RESTAURANTS
BEST PLACES TO EAT AND DELIGHT YOUR PALATE
There are restaurants in the world offering gourmet food and even live entertainment. Food around the world is not only about "eating" but having a lifetime experience.
I have developed my own qualification chart to describe my overall experience in some of the restaurants I have visited and I'm glad to share it with you as a humble foodie guide:
AAA Excellent establishment in all possible aspects. Unique experience. Food heaven.
AA Very high quality establishment, managed in a great way. It's worth to plan a travel to visit.
A Very good establishment with great proposals and space to turn them into great experiences.
BBB Establishment with adequate management and proposals that promise, as well as flashes of effort.
BB Meets the basic parameters of an establishment and generates sympathy.
B It lacks a lot to have a proper handling.
C Bad experience for all your senses.
D Do not visit. Run!!!
MUGARITZ - San Sebastián, Spain 2 MICHELIN STARS / IN MY CHART AA
Mugaritz is one of the best restaurants in the world located in Errenteria (Basque Country). Currently ranked as one of the world's top restaurants. It's Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz's, is a continuous searcher or student of the avant-garde cuisine and have becamed one of the main voices of the gastronomic world.
Seafood is the main ingredient in the gastronomic proposal of the restaurant. To describe this place only as a restaurant is not accurate, this restaurant is also a laboratory for new concepts and technics used in modern cuisine.
On my last visit to the Basque country I decided to visit this highly recommended place. I shared this experience with my family and to be honest it was not quite perfect since you have to have a very open mind to appreciate the magic that can be achieved with seafood a restaurant that is in a continuous learning and discovery of the new gastronomy.
From the beginning to our arrival at the place the attention and handling of all the details was almost perfect. The tasting menu they handle is a jewel of innovation based mainly on the perfect use of seafood. We begin the experience with an entry of different vegetables made with techniques as varied and innovative as fermentation. After that, the parade of dishes between lobster, uni, fresh fish, octopus eggs, or even a perfect foi grass, made our dinner an unforgettable experience.
ARPEGE- Paris, France 3 MICHELIN STARS / IN MY CHART AAA
We can begin by saying what this place means: "The perfection that plants represent in the hands of a true genius".
When entering Arpege, we must understand that we are in a temple of world gastronomy. Alain Passard, more than a virtuous chef, is a lover of nature at its best. He has an admirable passion for nature especially for the vegetables which he cultivates, cares for and uses with the perfection that only he can achieve.
It was a special night since it was our wedding anniversary and since we entered the atmosphere was magical.
They took us to our table, we were settling in to the place when the same genius Passard approached our table. What he told us was something that marked our evening and the way I now see vegetables. He immediately told us: "I have just started harvesting my vegetables and they are wonderful, I am going to make them love them". A person who shows a passion, love and respect for vegetables can only do with them art.
I am a lover of meat and seafood but after that introduction do not hesitate to ask for the vegetable tasting menu and believe me it was a decisive choice in my life since just after that night I learned to value vegetables.
A menu of 12 dishes executed with the greatest perfection.
I would like to explain the structure of each dish but I think that is impossible. Only its creator could explain that although no explanation would be fair.
Our brain is programmed to determine odors and tastes that have been part of our lives, but what happens when we try something new? Something we can not determine? Easy, it's a unique sensation, an explosion of fascination and taste.
From the beginning to the dessert this was my process, a catharsis of emotions and culinary sensations.
We finish this process with a sublime apple cake.
Elegant place, impeccable atmosphere, unique food, the price is high, but really worth it without hesitation a second.
If we wanted to qualify a restaurant as a wonder of the world, this would be among the 10 wonders.
LOGIS DE LA CADENE.- Saint Emilion, France 1 MICHELIN STAR / IN MY CHART A
As you walk through the narrow stone streets of the village, you begin a journey of discovery and adventure. Alleys with steep slopes almost impossible to walk, but with a unique magic. During the day full of life and movement of the lucky ones to be here discovering the history or drinking good wine and during night enjoy the mysterious and mystical old village.
Heading the restaurant during a Wednesday night walk I had the opportunity to enjoy among empty alleys the mystery and beauty of Saint Emilion. With a large dose of curiosity and at times anxiety, walk several minutes between entire blocks lit only by small lamps embedded between the stone walls of the town to reach this beautiful restaurant lost in time.
To be honest the place is charmingly beautiful. The service is good, but not spectacular, but their food is fascinating.
It is in this frame that a special dish jumps and takes a memorable notoriety. Its risotto with black truffles and parmesan. There is not a day that passes that does not remember this dish. Made with an impeccable technique, exceptional ingredients and some magic I believe, since it is something sublime to the palate. I've tried hundreds of risotto in spectacular places, but none like this one. The wine menu is extremely pleasant and varied, emphasizing the wine of the region. This Italian dish should be very proud to have in this restaurant located in France a fantastic example.
