Combat Catering. Feeding the masses at Standon Calling

It looks like the aftermath of some terrible nameless war; people staggering about dazed and more than a little confused, their clothes covered in mud and debris. There are some shapeless lumps of human life on the grass half concealed by blankets, whilst others are supporting each other as they walk. All over the carnage hangs a thin pall of smoke. Welcome to Standon Calling.

Masala Zone Bayswater

The Panjabi sisters’ latest Bayswater offering epitomises what the expanding Masala Zone chain excels at – tantalising thalis, tribal-styled interiors and cheap chow. And its bouquet of wet-saried women (on posters, not at the pass) is sure to enchant the average solo male diner. But while its starring dishes twinkle, can it afford to let its standards slip on those that don’t?

Cultured Milk:’Frae’

Rather than silver spoons, two Glaswegian entrepreneurs were seemingly born with biodegradable starch ones in their mouths. We investigate the craze coming to a high street near you – virtuous yet decadent, frozen yoghurt.

Courgette and Pea Frittata

When fresh peas are available this is a great way to eat them, thawed frozen peas can always be substituted. This frittata also tastes delicious if mint is added instead of tarragon.

Bengal Clipper

Tucked away in the trendy riverside passages of Shad Thames lies ‘Bengal Clipper’ restaurant, which in its 15 years of trading, has been awarded more accolades than you could shake a stick at.

Bombay Brasserie’s Cookery Demonstrations – a great experience

Having reported on Bombay Brasserie’s forthcoming cookery demonstrations recently, we decided to go along and give them a try. This is a great way of spending a lunch with friends, or maybe as a work team building exercise, eating great food, whilst learning some Indian cookery techniques. At £40 per head we can see that this would be an affordable, opportunity for groups to learn, share and bond in an excellent atmosphere and a stylish location.

YO! Indulgence

The people at YO! Sushi have recently created eight new dishes in their YO! Indulgence range. These are available only at the YO! Sushi outlet in the food hall of Selfridges, each dish priced at £6 per portion. Having heard about this development we went along to try them.

From Roulette to Rillette:’Murano’ on Celebrity Equinox

From working at Washington’s ‘Watergate’ to opening Las Vegas’ ‘Playboy Bunny’, Jacques Van Staden now has a new ambition – for his upmarket restaurant on ‘Celebrity Equinox’ to be the first at sea to win a Michelin star. In advance of its naming,Douglas Blyde made haste to Southampton to appraise the newest and most environmentally friendly cruise ship.