Espai Sucre , Barcelona – World’s one-and-only Dessert Restaurant
One of a kind… Possibly the world’s first and only Dessert Restaurant – not a place serving only desserts (that would be Chikalicious in NYC, 2am Dessert Bar in Singapore etc..) but a Restaurant that serves Dessert-like SAVORY DISHES. Yes, you’ve heard it right! To truly understand the essence of ESPAI SUCRE , all one … Read more
Quintessence *** , Tokyo (1)
Quintessence , 3 Michelin Star Visit Date : September 2011 SFREELIFE Rating : 2 stars Quintessentially, one of the most difficult reservation anywhere in the world. Calls to the single telephone are only taken at 9:30a.m.-11:00a.m. or 3:30p.m .-5:00p.m. (local times). Expect one of the most frustrating wait and inevitably a ‘no tables’ answer, or … Read more
Mugaritz – A Natural Science of Coooking
“You don’t have to like something for you to like it .. “ Not often I find a ‘cookbook’ as meaningful, provocative, enlightening as “MUGARITZ – A Natural Science of Cooking” … heck, not just for a cookbook but any ‘book’ period. Highly suggested reading.. for gourmets and non-gourmets alike. When ‘less’ is truly more… … Read more
Alex Atala , D.O.M.
ALEX ATALA – the most highly-rated South American chef of D.O.M. - a regular chart-topper on the San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards : # 7 (2011) , #18 (2010), #24 (2009) , #40 (2008), #38 (2007), #50 (2006). Guest Chef at The Sukothai, Bangkok : “Filled with energy and creativity, Alex Atala, chef … Read more
Koji Shimomura , Edition Koji Shimomura **
2 Michelin Star Koji Shimomura of EDITION KOJI SHIMOMURA , Tokyo Guest Chef @ La Scala, The Sukothai , Bangkok (2011) Highly-rated Chef Shimomura trained at several famous restaurants in France, most prominently with the late Bernard Loiseau- famed for committing suicide due to the pressure of losing his 3 Michelin stars (which he didn’t). … Read more
Cal Pep ,Barcelona
The ‘Tapas Institution’ of Barcelona. When it comes to Tapas Bar, it doesn’t get bigger than the name Cal Pep. In fact, it was ranked as high as #31 in the San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards way back in 2005, ahead of names like Masa, WD50, Troigros… not bad for a tapas bar! … Read more
El Celler de Can Roca ***, Girona
3 Michelin Star San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurant : #2 (2011) , #4 (2010), #5 (2009) … (In 2009, we had the opportunity to taste the dishes of this highly-acclaimed restaurant in Girona, through the cooking of Jordi Roca who’s actually the pastry chef but representing his brothers at the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. … Read more
Sant Pau ***
3 Michelin Star Back in February 2011, we set off for a journey to the world capital of gastronomy that is Spain. On a trip that we would savor the finest dishes from the greatest chefs at the most famous restaurants of the world, Sant Pau , understandably, wasn’t our most highly-anticipated meal. Somehow, even … Read more
Les Creations de Narisawa** (Dec’10)
2 Michelin Star Contemporary French with Japanese influence. San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards : #20 (2009) , #29 (2010), #12 (2011) Highly recommened by our friend, Kevin at http://www.finediningexplorer.com , this was indeed one of the most anticipated meal of our Tokyo trip way back in Winter 2010. Narisawa , the perennial Best Asian … Read more
THAI Menu at NEXT
The world’s most talked-about, most sought-after restaurant “NEXT” by Alinea (to be reviewed soon on Sfreelife.com) has now turned into THAI restaurant! Obviously, being THAI-foodie , sfreelife could not be prouder and would like to thank Chef Grant Achatz , Dave Beran and the team for honoring Thai cuisine at the highest level! Watch the … Read more
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon**, Hong Kong (2nd visit , Oct’09)
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Hong Kong Landmark , Hong Kong. 2nd visit in October 2009. (4 months after the first visit – yes, we were that impressed!) 2 Star Michelin 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 2009 Miele Guide – Best Restaurant in Asia San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurant : #72 (although the french branch stormed … Read more
Jordi Roca , El Celler de Can Roca ***
Back in 2009, we visited Hong Kong in order to taste the cooking of Jordi Roca from El Celler de Can Roca. At that time, it wasn’t as well-known as it is now. Besides, this wasn’t the ‘master’ aka the Big brother cooking. Jordi is the youngest of the 3 brothers and the head pastry … Read more
Caprice *** , Hong Kong
3 Star Michelin French Restaurant at the Four Seasons, Hong Kong. San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurant 2011 : #76 Interestingly, there were only 2 3-star michelin restaurants (back in 2009 , now there’s a third) in Hong Kong – Caprice and Lung King Heen, and they are both located ON THE SAME FLOOR! Wow, … Read more
Guy Martin , Le Grand Véfour**
Guy Martin , Le Grand Véfour** (formerly 3 stars) Guest Chef @ Le Normandie , Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. Having earned 3 stars michelin at Le Grand Vefour, Guy Martin was appointed Consultant Chef of Le Normandie. Not long after the meal, Guy Martin was removed of the post, a decision we highly approve of ; … Read more
Antoine Westermann , Le Buerehiesel ***
Antoine Westermann , ex-3 star michelin chef from France Le Buerehiesel *** Guest Chef @ Epicurean Masters @ Sirocco, Le Bua ( 2007) This was one of the most expensive meals we’ve ever had – a ripoff by any standards. Le Bua’s overtly-ambitious event of having 6 3-stars chef at one event and charging almost … Read more
