If you google the name of the head chef at Papillon, you’ll see it listed in many languages you might not be able to read: Chinese, German, Vietnamese, and French to name a few. David Duverger isn’t just the talk of the London, he seems to have gotten the attention of much of the world. It isn’t everyday that a well-known chef decides to eBay himself off for Christmas to raise money for a charity.

On Wednesday, 3 December, the Black Boy Inn in Milton will offer a feast made from local produce alongside the opportunity to buy gifts directly from producers. And for this shopping trip, all under one roof, no umbrellas will be needed. The Black Boy Inn’s head chef Kevin Hodgkiss has prepared a menu using entirely local seasonal produce, including “Upton Smokeries” goose breast with berry salsa & shaken oak sweet honey mustard dressing, or “The Meat Joint” made with rosemary & redcurrant sausages. Guests will be able to try the “Country Deli” Christmas pudding or “Oxford Cheese Company” cheese board. With Homemade mince pies served with handmade Grand Marnier truffles, the dinner alone is an event not to be missed.

Crouch End, the London setting for numerous movies and even a horror short-story by Steven King is now home to a new restaurant. St James, on the site of Florians, hopes to bring in the neighbourhood crowd and with their sophisticated menu, attract diners from all over London. The new venue has a smart bar, a small, semi-private room ideal for groups, a bright restaurant, and a peaceful patio area.

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.

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.

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.

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