Osteria Francescana (Modena, Italy)

We have made Osteria Francescana the main dining event of our honeymoon trip. We chose to stay at Bologna, which is a 45 minute train trip from the restaurant’s town of Modena.

The classic menu offers a twist to all the regional cuisine and ingredients. Every dish was a highlight but my favourites would be the “5 ages of Parmigiano Reggiano in different temperatures and textures” (self-explanatory), “all the tongues in the world” (very tender veal tongue with exciting choice of sauces), and “foie gras crunch with Traditional Balsamic Vinegar” (best pre-dessert I have had).

World #3 ranking well deserved.

1. Tempura with carpione
2. An eel swimming up the Po River
3. Caesar salad in Emilia
4. Five ages of Parmigiano Reggiano in different temperatures and textures
5. Cotechino 365 days a year
6. Snails under the earth
7. All the tongues of the world
8. Foie gras crunch with Traditional Balsamic Vinegar from Modena
9. A potato waiting to become a truffle


Details:
Osteria Francescana
Via Stella 22
Modena, Italy
http://www.osteriafrancescana.it/

Meierei in Stadtpark (Vienna Austria)

Ahead of our stay in Vienna, I tried to book at the reputed Steirereck Restaurant in Stadtpark. Unfortunately it is under renovation during our stay so we went to the casual Meierei downstairs instead.

White asparagus was in season and featured prominently in the menu. The simple starter with hollandaise sauce was excellent and brought out the sweetness of the asparagus. We also recommended the Viennese wedding soup and beef goulash from the signature menu.

Details:
Meierei in Stadtpark
Am Heumarkt 2A 
Stadtpark
Wien, Austria
http://www.steirereck.at/en/meierei/

Bo Innovation (Hong Kong)

We decided to take a leisurely lunch the day before the Big Panic (aka wedding reception) while in Hong Kong. I booked ahead for a table at Bo Innovation for a Friday lunch.

The HK$388 was good value and the waiting staff recommends a mix of entrees to be shared yum cha style – great suggestion. Dim sum dishes like prawn dumplings and spring rolls were given an interesting twist with the likes of caviar, pistachio and black truffle. The pigeon in the main course was tender and the shitake mushroom cake was the star.

Details:
Bo Innovation
Shop 13, 2/f,J Residence
60 Johnston Road
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
http://www.boinnovation.com/