Nouvelle Cuisine, when mentioned, brings thoughts of small plates of food that many feel will see you leaving a restaurant with a lot less money and a lot more hunger than when you went in!!!  But, is this true?  What is sure, is that this French revolution has spread all over the World but, is Nouvelle Cuisine for everyone ? for the Gourmands? or just for the Gourmets? or is it a chance for a personal culinary experience that will excite the tastebuds and leave memories for a lifetime?

The term “nouvelle cuisine” has been used several times in the history of French cuisine, to mark a  break with the past, with tradition.  In the 1700′s several French writers emphasized this break with tradition, calling the new cooking style  ”modern” or “new”.  In the 1880s and 1890s, the cooking of Georges Auguste Escoffier was sometimes described with the term.

Today, the French term “Nouvelle Cuisine” is  attributed to authors Henri Gault, Christian Millau, and André Gayot,who used nouvelle cuisine to describe the cooking of Paul Bocuse, Alain Chapel, Jean and Pierre Troisgros, Michel Guérard, Roger Vergé, and Raymond Oliver, many of whom were once students of Fernand Point. Paul Bocuse claimed that Gault first used the term to describe the food that he prepared, along with other top chefs, for the maiden flight of  Concorde in 1969.

The style that Gault and Millau wrote about was a reaction to the French cuisine classique placed into “orthodoxy” by Escoffier.  Calling for greater simplicity and elegance in creating dishes, nouvelle cuisine is not cuisine minceur (“thin cooking”), which was created by Michel Guérard as spa food.  It is thought that World War II was a significant contributor in the creation of the phenonenom of nouvelle cuisine, as  there was a short supply of animal protein during the German occupation hence the need to experiment.

Gault and Millau “discovered the formula” contained in ten characteristics of this new style of cooking. The ten characteristics of “Nouvelle Cuisine” were identified as:

• A rejection of excessive complication in cooking.
• Cooking times for most fish, seafood, game birds, veal, green vegetables and pâtés were greatly reduced in an attempt to preserve the natural flavors. Steaming was an important trend from this characteristic.
• The cuisine was made with the freshest possible ingredients.
• Large menus were abandoned in favor of shorter menus.
• Strong marinades for meat and game ceased to be used.
• They stopped using heavy sauces such as espagnole and béchamel in favor of seasoning their dishes with fresh herbs, high quality butter, lemon juice, and vinegar.
• They used regional dishes for inspiration instead of cuisine classique dishes.
• New techniques were embraced and modern equipment was often used; Bocuse even used microwave ovens.
• The chefs paid close attention to the dietary needs of their guests through their dishes.
• The chefs were extremely inventive and created new combinations and pairings

Today Nouvelle Cuisine is Worldwide and plays a part in many kitchens. It is an art, a science, an explosion of sensation and a treat for the tastebuds that has foodies and the general public alike craving the escapism that it provides from everyday life. 

Join us on a Gourmet Private tour of Spain and/or Portugal  to escape into a Gourmet World of sublime enjoyment.

Can Michelin 3* restaurant, El Celler de Can Roca, Girona, knock NOMA in Copenhagen off the top spot this year at the World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards to be held this year in June ?  All will be revealed on Monday!!

El Celler de Can Roca was awarded the acclaimed Nº 1 status, at the head of Restaurant Magazine’s prestigious list, in 2013, but last year Noma reclaimed it’s crown as Number 1 Restaurant  in the World for 2014.

Noma was first awarded the Nº 1 spot in 2010, after stealing the crown that El Bulli had held for the previous 4 years.  2011 and 2012 saw René Redzepi winning the award yet again, but in 2013 Noma lost  first place position to El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Spain, which became the new World’s Number 1 Restaurant for just 1 year, 2013.

Just a year lapse or is Noma back on top for good?

All will be revealed on June 1st when the World’s Best Restaurants for 2015 are announced!

We, at Gourmand Breaks, do not cover Denmark but why not join us on a Gourmet Private tour of Spain and/or Portugal  to escape into a Gourmet World of sublime enjoyment with a chance to dine in top restaurants in Barcelona, Madrid or Lisbon for example.

It’s not “New” by any means, it’s been around for decades, but it’s the Nouvelle Cuisine of the Basque Country and it’s Nouvellicious. The revolution in Basque kitchens started in the 70′s and today the Forefathers of Basque Cuisine rub shoulders with the Modern chefs to promote this radically original cuisine with a splash of  style, a touch of expertise, a dash of creativity and sprinkling of pride.

The New Basque Cuisine revolutionized the world when, in 1976, Juan Mari Arzak and Pedro Subijana, today regarded as the forefathers of the New Basque cuisine, set off to France in search of new techniques. Inspired by the work of Paul Bocuse, they went to Lyon to learn the secrets of Nouvelle Cuisine. The trip proved invaluable and on their return they set up a collaborative group that formed the foundations of the Basque Nouvelle Cuisine movement – a Basque cuisine revolution began.

The group revived and improved traditional recipes by using modern methods and innovative techniques. The goal was evolution although at the same time sticking to local tradition and the best quality regional products. Using traditional ingredients, chefs created new and innovative dishes offering lighter and less rustic versions of traditional dishes and flavors.

A new culinary movement was born – the Nueva Cocina Vasca – New Basque Cuisine, and in a few years the movement swept across Spain to become the default haute cuisine and by the 1990′s the New Basque Cuisine had spread worldwide.

Over the next 25 years, pioneering Spanish chefs began creating a new Spanish cuisine, experimenting with new techniques, and the term “molecular gastronomy” was born.

Today the Basque Country and its’ chefs continue to enjoy international acclaim for their cooking in Michelin starred restaurants. More informally, many tapas bars, especially in San Sebastián, serve modern-style pintxos employing novel techniques and ingredients and in more recent years, young chefs, such as Martin Berasategui, have given new stimulus to Basque cuisine.

What better place to enjoy the New Basque Cuisine and the playful, innovative and twisted genre of molecular gastronomy than in the Basque Country. Join us on a Private Food and Wine Tour to include the Basque Country where you can enjoy the New Basque Cuisine in the heart of the action.

The much anticipated World’s 50 Best Restaurants will be announced tonight  at the 13th annual World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony. Live from London’s guildhall, the ceremony, sponsored by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, will reveal if Noma stays at Nº 1 followed by El Celler de Can Roca at Nº 2 and  Osteria Francescana at Nº 3, as in 2014.

