What would you do if you knew for certainty that you only had one day, (or one week for the purpose of this feature) left to live? It’s a question we’ve probably all pondered, whether that be in a contemplative, pensive sort of way, at an interview or for those of you who have been on death row.
Well, I’m going to answer this age old question with my perfect, hypothetical, gastronomically focused week. However, at the end of the week death isn’t what awaits, just a life that has already peaked and thus will be forever in decline...enjoy!
In keeping with the theme of the book, this week will be based on complete, unadulterated food experience. Also, the food in question will remain solely consumed within European borders, again just for continuity and also to make this week even a slight logistical possibility.
I suppose I’d have to take my family with as that seems to be what everyone says to these sorts of question. ‘Oh I’d just like to have a quiet day in, spending time with the family’. Ye right! I joke, I joke...
Warning: Please do not actually follow this itinerary, I do not want to be responsible for anyone’s bankruptcy. If this warning isn’t taken, have a sandwich for a couple of your lunches to even the cost out, that should do it! Also, if you do follow, it would only be right and polite to take the itinerary's creator with you, come on have some respect. I’ll be happy to get the drinks in, well to a cap of two beverages ahead, per day.
I can’t comment on the rest of Europe, as frankly I don’t know, but London offers some fabulous little lunch deals if you look around for them. Hedone, The Clove Club, Galvin at Windows and The Square are just the tip of the iceberg, though they do represent some of the best quality and value to be found. So take your pick and start your way on this glorious food adventure.
Again, we’re spoilt for choice if you’re looking for afternoon tea in London; if you’re after that touristy experience it would have to be The Ritz. Claridge’s and The Dorchester are also institutions, famous for their afternoon teas. For an alternative try The Athenaeum or the Goring Hotel.
And for dinner, The Ledbury:
With the great food scene we have in London, the Ledbury is second only to Dinner By Heston Blumenthal as the highest rated restaurant in England, coming in at number twenty in the San Pellegrino top 50 restaurant awards. It also happens to be where I have had the best food and service ... in England.
First class. Why not!?
I didn’t visit Spain on my trip this time, but if I wanted a week of ultimate European food pleasure, Spain would have to feature. It boasts the highest number of restaurants in the top ten in the world, taking up two of these most coveted spots.
I have to be a little practical in this list in terms of logistics, otherwise it just gets silly and over the top... because of this, it is with regret that I leave out the best restaurant in the world in El cellar de can Roca. I have gone for collective and accumulative pleasure, rather than a single dose of unadulterated foodgasm-ness (one of Shakespeare’s words I believe).
This still leaves us with lunch at Arzak and dinner at Mugaritz. Both restaurants legendary, Mugaritz currently ranked number six, Arzak of course a long running institution, currently number seventeen. The fact that they both lie in the San Sebastian region seals my decision. You could finish lunch at Arzak and take a nice leisurely walk for your dinner booking at Mugaritz. Don’t worry, this isn’t compromising on the quality of food, with five Michelin stars between them.
If there are any multi millionaires out there reading this; well one, would you fund this trip for me please. But two, bribe Death for an extra day, either in payment or offer to take him/her as a dinner guest. This extra day will allow El cellar de Can Roca and Azurmendi in Bilbao. Though be prepared for the long drive of around six hours from Girona to Bilbao; I can’t imagine Death is the best travel partner! Though saying that he/she will likely have a few interesting anecdotes to tell. I’d probably ask him/her to clear up the whole Elvis situation!
Anyway, both of these two restaurants would probably be my first preferences; but as I say, practicality sometimes trumps all. Who says I don’t give out useful consumer advice!
Afternoon tea at Pierre Herme or Le Patisserie des Reves.
If you’re particularly fond of Macaroons Pierre Herme is the Patisserie for you
My other suggestion, the self proclaimed ‘pastry shop of dreams’, certainly live up to its name.
If you’re looking for a more formal tea, in glorious surroundings, Laduree does the trick; though I was a touched disappointed with what I was actually served there.
