Persian’Mirza Ghasemi’ Aubergines

I don’t know how to best translate what this dish is into English. It is not a dip and definitely not your trendy aubergine ‘caviar’ but it is traditionally eaten as a side dish (or starter) with other dishes like grilled meat and chicken or even a stew with rice.

Tomato & Onion Pie, Finnish-Style

We tend to think that the French and Italians have the lead when it comes to tarts and pies made with tomatoes and onions. But think again: those ultra-health conscious Finns have a food culture all of their own and here is a simple and very versatile Finnish recipe from the Fruisana Kitchen.

Compare the Mark-Ups

Leonid Shutov of Soho’s ‘Bob Bob Ricard’ restaurant first became interested in premium alcoholic drinks whilst living in Russia. Douglas Blyde talks to him about preparing the best wine list to complement a Russian-accented, Great British menu.

Petrus, Kinnerton Street, Knightsbridge

Gordon Ramsay’s latest opening comes in the shape of the re-vamped and re-located Petrus restaurant. The new location is so discreet that you could miss it, which in fact exactly what happened but I found it eventually. The staff at Petrus are very friendly; the food is really very good and even better than that is the value you get with the unbeatable set lunch menu is almost unbelievable.

Mestizo, Hampstead Road, London

A short walk from Euston station, Mestizo adds a vibrant splash of colour to the rather grey part of central London in which Hampstead Road sits. It is a popular restaurant, serving great authentic Mexican food in a friendly atmosphere.

Dollada, London

There’s no doubt Dolada offers a real Italian experience quite unlike any others and for my money far better than Heinz Beck at Apsleys. The cotoletta could be cut from the menu and the lamb tagliatelle re purposed, but I’d go back just for a bucket of that Frico. It was friccing fantastic.

The Refinery, Southwark Street, London

The Refinery is one of three sister bar/restaurants in London that, we understand. have the same standard menu, but have differing daily specials, depending on what’s available from local markets. If you find yourself in SE1, it’s worth venturing away from the perhaps better known spots close to London Bridge or Waterloo, and spending some time there.

The Milroy, now open for plebs like us

The Milroy restaurant, is at No.5 Hamilton Place. Previously it was a bit select, only members of Les Ambassadeurs Club got in, but now The Milroy isalso be open to non-members for lunch. It’s a rare chance to experience a part of London’s oldest private members club.