Editor’s letter

It’s with spring in full bloom that we’re proud to announce a new addition to the Food and Travel family. Our Portuguese edition launches this month out of Lisbon, which happens to be one of my favourite cities. To celebrate it with proper fanfare, we are devoting our lead feature to the capital (p30). Please join us in raising a shot of cherry brandy to Jose and the team there.

We begin the issue in conversation with Monica Galetti, who gives us a frank and honest account of her rise to fame as she opens her first solo restaurant, Mere (p18). James Martin is then on hand with some recipes from his French adventure (p44) and

Food and Travel regular Linda Tubby has myriad ways to make the most of the humble egg (p50). We also take a fresh look at Zurich, a city with a po-faced past that’s modernising fast, with its food and drink scene leading the way (p68).

Asia has seen a huge number of hotel openings over the past year and we’re bringing you the best. It was no mean feat picking our top seven, but after much healthy debate (read: argument), I know you’ll be happy with the list (p78). As Scandinavia shrugs off the long winter nights, the region erupts into a riot of festivals and colour. If a spring break is on your agenda, we have your itinerary sorted (p84). But if Britain’s springtime splendour is more your thing, our 10 Best B&Bs will be just the ticket (p94). Mark Sansom Editor