B.Log November 2009
Babylon did Thanksgiving, now for Christmas!
Having never been to a Thanksgiving celebration before, it seemed like a good idea to go along to Babylon to experience theirs, which we had heralded here on site a few weeks ago. Apart from Babylon’s normal menu, Head Chef Ian Howard had added an American themed special for each course in honour of the occasion.
Coriander… makes the difference
In the swish ‘Poggenpohl’ kitchens of Harrods, I meet the very lovely Pinky Lilani OBE who is hosting an intimate cookery master class featuring dishes from her latest book “Coriander… makes the difference” Featuring a selection of Pinky’s favourite recipes using coriander as well as some charming words of wisdom from 40 of Pinky’s friends and colleagues, the book is billed as “Wisdom and recipes to feed your soul and warm your heart”.
The Nation’s Favourite Dinner Party Host Revealed
If you would like to be in with a chance of winning one of four packs to help you host the perfect dinner party, go to our competitions page and enter our After Eight competition.
Cutting Cheese on Moxon Street
Douglas Blyde attends the launch party of Marianne Lumb's 'Knife Skills' book at London's premier cheesemonger, 'La Fromagerie'
Zia Teresa hits 50
Restaurants often lay claim to being the oldest something or other. Bizarre – as I increasingly slip into that category I’m not going to shout about it. This fortnight, I’ve been to London’s oldest Hungarian, the earliest French, and now, Zia Teresa, the first to plant its boot shape into the city’s culinary foundations.
On top of the f******g world!
Gordon Ramsay launches his new book Gordon Ramsay’s World Kitchen (The F Word) high up above London in Centrepoint. Sabrina Ghayour is whisked up in a lift to be encouraged to catch a glimpse of the England's Greatest Living Chef and to join the crowd of beautiful people in worship at his altar.
Shabu Shabu, a swish way to eat at Wholefoods market
We were invited to the press evening for the launch of this Japanese food outlet at Whole Foods Market in Kensington, on the first floor of the old Barkers building. Whether alone, which in this environment would feel perfectly natural, or in a group, it is a novel and interesting way to eat.
Grosvenor House Hotel’s Afternoon Tea – a Red Letter Day (re-visited)
Having been given a Red Letter Day gift of Afternoon Tea for two at one of some five Marriott Hotels in London about a year ago, I finally got around to using it recently, about a week before its validity expired. The tea arrived, a three tiered silver server, a little bent out of shape, which was quite ironic, as by the end of the afternoon, so was I.
Sipsmith Gin and Vodka – a good mouth-feel (as they say)...
So, it would have been rude to turn down a very civilised invitation to join the Sipsmith team at The Dorchester Bar in order to taste their wares, well, it would, wouldn’t it? It seemed like only seconds after our arrival that Sipsmith’s gin and tonics were thrust into the steely grip of each of us.....
