2013 has been a year of amazing foodie adventures, from low-key, local discoveries to hot Michelin-starred restaurants on the other side of the world.
My biggest highlight of the year was visiting China twice and being blown away by the incredible, authentic food there, particularly the addictive dim sum.
It’s been a year of trying new delicacies such as sea cucumber and abalone, embracing the joys of halloumi and finding some of the best burgers ever.
It’s tough to narrow them down to a small list, but here are some of my favourite foodie moments from 2013…
Temple Restaurant Beijing
Housed in a Ming Dynasty Tibetan temple with slick, contemporary interiors, Temple Restaurant Beijing is one of the coolest places to eat in Beijing. The five course Weekend Brunch is fabulous and surprisingly well-priced.
Le Castiglione Paris
Loved by Sofia Coppola and Lara Stone, Le Casti burger at Le Castiglione on rue Saint-Honoré, oozes deliciousness and is truly worthy of its legendary status.
Lardo, London
With the best pizzas in Hackney and tempting antipasti, Lardo is my new favourite local Italian restaurant and well worth a visit.
Ralph’s, Paris
The stylish restaurant inside the Ralph Lauren flagship store brings a touch of New England country club chic to the Left Bank. It’s a must for a juicy, American style Ralph’s Burger or a drink in the stunning courtyard.
L’Abeille at Shangri-La Paris
It was a delight to dine at two Michelin star restaurant L’Abeille and have the pleasure of meeting Executive Chef Philippe Labbé during my stay at Shangri-La Paris. There is real artistry in the food and it’s a beautifully choreographed, unforgettable dining experience.
Asiate at Mandarin Oriental New York
I adored the fun, bento brunch concept and exquisite food, matched with spectacular views over Central Park at Asiate at Mandarin Oriental New York.
The Bar at Hôtel Costes, Paris
This is the first year I’ve braved walking into Hôtel Costes and it was surprisingly relaxed and atmospheric with charming staff. The cocktails are expensive and tend not to veer far from the classics (mine was a Negroni), but it’s worth visiting at least once for a chic drink and some tasty bar plates.
Street Feast, London
2013 was the year that London street food really upped its game with more adventurous food and elaborate settings than ever. My Street Feast summer love-in was a flurry of dreamy burgers from Mother Flipper and Honest Burger, The Rib Man’s insanely tasty pulled pork rolls and lobster mac and cheese at B.O.B’s Lobster.
Night Tales, London
While Street Feast moved over to Hawker House, Night Tales kept the party going in Dalston with incredible Patty & Bun burgers, Hot Negronis, QuiQuiRiQui Mezcal cocktails, Le Petit Paris French toast and seriously delicious Soya Milk Fried Chicken and Steamed Pork Buns by BAO.
Sweet Revenge, New York
Bringing together cupcakes and booze, Sweet Revenge is one of the coolest spots in the West Village for an afternoon indulgence. I recommend the signature Sweet Revenge® cupcake with a cup of Spiked Spiced Cider.
Duddell’s, Hong Kong
The first restaurant within an art gallery in Hong Kong, Duddell’s has the feel of a private member’s club and serves superior dim sum and innovative cocktails.
Tony’s Taverna, Cyprus
I’ve been a little late to the halloumi party, but I now can’t get enough of it after trying the very best fried and baked local cheeses, alongside other delicious meze, at Tony’s Taverna and Taverna Mousikos in Cyprus.
DinTaiFung, Shanghai
The dim sum at the Asian super chain Din Tai Fung is definitely worth shouting about. It was here that I first tried Xiao Long Bao (meat or fish dumplings filled with broth) and learned how to eat them gracefully, without them exploding into a hot, soupy mess.
What was your top foodie discovery of 2013? Where are your new favourite restaurants?
All photos by Chérie City
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