What’s new? What’s Hot? What’s Not? Find out tonight when the complete NEW  2015 World’s 50 Best Restaurants 1-50 are revealed from London. In the meantime what we can tell you is that 3 Spanish restaurants are featured in the NEW 2015 World’s 50 Best Restaurants 51-100:

Nº 59 DiverXO keeps climbing!! 2014 saw David Muñoz enter the prestigious list in 94th  position. This year DiverXO climbs a whopping 35 places for 59th position in 2015!! Can we expect to see DiverXO in the Top 50 in 2016?

Nº 61 Martín Berasategui leaves the top 50 as his San Sebastián restaurant, which re-entered the prestigious list in 2014, falls from last years nº 35 to this year’s nº61!!

Nº 68 Nerua Guggenheim - Bilbao – enters the list for the first time at nº68!  Josean Alija heads this Michelin 1 star restaurant with it’s privileged location in the wonderful Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.

Albert Adrià leaves the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 51-100 list with no mention in 2015 of his Barcelona restaurants Tickets and 41 Grados, nº 57 and nº74 respectively in 2014. 41 Grados is currently closed for refurbishment and relocation but can we expect to see Tickets in the Top 50 World’s 50 Best Restaurants list which will be announced tonight?

How do we know all this? Well, the results have already been announced, for the first time ever prior to a  World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony, for the NEW  2015 World’s 50 Best Restaurants 51-100.  Here’s the complete list:

NEW 2015 World’s 50 Best Restaurants COMPLETE LIST 51-100:

• No. 51 Geranium – Copenhagen, Denmark
• No. 52 Tim Raue – Berlin, Germany
• No. 53 Hertog Jan – Bruges, Belgium
• No. 54 Hof Van Cleve – Kruishoutem, Belgium
• No. 55 The Clove Club – London, UK
• No. 56 Saison – San Francisco, USA
• No. 57 Septime – Paris, France
• No. 58 Quay – Sydney, Australia
• No. 59 Diverxo – Madrid, Spain
• No. 60 Hedone – London, UK
• No. 61 Martin Berasategui – San Sebastián, Spain
• No. 62 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana – Hong Kong, China
• No. 63 L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Paris – Paris, France
• No. 64 Maaemo – Oslo, Norway
• No. 65 Combal Zero – Rivoli, Italy
• No. 66 Amass – Copenhagen, Denmark
• No. 67 NoMad – New York, USA
• No. 68 Nerua – Bilbao, Spain
• No. 69 Momofuku Ko – New York, USA
• No. 70 Waku Gin – Singapore
• No. 71 De Librije – Zwolle, Netherlands
• No. 72 Restaurant at Meadowood – St. Helena, USA
• No. 73 The Fat Duck – Bray, UK
• No. 74 Jaan – Singapore
• No. 75 Coi – San Francisco, USA
• No. 76 Fu He Hui – Shanghai, China
• No. 77 Indian Accent  - New Delhi, India
• No. 78 La Maison Troisgros – Roanne, France
• No. 79 Ryunique – Seoul, South Korea
• No. 80 Daniel – New York, USA
• No. 81 Joe Beef – Montreal, Canada
• No. 82 Le Louis XV – Monte Carlo, Monaco
• No. 83 Tegui – Buenos Aires, Argentina
• No. 84 Sepia – Sydney, Australia
• No. 85 L’Effervescence – Tokyo, Japan
• No. 86 Hajime – Osaka, Japan
• No. 87 Brae – Birregurra, Australia
• No. 88 = The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français – Franschhoek, South Africa
• No. 88 = Zuma – Dubai, UAE
• No. 90 Estela – New York, USA
• No. 91 Belcanto – Lisbon, Portugal
• No. 92 St. John – London, UK
• No. 93 Jungsik – Seoul, South Korea
• No. 94 Masa – New York, USA
• No. 95 Fu1015 – Shanghai, China
• No. 96 Mikla – Istanbul, Turkey
• No. 97 Esperanto – Stockholm, Sweden
• No. 98 Vila Joya – Albufeira, Portugal
• No. 99 Lung King Heen – Hong Kong, China
• No. 100 Manresa – Los Gatos, USA

If you would like to experience some of the best restaurants Spain has on offer, then something like our Ultimate Gourmet Tour   is perfect for sophisticated diners who are looking to experience the best of Spanish cuisine.

LIVE,  from London’s Guildhall, the results are in for THE WORLD’S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS 2015.

At the much anticipated World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards Ceremony for 2015,  held this evening at the historic Guildhall in the City of London the Top 3 are :

No 1  El Celler de Can Roca, Girona Spain, was confirmed as the World’s No 1 Restaurant for 2015!

The Roca Boys are Back!!!!!!!!!!

With the newly announced World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards 2015 The Roca Brothers are Back at Nº1 !!!

2nd and 3rd place go to:

Number 2:  Massimo Bottura climbs to Nº2 with  Osteria Francescana, Modena, Italy from last years Number 3!!!!

Number 3: NOMA falls to 3rd from last years Nº 1 !!!!!!

But, the Roca Brothers are not the only Spanish restaurant to feature among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2015.

Spain is also represented, in the prestigious Top 50 list, by a number of world famous restaurants and HOT OFF THE World’s 50 Best Restaurants press here are the Spanish movers and shakers in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2015 LIST: 

• nº 6 Mugaritz - Errenteria, Gipuzkoa -   stays firm at  nº 6  and now celebrates 10 consecutive years in the Top 10  – since first entering the list (and Top 10) in 2006!
• nº 13 Asador Etxebarri – Atxondo –     HIGHEST CLIMBER!  from nº 34 in 2014
• nº 17 Arzak - San Sebastián -                       falls from nº 8 in 2014 !!
• nº 19 Azurmendi - Larrabetzu –              climbs from nº 26 in 2014
• nº 39 Quique Dacosta - Dénia -               climbs from nº 41 in 2014
• nº 42  Tickets - Barcelona -                         climbs from nº 57 in 2014

Albert Adrià was also awarded with Best Pastry Chef 2015, taking the crown from last year’s Jordi Roca. Keeping it in Catalonia

Here is the NEW COMPLETE LIST of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2015:

