Beijing remains to be one of the few places where English speakers are hard to find – be sure you have your hotel’s business card with the name in Mandarin with you at all times (as Jamie and Serena recently found out after being abandoned by their cab driver who spoke no English). An obvious stop is the Forbidden City.
Bei
One of about 5 restaurants in the much talked about, and very trendy, Opposite House, Swire's first hotel. The service was impeccable, the wine list interesting and the Japanese food by Chef Max Levy was incredibly good. Well worth trying. April 2010: Jamie
Beijing Governmental Cuisine
I had heard about this place through the FT, so Serena and I went to check it out. We were greeted with cheers and a warm welcome - as the only non-Chinese in the restaurant, we were something of a curiosity. No English spoken here, but we navigated the menu reasonably well and had some excellent, as well as exceptionally spicy, food; all washed down with a few choice beers. A good way to acclimate to Beijing and get away from the endless hotel food on long business trips. No wine here! April 2010: Jamie
Dadong
This was my favorite restaurant in my last two week trip to Asia. Our driver insisted on us going here……it has a traditional setting, which is simple, but stylish and elegant. The restaurant is known for having the best roast duck (Beijing’s specialty) –whether it does or not, I have no idea, but it is very, very good! Crispy, lean and delicious – I like simple places that do one thing very, very well. We also had deep fried sweet & sour fish, which was also pretty good. And a glass of Chanson’s Chablis washed it all down just fine. While this place is no great secret – it is worth going. September 2011: Jamie
LAN Club
A vast, raw warehouse space for the hip Beijing crowd - eat in your secluded dining area, wrapped in your own private curtain, before rocking the night away - fun! March 2010: Jamie
Maison Boulud
Daniel's furthest outpost is typically "Daniel" - great design that means it feels like you are both in China and in a Daniel restaurant. The night that we went it was late and deadly quiet, but it is supposedly humming most of the time. A typically professional Daniel restaurant - worth trying if you have time, though it's a long way to go for Daniel! September 2011: Jamie
Beijing Clubhouse, Hong Kong Jockey Club
If you can find a member to get you in, this is a perfect, tranquil, sophisticated retreat, where you can get over the jetlag, get some sport to restore the body and either work or relax. There is a big concentration on wine in all the restaurants and their team take very good care of us. March 2010: Jamie
The Opposite House
Definitely a current hotspot in the Sanlitun district - Swire's first hotel is attracting quite a buzz. Spacious, modernist and whacky, with about 5 different restaurants and bars - the ones we tried were all excellent. Ideal for more adventurous travelers and worth checking out even for the less exotic minded. January 2010: Jamie
The Park Hyatt
Great atmosphere, with a good vibe – stylish, modern and fun. Took a while to find where everything was in the room, but hey, that’s a modern luxury hotel nowadays. Good for both business travel and hanging out in Beijing.
The wine craze has hit an all new level in Hong Kong, and we are racking up frequent flier miles on Cathay (the only way to fly – flat beds are a must for any 15+ hour flight) as our auction business there keeps expanding.
So much time there has helped us progress past ordering just shrimp dumplings, and despite what you may read about wine pairing with Chinese food, we are happy to report that certain dishes like frog’s legs with garlic and chili, Peking duck and sliced beef shank are all worthy dishes for a wine dinner.
Listed below are restaurants and hotels that have become part of our routine.
