A brand new free guide published by the Guild of Fine Food lists every one of the five-hundred and ninety-six top tasting food and drink products awarded gold in this year’s Great Taste Awards along with their star rating.
Credit Crunch menu at Bentley’s upstairs grill
The latest hip term of the year is “credit crunch” and restaurants around London are finding many ways to help out diners being more careful with their pocket money until the economic crisis slows down. Bentley’s Grill wants you to enjoy their fine meals at reduced prices with a new menu in its upstairs rooms on the borders of Soho and Mayfair. A daily-changing set menu has been created for weekday lunches and pre and post-theatre, offering the classic Bentley’s experience at even better value.
Stop child abuse with Fairtrade-certified chocolate Advent calendars
Last year before Easter, Amnesty International expressed concern about the treatment of West African children forced to work on cocoa farms, in spite the world’s biggest chocolate companies pledging to eradicate forced child labour from their supply chain. With these sorts of unethical practices behind chocolate production, it makes sense to search out companies certified Fairtrade. Divine Chocolate, a UK Fairtrade chocolate brand, is offering some delightful products this year for you to give friends and family, knowing that a cooperative of 45,000 farmers have been paid fairly and own part of the company.
Cookbook series to help cooks get portions right and save money
A recent poll of British adults from OnePoll revealed that a total of £2.7 billion will be slashed from spending and that 9% of those interviewed will cancel having friends and family over for the holidays in order to save money. According to James McIntosh, a UK home economist, it is possible to cook delicious meals this Christmas without following elaborate recipes and overspending. James’s new book mix. is a comprehensive guide to basic proportions in cookery, giving the quantities needed for simple, everyday, holiday recipes.
Celebrate New Year’s with Italian flair
The New Year in Italy is one of the most festive holidays of the year, celebrated in some regions for up to twelve days. Families and friends gather for Cenoni, a huge feast, and after dark, the sky is so filled with fireworks that pedestrians are told for their safety to avoid sidewalks and walk down the middle of the street. In keeping with this important Italian tradition, award winning Theo Randall has put together a five-course menu for New Year’s celebration at the InterContinental.
Newest Magdelana cutlery pattern marks Osborne’s 300th Anniversary
You can be certain that a silverware company in business for three hundred years more than likely knows what they are doing. To celebrate this milestone, Sheffield manufacturer, Osborne Tableware, has created Magdalena, a 21st-century, contemporary design to hand down to generations. Also in celebration of their long-standing success, they are introducing a limited-edition range of cutlery. Can you guess the number of sets available? A clever three hundred. What fun!
Rossopomodoro – An Italian in Notting Hill
If you like your Italian food as authentic as possible try Rossopomodoro. Located in the heart of Notting Hill this split level eatery is flying the flag for all things Italian.
Home Made by Tana Ramsay
It’s easy to knock Tana Ramsay, although perhaps best not to do when the old man is around, but it’s also unfair too. Sure she’s the wife of a very rich and powerful man but unlike say Nigella, she wasn’t born into money and status and at the end of the day she is a down to earth mother the like of which can be seen as guests, hosts or victims any day on Daytime TV…..
Christmas lunch from Lyon Gourmand’s Chef of the Year at Ambassade de l’Ile
Following the success of his Lyonnais lunch menu, Jean-Christophe Ansanay-Alex has introduced a special “Traditions de Noel” lunch menu for December at Ambassade de l’Ile in Lyons. The holiday menu costs £35 and offers a selection of amuses bouches, followed by Duck Fois Gras au Torchon, with toasted Mousseline Brioche and Quince Ketchup. The beginning courses are followed by Veal, Duck and Pork Pie à la Bourgoise. The meal concludes with a selection of sweets and friandises and a cheese course is available for an additional cost.
New Menu at Strada for winter
Don’t worry. You’ll still be able to order Strada’s famous hand-spun pizzas or pasta and risotto favourites. But now that the new menu is out, you can begin your meal with tasty starters like Gnocchi alla Bava – gnocchi with a Fontina Valdostana cheese sauce, and Ribollita – a rustic, hearty Tuscan soup providing a taste of rural Italy.