• 1. El Celler de Can Roca, Girona (Spain) – World’s Best Restaurant and Best Restaurant in Europe
• 2. Osteria Francescana, Modena (Italy)
• 3. Noma, Copenhagen (Denmark)
• 4. Central, Lima (Peru) – Best Restaurant in South America, sponsored by Acqua Panna
• 5. Eleven Madison Park, New York (USA) – Best Restaurant in North America, sponsored by Acqua Panna
• 6. Mugaritz, San Sebastian (Spain)
• 7. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, London (UK)
• 8. Narisawa, Tokyo (Japan) – Best Restaurant in Asia, sponsored by Acqua Panna
• 9. D.O.M. , Sao Paulo (Brazil)
• 10. Gaggan, Bangkok (Thailand)
• 11. Mirazur, Menton (France)
• 12. Arpège, Paris (France)
• 13. Asador Etxebarri, Atxondo (Spain) – HIGHEST CLIMBER
• 14. Astrid Y Gastón, Lima (Peru)
• 15. Steirereck, Vienna (Austria)
• 16. Pujol, Mexico City (Mexico)
• 17. Arzak, San Sebastian (Spain)
• 18. Le Bernardin, New York (USA)
• 19. Azurmendi, Larrabetzu (Spain)
• 20. The Ledbury, London (UK)
• 21. Le Chateaubriand, Paris (France)
• 22. Nahm, Bangkok (Thailand)
• 23. White Rabbit, Moscow (Russia) – HIGHEST NEW ENTRY
• 24. Ultraviolet, Shanghai (China) – NEW ENTRY
• 25. Fäviken, Järpen (Sweden)
• 26. Alinea, Chicago (USA)
• 27. Piazza Duomo, Alba (Italy)
• 28. The Test Kitchen, Cape Town (South Africa) – Best Restaurant in Africa, sponsored by Acqua Panna
• 29. Nihonryori RyuGin, Tokyo (Japan)
• 30. Vendôme, Bergisch Gladbach (Germany)
• 31. Restaurant Frantzén, Stockholm (Sweden)
• 32. Attica, Melbourne (Australia) – Best Restaurant in Australasia, sponsored by Acqua Panna
• 33. Aqua, Wolfsburg (Germany)
• 34. Le Calandre, Rubano (Italy)
• 35. Quintonil, Mexico City (Mexico)
• 36. L’Astrance, Paris (France)
• 37. Biko, Mexico City (Mexico)
• 38. Amber, Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
• 39. Quique Dacosta, Denia (Spain)
• 40. Per Se, New York (USA)
• 41. Mani, Sao Paulo (Brazil)
• 42. Tickets, Barcelona (Spain) – NEW ENTRY
• and Boragò, Santiago (Chile) – NEW ENTRY
• 44. Maido, Lima (Peru) – NEW ENTRY
• 45. Relae, Copenhagen (Denmark) – NEW ENTRY and SUSTAINABLE RESTAURANT
• 46. Restaurant André, Singapore (Singapore)
• 47. Alain Ducasse au Plaza Aathénée, Paris (France)
• 48. Schloss Schauenstein, Fürstenau (Switzerland)
• 49. Blue Hill at Stone Barms, Tarrytown (USA) – NEW ENTRY
• 50. The French Laundry, Yountville (USA)

But it doesn’t end at 50! Here is the COMPLETE LIST OF The World’s 50 Best Restaurants from 51 – 100 including DiverXO at nº 59, Martín Berasategui at nº61 and NEW ENTRY Nerua Guggenheim Bilbao at nº 68.

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards and List, which is now in its 13^th year, is organised and compiled by Restaurant magazine and sponsored by S Pellegrino & Acqua Panna. It is an annual recollection of the opinions and experiences of over 900 international restaurant industry experts and is attended by the world’s finest chefs, international media and the world’s most influential restaurateurs.

Next year, 2016, the World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards Ceremony will be leaving London, where it has been held since its first year, and heading to New York City!!!

Congratulations to our great Spanish Superchefs for their fantastic World rated restaurants and another year in the prestigious list!

If you would like to experience some of the best restaurants Spain has on offer, then something like our Ultimate Gourmet Tour   is perfect for sophisticated diners who are looking to experience the best of Spanish cuisine.

The World’s Best Restaurants 2015 FULL COMPLETE List from 1-100 plus the Individual Award Winners 2015 and Continental Restaurant Awards 2015: 

1. El Celler de Can Roca, Girona (Spain) – World’s Best Restaurant + Best Restaurant in Europe

2. Osteria Francescana, Modena (Italy)

3. Noma, Copenhagen (Denmark)

4. Central, Lima (Peru) – Best Restaurant in South America

5. Eleven Madison Park, New York (USA) – Best Restaurant in North America

6. Mugaritz, San Sebastian (Spain)

7. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, London (UK)

