Luxeat

Ze Kitchen Gallery

After having heard so many positive things about Ze Kitchen Gallery  in Paris, my curiousity brought me there also. And what a refreshing lunch it was! It was "refreshing" in many ways- the Thai cuisine influence, outstanding quality of the products and the fact, that what you have on your plate looks and tastes ten times better what you read on the menu. Most of all, William Ledeuil and Nicolas Houlbert,the  people behind this rising star (i had a chance to chat with both of them) have incredible passion for what they do and that is what counts most. The menu is changed every few weeks, so i expect to return to Ze Kitchen Gallery very soon...

When in London, eat fish and chips!

I am not  a big connaisseur of this English speciality, but the fish and chips in this tiny place just steps from my hotel (Covent Garden Hotel ) were perfect. The battered cod was very fresh and the fries were crispy... I  also read that Rock§Soul Plaice (47 Endell street,Covent Garden, London) is the oldest fish and chips place in London- it was established in 1871...

L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, London

L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon London is located in Covent Garden, in the same street as The Ivy restaurant. Like in other Robuchon restaurants , London version's interior is dark and sober where red and black dominate. Some dishes are different, some- the same as in other Robuchon branches. For example, the burger with foie gras and truffles is the same as in NY. There are many common dishes with Robuchon's Parisian restaurants. You can see the menu here http://www.joel-robuchon.com/. All what i ate or tried there i loved. But naturally, some of the dishes were "stronger", some -" weaker".

Bouley

It is not a secret that some of the best chefs on the planet are "French trained".Their work in gastronomic restaurants in France brings valuable experience for their careers.That highly influences not only their techniques and style of cooking, but also what cuisine they cook.Not surprise- usually French.Today i  had a look at the top restaurants in London in Zagat guide  and the best restaurants in London are French. In Manhattan is the same,in the main German cities is the same,in Moscow , so is in many other metropolises. Most of the chefs who have ever worked in France want to recreate what they saw there.I don't say thats its bad,French food is my favorite, but i do prefer to eat it in France. And sometimes its a pity not to concentrate more on the traditional cuisine of that particular country. At least for me when I visit a city I want to try the local food or something where local ingredients are not disregarded.

La Boqueria

La Boqueria market in Barcelona (Placa de la Boqueria) is the king of all the markets i have ever been. Something like the "Ali Baba 's cave" for fruit and vegetables, seafood, meat products and many other remarkable things.

Tapaç 24

Is it the place where Joel Robuchon got inspired?  Just kidding! Tapaç 24 (Disputacio 269 , tel. 93-488-0977, Barcelona) opened much later than Robuchon's L'Ateliers in NY and Paris. And it  might be  opposite, as Tapaç 24 was opened in 2006 by a Spanish "star chef" Carles Abellan.

Oh Bellota, Bellota...

Have you tasted jamon Iberico de Bellota? It is the caviar of all the hams and the priciest. The reason why is that the pigs are only fed with acorns (nuts of oaks) and the ham is cured for many months.The flavor of the ham ends up very nutty and rich.Like good caviar, very addictive, i might say... Speaking of the price, it is very expensive and in Spain and in other countries.(there are a few shops in Paris). I found this gourmet ham shop in Barcelona that seems to have better prices than elsewhere and it ships to other countries.  Reserva Iberica  is located in the center of Barcelona,242 Arago street. If you click on the link, you will be directed to their website.
P.S. I haven't forgot to post about my dinner in Bouley....

Sun, beach, paella...

Yesterday i heard something that was incredible to me. One Spanish person living in Barcelona told me that he gets so depressed when he is landing at the airport of Barcelona.I guess we all get bored of what we have and dream of what we don't have, as for me, even if i am here for work,Barcelona always means holidays.And holidays in Barcelona means sun, seaside, jamon and paella of course!
One of my favorite restaurant in Barcelona is near Arts hotel, close to the Porto Olimpico. And if there is one dish that will make you return is "rice with artichokes,shrimps and cuttlefish cooked over charcoal".The artichoke tastes almost like honey and when they bring you the casserole, you can still hear the sound of cooking...

Agua
Pg. Maritim de la Barceloneta,30
Barcelona 08003
+34932251272