Jimmy Lim's JL Studio in Taichung, Taiwan has been announced as the One to Watch in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. The One to Watch title is presented to a restaurant that is outside the Asia's 50 Best list but is identified as a rising star in the region. Opened in 2017, JL Studio reflects the upbringing and cultural influences of chef-owner Jimmy Lim. Born in Singapore, Lim presents modern interpretations of classic dishes from his home city. Combining traditional Singapore flavours and refined cooking techniques, Lim’s “Mod-Sin” menu translates and elevates much-loved Singaporean dishes with creative flair and a progressive approach. Chef Jimmy Lim said: “Having JL Studio named this year’s One To Watch is a huge validation for myself and the team. Although we are a very young restaurant, this honour encourages us to continue challenging ourselves, striving for excellence and discovering new ways to reinterpret Singapore cuisine.” William Drew, Group Editor of Asia’s 50 … [Read more...]
Rodolfo Guzman’s surprise relocation of Borago
Chef Rodolfo Guzman, has announced that Borago, the renowned Chilean restaurant has relocated. He had been secretly working on the move without publicising it. The new restaurant is at the foot of Cerro Manquehue (Place of Condors in Mapudungun Mankewe), the most important natural landmark of the city and one which demarcates the seasonality in Santiago. Borago is considered to be one of Latin America's best restaurants with Rodolfo introducing many Chilean ingredients, products and techniques to the world for the first time while rewriting his country's culinary rulebook in the process. The restaurant opened in 2006 and like many of today's successful restaurants struggled to survive in the early years particularly since it had to deal with a conservative clientele. Rodolfo Guzman said that 12 years ago he and this team had embarked on a road that seemed crazy at the time. "The place where Boragó was housed and which has been our home for all this time seemed huge. It looked … [Read more...]
Sergio Herman’s Frites Atelier Brussels to open on 2 March
Sergio Herman's third Belgian branch of Frites Atelier in Belgium will open in Brussels on 2 March. This will be the third Belgian branch of the famous fries shop that the Dutch chef opened in Amsterdam first. Frites Atelier in Brussels will be opened in Rue Saint Catherine in central Brussels close to Dierendonck's meat shop. Just like the Frites Atelier in Gent, the one in Brussels is expected to have more seats and offer a more extensive menu compared to the current Ateliers in the Netherlands and Antwerp. The opening in Brussels is expected to be followed by more openings in the Belgian capital including one at the Brussels Airport. Sergio is looking into expanding the concept to Germany and France. He has commissioned research into big cities to find busy streets that could welcome such a food concept. Sergio is also developing the concept so that it can work not just in permanent locations but also for private events and festivals. This should be launched by the … [Read more...]
South African Wolfgat is Restaurant of the Year
Wolfgat, a restaurant run by Kobus Van der Merwe, a former food journalist turned chef was named as restaurant of the year in the first ever World Restaurant Awards that were unveiled in Paris at the Palais Brongniart, yesterday evening. The restaurant in Paternoster, South Africa also won the Off-Map Destination award. 160 kilometres away from Cape Town, this acclaimed restaurant draws on inspiration from the surrounding landscape and its dramatic season transformation. The chef serves his signature Standveld food menu which comprises of sustainable seafood, local lamb and venison as well as wild herbs and sea-weed among others. It is a restaurant that supports the community and is also particular because all the staff except for the chef and one other person are women. Most of the fish that is bought by the restaurant is caught by fishermen who are related to the staff of the restaurant), Wolfgat has made a name for itself and has often been mentioned as the ‘Noma’ of South … [Read more...]
When tomatoes met Wagner premieres at Berlinale
The humorous and uplifting story of two ingenious Greek cousins and five village women, who tackle the world market with their homegrown tomatoes, premieres at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival (7-17 February 2019). The quirky and inspiring tale of how a village used organic farming to overcome the Greek financial crisis, screens at the Berlinale’s popular Culinary Cinema section, which offers food for thought with films about the pleasures and dark sides of food. This year, the 13th Berlinale Kulinarisches Kino under the title "A Taste for Balance" from February 10 to 15, features 10 documentaries and two fiction films about the relationship between food, culture and politics. Top chefs Angela Hartnett, Sebastian Frank, Haya Molcho, Kiko Moya, and The Duc Ngo will serve menus inspired by the films while Yotam Ottolenghi will present his new book. Filmmaker Mariana Economou’s documentary – whose last film, ‘The Longest Run’, was nominated by the European … [Read more...]
The crazy life of a World Restaurant Awards judge
It is 8.30am on Tuesday morning. 23 hours ago I landed in Brussels from New York via Dublin courtesy of a cancelled flight by Brussels Airlines. I am asleep in that zone between sleep and waking up when I faintly hear our youngest son, 19 months old chatting. I'm up with a jolt. Wide awake. And without prompting I know exactly what has happened. I did not need to look at the watch to know it was late, very late. I had fallen asleep without remembering to switch on the alarm that normally rings automatically every weekday morning at 6.50am unless I switch it off. The eldest 2 children should have been at school 10 minutes ago. A mad rush ensued as my wife and I try to get things ready as fast as possible. Within 30 minutes the children are at school but the week had gotten off to a bad start. The trip to New York had been short and jet lag had barely kicked in or so I thought. That pretty much sums the past 40 days that have been a bit of a roller coaster. Over the past 40 … [Read more...]
The best of 2018: a year of Food and Wine Gazette
2018 has come and is about to go and it has been an incredible year for Food and Wine Gazette. Before I take you on a tour of what we covered during the year, I would like to thank you and express my gratitude for your constant support be it through reading, liking, sharing or even providing valuable feedback on a constant basis. We don't often hear about Maltese chefs but at the start of the year we put a spotlight on one of the most successful Maltese chefs Marvin Gauci interviewing him about his ventures, the opening of his restaurant in Budapest at the Corinthia Hotel and also how he intended to expand his business. Nick Bril announced the launch of a private dining room in his office next to The Jane in Antwerp called The Jane Table. Our first long form interview was with Bart de Pooter who touched upon the dinner at el Bulli which changed his perspective on food forever. That was barely posted when Gert de Mangeleer and Joachim Boudens … [Read more...]
Syrco Bakker (Pure C) and Nico Boreas (Sabero) clinch 2 Michelin stars in the Netherlands
Two new two Michelin star restaurants were added to the Netherlands when the tyre company announced the results for 2019 red guide. The new restaurants are Syrco Bakker's Pure C which is found in Cadzand and Sabero of Nico Boreas who opened Sabero in Roermond last spring. "This year is a very good year for the Netherlands," says Gwendal Poullennec, international director of Michelin Guides. "Not only have our inspectors seen consistently good cooking at the highest levels by the established chefs, but they have also found many new names to add. These young chefs, sometimes taking inspiration from their peers, are taking Dutch cuisine to new levels with their creativity, innovation and a thirst for finding new flavors to entice their customers." De Librije (in Zwolle), Inter Scaldes (in Kruiningen), and De Leest (in Vaassen) each retained their 3 star rating. In total there are now 110 starred restaurants in the Netherlands. In total, there are 18 … [Read more...]
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 party is all about having fun, but not too much fun. You want a cocktail that’s delicious and festive, but perhaps with a little less alcohol than your New Year’s Eve tipple of choice. Why not try the Uva D’Oro, made with fresh tomato juice, peach puree, fresh rosemary and basil, perfect with Millage Prosecco DOC Extra Dry or Prosecco DOC Santero … [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...]