Dinner in Paris - I’ll give three suggestions.
Pierre Gagnaire, L’arpege or Ledoyen. L’arpege sits at number twelve in the world and so I would naturally plump for that, as I still see the San Pellegrino list as a fairly reliable arbiter of quality. I’ve also seen a picture of their petit four tray, yes tray, a tray of petit fours, petit fours but a tray of them and, ye just go to L’arpege.
Lunch at one of the many produce led shops in Bologna, with hidden restaurants above serving their delicious, fresh produce. t)
One of the most memorable meals I had come in such a place. It was the first meal that my Dad and I shared when he met me. A free glass of Prosecco, followed by platters of cheese and meats covered our table. I mean what more could you wish for; well maybe to dine with some of the beautiful women that live in that part of the world (no offense dad).
If you’re looking for something a bit more restauranty and fit for an occasion refer to my list of my top ten meals; you’ll see this region features more so than any other.
Ice cream at Emilia’s Cremeria - best looking ice cream ever and best I had whilst I was away and boy did I eat me some Ice cream.
Of course I skip the major cities of Italy, your Romes’ and Milans’ * of this world, because no list of an ultimate foodie week in Europe would be complete without Osteria Francescana. You’ve seen me waxing lyrical about the place, so I won’t go on at you again, but it’s so good!
*I apologize if I have misused the apostrophe on this occasion, I have merely plumped for the end of the word apostrophe more in hope than knowledge.
Brunch at Meierei im Stadt park
The money saving tips keep on coming on this trip; though this is a bit of/complete rehash of an earlier tip. As I said in my review, go here around Brunch and you will be satisfactorily full until dinner. Though you may want to indulge in some of the fine patisserie Vienna has to offer. The original sacher torte perhaps. You may as well, you’ll be six foot under in a few days, a bit of torte won’t hurt!
Dinner at Steirereck. If you are purely on this fantastical, unrealistic and quite ridiculous trip for the food and the food alone, then after brunch, just sit in the park for the afternoon and then make your way back towards the restaurant, this time going through the Steirereck entrance!
Lunch at Vendome.
Hop on a train to Belguim and for dinner, dine at the three Michelin starred Hof Van Cleve.
Day six now and my food inspiration is starting to wane. So i’ve basically found the two highest rated restaurants as we start to find our way back to London.
Make your way into Ghent/Gent and for your Belgium chocolate fix, head to YUZU.
Exciting, unique flavors in a gorgeously minimalist setting with owner and chocolatier as your server.
Catch the Eurostar home and end with dinner at Dinner by Heston.
Right, I’m off to go get myself a lottery ticket. Or, alternatively I may make a quick trip to the crossroads to sell my soul to the devil, not for musical genius, but for a ticket for this trip!* Na, I’ll just go to an off license.
*N.B. Please have a look at the story of blues legend Robert Johnson. He famously sold his soul to the devil; this, as the story goes is how he picked up his magical guitar powers so quickly. Thought I should just clear that up as that sentence above may sound a little strange if you hadn’t heard this before!
As we start to round of the trip, it is time for another list. Though this time it’s more than that, because if there is one thing man likes more than lists, it’s a countdown.
10) Il ciottolo, Verona
9) Yam Yam, Berlin
Since I’ve been home, I’ve been craving Korean food, mainly due to my meal at Yam Yam. Maybe i’ll go to Korea for my next trip... or just pop back to Berlin.
8) Ristorante 7 archi, Bologna
7) Villa Spicy - Paris
Purely for that amazing caramelized Veal Tenderloin
6) Restarante Fiasheterria Toscana - Venice
5) Bocconi - Brussels
4) Casserole - Prague
3) Drogheria della rossa - bologna
Perhaps not the third best meal I had in terms of food, but everything else was most memorable.
2) Ristorante Ciacco - Bologna
And in a shock result
Number 1 goes to ... Osteria Francescana, Modena