The prospect of dinner as a resident at a five star hotel restaurant is an occasion to anticipate. Unquestionably there is a danger of letting the plush surroundings cloud your judgement. However, if you are able to resist being influenced by the grandeur and keep your eye on the ball, then every so often you deduce that perhaps the hotel is not fully committed to fine dining.
Thai Festival preview at Lancaster Gate
The Lancaster Hotel in Hyde Park played host to a launch event organised by The Royal Thai Embassy, showcasing some of the wonderful food, drink and culture that the Nation has to offer. Brilliantly organised, the event was engulfed in a welcoming, friendly atmosphere organised spectacularly to a supreme level of hospitality.
Putting the grape into Great Britain – English Wine Week
The UK wine industry is growing at an impressive rate. Based on data collected at the 2008 harvest there were 416 vineyards recorded in England and Wales with more cropping up in Scotland, Channel Islands and Ireland. Is this an indication that English wines are finally being taken seriously? Caroline Sargent talks to Julia Trustram Eve from English Wine Producers.
Clotted cream at Browns – and a top scone recipe too
Anita Pati has her fill of Rodda’s clotted cream in all its naughty glory when she meets the makers at Browns Hotel. Chef Fabien Ecuvillon whips up some delicious patisserie for her and shares his scones recipe with us.
Sesame Crusted Trout Fillets with Spring Vegetables in Miso Soba Noodle Broth
In a bid to fight an oncoming cold, I was searching for some kind of comfort food to fill me with energy and cleanse me from the inside out… Don’t worry, I haven’t gone all ‘Zen’ on you, but sometimes greasy, chunky, starchy comfort food just doesn’t cut it and you crave something fresh, light and heart-warming.
Chelsea flower & veggies week news, commencing 24 May
Yet more interesting offerings for you to choose from in celebration of the Chelsea Flower Show and Vegetarian Week.
Aqua Kyoto, Argyll Street, London
When I first heard of Aqua I thought it was an odd combination, bringing together two quite different cuisines, Japanese and Spanish, in one restaurant and of course anyone else would be forgiven for thinking the same. Aqua Kyoto is an excellent restaurant, the surroundings are plush, bordering on opulent and service there is second to none. We had a brilliant evening there.
The Anthologist, Gresham Street, London
How the City has changed… it doesn’t seem so long ago that the area around the Bank of England had just a smattering of shops and watering holes: these days, the penny has dropped that everyone needs to eat, drink and buy things. In these days of cookie-cutter shops and wine bars, The Anthologist are doing something different, something which has clearly taken a lot of thought and effort.
The Blues and Bourbon. A classic mix
The London blues music scene is having a a bit of a revival at the minute and bars and clubs seem to be springing up all over the Capital. Places to go for a drink or two and hear the blues played live.One of the most popular of these new venues is The Blues Kitchen on
Camden High Street.
My Grill – Pete Evans
It’s against the flow of female chefs that My Grill (subtitled Food for the Barbecue) from Pete Evans makes its debut. Evans is well-known in his native Australia, where he has owned restaurants, and appears regularly on the Australian version of MasterChef – cooking doesn’t get taffer than that! – as Greg Wallace might say.