The Ledbury

 Back where it belongs

Canapes

In the 2023 edition of the Michelin guide, Ledbury regained its 2 stars after losing it when the restaurant was closed over the Covid period. I got to say it was well deserved, as from dining there 5 times there within 2022, I have not had one single bad dish and each visit was exceptional. I booked my recent visit (my 21st overall) back in February and I was pretty sure by the time I step into the restaurant (April), it will have regained its 2 stars. I got that right. What I didn't get right is that it didn't increase the price right away so I was really glad!

Park Chinois

The king of Chinese fine dining in London

Cantoense style roasted suckling pig

This is my 23rd visit to Park Chinois aka no1 Chinese fine dining spot. Many people would rate A Wong as the best Chinese restaurant in London, but I prefer something sticking more to tradition and less gimmicky elements. And that is what Park Chinois is for me. They use top-grade quality, and fine Chinese cuisine techniques to deliver something remarkable. It offers dim sum for lunch and a full-on Cantonese menu for dinner, plenty to pick from along with some top-class cocktail selections that just won best cocktail 2023 from the Michelin Guide.

Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal

2 legends, one memorable feast (special event)

BBQ lobster, cacao, spices, carrot with lobster sauce

I normally shy away from special one-off chef collaboration dinner events, especially when one of the chefs is coming from overseas, as they might not be familiar with the local ingredients or working in someone else's kitchen. There is a strong chance you would end up not really getting the true level that the oversea chef is really capable of. However, I got to give Mickael Viljanen from Ireland an expectation as I had a really wonderful meal from Greenhouse Dublin when he was the chef there. He has since moved to Chapter One (also in Dublin) and many would rate it the best restaurant in Ireland. So this was a good opp for me when he is coming over to the UK to team up with Alex Dilling at Cafe Royal.

Restaurante Cenador de Amós

Masterfully crafted Cantabrian cuisine

Peas and peas soup

3 Michelin stars are a bit of a myth for me, I had some amazing, world-class meals at some 3 stars outlets like Martín Berasategui and Azurmendi that I found is well could be the peak of fine dining. At the same time, I had some questionable ones like Arzak and Waterside Inn, places that are great but really not 3 stars level in my book. I was wondering where Cenador de Amos would fall. The chef-owner Jesús Sánchez works with mostly Cantabrian ingredients and the restaurant only has 6 tables so be sure to book well in advance. On arrival, you will be guided to the herbs garden before stepping into a cozy room to enjoy some canapes. 

Restaurante El Serbal

Classy seaside fine dining 

Bread service

El Serbal is one of the only two Michelin-starred restaurants located inside Santander, but the decision for me to pick El Serbal over the other place was a simple choice. It is located by the beach overlooking the Biscay Sea, so when there is a clear blue sky, you will be watching one of the most beautiful views in what Spain can offer. The restaurant offers a short tasting menu based on classic flavours from Cantabria but with a modern touch, or a longer tasting menu in which you live the chef to go creative with plenty of innovation.