Tag Archives: Michelin star

Story Restaurant, London Bridge

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Tom Sellers is a bit of a hero. At the age of just 26 he has worked out the recipe for the perfect restaurant: rediscover a great venue, conjure up an imaginative concept and invent a concise creative menu to wow guests. It is unsurprising considering his experience, which includes a stint in Copenhagen’s (and perhaps the world’s) greatest restaurant, Noma.

Every aspect of Story restaurant is inspired by books and literary references. A jumbled collection of donated books from previous diners covers one wall whilst every table is laid with a book as the centerpiece in which the menu is hidden.

Sellers speaks about his mission and his belief that food and memories are intrinsically linked.

“Many memories are based around food – we’ve all got one… at Story, I want to share my memories with my diners through what they see, smell and taste on the plate, at the same time showcasing the best seasonal, British produce. My hope is that the dishes will inspire them and create memories for them that last long after they have left the restaurant.”

Story has recently received a Michelin star and consequently the prices have inflated, 6 courses for £55 or 10 courses for £75. On a Friday evening we experienced the elaborate six-course menu:

Bread and dripping

Onion and English plum

Heritage potato, turnip and coal

Wild duck, apple and bilberry

Almond and dill

Wild berries, chocolate and buttermilk

Before the main meal commenced, we were treated to (in quick succession) six little tasters, quirky anecdotes to awaken the mind and tastebuds. Wildy creative and beautifully presented, our favourites were the grilled corn-on-the-cob with creamy mustard sauce, and the squid ink oreo biscuit.

Bread and dripping is perhaps the most innovative course of the meal, I feel almost guilty giving away the secret… A real candle made from beef fat melts gradually into a drip tray that you can then eat with the pouch of bread provided. It is delightfully unexpected.

The next course is focused on onions, one of Tom Sellers’ most treasured ingredients. He believes this staple vegetable is often overlooked and at Story he creates an impressively flavoursome dish with this in mind.

Creamed potato with turnip and sticky black coal sauce was a strange but tasty course. The wild duck, for me, was a little disappointing. The smoked method of cooking left an unpleasant smell wafting around the table.

Sneaking an extra course in before dessert, we couldn’t resist nodding in approval at the suggestion of truffle-stuffed cheese and homemade crisp bread. Needless to say, this luxurious soft cheese was an excellent addition to the meal and one of my favourite courses.

The sweets were rather unconventional, almond and dill was an adventurous mix of flavours, the white and green contrasting shockingly on the plate. Then the chocolate came, a dark and mysterious combination of forbidden fruits and chocolate crumble. Before we could let out a relieved sigh, final extra delicacies arrived; homemade teacakes and rum-based mini milkshakes.

Whimsical and wonderful, I found the Story restaurant to be utterly unique and charming. Well worth the price tag to experience a young, brilliant British chef’s vision.

More information and book here: www.restaurantstory.co.uk

Things to do in Milan

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There are pros and cons to visiting Italy in August… the temperature is high and the shops are shut… the city empties as residents migrate to shadier, calmer areas of the country. I was disappointed to discover shuttered store fronts, the exciting Italian merchandise staring up at me from behind the bars, and yet the city still possessed an alluring Milanese charm… stylish and seductive, urban and unique.

We spent three days in Lombardy’s capital, cycling round the city taking in the sites, tasting the ice-cream and admiring the designer fashion.

Getting there

Milan Linate airport is closest to the main city centre, though Malpensa is not far away either. If you don’t want to waste money on the overpriced cab ride into town opt for the speedy bus X73 or the more regular 73, both go to San Babila Square, ideal for reaching central hotels and Milan’s main sites.

To eat

Vun, Park Hyatt – Located in the swish Park Hyatt Hotel in the centre of Milan, this Michelin starred eatery offers magnificent food and faultless service. Using local recipes and ingredients, chef Andrea Aprea says his contemporary cuisine “looks to the future, but never forgets its origins!” My recommendation? Try the sculpturally exquisite Caprese salad.

Joia – This restaurant is both Michelin star awarded and vegetarian, a rare combination. Local and visiting carnivores in Milan have embraced Jean Michel Colin’s creative and healthy cooking and it is the ideal meal for those suffering after too many heavy Italian meals… fine dining with a twist.

Ham Holyburger – I was surprised to hear that the Milan crowd are keen on burgers and the trend is growing at speed here. Ham Holyburger is known to be the best offering deliciously juicy burgers with a variety of toppings and crave-worthy super crisp chips. Orders are chosen on ipads.

Pave for coffee – This cool, trendy hangout is the place to be, whether at lunchtime midweek, or for a late coffee or cocktail on a Saturday night. With a baskery onsite and meeting room space there is lots on offer. Wacky décor and characterful design – I felt I’d stumbled upon a real Milanese gem.

Shockolat for ice-cream – We discovered this gelato haven on the way back from the Last Supper viewing, as it is just round the corner from Leonardo’s masterpiece. I tried strawberry sorbet and coconut ice-cream and was amazed by the vibrancy and freshness of the flavours, needless to say I gobbled it up much too easily.

To drink

Nottingham Forest – some of the most imaginative cocktails I have ever seen. This tiny bar is at the forefront of Milan’s mixology movement. Bartender Dario Comino creates curious and cutting edge concoctions – some taste nice, others don’t but they all have a wildly innovative story to tell.

Armani Hotel Bamboo Bar – after a spa session on the floor above, pop down to the Bamboo Bar for a delicious cocktail. The fine complimentary snacks which accompany your drink help make the £20 cocktails slightly more reasonable. I loved the marmalade inspired cocktail with crumbled cocoa on top.

