Italian cuisine
Riccardo Camanini, chef of Lido 84 has been working under the radar since he joined his brother at Gardone Riviera. In the latest publication of the Guida Espresso, one of the most influential food guides in Italy, if not the most influential he has won 'five hats' together with the new three Michelin star restaurant St Hubertus del Rosa Alpina of chef Norbert Niederkofler. They join the top five chefs of Italian cuisine, recognised by many guides including the Michelin Guide as well as World's 50 Best Restaurants among others. These are … Continue reading
Pepe Nero Lebanese fusion and the chef who came out of retirement
I am acutely aware of my softer, self-indulgent attitude to dieting now. After a summer spent on the water or beside it, invariably ending the day in a good restaurant, I decided to give it a bit of a break. This does not mean swapping to a diet of dust and greens. Indeed, I have been in the company of too many good men who started out that way and then dined on wine, leaving their plate looking like a garden in autumn: strewn with basil leaves. No, I only resolved to refrain from going to restaurants for about six weeks. This seemed … Continue reading
Bon Bon sommelier Antoine Lehebel to represent Belgium in Best Sommelier competition
Antoine Lehebel, sommelier of Brussels restaurant Bon Bon will be representing Belgium in the 15th edition of the most prestigious sommelier competition in the world. The Best Sommelier in the World competition takes place in Antwerp in March 2019. Lehebel has already been crowned the best sommelier in Belgium in 2014. Born in 1982, he has vast experience having worked in Longon at Rasoi Vineet bhatia (1 Michelin star) and at three Michelin star restaurant Les Pres d'Eugenie in France. He has also worked at Michel Chabran and Charlemagne … Continue reading
Going, going, gone: 15,000 euros for a bottle of Riesling
The last bottle in the estate cellar of the Schlossböckelheimer Kupfergrube Trockenbeerenauslese 1921 vintage has been sold for a record EUR 14,992 becoming the most expensive German riesling ever sold. This was the last bottle of the wine that remained in the Rarities Cellar of Gut Hermannsberg, a bottle that that is not only historical but also comes from an exceptional vintage. vintage. The neck of the bottle is decorated with a banderol, where one can read the ornamental script: Presented as a celebratory libation to honour the President … Continue reading
Perfecting the Hierbas de las Dunas, a liqueur created by chef Syrco Bakker
When Syrco Bakker created Hierbas de las Dunas he did not give it much thought. He combined 18 different types of herbs, flowers and plants from Cadzand’s dunes to create what would turn out to be a versatile drink that had a pure salty-sweet flavour that made it perfect for an aperitif, after-dinner drink or even a cocktail ingredient. The chef of Michelin star restaurant Pure C in Cadzand-Bad who works closely with Dutch celebrity chef Sergio Herman created the liqueur in his kitchen taking inspiration from a drink he had tried in Ibiza … Continue reading
Loimer to release Langenlois ‘blanc des blancs’ sparkling wine
In 1991, Fred Loimer, the Langenlois winemaker experimented with bottle fermentation to produce Sekt for the first time. Three years later, he launched his first Winzersekt (grower sparkling wine) on the market. Since then he simply cannot resist his fascination with bubbles. He is now set to launch the Langenlois Blanc de Blancs Grosse Reserve, his best yet. It will be released to the market in mid-October 2018 and will be available at the winery (Haindorfer Vögerlweg 23, 3550 Langenlois, weingut@loimer.at) and in the onlineshop … Continue reading
Restaurant Ocean: A view on the ocean and on Portuguese cuisine
Hans Neuner, executive chef of Restaurant Ocean at the Vila Vita resort in the Algarve Ocean loves to travel. When he left Austria to head to Porches in the Algarve he did not know he was going to end up staying there. But the region, the sea, the quality of the produce both from the land and the sea have made him stay. Nothing maybe exemplifies this story more than the Octopus dish that he served me recently at the restaurant. Octupus is a staple in Portugal like in other places on the Mediterranean as is the ‘prickly pear’ plant which … Continue reading
International Chefs Summit Asia to be held in Taipei in October
Taipei will host one of this year’s biggest culinary events in Asia in October 2018 when a total of 18 top chefs from 8 major cities from around Asia come together for 4 gourmet feasts, 2 summits and culinary performances that take place between October 16 and 18. This four-day International Chefs Summit Asia 2018 (ICSA2018) is co-hosted by Favorable Impression Media (FIM Media) and Fine Dining Lovers and is co-organized by the Marriott Hotel in Taipei. The best tastes of Asia will be seen in Taipei all at once. This is the second … Continue reading
Zaiyu Hasegawa returns to Belgium to cook with Gert De Mangeleer at LESS
Zaiyu Hasegawa and his team from Jimbocho Den in Tokyo were in Brugge as guests of Gert de Mangeleer and Joachim Boudens for two four hands dinners between the teams of Den and Bistro L.E.S.S., the second restaurant of the successful Belgian duo of 3 Michelin star restaurant Hertog Jan. Last year, Zaiyu Hasegawa had cooked at Hertog Jan in Zedelgem together with Hiroyasu Kawate chef of Florilège as well as Yusuke Takada from La Cime in Osaka while Gert de Mangeleer has often cooked in Japan including as guest of Zaiyu at his restaurant Den … Continue reading
Michelin star for Niko Romito’s Il Ristorante at Bulgari Hotel in Shanghai
Chef Niko Romito knows how important recognition can be. When he started Reale in Rivisondoli, a village of only 450 residents in Abruzzo as a self-taught cook, the people believed it was a miracle. Today, Reale is one of the best restaurants in the world and the chef is becoming one of the most internationally recognised Italian chefs in the world for his three Michelin star restaurant in Castel di Sangro. So the first Michelin star for his Il Ristorante - Niko Romito at the Bulgari Hotel in Shangai has notes of something very special … Continue reading
Blueness: the new Japanese food bar concept by Sergio Herman and Syrco Bakker in Cadzand
Syrco Bakker, chef of internationally renowned restaurant Pure C in Cadzand Bad, Zeeland, the Netherlands is hoping that the opening of Blueness, a Japanese food bar, gives him the opportunity to take the restaurant to the next level as Sergio Herman's vision for this seaside resort takes shape. After the successful opening of Air Republic, a bistrot and cafe overlooking the new Cadzand marina, Blueness had a soft-opening during the summer months when the new wing of the Strand Hotel opened in July. Housed on the ground floor, Syrco Bakker … Continue reading
Antwerp to host Best Sommelier of the year in 2019
The 15th edition of the most prestigious sommelier competition in the world will be held at the Elisabethzaal in Antwerp between 11 and 15 March 2019. The event returns to Belgium after 50 years when the first ever competition took place in Brussels. This unique triennial world championship is the initiative of A.S.I. (Association de la Sommellerie Internationale/ International Sommelier Association). It will be organised in conjunction with the Belgian Sommeliers Union and their president William Wouters, a resident of Antwerp. The first … Continue reading