HOSTELLERIE DE PLAISANCE- Saint Emilion,France 2 MICHELIN STARS / IN MY CHART AA
Many times, especially if you are not a vegetable lover, you would consider a salad as boring. Usually most restaurants present boring and unimaginative because they do not show them the respect they deserve. That is why when you find places where they are presented with a very high respect and imagination, you will remember them all your life.
First of all, when you get to this magical place like Saint-Emilion in France, you go back to the past. You pause in time and enter a medieval paradise hidden among vineyards and small roads. In the village, you have the opportunity to make your dream come true if you are a lover of good wines because the variety of tastings you can make from the different vineyards in the area will leave you more than happy. It is in this atmosphere of happiness in a town of less than 300 inhabitants that we find 2 pleasant surprises. Two restaurants of high gastronomic recognition with 1 and 2 stars of the Michelin guide earned with plenty of merit. In one of them, Hostellerie de Plaisance is where I found a salad that I will remember for a lifetime.
The regular menu of this restaurant is highly thought out with the most optimal criteria that can be applied to offer the client the opportunity to take a culinary walk through this wonderful region. The mixture of smells, tastes and colors, make you arrive at a place of comfort and satisfaction that nuanced by the landscape make this visit something memorable. If you want to have a more complete culinary experience, it is recommended that you ask for the tasting menu, of course if your pocket allows it.
BELCANTO- Lisbon, Portugal 2 MICHELIN STARS / IN MY CHART AA
In our first time in Portugal, Lisbon was our first visit.
Lovely city which leave me with a very pleasant taste for more during my short stay since it has a lot to offer, specially for food.
For our visit to this nice restaurant we had to reserve our table several months in advance. We visit it with a couple of dear friends.
We arrived with very high expectations about the food since it's a very recommended restaurant owned by the best chef in Portugal named Jose Avillez and #42 in the World 50 BEST RESTAURANTS on the 2019 winners list, and believe me we weren't disappointed.
If you think that seafood is great, here you realize that perfectly done is FANTASTIC.
We decide to do the tasting menu to have the perfect experience.
Since the first plate, we had a sensorial experience in a journey to excellence. Not only the taste was great but also the imagination of the presentation of each dish.
Passing through great flavors and an excellent cooking technique , we really fell in love with the human warmth and kindness from the service and cooking team.
At the end of our fabulous dinner , we had an extremely pleasant time with the kitchen staff that invite us to visit the kitchen, a gesture that we really appreciate.
Hope to be back soon!!
IL RIDOTTO- Venice, Italy 1 MICHELIN STAR / IN MY CHART A
Arriving to Venice is entering into a parallel world where time stopped the clock hundreds of years ago. A magical place where you can discover the culture and history of Italy through one of it's iconic cities.
Noble and rich city from since it's commercial origins and exchanges, with hundreds of cafés, restaurants, galleries and shops, where this little gem is hidden: "IL RIDOTTO"
The only Michelin restaurant in the city. They dedicate time, commitment and technique to their food in an erratic and convulsed city due to the thousands of tourists who travel in daily.
It's menu is made with a really admirable technique and criteria, since it's very difficult to apply all your imagination in a place with so many limitations of comfort because of the limitation of space.
The beef tartare with truffles is superlative.
I'm very conservative with desserts but without doubt I tried here some of the best desserts in my long visit to restaurants around the world.
Warm atmosphere, very good food, very good price and regular attention, overall a great experience.
Highly recommended in your e visit to this magical city.
ALL' ORO- Rome, Italy 1 MICHELIN STAR / IN MY CHART A
Rome, unique city and full of spectacular places to eat. Plan ahead of time to go to this restaurant from which you had heard many good things.
How it is located inside a boutique hotel I decided to stay there to have the full experience and I am not wrong.
Everything was perfect, a truly luxurious accommodation with personalized attention. You feel at home and just a few minutes walk from unique places in Rome.
From breakfast I knew that what came at night the next day in our reservation for the tasting menu would be majestic.
The breakfast was made to order and at the request of each one of the diners which gave you a feeling of care and unique dedication.
Well I arrived the night of the tasting menu and my surprise was great.
From the appetizers, the reduction of carbonara, the tortellini with duck ragu or a gourmet cheeseburger invention, they were spectacular.
I rarely feel that a place is for more and this time is one of those. It deserves a second star already.
Place to visit or return always.
COQUE- Madrid, Spain 2 MICHELIN STARS / IN MY CHART A
Place of fashion in Madrid, I chose it at random among the places to visit in Madrid with haute cuisine. Located in a central place, you enter and you immediately realize the reason for its fame. Its facilities are truly majestic, they create a complete culinary experience. From the cocktail in the BAR, continuing with some sandwiches in his spectacular wine cellar, then in the SACRISTÍA with a champagne aperitif, until entering the kitchen with a Spanish omelette with a craft beer from the house, until you reach the living room where his gastronomic concepts would begin to arrive. Great variety of flavors, textures and colors, of which I can highlight the white asparagus in a majestic entrance and the suckling pig made as it should be. Optimal infrastructure, unique experience, good food but I really feel that it does not represent the 2 stars it has, and the price is manageable. I hope to visit them again and the food has that magic that was missing.
