2019 is awesome. I can’t count the number of stars but it’s quite a lot like 40. From one to three in Europe and top ten restaurants from the world’s 50 best for South America.
January and February are inactive for restaurants as this is vacation time. March has start passionately with a visit to Oslo, Norway. Especially at Kontrast* and Maaemo***. This is quite funny to find out that same guests were dining at both places… Both restaurants are astonishing for the quality of food and hospitality. Big up to the Maaemo team who found me 100 meters away from the restaurant for a welcome in french. Katla is my other restaurant recommendation for Oslo. On the bars side, svanen and the « find me if you can » himkok are the best in town. I will plan to visit the new Maaemo as soon as possible as they move to another location in April 2020 with a drop from three to zero star due to Michelin guide rules.
April is dedicated for another nordic country. Sorry not sorry they are the best for foodies trips. And here we go… Denmark! The highlight was Noma**, Alouette* and Geranium***. The last one has the best hospitality ever I had so far at a restaurant. Precise and out of space on client needs without doing too much. At Noma, I had the opportunity to share my culinary experiences with guests around the world at the communal table. This table setting always bring souvenirs for life.
In May, let’s score some stars in Sweden and Germany. Agrikultur* in Stockholm, Sweden was remarkable. The kitchen is young but the strongest in town. The future of Stockholm scene is coming from here. Tim Raue** in Berlin, Germany was food perfection but the strangest hospitality ever like almost throwing the plates and all waiters wearing the same Nike running shoes.
Back to Denmark in August. 108, Barr and Amass. The latter is my favourite restaurant this year for the atmosphere, service attention, the food and the visit to the garden. The best mackerel I had in my entire life. Back to France, I was invited to Eden Roc restaurant for a lunch. Let’s see what’s going on this year as they will have some help from Eric Frechon*** to boost the kitchen level meanwhile their dessert team is already elite world-class.
In September I went to the top restaurants in Peru. Especially Statera, Maido, Kjolle and Central. All need to improve on service but the food is finest and local. This is a new kind of products I wasn’t accustomed. Some were surprising like piranha and the different potatoes from the Peru. The gastronomy scene is growing fast in Lima. It may become a food hub in South America in the next decade.
In October, it’s worth a visit in Amsterdam to dine at Spectrum** and &Moshik**. Both chefs are creative. Food is tasty, savoury and come with an original presentation.
The year came to an end with visits to Gastrologik**, Ekstedt* and Sushi Sho* in Sweden. Read more here. It’s terminus for Winter so let’s go and travel the world for food again!