As November draws to a close, and our ‘Gourmand’ issue reaches its end, we’re spotlighting six phenomenal women in the culinary world – including Nieves Barragan, Skye McApline, and Judy Joo – who never fail to inspire.
Scroll on to discover their favourite lunch spots, foodie cities, and more…
Your favourite spot for breakfast is… Dusty Knuckle for their cinnamon bun or I'll have a great egg and jalepno brioche from Casey's Clapton.
Your favourite spot for lunch is… Cafe Cecilia who recently just opened near Broadway Market; Towpath; or a spot for one at the bar in Koya in Soho.
Your favourite spot for dinner is… Garden Cafe at the Garden Museum is always 10/10 for food or Brawn or Bright; so many great places.
Your favourite restaurant in London for a special occasion is… Gosh, I went to Sessions Art Club the other day and I thought that would be the perfect place for a special occasion.
The city with the most wowing food scene is… Copenhagen/ London.
Three must-visit restaurants (anywhere in the world)… Blue Hill Stone Barns, US; Juu-go, Japan; Bistrot Paradou, France.
Where would you have your last meal, and what would it be? It would probably be a market haul from France. Rottiserie chicken and potatoes, pate, tapenade, cheese, quiches, endives, artichoke, pickles, ham, oysters, baked cheese, tomatoes, butter beans, and confit garlic. The whole hog.
Follow 26 Grains here.
Your favourite spot for breakfast is… a buttery, jam-filled croissant and rich hot chocolate sitting at Café Florian in St Mark Square in Venice. The best view and the best breakast.
Your favourite spot for lunch is… Spring in Somerset House. It's such a beautiful, light-filled room and the food is exquisitely light.
Your favourite spot for dinner is… Maison Francois – their dessert trolley is the stuff of dreams.
Your favourite restaurant in London for a special occasion is… The Dining Room at Maison Estelle – it's the prettiest dining room in London. You feel like yuo're stepping into a movie set.
The city with the most wowing food scene is… I love NYC for new and exciting restaurants and such a cornucopia of different cuisines and culinary philosophies.
Three must-visit restaurants ( anywhere in the world)… The River Café in London; Lo Scoglio in Nerano on the Amalfi Coast; and Superiority Burger in NYC.
Where would you have your last meal, and what would it be? Tagliolini gratin followed by Torta alla Meringata and chocolate ice cream at Hary's Dolci in Venice.
Follow Skye McAlpine here.
Your favourite spot for breakfast is… Towpath Cafe. It's by the canal with an amazing view. Their cheese toastie with quince jam is terrific.
Your favourite spot for lunch is… Barrafina is very easygoing.
Your favourite spot for dinner is… Brat. Their smoked cod roe and turbot is something everyone should try, and their cheesecake is really delicious.
Your favourite restaurant in London for a special occasion is… River Cafe's fresh pastas and 'chocolate nemesis' dessert is the best for special occasions.
The city with the most wowing food scene is… Beirut. Their flavour combinations are phenomenal. They are very generous with the food. Very welcoming people.
Three must-visit restuarants (anywhere in the world)… Tulum, Australia; Zubeyir, Istanbul; Kiln, London.
Where would you have your last meal, and what would it be? My mom's food, without any doubt. My region is known for oil-braised vegtables. Zahter will have lots of those vegetable dishes as well. Any kind of oil-braised vegetable would be my last meal.
Follow Esra Muslu here.
Your favourite spot for breakfast is…The Wolseley.
Your favourite spot for lunch is… Lyle’s,
Your favourite spot for dinner is… Fallow.
Your favourite restaurant in London for a special occasion is… Mere.
The city with the most wowing food scene is… London.
Three must-visit restuarants (anywhere in the world)… D’Berto, Galicia; Casa Antonio, Cadiz; Asador Etxebarri, Atxondo, Spain.
Where would you have your last meal? Pujol, Mexico.
Follow Nieves Barragan here.
Your favourite breakfast food is… Korean street toast in Seoul.
Your favourite spot for lunch is… mussels at Giardino Eden on Ischia.
Your favourite spot for dinner is… Nakazawa in New York or maybe Soneva Fushi on the beach in the Maldives.
Your favourite restaurant in London for a special occasion is… Sketch.
The city with the most wowing food scene is… New York City.
Three must-visit restaurants (anywhere in the world)… French Laundry, Yontville, California; Gaon, Seoul, Korea; Arzak, San Sebastián, Spain.
Where would you have your last meal, and what would it be? Per Se in NYC would be my first stop and I’d indulge in the tasting menu full of truffles and caviar. Then I’d hop to Koreatown and eat a spicy bowl of silken tofu soup at ChoDangGol. Then sushi at Nakazawa. Then a great slice of apple pie a la mode at Bubby’s… or maybe NY cheesecake at Juniors.
Follow Judy Joo here.
Your favourite spot for breakfast is… The Wolseley. I began going years ago as a junior beauty journalist and was immediately smitten. I love the attention to detail, the people watching, the poetry of the room, and frankly anywhere that serves me a croissant that’s so flaky I end up wearing more of it than I consume has my heart.
Your favourite spot for lunch is… The River Cafe. Ruth Rogers has remained faithful to her vision and they serve stunning Italian recipes that are simple but rely on the very best produce. Reading their menu is like reading an ode to the good life.
Your favourite spot for dinner is… Bocca di Lupo – my husband and I had endless date nights there. There are so many new Italian openings in London but we still love the OG. The drinks and service are always on point and mood is jovial and civilised, which is why it has been a regular over the years for us. After all these years, Jacob Kennedy has still got it.
Your favourite restaurant in London for a special occasion is… Currently MiMi Mei Fair. The Peking duck is to die for – the skin is crackly, melting, and parchment thin. Plus, it’s a place that I can put on a frock for. After living in pyjamas over the lockdown I am really enjoying dressing up again.
The city with the most wowing food scene is… London of course! Hands down. Our multitude of cultures and narratives is what makes our food scene so varied and interesting. Long may that continue.
Three must-visit restuarants (can be anywhere in the world)… I could go fancy here – but I am going to choose the places where I have been the most relaxed and happy. Shree Thaker Bhojanalay for the best seasonal thalis I have ever eaten. They grind ancient grains on site to make a variety of fantastic Indian breads. Nargis in Nairobi for nostalgic East African Indian food. It always reminds me of my late father. I don’t drink beer but if I did, I would raise a Tusker beer to him. Trattoria Dardano in Cortona – no one makes a better (or larger sized portion of) tiramisu than the owner Paola Castello who also happens to be the most genial and generous host.
Where would you have your last meal, and what would it be? In Naivasha in Kenya – the flower gardens there are ethereal, plus I have such an emotional connection to the country where I was born. I would eat anything my mother had cooked. She is hands down the best cook I have ever known.
Follow Ravinder Bhogal here.
Any Questions or Tips to add?