8. Narisawa, Tokyo (Japan) – Best Restaurant in Asia

9. D.O.M., Sao Paulo (Brazil)

10. Gaggan, Bangkok (Thailand)

11. Mirazur, Menton (France)

12. Arpège, Paris (France)

13. Asador Etxebarri, Atxondo (Spain) – Highest Climber Award 2015

14. Astrid Y Gastón, Lima (Peru)

15. Steirereck, Vienna (Austria)

16. Pujol, Mexico City (Mexico)

17. Arzak, San Sebastian (Spain)

18. Le Bernardin, New York (USA)

19. Azurmendi, Larrabetzu (Spain)

20. The Ledbury, London (UK)

21. Le Chateaubriand, Paris (France)

22. Nahm, Bangkok (Thailand)

23. White Rabbit, Moscow (Russia) – Highest New Entry Award 2015

24. Ultraviolet, Shanghai (China) – NEW ENTRY

25. Fäviken, Järpen (Sweden)

26. Alinea, Chicago (USA)

27. Piazza Duomo, Alba (Italy)

28. The Test Kitchen, Cape Town (South Africa) – Best Restaurant in Africa

29. Nihonryori RyuGin, Tokyo (Japan)

30. Vendôme, Bergisch Gladbach (Germany)

31. Restaurant Frantzén, Stockholm (Sweden)

32. Attica, Melbourne (Australia) – Best Restaurant in Australasia

33. Aqua, Wolfsburg (Germany)

34. Le Calandre, Rubano (Italy)

35. Quintonil, Mexico City (Mexico)

36. L’Astrance, Paris (France)

37. Biko, Mexico City (Mexico)

38. Amber, Hong Kong (Hong Kong)

39. Quique Dacosta, Denia (Spain)

40. Per Se, New York (USA)

41. Mani, Sao Paulo (Brazil)

42. = Tickets, Barcelona (Spain) – NEW ENTRY

42. = Boragò, Santiago (Chile) – NEW ENTRY

44. Maido, Lima (Peru) – NEW ENTRY

45. Relae, Copenhagen (Denmark) – NEW ENTRY + Sustainable Restaurant Award 2015

46. Restaurant André, Singapore (Singapore)

47. Alain Ducasse au Plaza Aathénée, Paris (France)

48. Schloss Schauenstein, Fürstenau (Switzerland)

49. Blue Hill at Stone Barms, Tarrytown (USA) – NEW ENTRY

50. The French Laundry, Yountville (USA)

51. Geranium, Copenhagen (Denmark)

52. Tim Raue, Berlin (Germany)

53. Hertog Jan, Bruges (Belgium)

54. Hof Van Cleve, Kruishoutem (Belgium)

55. The Clove Club, London (UK)

56. Saison, San Francisco (USA)

57. Septime, Paris (France)

58. Quay, Sydney (Australia)

59. DiverXO, Madrid (Spain)

60. Hedone , London (UK)

61. Martin Berasategui, San Sebastián (Spain)

62. 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana, Hong Kong (China)

63. L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Paris, Paris (France)

64. Maaemo, Oslo (Norway)

65. Combal Zero, Rivoli (Italy)

66. Amass, Copenhagen (Denmark)

67. NoMad, New York (USA)

68. Nerua, Bilbao (Spain)

69. Momofuku Ko, New York (USA)

70. Waku Gin, Singapore

71. De Librije, Zwolle (Netherlands)

72. Restaurant at Meadowood, St. Helena (USA)

73. The Fat Duck, Bray (UK)

74. Jaan, Singapore

75. Coi, San Francisco (USA)

76. Fu He Hui, Shanghai (China)

77. Indian Accent, New Delhi (India)

78. La Maison Troisgros, Roanne (France)

79. Ryunique, Seoul (South Korea)

80. Daniel, New York (USA)

81. Joe Beef, Montreal (Canada)

82. Le Louis XV, Monte Carlo (Monaco)

83. Tegui, Buenos Aires (Argentina)

84. Sepia, Sydney (Australia) – The ONE to watch restaurant award 2015

85. L’Effervescence, Tokyo (Japan)

86. Hajime, Osaka (Japan)

87. Brae, Birregurra (Australia)

88. = The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français, Franschhoek (South Africa)

88. = Zuma, Dubai (UAE)

90. Estela, New York (USA)

91. Belcanto, Lisbon (Portugal)

92. St. John, London (UK)

93. Jungsik, Seoul (South Korea)

94. Masa, New York (USA)

95. Fu1015, Shanghai (China)

96. Mikla, Istanbul (Turkey)

97. Esperanto, Stockholm (Sweden)

98. Vila Joya, Albufeira (Portugal)

99. Lung King Heen, Hong Kong (China)

100. Manresa, Los Gatos (USA)

Individual Awards 2015:

• The Diners Club® Lifetime Achievement Award 2015: Daniel Boulud – Restaurant Daniel, New York, USA

• The Veuve Clicquot World’s Best Female Chef 2015: Hélène Darroze – Hélène Darroze, Paris, France and Hélène Darroze at the Connaught, London, UK

•  The World’s Best Pastry Chef Award 2015, sponsored by Cacao Barry®: Albert Adrià – Tickets, Barcelona, Spain

•  Chefs’ Choice Award 2015, sponsored by Gaggenau: Daniel Humm – Eleven Madison Park, New York, USA

•  One To Watch Award 2015, sponsored by Silestone® by Cosentino: Sepia – Sydney, Australia

• Sustainable Restaurant Award 2015, sponsored by Pago Los Balancines: Relae – Copenhagen, Denmark

• Highest New Entry Award 2015, sponsored by LesConcierges: White Rabbit – Moscow, Russia at Number 23

• Highest Climber Award 2015, sponsored by Lavazza: Asador Etxebarri – Atxondo, Spain at Number 13

Continental Restaurant Awards 2015 – SPONSORED BY ACQUA PANNA:

• Best Restaurant in Europe – El Celler de Can Roca, Girona (Spain) at World’s Number 1
• Best Restaurant in N. America – Eleven Madison Park, New York (USA) – at World’s Number 5
• Best Restaurant in S. America – Central, Lima (Peru) at World’s Number 4
• Best Restaurant in Asia – Narisawa, Tokyo (Japan) at World’s Number 8
• Best Restaurant in Australasia – Attica, Melbourne (Australia) at World’s Number 32
• Best Restaurant in Africa – The Test Kitchen, Cape Town (South Africa) at World’s Number 28

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards and List started in 2002 and each year is organized and compiled by the British “Restaurant” Magazine.

It is an annual recollection of the opinions and experiences of over 900 international restaurant industry experts.  Today, this prestigious list is awaited each year, with baited breath, to find out WHO is considered THE BEST Restaurant in the World!!! Over the last 14 years just 5 restaurants have received the Number 1 spot as Best Restaurant in the World!!  Spain has headed the prestigious Worlds 50 Best Restaurants List 7 times at Number 1, Denmark 4 times, USA twice and the UK once.

The first EVER restaurant to be awarded the prestigious title of World’s Number One Restaurant in the World was in 2002 -  El Bulli, by Spanish born, Catalan, chef  Ferran Adrià.  El Bulli, as a restaurant,  closed its doors in 2011 to transform into a creativity center. El Bulli sat proudly at the top of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants  List, in 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Now it is the turn of Spanish born, Catalan Brothers, Joan, Josep and Jordi Roca of El Celler de Can Roca, Girona. First awarded the Number 1 spot in 2013, the Boys are Back for a second time in 2015 – Current World Number One Restaurant!