8 ½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA
This is my new favorite Western restaurant in Hong Kong – good: atmosphere, food, wine and service; and, yes, you can bring your own wine (for a corkage charge). Impressive and reliable – the quality is as good as at any other top class restaurant in one of the great capital cities of the world, which is not very often the case in Hong Kong (for Western food – the Chinese food is pretty much always superb!). Well worth trying and I will definitely be booking a table for my return to HK in March. PS - Good bar if you only want a drink, but I would stay on for dinner. January 2012: Jamie
China Club
We have had several great dinners here, where the dining rooms are fabulous, the atmosphere is magical and the food and service are excellent. They have a lot of wine pouring experience, so like most places in Hong Kong, the wine service is impeccable. Go if you are offered the chance. April 2010: Jamie
Fook Lam Moon
Our favorite restaurant in Hong Kong – we always try to get here at least once each trip. Excellent food and HKD100 corkage – that works! January 2010: Jamie
Hong Kong Club
We have held many dinners here - the food is excellent and the wine service impeccable. Well worth going if you are invited. January 2010: Jamie
Mak's Noodle Ltd
If you need a little sustenance during the day while exploring Hong Kong, stop by Mak's Noodle for excellent Won Ton Min (shrimp dumpling with noodles) and Yau Choi (Chinese broccoli) - this is very basic and very cheap, but good. If you like fancy restaurants, this is not for you. If you like good noodles in a hurry and don’t mind sitting on a stool, it's the right place. Chinese fast food that's way better than McDonald's. January 2010: Jamie
G/F, 77 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2854 3810
Open 11am to 8pm
No corkage (not the kind of place you would want to bring any wine!)
MO Bar at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental
A popular weeknight bar and a pretty good hamburger for when you want to give the chopsticks some well-earned rest.
Yung Kee
Our second favorite “restaurant” in Hong Kong, though we have never managed to eat in the actual restaurant, as we have always dined in the Kee Club next door, which has been both spectacularly entertaining and superb. If you get the opportunity, go! April 2009: Jamie
Zuma
Another restaurant in the Landmark Mandarin Oriental, this time serving top class modern Japanese food in stylish surroundings - but what is important is that the substance matches the style (cool, but not too cool; good music not muzak; and not too loud, particularly for those of us who did too much shooting without earplugs). Nothing not to like here......whatever we ordered was excellent - the Chef, Dan Segall runs an impressive operation.
Cafe Lavinal
Another great Cazes success, as they have developed the little hamlet of Bages from a group of run down buildings into a little village, the center of which is their wonderful Café Lavinal - a low key, non chi-chi place for breakfast, lunch or dinner - recommended. April 2008: Jamie
Chez Greg
Herve Berland at Mouton Rothschild introduced Bob and I to this fun, modern restaurant right in the centre of Bordeaux next to the Opera - worth trying. January 2007: Jamie
Le Cochon Volant
If you are ever fed-up of chi-chi French food and just want simple, but excellent, hearty bistro fare, try this. We escaped Vinexpo (and the endless client dinners) and had a fun, relaxed evening away from wine-speak. The food is good, the wine list interesting—it even strays outside Bordeaux—and it's in a neighborhood which makes for some entertaining viewing, but if you get an outside table, keep your wallet safe! A favorite of Melanie Tesseron who put us onto this place. Recommended. June 2010: Jamie
Le Lion d'Or
The Bordeaux wine-makers home away from home with, naturally, a very friendly corkage policy. If you spend much time on the left bank of Bordeaux, you will certainly end up here one day. April 2010: Jamie
Au Logis des Remparts
A great budget hotel, right in the middle of Saint-Émilion. Everything (including the internet) works impeccably and it has a wonderful breakfast to set you up for the day. Recommended for those on a budget. March 2010: Jamie
Cordeillan Bages
Part of the Cazes family empire - this is by far the best place to stay in the Medoc - everything is modern/contemporary, including Thierry Marx's food, who has now garnered 3 Michelin Stars. Nice, if a little bare, but perfectly located. Recommended. April 2008: Jamie
Hotel de Normandie
Right in the center of town - this hotel has been recommended to us, but we have not yet stayed there - as soon as we do we will let you know our thoughts.
