The World's Top Ten Restaurants 2009

The World's Top Ten Restaurants 2009
San Pellegrino's Crème De La Crème List of the Best Restaurants
It's that time of the year again when gastronomes across the globe await the unveiling of San Pellegrino's 50 best restaurants in the world. This year sees El Bulli retaining the top spot while Spain's El Celler de Can Roca enters the elite list. Here's a quick guide to the top ten.

1 El Bulli, Spain
This name is synonymous with molecular gastronomy thanks to owner and chef, Ferran Adrià's futuristic vision that has influenced chefs worldwide. A master at playing with techniques and flavours, his food excites and delights at the same time. Said restaurant critic AA Gill in his review for The Times: "I shan't damn El Bulli by saying it's the best restaurant in the world, but it is a masterclass in the metaphysics of how, what and why we eat, while still being dinner." The restaurant also took gold for the Best Restaurant in Europe.
Log on to www.elbulli.com

2 The Fat Duck, UK
Called a 'culinary alchemist', owner and chef Heston Blumenthal is known for his snail porridge and nitro-scrambled egg and bacon ice cream, both of which make an appearance on his current tasting menu. Honours comprise of three Michelin stars for the restaurant, in addition to, several personal accolades for Blumenthal including an OBE (2006) and GQ's Chef of the Year (2004). According to the website, Blumenthal's works on a simple philosophy i.e. eating is a multi-model process (involving all senses).
Log on to www.fatduck.co.uk

3 Noma, Denmark
Serving gourmet Nordic cuisine, this restaurant is helmed by Rene Redzepi whose resume includes stints at El Bulli and the French Laundry. Located in a renovated warehouse in Copenhagen, the menu celebrates the area's cuisine and culture with a modern approach using top-class ingredients flown in from several Nordic regions (read langoustines from the Faeroe Islands and musk ox from Greenland). Moving up seven places in the list this year, Noma also took the Chef's Choice award.
Log on to www.noma.de

4 Mugaritz, Spain
The rustic setting of Mugaritz on the outskirts of San Sebastian is a stark contrast to the food executed by the culinary genius that is Andoni Luis Aduriz (who once worked at El Bulli). Expect sublime combinations like white clay coated potatoes with aioli and beef flavoured with vine cutting embers. Say reviewers on Foodtourist.com: "The food here has a purpose, is produce-driven and exhibits intensity of flavour that comes from a deep understanding of the produce rather than slick manipulation through technology."
Log on to www.mugaritz.com

5. El Celler de Can Roca, Spain
Crowned the highest climber on the list (21 places) this restaurant is a real family venture as its run by three brothers Joan Roca (head chef), Josep (maitre d' and head sommelier) and Jordi (pastry chef). Dishing up traditional Catalonian cuisine, recommended dishes include suckling pig with oranges and cloves and rosemary and truffle soup. Aside from the fact that the restaurant has two Michelin stars, few are aware that their wine cellar holds five rooms where videos of the vineyards are displayed.
Log on to www.cellercanroca.com

6 Per Se, USA
Named the Best Restaurant in the Americas, this Manhattan restaurant is owned by The French Laundry's Thomas Keller and is described as an 'urban interpretation of The French Laundry (based in California)' on its website. Although subtle connections are seen in both restaurants (read blue doors and Oysters and Pearls on the menu), this restaurant still manages to hold its own. Two seasonal nine-course tasting menus celebrating modern US cuisine are available daily.
Log on to www.perseny.com

7 Bras, France
Although built in the rustic Aveyron region on top of a plateau, Bras has an extremely modern appearance with the floor-to-ceiling glass of the dining room. The menu is deeply in touch with nature and serves items like pork shoulder and baby cabbage, crisp-cooked peas with rabbit in olive oil and sometimes when Bras's own mother visits she cooks her signature Aligot dish.
Log on to www.michael-bras.com

8 Arzak, Spain
Since 1897 this location has been in the Arzak family and is currently under the watchful eye of Juan Mari Arzak and his daughter Elena. With three Michelin stars it offers Basque cuisine that celebrates locally-sourced fresh ingredients. Think of uncanny combinations like lamb with espresso and egg and truffle flower in goose fat with chistorra (chorizo sausage) of dates.
Log on to www.arzak.es

9 Pierre Gagnaire, France
This doyen of French culinary expertise also had his restaurant Reflets in Dubai, UAE debut at 100. His food is often described as art on a plate and guests have come to expect the unexpected with his clever play of textures. Dishes recommended by The New York Times include the chicken with truffles (done two ways with the breast in aspic and thighs chopped into pieces) and roast duck and turbot cooked in a bag and served with Provençal lemons and fennel.
Log on to www.pierre-gagnaire.com

10 Alinea, USA
Owner and chef Grant Achatz was Thomas Keller's former sous chef and Alinea has been decribed by San Pellegrino as having the 'most cutting edge food in America'. The tasting menu includes delicacies like the famous PB&J (peeled grape dipped in peanut purée and wrapped in brioche) and bacon with butterscotch, apple and thyme. Says Chicago Sun-Times writer Pat Bruno of his 12-course meal: "My experience was one of awe mixed with admiration."
Log on to www.alinea-restaurant.com

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