Expecting ‘Pea’ and mint soup, my father looked startled when he received almost bare crockery (albeit by Thomas Keller). He soon relaxed when this was flooded at table with chilled, softly textured liquid that captured the verdant spirit of an English garden. It came with a crusted tuille of polenta and fresh, yielding Parmesan custard, served separately. Inspired and invigorating
Here’s to you Mr Robinsons – all natural squashes for the summer
Whenever I think of Robinsons drinks I think of a small boy in grey shorts, an S-belt holding them up and a pair of Startrite sandals on his socked feet. Me in fact. However the makers themselves move with the times and have now launched their first squash made entirely from naturally sourced ingredients. Robinsons be Natural™ is designed to appeal to mums and kids alike.
Fat Duck flies into London 2010
“Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and The Fat Duck Group have joined forces to create the first London restaurant with Chef Heston Blumenthal which will open at Mandarin Oriental’s award winning property in autumn 2010.
Talking balls at the Bluebird Cafe in Wimbledon fortnight
The giant sunglasses of the cool clientele are rotated like satellite dishes to the TV screen showing ten-foot tall tennis players. It’s not Wimbledon but maybe somewher better, the forecourt of the Bluebird café. Nick Harman asks Chef Mathew Burgess about his service at this Chelsea icon.
Taste the art of Tio Pepe
Tio Pepe is bringing the Art of Good Taste Guide to life in July with an interactive masterclass with experts from the online guide and lots of good food and drink to match. The event will be held at award winning bar and restaurant, Camino, in Kings Cross, on the evening of Tuesday 21 July. Tickets are free and available on a first come, first served basis
Gold! Aneke Spacie launches Twisted Favourites
I couldn’t choose which was more exciting – the revolutionary deep-fried rocket or Tony Hadley’s cameo appearance. The 1980s crooner – whose band Spandau Ballet are making a comeback – had popped up to support his friend, chef Aneke Spacie at La Cucina Caldesi where Spacie was showing us recipes from her new book, Twisted Favourites.
Fullers Brewery
Glance left as you drive down the A4 out of London and you can’t help but notice the landmark Fuller’s brewing complex. Proving that he can indeed organise something in a brewery, Nick Harman went inside for a better drink, err..look
Keelung restaurant
So fresh is the fish, displayed in crates just inside the door, that the sea bass and mullet stare at you with accusing bright eyes, the crabs blow bubbles and neighbouring lobsters thoughtfully flex their claws against the restraining rubber bands.
Lanson champagne turns on the fizz this summer
Lanson Black Label comes with its own ‘keep cool’ neoprene jacket