J'aime London
J’aime London – it’s a city that never ceases to amaze me: cosmopolitan, eclectic, vibrant… all at the same time. My new culinary guide is my way of offering you a sample of the diverse range of gourmet establishments that have made London’s gastronomy scene one of the finest in the world. The last 10 years have been revolutionary for this city and have seen the emergence of a harmonious blend of cultures. It has become an incredibly inspirational melting pot for gourmets.
Left: Neal’s Yard Dairy is a champion of British cheese. Right: Enjoy a meal in the sunny courtyard at Mazi, a modern Greek restaurant in Notting Hill
London welcomed me in 2007 for the opening of Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester. It is now my turn to pay tribute to the restaurateurs, producers and other participants in this world of indulgence, and the culinary artists who do such excellent work there, providing us with a unique experience that is found nowhere else.
From left: Balthazar serves up French brasserie fare with a slight New York accent in its 170-seat dining room; Roka serves contemporary Japanese dishes in informal surroundings; Ring the bell to be let into Rochelle Canteen, in a converted school bike shed in Shoreditch
They know how to showcase their assets: decor, atmosphere, local produce such as game, beef, and seafood from just off the Scottish coast. This, combined with the freedom of spirit that is typical of Londoners, can only add up to remarkable creativity. You will discover all kinds of food, in all kinds of settings: from traditional pub grub to Peruvian restaurants with their delicate ceviches.
Grand European ‘cafe’ The Wolseley offers a glamorous experience even if you’re just breakfasting on a humble bacon roll
I have fond memories of tasting perfectly cooked fish and chips, accompanied by minted mushy peas that only the British know how to make; country-style Italian antipasti shared on a restaurant counter, and even a clay-baked beetroot, simply cooked over a wood fire.
All of those moments spent in London bring back a wealth of emotions that I would like to share with you, by serving London to you on a platter, my way. But this is a mere glimpse into a city that is constantly evolving. That’s why I keep coming back.
Above: Chef Michel Roux Jr of Le Gavroche and Alain Ducasse. Below: Wine merchants Berry Bros & Rudd have traded from their Mayfair premises since the 17th century
J’aime London: 100 Culinary Destinations For Food Lovers, by Alain Ducasse, with photography by Pierre Monetta (Hardie GrantBooks, £35).
Left: Neal’s Yard Dairy is a champion of British cheese. Right: Enjoy a meal in the sunny courtyard at Mazi, a modern Greek restaurant in Notting HillLondon welcomed me in 2007 for the opening of Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester. It is now my turn to pay tribute to the restaurateurs, producers and other participants in this world of indulgence, and the culinary artists who do such excellent work there, providing us with a unique experience that is found nowhere else.
From left: Balthazar serves up French brasserie fare with a slight New York accent in its 170-seat dining room; Roka serves contemporary Japanese dishes in informal surroundings; Ring the bell to be let into Rochelle Canteen, in a converted school bike shed in ShoreditchThey know how to showcase their assets: decor, atmosphere, local produce such as game, beef, and seafood from just off the Scottish coast. This, combined with the freedom of spirit that is typical of Londoners, can only add up to remarkable creativity. You will discover all kinds of food, in all kinds of settings: from traditional pub grub to Peruvian restaurants with their delicate ceviches.
Grand European ‘cafe’ The Wolseley offers a glamorous experience even if you’re just breakfasting on a humble bacon rollI have fond memories of tasting perfectly cooked fish and chips, accompanied by minted mushy peas that only the British know how to make; country-style Italian antipasti shared on a restaurant counter, and even a clay-baked beetroot, simply cooked over a wood fire.
All of those moments spent in London bring back a wealth of emotions that I would like to share with you, by serving London to you on a platter, my way. But this is a mere glimpse into a city that is constantly evolving. That’s why I keep coming back.
Above: Chef Michel Roux Jr of Le Gavroche and Alain Ducasse. Below: Wine merchants Berry Bros & Rudd have traded from their Mayfair premises since the 17th centuryJ’aime London: 100 Culinary Destinations For Food Lovers, by Alain Ducasse, with photography by Pierre Monetta (Hardie GrantBooks, £35).