28/06/2025

LYFE SATURDAY | JUNE 28, 2025 23 Japanese-Peruvian eatery tops best restaurant list

Sticker keeps jar of food cool when out of fridge IN Quebec, an agri-food group has found an innovative way to keep its mayonnaise cool by equipping the jar with an insulating sticker, using a material developed by Nasa. This allows the condiment to be kept out of the fridge for longer. It is almost hard to believe that no one has ever thought of this before, since it is a concept that could be useful for all kinds of food products. How many times have you left butter or mayonnaise out of the refrigerator for too long? But what if a clever label could help keep your food cool? The concept is no longer science fiction, so long as you have the right materials that can do the job. In this case, a high-performance insulator developed by Nasa. In Quebec, Groupe MAG – which specialises in the production of mayonnaise, salad dressings and other sauces – has teamed up with Montreal-based advertising agency LG2 to unveil a new campaign featuring a rather surprising jar. This is no ordinary mayonnaise container, as it can be kept out of the refrigerator for an hour thanks to an innovative type of label. The label is made with silica aerogel, a nanomaterial capable of maintaining a cool temperature inside the container. The idea is to make the condiment portable, so it can be used at picnics or on outings. For now, this MAG mayonnaise jar is being produced in limited quantities and distributed via social media. The development of this innovation may seem trivial, but it is important to remember the health issues that can arise from eating mayonnaise that has gone bad. This is because it contains egg. As such, care should be taken when it comes

M AIDO, a restaurant in Peru founded by chef Mitsuharu “Micha” Tsumura, was recently named the best eatery in the world for 2025 by the influential but controversial World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Founded 16 years ago, Maido features a Japanese-Peruvian fusion menu, and lunchtime diners in the sleek Lima o Located in Lima, Maido beats 49 others across globe

since 2002 by media group William Reed, based on reviews by one thousand “independent experts” such as chefs, specialist journalists and restaurant owners. The list has been criticised above all by French chefs, who accuse it of being clubby and opaque, but it is generally considered to be ahead of the Michelin guide in identifying the latest food trends. Its detractors – French, but also Japanese and American – launched The List in 2015, a ranking of 1,000 restaurants across the world that uses an algorithm to aggregate and analyse data from more than 400 international sources. – AFP

dining room were ecstatic about the win, shouting “Maido, Maido!” “The fusion of flavours at Maido is spectacular,” said Valentina Mora, 33. Restaurants from three continents made the podium of the World’s 50 Best, which was launched by a British press group to compete with France’s Michelin red guides. Asador Etxebarri – which offers Basque cooking in Atxondo, Spain – won second place and Quintonil in Mexico City was third. Maxime Frederic, at the helm of the Cheval Blanc Paris pastry shop and head pastry chef at Plenitude, was named Best Pastry Chef. The 50 Best award has been presented

to how it is stored. The risk is salmonella. Cooks have to be especially careful about this when making homemade mayonnaise. If you choose an industrially-made version – as in the case of the MAG brand – the recipe is made with stabilised eggs. The mayonnaise found on supermarket shelves contains preservatives, such as potassium sorbate or benzoic acid, as well as acidifiers. This Canadian brand’s project is therefore primarily a way to reassure consumers – with a clever campaign and packaging. Nevertheless, once the jar is opened, it is essential to store the mayonnaise in the

Lima’s Maido features a Japanese-Peruvian fusion menu. – AFPPIC

In Quebec, Groupe MAG has developed a label to keep mayonnaise jars cool when out of the fridge. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @GROUPEMAG

refrigerator for the specified time to prevent bacterial growth – even if the jar was purchased from a non-refrigerated shelf. – ETX Studio

Michelin Guide expands to Saudi Arabia, inspectors already at work THE Michelin Guide announced its latest expansion into the vibrant culinary landscapes of Saudi Arabia. This new selection will focus on the bustling cities of Riyadh and Jeddah, while also beginning to explore the diverse regions of the kingdom, including Khobar, AlUla and many more. destination, offering an exquisite blend of ancient history, rich culture and modern luxury. The kingdom’s diverse landscapes, from the vast deserts to the stunning Red Sea coastline, provide a backdrop for unforgettable experiences.

the quality of the cuisine proposed by the restaurants, which the anonymous Michelin Guide inspectors evaluate by following five universal criteria: 0 Quality of the ingredients 0 Mastery of cooking techniques 0 Harmony of flavours 0 Personality of the cuisine 0 Consistency over time and through the menu as a whole Michelin Guide restaurant selection The Michelin Guide conveys its restaurant reviews through a system of distinctions, which are awarded to special restaurants within its full selection. The most famous distinctions are its renowned Michelin stars, awarded to the restaurant offering the best culinary experiences. One Michelin star is awarded to restaurants for “high-quality cook ing that is worth a stop”, two stars for “excellent cooking that is worth a detour”, and three stars for “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey”. Alongside the coveted star ratings, the selection also includes

Poullennec (left) and Saudi Culinary Arts Commission CEO Mayada Badr in Riyadh.

It is home to several Unesco World Heritage Sites such as Diriyah, and its deep historical and cultural heritage sets it apart. This distinctive blend makes Saudi Arabia a choice destination for food lovers, history enthusiasts and avid travellers. Michelin Guide methodology The Michelin Guide was created in 1900 by the Michelin tyre company to support the growth of automobile mobility. Since then, it has remained loyal to its original mission: to settle in mature gastronomic destinations, to guide international travellers and local foodies to the best restaurants, to highlight world culinary scenes and to promote travel culture. The selection will be made according to the Michelin Guide’s methodology, focusing only on

The culinary guide revealed that its independent, anonymous inspectors have been thoroughly exploring these areas to identify the most outstanding dining establishments. This selection will highlight the best of Saudi Arabia’s dining scene, showcasing talented chefs and teams who embody passion, creativity and respect for local culinary traditions. “These past few years, our Michelin inspectors have been keeping a watchful eye on the kingdom’s culinary progression and continue to relish the wonderful spectrum that this fast-developing country has to offer,” explained Michelin Guide international director Gwendal Poullennec. Saudi Arabia stands as a unique

will be revealed in three stages. On the 15th of each month from October to December this year, the inaugural selection for Saudi Arabia will be unveiled on its digital platform.

the popular Bib Gourmand category, a distinction awarded to restaurants that provide good quality food at a moderate price. For the first time, the Michelin Guide Saudi Arabia 2026 selection