The ‘Bid for Recovery’ Auction – opening on Friday 3rd July – is the first of the fundraising initiatives at the heart of our 50 Best for Recovery programme, where all funds will be given back to the global hospitality industry as it emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic. Here, we take you on a global tour highlighting 23 once-in-a-lifetime experiences you will soon be able to bid on
Grab a chance to plan an out-of-this-world gastronomic holiday while you help support struggling hospitality businesses worldwide. The ‘Bid for Recovery’ Auction, running from 3-12 July, will feature more than 150 incredible lots in total, curated and donated by the world’s best restaurants, bars, chefs and bartenders, as well as 50 Best’s partner brands. The auction will be conducted online on the website 50BestForRecovery.com, which will be live from 1st July, while all auction lots can be previewed on the Digital Auction Catalogue. Click here for a full breakdown of how the funds will be distributed. Now enjoy this selection of unforgettable experiences and stay tuned to 50 Best Stories in the coming days as we reveal more highlights.
USA
Ultimate Cocktail & Dining Experience with World’s Best Bar Dante in New York
Dive into the world’s finest cocktail bar with this 2-day package in New York, courtesy of Dante, voted No.1 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2019. With your base at a top New York hotel, you’ll explore the best of this incredible cocktail bar and restaurant, enjoying dinner and drinks at Dante’s original Greenwich Village site as well as its new West Village branch. You’ll also go on a cocktail tour of NYC with Dante owner Linden Pride and take home a Negroni-making kit at the end of your stay.
Mexico
Insects, Mezcal and Mole: A Mexico City Tasting Tour with Édgar Núñez
Discover the best of Mexico City with Édgar Núñez, chef-owner of the celebrated Sud777. This one-day personalised tour with the chef includes a market breakfast and tasting of local herbs, insects and mezcal; lunch at Núñez’s traditional, casual Mexican eatery Comedor Jacinta; a full tasting menu dinner with drinks at Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants favourite Sud777 and cocktails at the Mexican capital’s coolest bars.
Peru
Fishing and Feasting in Peru with Mitsuharu Tsumura of Maido
Take a Peruvian seafood adventure with Micha Tsumura, chef-owner of Maido, the three-time No.1 in Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants. As part of this extraordinary three-day trip, you will discover the best of Lima with the chef’s insider tour of the local markets and eateries. You will enjoy full tasting menus with drinks pairings at Tsumura’s own restaurant, Maido, and at Ámaz, the restaurant serving unique Amazonian cuisine from chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, winner of the 2019 American Express Icon Award. You will then travel with Chef Tsumura to the north coast of Peru for an incredible fishing trip, where you will explore the local beaches and cook the day’s catch after a day at sea.
Argentina
A tour of Buenos Aires gastronomy with chef Germán Martitegui
Discover Buenos Aires through the eyes of Germán Martitegui, chef-owner of Tegui, crowned Best Restaurant in Argentina in five editions of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants. As part of this 1-day tour with the chef himself, you will visit Buenos Aires’s bustling Mercado Central to try typical local cuisine before eating lunch in a traditional tavern in La Boca. In the afternoon, you’ll drink maté and browse stores before heading to Tegui for a special tasting menu dinner with drinks pairing.
Brazil
The Rio de Janeiro Fishing, Dining & Luxury Hotel Experience with Lasai
Discover Rio de Janeiro through the eyes of Rafa Costa e Silva, the talented chef behind Lasai, part of the extended World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019 list. You will take a morning boat trip with Lasai’s fishermen, followed by a traditional lunch. In the evening, enjoy a full tasting menu dinner with drinks at Lasai. The experience includes two nights at the newly renovated Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana, including cocktails and dinner.
UK
Luxury London Cocktail Experience at The Savoy’s American Bar
Experience true luxury with an overnight stay at the iconic Savoy Hotel in London, including an incredible cocktail experience at American Bar, crowned World’s Best Bar in 2017. You’ll enjoy an en-suite dining experience with a spectacular view over the River Thames before indulging in a private cocktail tasting with the expertise of your American Bar host. Finally, you’ll take away a signed copy of The Savoy Cocktail Book to relive those memories at home.
France
Game, Set & Match: 2021 Roland Garros Women's Final or Men's Semi-Finals & 3-Day Paris Package
This luxurious 3-day package will allow you to experience the combined excellence of sports and gastronomy. A partner of the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros since 1978, Perrier is offering tickets to watch either the 2021 women’s final or a men’s semi-final between 5 and 7 June 2021. You will be based at the legendary 5-star Hotel George V, enjoy a private chauffeur for the duration of your stay, and have the opportunity to take part in other extraordinary activities in Paris, from a fragrance workshop to fine lunches and dinners.
