This chef will reportedly receive his first Michelin star this year, according to Ottolenghi
If you manage to inspire Yotam Ottolenghi, you know you’ve made it. The bestselling author has been in the Netherlands since this afternoon, and FavorFlav’s Renée had the great honor of interviewing him. She asked him everything under the sun, including: which chef should we keep an eye on?
London: the culinary capital of Europe and also home to the world’s most successful cookbook authors. Think Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson and, of course, our all-time favorite Yotam Ottolenghi, who is currently storming all the bestseller lists with his cookbook Simple, published last autumn.
His first Michelin star?
When asked which chef we should keep an eye on, according to him, Ottolenghi doesn’t have to think for long. “London is bursting with great restaurants and chefs. Ramael Scully was head chef at NOPI (one of Ottolenghi’s restaurants, ed.) for six years and opened his first restaurant last year: Scully. I know few chefs who are so creative while also being so skilled when it comes to aging, drying and fermenting. He is much more knowledgeable about that than I am.”
Planning to eat there? According to Ottolenghi, you have to order his arepa with eggplant sambal and bergamot labneh. “I was genuinely impressed by that. I’m sure Ramael will receive his first Michelin star this year.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjfLhdQBK2z/
High-end Spanish cuisine
Nieves Barragán Mohacho, owner and chef of Sabor, which opened in 2017 and was awarded a Michelin star in 2018, is also someone to keep an eye on, according to Ottolenghi. At Sabor, Barragán puts Spanish cuisine on the map. “She serves Spanish dishes from different regions. I wouldn’t immediately describe her style as modern, but it is high-end and very special. Yes, you really have to eat here.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhTjRnLh_UY/
Impressive dessert buffet
And if you’re planning to go to London anyway, don’t forget to make a reservation at Ottolenghi’s own restaurant. I ate at his restaurant in Spitalfields a few years ago and I still sometimes dream about that grilled octopus with chorizo and salmorejo. The impressive dessert buffet, filled with tahini brownies, lemon tarts and other treats, is also a good reason to make an effort to secure one of those highly coveted tables. Can’t manage it? You can always stop by to buy a cake at the Deli for the flight home.
Also read:
- 4 places to eat and drink in London
- Ottolenghi, but simple
- FavorFlav in the car with Ottolenghi
- Recipe: Ottolenghi’s spiced apple cake
Image: Renée Conradi
