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 also because of his programmes on the BBC apart from having authored many cookbooks. Over the past years, he has inspired many for taking matters in hand when he turned 40, cutting alcohol competely and eliminating carbs from his diet losing 12 stones or 76 kilogrammes in weight in the process. "It is a city I know well, a city I am comfortable … [Read more...]
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 materializing about one year ago. It was born out of the team's proven ability to scale consumer brands and build equity in a digitally-native way, which VaynerMedia has specialized in from the start. Industry trends have also worked in their favor - wineries are now able to get licensing for shipping direct to consumers in 43 of the 50 states. The … [Read more...]
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 Martin of La Paix. After having been named the chef of the year by Gault & Millau just a few days ago, his restaurant was finally awarded with a second Michelin star. Another restaurant to clinch a second star was Table de Maxime in the Wallonian hamlet of Our. Young chef Maxime Collard is the chef working there and he owes his success to Geert … [Read more...]
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 surroundings are ideal. “We were very happy in Århusgade. But the relatively few square feet have also had their limitations. I’m looking forward to showing new and old guests Alchemist’s full potential,” Rasmus Munk said. The new restaurant is more than 20 times bigger than the old one. The dimensions of the historical building previously occupied by … [Read more...]
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 where truth has gone. The next event which will take place on Tuesday 20 November is titled: The odyssey, or how not to forget: How do we not forget and how are we not forgotten. This is the theme that will be explored. The event (in French) starts at 7pm and lasts an hour. The cost of the session is 28 euros per person which includes a glass of … [Read more...]
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 surroundings. Chef Mauro Uliassi opened the restaurant with Catia in 1990 and has ratings of 19 in the Guida del Espresso (among the highest). He joins the likes of Massimo Bottura's Osteria Francescana, Enrico Crippa's Piazza Duomo, Niko Romito's Reale and Massimiliano Alajmo's Le Calandre with three Michelin stars. The number of 3 Michelin star restaurants in Italy now stands at 10. The other 3 Michelin star restaurants are St. Hubertus, Da Vittorio. … [Read more...]
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, chocolate pearls or golden raisins are the ingredients used to make this panettone. The process to make this panettone ensures that it is incrediibly soft and has a creamy texture. The Italian chef, Niko Romito, is known for perfecting the art of baking making bread that has become famous around the world. the bread, created in the same laboratory, is also available in his restaurants Spazio Niko Romito in Milan and in Rome. The panettone is a … [Read more...]
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 offer was too good to be true. The reason was not for lack of experience or self-confidence or even age but rather because he did not want to become a 'product' of the el Bulli method for the rest of his life. Ferran Adria not only understood the decision but also told him he was right at that stage. Sometimes, it is best to take a step back and say no. Even when others might tell you otherwise. Identify what can hold you back and take … [Read more...]
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 Valletta’s top boutique hotels, Casa Ellul which forms part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection. Months after the opening, you can say the evolution has been impressive. He has surrounded himself with a solid team which makes this restaurant one of Malta’s top food spots if not the best. Together with sous chef Kurt Micallef and pastry chef David Tanti, he has created an excellent dining spot making use of exceptional produce and using … [Read more...]
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 experience in Washington State, Australia and France. Before joining the Three Brother’s team as Head Winemaker, White was the Assistant Winemaker at Sheldrake Point Winery. “We’re thrilled to have Kim join our team. The professionalism and passion she shows for her craft are second to none,” says Erica Paolicelli, Co-owner. “She’s enthusiastic and ready to make her mark in our region”. Joining White in the cellar is Paige Vinson, who after … [Read more...]