Plant Your Own Tree & Tasting Menu Experience at World’s Best Restaurant Mirazur
Make an investment in nature by planting the first-ever tree of your choice at the Mirazur Sanctuaries garden in Menton, within the grounds of The World’s Best Restaurant 2019. As part of this special auction prize, you will be welcomed with a private tour of Mirazur’s vegetable gardens. Your tree will hold a plaque with your name and will be nurtured by the team with ongoing care and attention. You will also enjoy a special tasting menu lunch inspired by nature at Mirazur, cooked by world-famous chef Mauro Colagreco, take a tour of the kitchen, meet the team and receive a case of wine and a set of Stem Zero wine glasses to take home, courtesy of Nude Glass.
Unforgettable Parisian Dining Experience with Four Seasons Hotel George V
Enjoy the experience of a lifetime with three award-winning chefs, courtesy of the George V in Paris. Chef Simone Zanoni will drive guests in an electric hybrid Porsche from Paris to Versailles, home of the kitchen garden of his restaurant, Le George. The chef will help guests select and pick seasonal fruits and vegetables for their subsequent cooking lesson at Le George with Chef Zanoni and Chef Alan Taudon from restaurant L'Orangerie, also located in the luxury hotel. To end this exceptional day, partake in a Champagne tasting with chef Christian Le Squer before he cooks you dinner at the property’s world-renowned restaurant, Le Cinq.
Belgium
Tasting Menu at Hof Van Cleve Plus Rare Hand-Crafted Kitchen Knife
Enjoy a true taste of Flanders, home to The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2021 awards, at Hof Van Cleve, the legendary restaurant from renowned chef Peter Goossens that stands at No.43 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019. Over a tasting menu lunch or dinner, you will try an array of local produce driven by the seasons. You will also take home a rare kitchen knife made from 500-year-old maple root wood and crafted by Antonie Val Loocke, one of Flanders’ most renowned craftsmen. The knife comes with its own certificate.
Denmark
Geranium Gastronomy & Wine Experience for 4 in Copenhagen with Rasmus Kofoed
Go behind the scenes to discover the magic of Geranium, No.5 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019, with co-owners Rasmus Kofoed and Søren Ledet. You will begin this full-day adventure with a trip to the Danish countryside for breakfast at Chef Kofoed’s home, followed by a trip to a nearby organic farm. Then enjoy a private wine tasting with world-renowned sommelier Ledet, before a full dinner with wine or juice pairing at Geranium.
Germany
Ultimate Berlin Gastronomy and Clubbing Experience with Nobelhart & Schmutzig
Let Nobelhart & Schmutzig shepherd your voyage into Berlin’s vibrant food and club culture with this money-can’t-buy package. The experience starts with lunch with the restaurant’s head chef Micha Schäfer, then you will visit menswear designer Frank Leder’s showroom and womenswear specialist Kristin Schönenberg’s “apartment” store for a shopping opportunity, followed by a make-up artist appointment at your hotel. Next, enjoy a 10-course dinner at Nobelhart & Schmutzig. Finally, visit Berlin’s famous clubs with Nobelhart’s well-connected owner Billy Wagner.
Italy
Adventure in Alba: Piemonte Food & Wine Experience with Piazza Duomo
Experience the best of Italy’s famed gastronomic region of Piemonte with the ultimate trip to Piazza Duomo, guided by chef Enrico Crippa and GM-sommelier- Vincenzo Donatiello. As part of your visit, you will tour the Piazza Duomo garden with Chef Crippa, before a VIP wine tasting in the beautiful Ceretto Winery to taste a selection of Ceretto’s best crus. Finally, you will enjoy a chef’s table experience with a special menu designed by Crippa and innovative wine pairings courtesy of Donatiello.
Iconic Lake Garda Tasting Tour with Lido 84
Experience stunning Lake Garda through the eyes of Riccardo and Giancarlo Camanini, the brothers behind iconic restaurant Lido 84, winner of the Miele One To Watch Award at The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019. As part of this exquisite Italian escape, you will take a trip on the beautiful Lake Garda, as well as a guided tour of the Vittoriale degli Italiani palace and historic paper mill, lunch in a traditional local trattoria and enjoy an overnight hotel stay. Your trip will be rounded off by an unforgettable meal at Lido 84 for a taste of dishes such as Chef Riccardo’s iconic cacio e pepe en vessie.
Slovenia
Ultimate Slovenian Food & Wine Immersion with chef Ana Roš
Discover the stunning Soča Valley with Ana Roš, World’s Best Female Chef 2017 and chef-owner of the multi award-winning Hiša Franko. As part of this experience, you will take a foraging trip in the breathtakingly beautiful valley with chief forager Miha, followed by a picnic in a mountain cabin. Then meet Roš and the team, before enjoying the full dining experience at Hiša Franko with wine pairing and an overnight stay. Finally, take home a signed copy of Roš’s fascinating new book, Sun and Rain.