Here are the World’s Number 1 Restaurants over the years, as awarded by Restaurant Magazine in the World’s Best 50 Awards Ceremonies:

2002: El Bulli – Ferran Adrià – Spain (currently closed)

2003 + 2004: The French Laundry – Thomas Keller – USA (currently, 2015, at Nº 50)

2005: The Fat Duck – Heston Blumenthal – UK (currently, 2015, at Nº 73)

2006, 2007, 2008 + 2009: El Bulli – Ferran Adrià – Spain (currently closed)

2010, 2011 + 2012: Noma – René Redzepi – Denmark (currently, 2015, at Nº 3)

2013: El Celler de Can Roca – Joan, Josep and Jordi Roca – Spain (currently, 2015, at Nº 1)

2014: Noma – René Redzepi – Denmark (currently, 2015, at Nº 3)

2015: El Celler de Can Roca – Joan, Josep and Jordi Roca – Spain

Here are the FULL 2015 RESULTS of the World’s Best Restaurants 2015 - from Number 1 – 100, Best Female Chef, Best Pastry Chef, One to Watch, Continetal results etc ..

In 2016 the Worlds 50 Best Restaurants Awards Ceremony will leave it’s home,  in London, and will be presented from New York City. The world ceremony will, for the first time ever, leave the English capital. It will be the first time in 14 years that the Worlds 50 Best Restaurants awards has left the UK.

El Bulli is currently closed and El Celler de Can Roca has a loooooong waiting list that far exceeds it’s capacity, but great restaurants are rife in Spain!! Why not join us on a Private Food, Wine and Culinary Tour of Spain (you could even combine with Portugal) covering foodie Spanish hotspots like San Sebastian, Barcelona, Madrid …. to indulge in some sublime Spanish dining.

Located in the Emporda DO Wine Region of Spain, as the name implies, the site of this winery, Terra Remota (Remote Land)  is isolated and secluded, feeling even more so since the devastating fires that destroyed much of this region recently- leaving a path of charcoaled lifelessness in its wake.

Thankfully Terra Remota, in the Emporda DO Wine Region of Spain, was, for the most part, unharmed with only a small plot of vines damaged but learning more about the history behind the Spanish winery it is terrifying to think not only about the possible destruction of the building but also of everything it stands for.

The land here, in the Emporda Wine Region, symbolizes more than just wine production, for the family it stands for identity.  Terra Remota winery is owned by Marc and Emma Bournazeau.  Emma’s grandfather was a man from Catalonia that, after the Spanish Civil war, escaped to France to live in Perpignan. For the family, Terra Remota represents a return from exile and to the land of origin, reclaiming the lost identity of a family.

The first thing you notice when driving up to Terra Remota is the extraordinary raw concrete “bodega”, which is designed by the Spanish architects Pépe Cortés & Nacho Ferrer and is made up of “Three shoeboxes” nestled into the hillside with the intention of integrating the building into the surrounding landscape- respect for the natural environment is a reoccurring theme here at Terra Remota. The three levels of the structure reflect the three stages the grapes go through from sorting at the top level to bottling, ageing and tasting on the bottom floor, respecting the principle of gravity.

Every process inside this building is designed to treat the grapes with utmost respect and care.  The key principle at this winery is to avoid excessive manipulation of the original quality of the grape- convinced that the better the raw material the less need for interference.

The idea is that each wine is different and must be treated as such.   The wines “Caminante”, (white) “Caminito” (rosé) and  “Camino” (red), named in homage to Machado’s poem, are the product of respect, and perseverance from the team.

Many of guests have thoroughly enjoyed a visit and relaxing picnic in the vineyards at this great Emporda winery!  Join us on a Private Food, Wine and Culinary Tour including the Emporda DO Wine Region of Spain and you too could be visiting this wonderful winery for a private tour and exclusive wine tasting!

In Catalunya and throughout Spain, the most important celebration during the month of June is undoubtedly the Eve of Sant Joan (St. John). This is celebrated both in private houses and in public places, and there is dancing and the typical “coca”, as well as bonfires in some streets and squares, and fireworks.  Catalonians celebrate the Eve of Sant Joan in their idiosyncratic way- the fiesta takes place the night before Saint John’s Day (June 24th), which coincides with the summer solstice. Old furniture is bundled onto bonfires in the villages and towns throughout Catalonia, the fire acting as a purifier and curative element.

At first, this was a rite celebrated in main village squares, bringing everyone together round the fire. Nowadays fireworks are also an integral part, particularly in the various city districts of Barcelona.

For the past 50 years or so in Catalonia, the flama del Canigó (Canigó flame – an emblematic mountain in the Pyrenees) has been part of the celebration. From the top of this mountain, the flames spread throughout the region as fires are lit in each community. The flame has contributed to a new vision of the celebration and signifies Catalan unity and identity.

The most enjoyable part of the Eve of Sant Joan are the verbenas (open-air celebrations) that last from sunset on 23 June to sunrise on 24 June.

The only official food on the Eve of Sant Joan is called the ‘Coca’. These are bread style cakes that you will see in bakery windows throughout the city. There are various types available – both sweet and savory. Some contain crackling, fruit and nuts or cream. The one ingredient that they all share in common is anise – giving all of the Cocas a distinctive aniseed flavor.

Aside from these cakes, there are no other traditional foods for this feast day. You will find that many Catalans eat out for dinner on the evening of 23rd June. If you have a restaurant in mind that you would like to eat at, it may be best to reserve a table to ensure that you will not be disappointed.   The day after the Feast of Sant Joan – 24th June, is a bank holiday.

The Feast of Sant Joan celebrates the start of the summer. It is the longest day of the year and what is known as the Summer Solstice in England.  It is one of the most important feast days for Catalans and is celebrated throughout the city. The idea is that on the night of Sant Joan the sun reaches its highest point, before beginning to drop. The sun is seen as a symbol of fertility and wealth and so it must be given strength. The strength is provided by bonfires and fireworks lit throughout the city for Sant Joan.

The Eve of Sant Joan is often described by Catalans as the ‘Nit del Foc’ – meaning the ‘Night of Fire’. The main aspect to the celebrations is fireworks. In the days leading up to the celebrations you will see temporary fireworks shops open up throughout the city, with queues down the street. Many groups of families and friends organize their own parties – known as ‘Revetlles’.

If you do not have a friend’s party to go to, the most common place for people to head to for Sant Joan is the beach.   The  beach begins filling up during the early evening on 23rd June, with groups who bring picnics and cava to watch the firework displays and listen to the music playing in the chiringuitos (beach bars). Groups of musicians and drummers also gather to provide the soundtrack to the evening’s events.   The dramatic fireworks displays, which especially many of the seaside resorts present, are watched by hundreds of people both on the beach and in their homes, as the displays are magnificent and grand and can be seen from a great distance.