Sources de Caudalie
Our home away from home - we love staying here. The Cathiards are a very talented family with Smith Haut Lafitte and Sources de Caudalie. The hotel is set among the vineyards and is incredibly peaceful with perfect views. If you don't like the gym (like me) you can go running in the vineyards. The spa, swimming pool and bar are all just as you want them and the food in both restaurants excellent. When we bring clients to Bordeaux, we always stay here - I know we might have to drive a bit further, as we are a little down south, but waking up at Sources de Caudalie is well worth it. April 2008: Jamie
Castel de Très Girard
A good spot for lunch with an excellent wine list. Try to get a spot on the terrace in the back overlooking the pool and the vineyards. Also a hotel. 2010: Duncan www.castel-tres-girard.com
Caveau des Arches
The sort of food which has made Burgundy famous prepared by chef/owner Marc Gantier. A comprehensive wine list and cool modern dining room underground in a former cellar. In winter, you must try the Beef Bourguignon. 2010: Duncan info@caveau-des-arches.com
Chez Guy
Excellent food here under chef Yves Rebsamen, formerly of Ledoyen. An excellent wine list, reasonably priced, and the terrace in the center of town is the perfect spot for lunch, or to relax at dinner after a long day of tastings. 2010: Duncan
www.chez-guy.fr
Hostellerie des Clos
A one-star Michelin Restaurant in the capable hands of chef and owner Michel Vignaud. Superb food and the most comprehensive Chablis wine list in town. This is also a hotel with reasonable pricing and a perfect spot to begin your tour of the Yonne. 2010:Duncan
www.hostellerie-des-clos.fr
L’Ecusson
Modern, inventive food with an excellent wine list, and, near the train station. Also has a nice terrace for summer dining. 2010: Duncan www.ecusson.fr
L’Espérance
At times, spoken of as the greatest restaurant in France. Currently at two stars from Michelin, Marc Menau’s food is sublime. Classic French food prepared in his dining room overlooking the parc. The Poularde de Bresse en papillote is not to be missed. 2010: Duncan
www.marc-meneau-esperance.com
La Table de William Fevre
This bistrot, next door to Hostellerie des Clos, is also run by Michel Vignaud. As you might imagine, a comprehensive selection of Chablis from William Fevre. Try the terreace in the courtyard for lunch. 2010: Duncan
Tel. 03.85.42.19.41
Le Chambolle
Eric and Martine Claudel run this excellent restaurant tucked away in a small alcove in Chambolle. He is in the kitchen and she is in the dining room. Simple French fare, immaculately prepared, with a good list of local wines. Finish your meal here with the terrific caramel ice cream, made on site. A small dining room, so be sure to book in advance. Reservations only by telephone (03.80.62.86.26)
2010: Duncan www.restaurant-lechambolle.com
Le Chevreuil
Terrific food here in the center of Meursault right across from the 15th century church. The Gouges family serve excellent traditional fare here accompanied by a wine list featuring the best of Meursault, from Coche-Dury to Pierre Morey and Dominique Lafon. A smaller room, so book in advance. 2010: Duncan www.lechevreuil.fr
Ma Cuisine
The best wine list in Beaune is eclipsed by Fabienne Escoffier’s food. Pierre Escoffier is in the dining room, and you are in sure hands with his recommendations. The restaurant, in the Passage Sainte-Hélène, is small, so be sure to book ahead and do NOT miss the desserts. 2010: Duncan macuisine@wanadoo.fr
An ever-growing city, Taipei boasts the world’s second tallest building – the 101 Tower. It is quite a view from the top (and windy!), but if you are worried about earthquakes, we would suggest checking it out from street level. For those adventurous types, a meal at the Night Market is required. This typical Taiwanese street food is delicious, but not for the weak – the good news is Stephen and Michelle lived to tell about it.
Le Caprice
I love Le Caprice - if I take a day flight, after checking in it's about 9.30pm, so I stroll over (from The Mayfair - see my hotel recommendation) and usually find a place at the bar. After a couple of glasses of wine and some reassuring English food, I feel fully restored and back at home in my own country - that's all it takes!- and I am ready for work the next day. April 2010: Jamie
Noor Jahan
You gotta love the Noor. I have been going to the Noor, one of my favourite Indian restaurants in London, for over 20 years and it always delivers - same great Indian food, same quirky service - good beer and decent enough wine to pour down with a spicy curry. I only wish I could find the same in NYC. Not fancy, but a great local restaurant. April 2010: Jamie
Sir Charles Napier
This is in Chinnor, approximately 50 miles (80km) from London.
