Heston Blumenthal's Dinner

Read about Heston Blumenthal's latest new venture, Dinner. 

By Victoria Gill luxos.com

'Meat Fruit' at Dinner

Many luxury experiences may be described as ‘an education,’ but at Dinner it is factually true. So meticulous is Heston Blumenthal’s reverence to historical British cooking that even pre-arrival – whether from the two-month waiting list, or the hushed clamour on approach – you know you are entering something great. A small mandarin presented on a wooden board is the circa 1500 ‘Meat Fruit’: toffee-like chicken liver parfait, frozen then lined with mandarin jelly before being vacuumed to dimple perfection to illusorily resemble the fruit.


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Ladurée, haute couture in French pastry-making

Son of Ladurée founder, David Holder talks about the history of this remarkable success story.
by Natalia Grgona www.luxos.com

Ladurée Macaroons (image by joanneteh)

How does one define a “good” macaroon?
A good macaroon is a macaroon that you’d be willing to travel for, and that’s difficult to have just one because it’s so good! While with a bad macaroon just one is enough and you’re not willing to repeat the experience. The recipe for the Ladurée macaroon has never changed, it is identical and no one but the head chef knows the whole thing since there are numerous steps in making the Ladurée macaroon. Of course we have evolved the collection, bringing astonishing new flavours with striking colours, such as the liquorice macaroon which is jet black, which was at the time a revolution, the Lily of the Valley macaroon was unthinkable as well, but the recipe is always the same.


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Four Italian chefs suggest four desserts

La dolce vita: Traditional recipes with a healthy pinch of creativity.

Lamponi

Desserts rhyme with childhood, fairy stories and trigger a memory game in which Pandoro, a buttery sponge cake, zuccotto, a chilled sponge dessert filled with chocolate, cream and candied fruit, and cannoli, cream-filled puff pastries, are infused with the loving care of legendary grandmothers. And so to the desserts that the best Italian chefs serve to the art of hospitality. All-Italian in deference to tradition or deliciously revisited with a modern imaginative twist and an eclectic flavour.


Continue reading for the history and recipes of four delicious desserts...

Two new bars from the masters of El Bulli...

Tickets Bar

Almost everyone, the world over will have heard of El Bulli. Simply put, it was one of the world’s

most acclaimed and influential restaurant (most would say THE best) of our time. Yes, that’s

right, I said was, just in case you hadn’t heard, El Bulli served their last supper on July 30 of this

year. But from change comes re-birth and the dynamic duo of brothers, Albert and Ferran Adrià

have done it yet again with two exciting new venues, Tickets Bar and 41°.


Find out about these new bars as well as other hot spots in Barcelona

The English pub culture

Ye Olde Mitre Tavern

For centuries, pubs have been at the heart of traditional English culture. Not just a place to drink, they are a cosy and familiar environment where people from every end of the spectrum can meet, relax and enjoy a beer, a traditional Pimms, eggnog or hearty English pub-style food amongst many other things. Often you will find a lot of people in the pub on their work break (I sometimes wonder if they ever make it back to the office???) In the warmer months, seek out those pubs with outdoor seating for a great summer experience and in winter go for the ones with Sunday Roast deals (which they advertise out the front!)

Read on to discover our top 4 pub recommendations in London...

Turkish Delight: the finest in Istanbul

Luxos looks into the story of Turkish delight through the lens of a wonderful specialty store, Lokum.
By Hande Oynar www.luxos.com

Turkish Delight

Turkish delight, Lokum for those in the know, is a sweet and soft confection traditionally offered during religious holidays, weddings and special days to guests with a special attentiveness as a sign of love and respect. It is a conversation enhancer that adds flavour to special occasions and compliments friendship especially when it is served with hot and strong Turkish coffee. Rose, mint, orange, cinnamon and vanilla are the most popular lokum flavors as well as nutty ones with double-roasted pistachio, nuts and almonds. They are a delight to the eye and the palate. So what is the secret behind these delights and where can you find the best? Continue reading...

Top cuisine in Valencia, Spain

Enjoy a delectable journey to uncover Valencia’s culinary treasures
by Vanessa Viara www.luxos.com

Paella

Spanish cuisine is renowned for its exquisite flavours and unique combinations. Paella is by far the most widely known Spanish dish and it hails from none other than Valencia. Spain’s third largest city is overlooked by most tourists, however its cuisine alone will entice you to change your plans. Located on Spain’s east coast Valencia enjoys the best of both worlds, fresh seafood from the Mediterranean Sea, fresh produce and excellent game from the fertile lands that surround the Sierra Calderona. These can be appreciated through a tour of the city’s gastronomy with our recommended Valencian menu...continue reading