1. The Clove Club, London
The Clove Club, situated in the heart of Shoreditch, is undoubtedly one of Tom Parker Bowles’ favorite places. The restaurant, established in 2013, has a modern approach to British cuisine, with a focus on using locally sourced ingredients. Parker Bowles has lauded the Clove Club’s innovative tasting menu, which changes frequently and features dishes like raw Orkney scallops and Herdwick lamb with sweetbread and lovage.
2. Gjelina, Los Angeles
Located in the trendy Venice Beach area of Los Angeles, Gjelina has become a hotspot for food lovers. The restaurant, known for its farm-to-table ethos, offers a variety of seasonal small plates, pizzas, and pastries. Parker Bowles has praised Gjelina’s rustic chic vibe, friendly staff, and creative dishes like the smoked trout crostini with pickled mustard seeds and horseradish cream.
3. Din Tai Fung, Taiwan
Tom Parker Bowles has a soft spot for Taiwanese street food, and Din Tai Fung is his go-to spot for dumplings. The restaurant, established in 1958, has now expanded its operations to over 14 countries. Its signature dish is the steamed pork dumplings, which Parker Bowles has declared as some of the best in the world.
4. Osteria Francescana, Italy
Osteria Francescana, located in Modena, Italy, is one of the most renowned restaurants in the world, with three Michelin stars. Chef-owner Massimo Bottura is known for his avant-garde approach to Italian cuisine, which has won him numerous awards. Tom Parker Bowles has raved about the restaurant’s inventive and visually stunning dishes, such as the ‘five ages of Parmigiano Reggiano’ and the ‘oops! I dropped the lemon tart.’
5. Chez L’Ami Jean, Paris
Chez L’Ami Jean, a traditional Basque restaurant located in Paris’s 7th arrondissement, has been a favorite of Tom Parker Bowles for over a decade. The restaurant serves homely and generous portions of classic French dishes like cassoulet, foie gras, and roast chicken. Parker Bowles has described the restaurant’s convivial atmosphere and warm service as a “delightful throwback to a bygone era of Parisian dining.”
In conclusion, Tom Parker Bowles’ favorite places are a testament to his diverse and discerning palate. From innovative fine dining to traditional home-cooked dishes, his culinary adventures showcase the richness and variety of the global food scene. As Parker Bowles himself said, “The best food doesn’t have to be expensive or served in a grand dining room. It’s the small details in a dish that make it extraordinary.”