lai'Tcha
A famous restaurant in the 1st arrondissement of Paris is Yam'Tcha. If you have watched Chef's Table France on Netflix then you know the story of chef Adeline Grattard who learned cooking in China and combines the kitchens of China and France.
Yam'Tcha has a Michelin star, is very popular and needs a reservation a long time in advance.. There is also Yam'Tcha boutique, run by Adeline's husband. It's a great place for a cup of tea and a bao (I will never forget the bao with cherries and Stilton)
The couple opened a third restaurant which is more accessible than Yam'Tcha, and more like a bistro, but then with Chinese dishes.. This restaurant is called lai'Tcha. One night I passed by without a reservation and got a table.. It was a special night as chef Adeline was cooking herself. A special tasting menu with a lot of delicious dishes. Later we paid another visit for lunch, and also the regular dishes were very nice.
And I even got a chance to get a chat & a picture with the chef herself
40 Maltby Street
The restaurant where I have had most dinners in all of my life is 40 Maltby Street in London. Always surprising dishes and always great. In that time I did spend a few days in London every month, and this was a great place for sole-dinners and get some inspiration on creative cooking. I still check their Instagram regularly to get some inspiration on what to try. Although my dishes are never as good as theirs.
40 Maltby Street started as a winebar in the railway arches of Maltby Street where you could get a small dish with your wine. Theu still have the great wines (with always a good selection by the glass) but the menu has expanded with a new blackboard full of dishes every week.
On lists of great restaurants in London, 40 Maltby Street is always praised for their innovative dishes and the use of local produce. Definitely a must-go when visiting London.
