We caught up with Santiago Lastra, head chef at Kol…check out what he told us!

What is your favourite dish on your own menu and why?
I have severals but at the moment is the Mextlapique, Halibut cooked in corn husks with British pippin, because it represents the best sides of the two worlds (Mexico and UK).

What is your desert island dish?
Grilled fish over coconut coals.

What is your favourite seasonal dish?
I personally love autumn, when the mushrooms are in season makes me really happy, so I will say a wild mushroom quesadilla, or also wild garlic with razor clams.

What drink would you pair with it?
Mezcal and orange wine forever.

What is your favourite restaurant in London and why?
It is hard to tell, they are several. ATM I would say Noble Rot – the people are amazingly friendly, so as the wine list and Paul the chef is just perfect! Every time I go there feels like my birthday.

What is your favourite London pub and why?
I guess I haven’t been here enough time to answer this…but I will say any pub is good!

Who is your most hotly tipped young chef?
Tom Anglesea from Laughing Heart.

What is your favourite thing about Taste?
Memories, Texture and Spice.