To shop

Wait and See – this cute concept shop is hidden down a secret, characterful side street; it offers original and trendy items. Opened just last year by designer Uberta Zambeletti.

Gay Odin – I was devastated to find this tiny shop shut. A special little Neapolitan chocolate shop, sells the loveliest and prettiest boxes of scrumptious goodies and serves the thickest drinking chocolate at the bar.

Papier – this adorable shop will satisfy all your stationery needs, a stylish little outlet offering unusual items, special gifts and wonderful paper. Customers can also have invitations, business cards and stationery printed in-house.

Prada at Galleria Emmanuelle II – this is a must-see, as is this glorious branch of Prada. The famous Italian designer brand has pride of place in the World’s oldest shopping mall. Wander in and salivate over the beautiful bags, purses and accessories.

Je-m’en-fous – the shop title translates to ‘I don’t give a damn’, but I certainly did give a damn about the luminous fluorescent bikinis in store. A bright and cheerful shop selling brilliantly branded merchandise, with the promise of a free matching Essie nail varnish with each purchase.

10 Corso Como – this famous concept store was created by gallerist and publisher Carla Sozzani, and has a dangerously wonderful selection of exclusive and attractive items on display. There is also a small hotel, roof garden, bookshop and café all as part of the 10 Corso Como complex. If you can’t afford a Valentino jacket or Gucci shoes, indulge in a little reminder of your visit with an item from the store’s own branded collection.

To pamper

Armani Spa – Coming in from the dusty, sweltering streets of Milan we could not have felt more relieved and relaxed in this wonderfully slick and sophisticated spa. High tech, supremely designed and full of gorgeous features, I would be happy to enjoy these facilities all day.

Violette – this trendy little nail bar was completely booked up when I visited, even begging for an appointment didn’t work as their waiting list is painfully long. The adorable and hip little beauty bar is known to be the best place for an immaculate mani or pedi. It is first on my list for next time.

To see

Teatro la Scala – the world renowned opera house has forever been on my wish list. Sadly the theatre is closed during August, though music loving tourists can pay for a tour or visit the shop during summer closure. I hope to see a Puccini opera here one day.

Museo del Novecento – with interesting exhibitions from international artists, this centrally located museum is a must. Great art shop and free entry on occasional Friday afternoons, we thoroughly enjoyed the quirky collection here.

The Last Supper – book months in advance and savour your 15 minutes staring up at the Last Supper. This iconic painting is gradually disappearing but its importance in renaissance art is unrivalled.

To do

Collect bikes from Rossignoli in the Brera district – spend a romantic afternoon exploring the narrow windy streets of Milan. Make sure you keep a map to hand because it is easy to get lost.

Duomo roof – one of the great architectural marvels of Milan can be enjoyed from its own rooftop. On a hot day I’d recommend paying extra for the lift, but if you want to burn off some calories after a big lunch you can give the 250 steps a try. Admire the great views of the city and soak up the sun.

To go

Lake Como – if you need a break from busy Milan the surrounding lakes provide the perfect getaway. Lago di Como is of course the most renowned, an hour’s train journey from the city. I highly recommend a day at Grand Hotel Tremezzo: enjoy pizza by the pool, a swim in the floating lake and a private boat trip, Prosecco in hand… what could be more perfect?

Pipero Al Rex, Rome

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Eager to discover the best food on the streets of Rome, I headed to a small, intimate restaurant in the centre of the city, Pipero Al Rex.

Hidden in the unlikely home of the Hotel Rex, the restaurant-dining room is sleek and chic. With stylish minimalist decor and intriguing contemporary lighting, it is an attractive room but simple enough to let the food be the focus. For its commendable food it has been awarded a Michelin star.

Chef Pipero prepared us the perfect Italian lunch. We were the only visitors so had all the attention of the staff and consequently, exemplary service.

Settling down with a glass of chilled white wine from Tuscany, we anticipated the feast before us. With no menu nor information, we had no idea of what we would be presented with.

The palest mini roll of ham with thick balsamic dressing was first. Wonderfully simple and delicious. Pork crisps with yoghurt were a textually satisfying next course. Each plate was delivered and removed with staggering speed, replaced with the next surprise. Soon a leaf-like rubber plate was placed down containing a selection of homemade bread, of which the intensely flavoured lemon focaccia was my favourite.

Then we moved onto the more traditional three-course meal. I struggled a bit with the first course, raw duck sandwiched in a thick crisp with diced apple and mustard. The flavour was nice though the cold and chewy texture made it difficult to forget what we were eating.

The famous Pipero Carbonara was spectacular. A pile of canary yellow strands with wonderful salty, thick chunks of bacon and a sprinkling of Parmesan. The homemade pasta was cooked al dente and coated in the creamiest of egg-yolk sauces, seasoned with coarsely ground black pepper. The bacon was devilishly indulgent, it crackled in your mouth and tasted deep-fried… I want to eat it again now!

Before dessert we devoured mini strawberry meringues with chocolate mousse and apple jelly. A strong combination of sweet and tangy flavours.

A well-balanced dessert wine was served next. And then the proper pudding arrived, an obscure white ball of foam in a big white bowl. Our waiter explained it to be white chocolate mousse with cherries, crumble and hazelnut ice cream hidden underneath. It was as good as it looked and thankfully light.

Pipero creates artistic dishes that remain true to his country’s culture whilst also showcasing his personality and culinary flair. This is no ordinary hotel restaurant, but a foodie destination in its own right.

More information and book here: www.hotelrex.net/restaurant

Many thanks to Rome Tourist Board for their help with the trip, more information here: www.turismoroma.it