Noor Cordoba

An Andalusian food journey experience

P4 in style

Located in the historical Spanish city of Cordoba, Noor is a one-of-a-kind place you won't find anywhere else. Chef-owner Paco Morales has tapped into the past of Southern Spanish cuisine history, with inspiration from Roman, Isalm to modern days to create something totally unique. This is a tasting menu-only restaurant with a choice of either a short, medium or long menu. In fact, even the short menu contains about 10 courses so you will for sure be here for a long time. I visited in the summer of 2023 and soon after it was promoted from 2 Michelin stars to 3 stars in the 2024 Michelin Guide.

Cañabota Seville

Classy seafood bar

Ref prawn and white asparagus

I am a seafood addict so whenever I plan my holiday, I always would run research to see if there are any decent seafood venues where I am heading. Canabota on paper is just the kind of place I know I will enjoy. Fresh seafood, cooked to order in a smart casual bar setting, and indeed I had a great experience back in 2020, which landed a Michelin star not long after I had been. Therefore, when I decided to head back to Seville again, it was an easy decision for me to head back. The restaurant doesn't really have a fixed menu, instead, they provide an ever-changing daily menu based on the catches they get on the day.

La Barra de Cañabota Seville

Casual yet quality seafood joint 

Spiny lobster

I am a seafood addict, whenever I arrange travel, I always look to see if there is a seafood restaurant that has a reputation worth trying. La Barra was an easy decision as back in 2019, I had the chance to visit its older brother Canabota which I very much enjoyed (and it went on to win a Michelin star). So when I discovered it has a more casual seafood offering in the name of La Barra, I booked without needing to think twice. The space is mostly a highchair counter setting, with only a few more traditional sit-down tables at the back of the venue.

El Rinconcillo Seville

The oldest restaurant in Seville 

Iberico pork and cheese 

El Rinconcillo is the oldest restaurant in Seville and one with a reputation that makes it extremely popular. No matter which day of the week, you likely will see a long queue of people waiting before it opens, as the downstairs tapas space is for walk-in only. However, you can book a table for a more formal experience to enjoy big plates alc styles. Since I have been to its tapas space in the past, I decided to go for its restaurant space for some old-school Southern Spanish cuisine.

Park Chinois

Pure class Chinese New Year feast

Lo Hei salad

Whenever Chinese New Year comes around, many Chinese restaurants across London would create a special one-off menu to celebrate the occasion. For Park Chinois, its New Year specials are loaded with interesting dishes with a classic vibe, such as a simple stir fry mustard green topped with aged cured duck. I have to admit I have been to Park Chinois so many times now (This is my 27th) so I always welcome new dishes to try out. This time, I opted for a selection of dim sum as starters before diving into some Chinese New Year special dishes as the main event.

Imperial Treasure Fine Chinese Cuisine London

Traditional Chinese New Year vibe

Spinach and mushrooms on tofu

Like many other Chinese restaurants in London, Imperial Treasure would offer a special Chinese New Year menu to celebrate the occasion. For very old school Chinese fine dining, besides China Tang at the Dorchester, I would say Imperial Treasure is the no2 choice. Its 2024 Chinese New Year menu was almost a copy and paste from 2023, as I recall I tried most of the dishes. Not an issue for me as long as it tastes great.

Hakkasan Hanway Place

 The OG London Chinese fine dining den

Smoked Jasmine beef rib

It is fair to say Hakkasan is the OG who started a Chinese fine dining trend in the early 2000s. Back in the day for most people in the UK, Chinese cuisine is all about your local takeaway or traditional Chinese joints in Chinatown. Hakkaasan injected a modern, refined vibe with top-class food, and it is now more of a lifestyle brand instead of a restaurant brand. The last time I dined at Hakkasan was before Covid and I wonder if much has changed since.

Mei Ume

New age Chinese

Peking duck

Located inside the elegant Four Seasons Hotel in Tower Hill London, Mei Ume is an Asian restaurant that offers both Chinese and Japanese cuisines. Somewhat of a strange concept but clearly one that is working as it has been trading since 2018 and I have been told it is the most profitable food and beverage offering within the hotel. I suspect partly has to do with that it is the only fancy Asian restaurant in the Bank/ Aldgate area. This is my 6th visit.