Barcelona is one of the most spectacular places to join in the fun on one of our Food and Wine Tours ,  where your private guide will introduce you all the local  rituals of this very special festivity (and of course accompanied by all the  best local food and wine)

As temperatures are souring this summer,  cool down with a delicious chilled Gazpacho soup. This quick and easy traditional Gazpacho recipe is not only refreshing it’s packed full of vitamins too! Olé!!

INGREDIENTS for Traditional Gazpacho recipe:

75 g stale bread (Spanish loaf, not packaged bread), crusts removed

1 kg ripe tomatoes (see note below ABOUT TOMATOES), peeled and seeded

3 cloves garlic

2 tsp salt and pepper

6 tbsp olive oil

5 tbsp vinegar

about 300 ml water

GARNISH for Traditional Gazpacho recipe:

100 g green peppers, finely chopped

100 g cucumber, peeled and finely chopped

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 small tomato, finely chopped

2 slices bread, toasted and diced like croutons

METHOD for Traditional Gazpacho recipe:

Put the bread to soak in enough water to cover it for around 10 minutes.

Squeeze out the excess water and put the bread in a blender or processor.

Cut the peeled tomatoes into chunks and add to the blender with the garlic, salt and pepper.

Blend until puréed and with the motor running add the oil in a slow stream, followed by the vinegar.  The mixture will thicken and change color as the oil blends in.

Add a little water and transfer to a serving bowl or pitcher. Stir in the water to the desired consistency and chill until serving time.

For the garnish:

Place the chopped peppers, cucumbers, onion, tomato and croutons in individual small bowls or in a divided dish and serve them as accompaniments.

Gazpacho may also be served in glasses or mugs for sipping but without the garnishes.

Note ABOUT TOMATOES: vine-ripened tomatoes are one of Spain’s treats.  If possible, buy the big, beefy ones.  Even if they are slightly green, they will ripen in a few days. Avoid the all-of-a-size and color long-life tomatoes. They’re bred for shipping long distances and don’t have the flavor of the local varieties. Tomatoes can be skinned before making the gazpacho by dipping them in boiling water or try running the blunt edge of a knife across the skin, then pulling it off.  Otherwise, crush the tomatoes, and then sieve them to remove the skin and seeds.

Learn to cook tasty local Spanish dishes with an excellent in situ chef as part of your Private Luxury Food, Wine and Cultural Tour in Spain.  Our  wonderful Spanish Cooking and Wine Tour takes you into the world of Spanish Cuisine, and Spanish Wine, the best way to learn about Spain!

American TV series “Game of Thrones” has taken the world by storm, and  part of the filming for its new Series 6 is taking place in Girona, Spain.   Ambling around the Old Town of Girona certainly can transport you back in time, or, with the correct props, into the fantasy world of one of the Kingdoms of Game of Thrones.

Set building for Game of Thrones (series 6) taking place in the Old Town of Girona, Spain.

The Game of Thrones cast and crew are currently”decorating” and preparing to start filming next week in certain parts of the Old Town, the Medieval Jewish quarter if you will,  of Girona. Maybe not a great time for you to visit right now, as the filming of Game of Thrones continues into mid-September with many areas beng closed, but all year round Girona and it’s old town are a great place to wander. At the heart of the intricate network of cobbled streets, towering above the Medieval Jewish quarter that winds around it, stands Girona Cathedral.

Girona Cathedral is a significant work of Gothic architecture since its construction began in the 11th century. Girona Cathedral’s prominence especially rose in the 15th century when architects added what is still, today,  the largest Gothic nave in the world and the second largest nave overall, behind St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Inside Girona Cathedral there are several relics dating back to the 11th century as well as ancient saint shrines, an ivory throne made for King Charlemagne and the Tapestry of the Creation, a very rare surviving tapestry from the era depicting the creation of the world, months of the year and Biblical characters.

Curiously, Girona has not not only inspired the modern day Game of Thrones, the Cathedral inspired even Antoni Gaudi!  On the Apse façade of Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the chapel of the Assumption will be built, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin, which is especially popular in Catalonia. This project is inspired by an existing one in Girona cathedral and includes the crown dedicated to the Virgin, the pillars that form the  structure and the curtains hanging from it, as well as the angels that are represented on the Girona model.

Explore the beautiful city of Girona on a private Gourmet, Wine and Cultural Tour of Spain like our Romantic Spain Luxury Private Tour which takes you within Girona cathedral’s courtyard and the Roman walls behind it  – a beautifully peaceful journey through the history of Gothic art as well as visits to medieval villages, prestigious wineries and the chance to dine Michelin style.

Read more about Girona on our blog post:  Girona, Spain – Little City, BIG heart

Quinta do Crasto Program

 Arrival to Quinta de Crasto and guided tour through the facilities

 Lunch will then be served by the terrace if the weather conditions allow with the following wine pairings:

Aperitifs served with:

Crasto White DOC 2013

Lunch

Entree or soup

Crasto Douro Red DOC 2013

 Main Course (choose only one option)

The main course option needs to be the same for all the group. In case of food restrictions or allergies please let us know previously.

 Creamy cod fish with shrimp

Grilled cod fish with roasted potatoes

Roasted octopus in the oven

Traditional duck rice with salad

Tender pork loin with port wine reduction

Traditional pork and beans stew

Roasted pork loin with chestnuts

Roastbeef with rice and potatoes

Wild partridge with butter rice

Roasted kid with potatoes

Crasto Superior Red DOC 2012

Quinta do Crasto Old Vines Reserve DOC 2012

Dessert

Fruit, traditional sweet desert and Portuguese cheese selection

Quinta do Crasto LBV 2008

Coffee or tea

 Please note: The wine vintages might be different, according to the availability.

November 25th 2015 – a date for your diary!!!!

The Michelin Guide Spain and Portugal 2016 will be officially presented on November 25th 2015, and this year the awards ceremony will be presented from Galicia.

Last year, the Michelin Guide Spain & Portugal 2015, detailing the Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain and Portugal for 2015, was presented from Marbella. This year the Michelin tires drive North and to Santiago de Compostela where the NEW Michelin guide Spain & Portugal 2016 will be unveiled.

