Hunan

One of the most memorable yet in some ways humble meals I have ever had was at Hunan in London. Humble because for a tasting menu it was not wildly expensive and there was no foam or other modernist flourishes; just very beautiful (in our case, vegan) Chinese food (Taiwan, Hunan, Sechuan). It was also portioned in a way that I wasn't overly full or hungry (which is a delicate balance at tastings in my experience). Lunchtime is nice because its less expensive and the area is pretty for a post-lunch walk.

I don't like following recipes or using cookbooks mostly because I'm a lazy cook who just wants to get some food in their body without too much fussing but I was so inspired that I bought a cookbook and learned a lot, especially about vinegars. It was lost in a move but I want to buy another cookbook because I think there is still a lot for me to learn from Hunan.