Russia
3-Day White Rabbit Dining Experience in Moscow with Vladimir Mukhin
Step inside the world of White Rabbit with Moscow’s most famous chef, Vladimir Mukhin. Over three days in the historic capital, you will experience the best of Russian gastronomy, dining at restaurants including White Rabbit, Chef’s Table and Selfie. This truly money-can’t-buy experience also includes a personal market tour with Mukhin, followed by a meal at his family home.
India
Ultimate Delhi Culinary & Cocktail Tour for 4 with Indian Accent
Delve into Delhi’s culinary treasures with charming chef Manish Mehrotra of Indian Accent, the six-time Best Restaurant in India. Starting with a morning tour of the city’s gastronomic gems, you will take in the sights and smells of Old Delhi’s Spice Market, followed by a tasting menu lunch with wine pairing at Indian Accent. In the evening, take part in a cocktail class led by award-winning mixologist Varun Sharma, followed by the ultimate Indian comfort food dinner at Comorin. You will also take home a signed copy of the Indian Accent cookbook and a special cocktail-making kit.
Singapore
The Ultimate 4-Day Singapore Gastronomy & Hotel Experience with Odette
As part of this four-day experience with accommodation at both the iconic Marina Bay Sands and opulent Capella Singapore hotels, guests will take in the best of the city’s superb cuisine and cocktails. The trip includes: a meal at two-time Best Restaurant in Asia, Odette, a dinner at wood-fired cooking specialist Burnt Ends and drinks at Atlas, No.5 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars; plus a guided tour of Singapore’s hawker stalls with local expert Evelyn Chen and time spent with Odette chef Julien Royer.
A curated tour of Singapore’s vibrant food and drink scene
Discover the finest food and drinks in Singapore with an experience curated by The London Essence Company. With your base at the stunning Shangri-La Hotel, you’ll enjoy a special dinner at Origin Grill followed by a personalised rum masterclass at Origin Bar. Then, you’ll explore Singapore’s world-famous street food scene and discover the unique foraging philosophy of Native with award-winning bartender Vijay Mudaliar. Complete the experience with a special Modern Singaporean dinner crafted by ‘the Godfather of Mod-Sin’, chef Willin Low, and a tour of the city’s best cocktail spots, including The Best Bar in Asia 2020, Jigger and Pony.
Hong Kong
Luxury Hong Kong Gastronomy & Hotel Package with Amber Chef Richard Ekkebus
Discover Hong Kong through the eyes of leading chef Richard Ekkebus of Amber, winner of the Sustainable Restaurant Award at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2020. With your base at the luxury Landmark Mandarin Oriental’s one-of-a-kind Entertainment Suite, you will be privy to Ekkebus’s insider recommendations for exploring all aspects of the city. Back at the hotel, you’ll be treated to a full multisensory dinner experience at Amber, followed by a delicious Melbourne-style breakfast at Somm the next morning and a signature Chinese Meridian Massage at the hotel’s Oriental Spa.
Macau
2-Day Luxury Wynn Palace Gastronomic Experience with André Chiang in Macau
Discover the ultimate in luxury at the Wynn Palace resort with two days of unique gastronomic experiences in Macau. With accommodation in the exquisite Fountain Salon Suite, this special stay includes a spa treatment, a personal cooking class with globally acclaimed chef André Chiang and special dinners at his restaurant Sichuan Moon and Cantonese specialist Wing Lei Palace, both featured on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2020.
Japan
Fishing & Feasting in Tokyo with Florilège chef Hiroyasu Kawate
Discover the full Japanese seafood experience with a day of fishing, cooking and feasting with chef Hiroyasu Kawate of the brilliant Florilège restaurant in Tokyo. After a morning out fishing, the chef will give you a private lesson in how to cook the day’s catch, followed by a tasting menu dinner at Florilège, consistently voted in the top 10 of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Australia
The Ultimate Sydney Coffee & Cocktail Experience with Maybe Sammy
Discover Sydney via the warmth and hospitality of Maybe Sammy, No.43 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2019, with a city tour that includes the finest coffee, pizza and cocktails. You’ll learn about roasting and cupping with Maybe Sammy coffee, take a neighbourhood trip to bars like Continental Bistro and Jacoby’s, learn to make Neapolitan-style pizza and even create your own cocktails. You’ll end your trip with a unique insider’s bar crawl to experience the best of Australian hospitality.
Chefs and restaurateurs have taken care of us for a long time. Now it’s time we take care of them. Help save restaurants by spreading the word about the ‘Bid for Recovery’ Auction and sharing this article with your friends, family and on your social media channels - and, of course, start thinking about the lots where you will make your bids!
Learn more about the auction in our video and subscribe to 50 Best TV for more content:
Stay tuned over the next few weeks to discover more of the incredible experiences included in the 50 Best ‘Bid for Recovery’ auction, and follow us on Instagram @TheWorlds50Best, on Facebook @50BestRestaurants and on Twitter @TheWorlds50Best to stay up to date with the latest news.
Reporting by Laura Price and Giulia Sgarbi