One of my all time favorite restaurants, run by the mother of a good friend, Caroline. I have lived in New York for 15 years and there is no restaurant like it here, so we try to get back to the Sir Charles Napier as much as we can. When living in London, we frequently would drive down for a long (or very long) Sunday lunch - driving back was the issue. Good local beers, a great wine list and lots of good English food, particularly game. Worth a detour! August 2007: Jamie
The Wolseley
If you arrive on the red-eye, try breakfast at The Wolseley - it's a perfectly civilized heart-starter with all those good old English options (bacon and egg sandwiches, eggs with soldiers and I am sure they even have the good old kipper). If your room is not yet ready, this will make up for it. It's also very good for lunch, dinner or in between. April 2010: Jamie
AOC
Thomas' new place, where there is a set menu (no other options) every night, seems quite popular. Although, when I was last there, it was Thomas' only place that was not heaving, plus the poor Maitre d' had to give everyone a five minute explanation of the restaurant before seating them, which seems too much hard work for me. April 2010: Jamie
Bouchon
For those expecting a touch of the French Laundry magic, think again. This is a well designed (Adam Tihany), stylish room with good bistro food and a fun, relaxed atmosphere. It's always a great place to eat - so long as your expectations are not too high - with excellent service and an interesting, fairly priced wine list. And, don't forget about the excellent Bouchon Bakery next door - great for breakfast and a sandwich for the plane ride home. Somehow, this is the best part of Napa for me, so I always make a stop here and never regret it. August 2006: Jamie
Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen
I like this low key, down to earth restaurant with solid food and a good list. April 2010: Jamie
French Laundry
For me, this is easily the best restaurant in the United States, if not the world. Get a table (if you can) and let the time slip by in Thomas' garden - out in Napa, who cares how many courses it is and how long it takes, just enjoy it. I have been lucky to have several memorable dinners here and it does not get much better than this. April 2010: Jamie
Terra
After 18 years, the staff seem to have lost their enthusiasm - being aloof rather than inattentive. The raw dishes (hamachi and tuna ceviche) were excellent, the rest rather disappointing, except for a good and reasonably priced wine list. October 2006: Jamie
Palm Beach is no gastronomic temple, so here is a survivors guide. At least the sun always shines there!
New York is home to our retail store, on the Upper East Side (UES as the locals call it). Most of us call the city home as well, and we are definitely spoiled when it comes to eating well. There are simply too many restaurants to list as ‘favorites’, but to a visitor it is easy to go wrong – below are our current recommendations – the insider’s guide if you will...
Balthazar
Keith McNally's magic keeps on working - this long time favorite is packed from morning 'til night and for good reason - delivering terrific classic French food, at affordable prices in a great atmosphere. The wines at all of Keith's restaurants are overseen by the talented and low key Chris Goodhart, who does an excellent job ensuring that there are always interesting wines on each of the restaurant's list. Thank you Chris! We go to Balthazar as often as we can. Also worth trying are his other joints Pastis, Schiller's and the newly opened Pulino's. April 2010: Jamie
Bar Boulud
Another Daniel restaurant - this one with great charcuterie and good Burgundy and Rhone - opposite Lincoln Center. April 2010: Jamie
Cafe Boulud
Another Daniel restaurant on the Upper East Side that always delivers - great food and great service - no wonder it is always packed with movers and shakers -very good. April 2010: Jamie
DBGB
I love DBGB - this is my type of restaurant - good simple food, incredibly well executed, and with real flavor. This is alongside an interesting wine list and a very professional staff. Daniel Boulud may be the most professional restaurateur in NYC. April 2010: Jamie
Hasaki
Great value sushi for those on a budget - we come here a lot with our children. April 2010: Jamie
Jean Georges
Jean Georges is one of New York's great restaurants and the great man is often there. I prefer lunch (which is a fantastic deal if you go for the set menu) to dinner, and the first room, to the more formal second one. I always try to pick his Asian infused dishes, particularly the fish with broth, as these are exceptional. You never have a bad meal here. I am not such a fan of JG's other restaurants, which I have found very uneven over many visits during the last 15 years, but Jean Georges has always remained at the top of its game. April 2010: Jamie
Kurumazushi