ROCA MO.- Barcelona, Spain 1 MICHELIN STAR / IN MY CHART A
I had a few hours in the city and one of the first things we did was to head to this restaurant. Located in an easily accessible area within a major hotel in Barcelona, it arrived with great curiosity as the place was guaranteed under the influence of the famous Celler de Can Roca de Girona. Sober atmosphere, efficient service, but really good food. From the broth of entry to the final dessert, his menu was a delight. When we always remember a dish is that it was memorable for good or bad, in this case for good. Here I try the best fish fillet "Rape" I've tasted in my whole life, majestic, sublime. Mandatory stop in Barcelona.
ALAMEDA- Guipuzcoa, Spain 1 MICHELIN STAR / IN MY CHART BBB
I decided to visit San-Sebastian as it is the world's paradise of gastronomy. Take an afternoon to visit about 30 minutes on the way and almost to the border with France this restaurant from which I had heard some novelty things.
We arrived at a beautiful town, almost lost in time, and since it was Sunday it coincided with the town fair. Cattle, sweets, cheeses, confectionery, charcuterie, honey, etc., all of excellent quality craftsmanship.
This small town by itself is an authentic wonder as it takes you back to the past with its streets and buildings that make you feel in a medieval town with castle and fort included.
By standing on the hill of the village at the foot of the sea, you can see the beginning of France since it is at the foot of the border of it.
After touring this beautiful place we headed to the restaurant to start our experience.
Our reservation was ready so we started our journey.
I did not understand why the place was with very few diners since it was Sunday but in any case it was very good since the service was very personalized.
We chose the tasting menu "HONDARRIBIA" since it had everything that attracts the attention of a diner.
From the first dish I understood that it was a very good food but especially home, since you felt at home or you go back to the grandmother's kitchen but modernized in its presentation.
The mushrooms with truffled yolk were a separate story, excellent conception and perfect placement. The infallible old cow chop especially if you love meat like me.
The sweet with pistachio fluffy is really good.
Overall we were not disappointed with the food and it was worth the trip.
The place is beautiful surrounded by nature, regular attention, nice menu and manageable price, it is a suggested stop to get to know a wonderful town with a lot of history.
This place is among one of the well-known pilgrimage routes of the famous "Camino a Santiago", so we can find a considerable number of pilgrims among its streets.
ADOLFO- Toledo, Spain 2 SOLES REPSOL / IN MY CHART A
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Visiting Toledo and it's wonderful historical architecture during a very hot day, we casually found a restaurant, that now I can assure it's a jewel of a very high value.
Inside, we found a very elegant and classic restaurant with impecable decoration and great service.
We decide to chose the tasting menu to have a better experience and knowledge of the food.
Since the beginning with the first dish, we had a delightful surprise. Also, the wine list was really good, if you are lucky, you can visit their wine cellar.
It would be unfair if I didn't gave an special emphasis to that wonderful suckling pig made to perfection, or that wonderful dessert made inside a candy sphere, that took me to the future with joy.
I still dream about their fried zucchini flowers made with a great technique.
After the meal we had the opportunity to visit their rooftop to enjoy some tea and appreciate the majestic landscape of Toledo.
Everything was great, but nothing was compared to their excellent service and the warmth that the chef and owner Adolfo and his daughter Veronica gave us. This two wonderful human beings are really what hospitality means. It's hard to find owners that really put everything from them, to made the experience of a client unique.
Great experience, so far I have recommended the place to many of my friend, and they all were really happy about their experience.
This story doesn't ends here, Adolfo invited us to visit another one of his restaurants in Madrid located in "THE PALACIO DE CIBELES". I'll let you know soon!
AKELARE - San Sebastián, Spain 3 MICHELIN STARS / IN MY CHART AA
I had read in different parts about this place. His chef Pedro Subijana of proven experience had already won his first star in 1978 and since 2007 the third star of the Michelin guide. I knew I would find a restaurant of the highest quality in a region where quality is not spared. But nothing I read could have prepared me for what was coming.
I started driving about 15 minutes from my hotel in the center of San Sebastian through narrow streets up the hill. I was a bit surprised because during the short drive I went through almost desolate and faraway places, at times I thought I was lost as it seemed to just get away from everything. It was at that moment that I saw a sign that read AKELARE. Enter a large garage and then there was a beautiful entrance to the place. My first impression was of surprise for the beauty of the place that is a Boutique Hotel and restaurant at the same time located on a cliff at the foot of the sea.