The prestigious awards ceremony, for the new edition of the MICHELIN guide Spain & Portugal 2016, will be presented from the Parador Hostal dos Reis Católicos in Santiago de Compostela.

Michelin starred restaurants Spain 2015:

Last year just 20 NEW Michelin stars were awarded to Spain with Aponiente – Angel León – being the highest achiever as a NEW Michelin 2 star restaurant for Spain 2015. No new Michelin 3 star restaurant was awarded but the 8 wonders in the Michelin 3 star category did hold on to their stars. 19 NEW Michelin 1 star restaurants in Spain appeared for the 2015 prestigious “Red Guide”.

Here is the FULL LIST Michelin Starred Restaurants Spain 2015

And here’s what happened over in Portugal last year as well as the FULL LIST of Michelin Starred Restaurants in Portugal .

Michelin starred restaurants Spain 2016?:  TBC !!!!

Will Mugaritz (currently No 6 on the World’s Best 50 Restaurants List) finally achieve a 3^rd Michelin star?

Will one, or more, of Barcelona city’s Michelin 2 star restaurants achieve Michelin 3 star status so that the city can finally boast a Tri-Star Michelin Restaurant?

Is Angel León on a roll to keep climbing and achieve another Michelin star for 2016?

All will be revealed on November 25^th 2015 when the Michelin Guide Spain & Portugal 2016 will be officially presented – from here at Gourmand Breaks we’ll keep you informed

Michelin Date for your diary!!!  The Michelin Guide to Spain & Portugal 2016 will be presented on November 25th 2015 from Santiago de Compostela in Spain.  Here’s a recap of what happened last year in Portugal:

For 2015, the Michelin Guide to Spain & Portugal added two new Michelin starred restaurants in Portugal to the distinguished list of gastronomic excellence, and promoted another to Michelin two-star status.  

For 2015, the “Belcanto” in Lisbon, from the popular chef José Avillez, was promoted to Michelin 2 Star Restaurant status.

Curiously Belcanto is the first restaurant in Lisbon to be distinguished with two Michelin stars and José Avillez is the first Portuguese chef to obtain this honor in Portugal.

New on the Michelin Restaurant list for 2015 is Pedro Lemos, Executive Chef for his namesake restaurant in the Foz do Douro area of Porto, and, São Gabriel in Almancil, Algarve, by Chef Leonel Pereira, regained its Michelin star after a one-year absence.

In total Portugal currently holds 17 Michelin stars by 14 chefs, spread all across the country.

It will be great to see some more Michelin Stars shining in Portugal for 2016 so good luck chefs

All Michelin Starred Restaurants in Portugal 2015 COMPLETE LIST:

Michelin 2 Star Restaurants in Portugal :

– Ocean (Armação de Pêra), Hans Neuner

– Vila Joya (Albufeira), Dieter Koshina

– Belcanto (Lisboa), José Avillez – NEW

Michelin 1 Star Restaurants in Portugal:

– Casa da Calçada (Amarante), Vítor Matos

– Eleven (Lisboa), Joachim Koerper

– Feitoria (Lisboa), João Rodrigues

– Fortaleza do Guincho (Cascais), Vincent Farges

– Henrique Leis (Almancil), Henrique Leis

– Il Gallo d’Oro (Funchal), Benoît Sinthon

– L’And Vineyards (Montemor-o-Novo), Miguel Laffan

– Pedro Lemos (Porto), Pedro Lemos – NEW

– São Gabriel (Almancil), Leonel Pereira – NEW

– Willie’s (Vilamoura), Willie Wurger

– Yeatman (Vila Nova de Gaia), Ricardo Costa

The Spanish Michelin Stars and the FULL LIST of Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain 2015 

Experience Portugal’s growing gastronomy and fantastic wine regions on a Gourmand Breaks Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tour.  Portugal is an ever-increasing destination choice with our guests and can easily be combined with Spain  for a two-center vacation.

It’s Michelin season once again and the Michelin Guide to Spain and Portugal 2016 is fast approaching !! We’ll keep you updated with the results of the NEW Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain and Portugal Guide when announced on November 25th!

In the meantime, over the next few weeks we’ll be showcasing some of the Best Michelin starred Chefs in Spain and Portugal  with our own Pre-Michelin Guide Spain and Portugal 2016 SuperChef Series by Gourmand Breaks – An insight into the world of some of the current Michelin star chefs in Spain and Portugal!

This year we’re starting in Portugal where surprisingly there are no Michelin 3 star restaurants (yet!). First off, and in no particular order, a Portuguese chef who last year obtained his Second Michelin Star and is shooting for that 3rd Michelin star in 2016:

José Avillez –  is the first Portuguese chef to obtain the Michelin 2 Star Restaurant honor in Portugal. He currently has 5 restaurants in Lisbon – Belcanto, Cantinho do Avillez, Mini Bar, Café Lisboa and Pizzaria Lisboa,  1 restaurant in Oporto – Cantinho do Avillez, a take-away service called JA at Home and a wine range called JA Wines bearing his signature: JA Red, JA White and JA Rosé.

Belcanto, Lisbon  –  acclaimed the best restaurant in Portugal, is the flagship restaurant by the young talented chef José Avillez. It opened in 2011 in the Chiado district of Lisbon, Portugal. Within a year Belcanto was awarded its first Michelin star and in 2014 received its second for the 2015 Michelin Guide for Spain and Portugal. Belcanto is the first restaurant in Lisbon to obtain this Michelin 2 Star restaurant distinction. Original modern Portuguese cuisine, inspired by El Bulli, great service in an elegant setting with beautifully presented food and a fantastic selection of Portuguese wines – this is Belcanto.  To be enjoyed on one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours 

Belcanto has also been elected one of the best 100 restaurants in the world by the prestigious Restaurant Magazine and currently stands at 91st place on  “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants List”.

A dish by José Avillez at Belcanto © Vasco Célio

Experience Portugal’s growing gastronomy and fantastic wine regions on a Gourmand Breaks Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tour to include Portugal.  An ever-increasing destination choice with our guests Portugal can easily be combined with Spain  for a two-center vacation giving you the chance to indulge in the Best Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain and Portugal.

