The legendary La Viña cheesecake and its recipe from “Basque Country”, Marti Buckley’s book, with whom I had a chance to share my first meal of 2019 (and that was THE cheesecake!) You can buy this brilliant Basque recipes book on Amazon. Yesterday was La Viña’s last day of operation…

Shuji Niitome, currently Japan’s number one tempura master in action. Until only recently, tempura master from Nagoya Shuji Niitome refused to be listed in any restaurant guides. As soon as he got onto tabelog.com, he soared to number one in Japan for tempura. Niitome-san is a true shokunin (and despite…

Imagine a simple technique, all in the twist of a wire. A technique with the potential to revolutionise fishing in the Western world. Dubbed Ikejime in Japanese, this method for slaughtering fish more ethically could also lead to a change in expectations of how fish meat should taste and age.…

Few weeks ago I was very fortunate to experience Mexico City’s incredible Xochimilco area and learn about the Chinampas. An inspiring initiative led by the @yolcan_mx entrepreneurs is reviving traditional farming practices established in Aztec times centred around Chinampas: these are small, rectangular areas of fertile land harnessed to grow…

Fabulous artwork by young Japanese ceramic artist Hashimoto Tomonari @hashimoto_tomonari and an excerpt about shadows from Jun’ichirō Tanizaki’s book “In praise in shadows”, perfectly describing the importance of shadows in the Japanese aesthetics .”Whenever I see the alcove of tastefully built Japanese room, I marvel at our comprehension of the…

Never in my wildest dreams I’d think that tacos with escamoles (ants eggs) could taste so good or I would try them at all. Or that gusanos de maguey (mezcal worms) give that nice unique smokey flavour you cannot replicate. My short term plan in Mexico City is to try…

My revised London restaurant recommendation list… The Clove Club (contemporary fine dining)Hedone (contemporary fine dining with a focus on ingredients)The Ledbury (fine dining specializing in game)Ritz (classic fine dining)Bonhams (contemporary dining inside the Bonhams auction house)A Wong(excellent innovative dim sum)Min Jiang (classic Chinese with a great view on the Hyde…

As I’ve recently been to Oslo, I asked the most famous food writer from Norway and an absolute expert in Oslo Anders Husa @andershusa to share his Oslo recommendations. Follow his Insta for the best tips in Scandinavia and beautiful photography. FINE DINING 1. Maaemo at Grønland2. À L’aise at…

I had been curious to interview Mitsuhiro Araki ever since learning he had given up his 3 Michelin stars in Tokyo and moved to London, only to regain them all just three years later. What does it take to give up all and start all over again from scratch on…

Brilliant article on Almadraba and tuna sustainability by Fernando Huidobro, the president of Andalucia gastronomy and tourism academy, who has kindly permitted me to translate it from Spanish and repost it. Some food for thought for all of us. By Fernando HuidobroNo matter how many meanings the word “sustainable” may…