They are not giving it away, but the best quality is always expensive and this is the best sushi I have had in New York. Toshi is a master of superbly fresh and delicate fish. I recommend passing over all the very mediocre sushi in most restaurants and saving up to have the chance to sit at the bar. But be warned it is expensive to sit there. January 2007: Jamie
Le Bernardin
My favorite restaurant for lunch and about the only place I eat fish - the reason being that Eric Ripert cooks it better than anyone else. I like to room for lunch (less so for dinner). I think Eric is the most creative Chef in the city and look forward to every visit with anticipation of what I will taste. I also think that Le Bernardin offers incredible value for the money, as the quality of the food and service is so much higher than his competitors, yet the pricing remains fair. Go any time you can. April 2010: Jamie
Le Charlot
Classic, well run bistro on the UES, close to Sotheby's, with an interesting wine list (they are good clients of our auction business!). Good solid food and you always have a good time, so worth remembering if you are close to Sotheby's. February 2010: Jamie
Lupa
One of my all time favorite Italian restaurants from the very talented Batali & Bastianich team. Great antipasti and pasta that is simple and not over done - also kid friendly for weekend lunches. We always want to come here more than we actually do, as getting a table can be tough. April 2010: Jamie
Mary's Fish Camp
We love this "no reservations" spot for lunch - the cod sandwich, or lobster roll, and a glass of Sancerre works very well. January 2010: Jamie
Minetta Tavern
Keith McNally's newest venture reaffirms his position as one of the best restaurateurs in New York City alongside Daniel Boulud, Danny Meyer and the Batianich/Batali team. McNally's newer venture delivers a steakhouse with great style - fabulous steaks, good wine, and even better eye-candy. What's not to love about this fun new hangout that's a tough table to get, even in this economy? August 2009: Jamie
Otto
This is Bastianich and Batali's pizza, salumeria and wine joint, which has been hugely successful - we like to go there on weekends with friends and our children - it's always a great time and we find fun wines on their extensive list - most of which we have never heard of before! April 2010: Jamie
Phoenix Garden
Recommended to me by Eric Asimov of the NY Times, this is my favorite Chinese in NYC for a couple of reasons. First, it does not have a liquor license so it's BYOB, no corkage. Secondly, the food is excellent. And, I will add a third, if there is a big group of you (we tend to go for late Sunday lunch with friends and our children), they don't bring all the food out at once, so lunch is not over in 20 minutes. Instead they manage it at a nice pace, so you enjoy a good number of different wines. The result: some seriously long lunches. February 2010: Jamie
PJ Clarke's
Need a good burger, but also a glass of wine to go with it? Try PJ Clarke's……we love other burgers (JG Melon, the burger place at the Meridien hotel and Danny's Shake Shack) but we like to sit down and enjoy it with a decent glass of wine. April 2010: Jamie
Sasabune
There are few decent restaurants around Sotheby's, but this is an excellent Japanese one, and, like most good Japanese, it is not cheap. Their logo includes: "No Spicy Tuna. No California Roll. TRUST ME" and that is great advice - just leave it to them and you will have an excellent lunch or dinner. Definitely recommended, if you are in the hood and, for me, a lot better than Sushi of Gari. February 2010: Jamie
Serefina
Serafina has been making great pizzas in a fun atmosphere, at an affordable price, for longer than the 15 years I have lived here. Always worth going for a relaxed lunch or dinner and great with children. April 2010: Jamie
Spigolo
By far our favorite UES Italian - Scott and Heather Fratangelo make a great team and we frequently try to snag a couple of seats at the bar on our way back home. It is small, so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment. Some of Scott's pasta dishes are the best that I have eaten in NYC and we also found the La Zolla Barolo here that we love so much. April 2010: Jamie
Sushi Yasuda
Our favourite mid-range sushi restaurant, with excellent quality and an elegant room, at a bearable price. April 2010: Jamie
The Boathouse
On a sunny spring or summer day, there are few better places than having a drink at The Boathouse in the middle of Central Park. April 2010: Jamie
The Mark by Jean Georges
I was there when it just opened, so Jean Georges was holding court- always a treat. Fun and stylish room, which is much better than I expected, with a mix of jacket & tie Upper East Siders, along with a more edgy crowd. The menu covers everything from Jean Georges classics to a burger - all the food was good to excellent. A strange mix being half hotel and half restaurant, but it works and is a very welcome addition to the UES - we'll be back...frequently. February 2010: Jamie
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