In the run-up to The Michelin Guide to Spain and Portugal 2016, over the next few weeks we’ll be showcasing some of the Best Michelin starred Chefs in Spain and Portugal  with our own Pre-Michelin Guide Spain and Portugal 2016 SuperChef Series by Gourmand Breaks – An insight into the world of some of the current Michelin star chefs and Michelin star restaurants in Spain and Portugal!

This year we’re starting in Portugal where surprisingly there are no Michelin 3 star restaurants (yet!). Last week we presented Belcanto by José Avillez – Lisbon, Portugal, and now,  in no particular order, an Austrian born chef who is now ready for that 3rd Michelin star in 2016, after receiving the Second Michelin Star for his restaurant Ocean in 2011:

Hans Neuner – trained under Karlheinz Hauser in the Adlon Hotel restaurant in Berlin. After 9 years he moved to Mallorca then Hamburg and finally settled in the Algarve in 2007. Apart from being awarded with a Michelin 2 star restaurant status Chef Hans Neuner has also been named as Portugal’s Chef of the Year in 2009 & 2012.

Ocean, Armação de Pêra  –  is the signature restaurant of the  5* Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa on the Algarve, Portugal. Ocean won its first Michelin star in November 2009, followed by its second Michelin star in 2011, making it one of only two restaurants in Portugal to hold the honor of two Michelin Star Restaurant status (at the time).

An elegant dining room on a cliff top affording spectacular Atlantic views and sublime food – this is Ocean. To be enjoyed on one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours 

We’ll keep you updated with the results of the Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain and Portugal 2016 when announced on November 25th!

Experience Portugal’s growing gastronomy and fantastic wine regions on a Gourmand Breaks Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tour to include Portugal.  An ever-increasing destination choice with our guests Portugal can easily be combined with Spain  for a two-center vacation giving you the chance to indulge in the Best Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain and Portugal.

The Michelin Guide to Spain and Portugal 2016 is fast approaching and we’ll keep you updated with the results of the Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain and Portugal when they are announced on November 25th!

In the meantime, over the next few weeks we’re showcasing some of the Best Michelin starred Chefs in Spain and Portugal  with our own Pre-Michelin Guide Spain and Portugal 2016 SuperChef Series by Gourmand Breaks – An insight into the world of some of the current Michelin star chefs and restaurants in Spain and Portugal!

This year we’re starting in Portugal where surprisingly there are no Michelin 3 star restaurants (yet!). Previously we presented Michelin 2 star restaurants Belcanto by José Avillez – Lisbon and Ocean by Hans Neuner, Algarve . Now, and in no particular order, the 3rd and final current Michelin 2 star restaurant in Portugal:

Dieter Koschina – an Austrian born chef  who in 1991 found his home on the Algarve in the kitchens of Vila Joya, holder of two Michelin stars since 1999.

Vila Joya, Albufeira  –  is housed in the refined boutique resort of the same name on the Algarve, Portugal.  This “House of Joy” combines local produce with northern European cooking techniques in a delightful environment – a fragrant garden with exotic flora – overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.  In 1995 the first Michelin star was awarded to Vila Joya and four years later came the second. To be enjoyed on one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours 

Vila Joya is also classed as one of the best 100 restaurants in the world, voted by the prestigious Restaurant Magazine, and currently stands at 98th place on “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants List”. Curiously in 2014 Vila Joya held 22nd place on the prestigious list, but for 2015 dropped a whopping   71 places!!

Vila Joya dish – A fantastic photo from http://worlditineraries.co/

Experience Portugal’s growing gastronomy and fantastic wine regions on a Gourmand Breaks Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tour to include Portugal.  An ever-increasing destination choice with our guests Portugal can easily be combined with Spain  for a two-center vacation giving you the chance to indulge in the Best Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain and Portugal.

Cheers to Missouri Wines for this great explanation for Understanding and Identifying Wine Aromas:

Put your new found wine knowledge to the test on one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours in Spain and/or Portugal. Visit top class wineries in great Spanish and Portuguese Wine Regions such as La Rioja, Priorat, Penedes or Emporda in Spain and Douro Valley or Alentejo in Portugal.

Our Pre-Michelin Guide Spain and Portugal 2016 SuperChef Series by Gourmand Breaks – An insight into the world of some of the current Michelin star chefs in Spain and Portugal – is well underway. We previously showcased the current Michelin 2 star restaurants in Portugal (there are only 3): Belcanto, Ocean and Vila Joya.

There are currently no Michelin 3 star restaurants in Portugal so on now to the Michelin 1 star restaurants in Portugal.  To be enjoyed on one of our Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tours 

There are just 11 Michelin 1 Star restaurants in Portugal (at the moment) and we’re starting this Michelin star restaurant group with a young Portuguese chef who uses, in the kitchen,  tips he learned from his Grandma:

Ricardo Costa – is executive chef at the first Michelin starred restaurant in Porto – Pedro Lemos became the second just last year for the 2015 Michelin restaurants in Spain and Portugal Guide. Although only born in 1979, Costa has worked in many hotels and restaurants in mainland Portugal, Madeira, Spain and England. He earned his first Michelin Star for the Largo do Paço restaurant in Amarante and then in 2011 headed to the Yeatman where that same November he gained Michelin One Star status for The Yeatman Gastronomic restaurant for the Michelin 2012 guide.

Yeatman – The Yeatman restaurant is housed in the luxury Yeatman hotel in Vila Nova de Gaia – Porto. Owned by the company behind  Taylor’s Port, it is named after the family’s historic link with the city, and drawing on its owners’ expertise in both fine wine production and luxury hotel management has become one of the world’s leading wine hotels. The gastronomic Yeatman Restaurant earned its Michelin star for the 2012 Guide and has retained it ever since.  Ricardo Costa brings to the Yeatman restaurant an imaginative cuisine based on the traditional flavors of Portugal presented with contemporary flair. Added to the fine food and wine offered at  the Yeatman restaurant are the fantastic views of the River Douro and the historic center of Porto which, when all combined,  guarantee an extraordinary experience.

Experience Portugal’s growing gastronomy and fantastic wine regions on a Gourmand Breaks Private Food, Wine and Cultural Tour to include Portugal.  An ever-increasing destination choice with our guests Portugal can easily be combined with Spain  for a two-center vacation giving you the chance to indulge in the Best Michelin Starred Restaurants in Spain and Portugal.