‘It’s probably not going to make me a millionaire,’ said Shabani as the barman charged our glasses for the third time before we decamped to another Mayfair stockist. ‘In fact it’s going to take three years to break even,’ he added. Douglas Blyde hears a tail of Konik’s Vodka.
Camino, Puerto Del Canario has a media party
Together with some 30 media colleagues, I arrived at Hays Galleria – by London Bridge – with a view to hitching a ride on the ‘sherry ferry’ to Canary Wharf pier. This trip had been arranged so that Richard Bigg could introduce us to his latest bar/restaurant, Camino Puerto Del Canario. Camino, Puerto Del Canarion really should be experienced, try getting there on the ferry, it’s very relaxing.
Minako at the Hilton Metropole launches
Sitting on the top floor of the Hilton Metropole in Edgware Road, Minako occupies a space that many restaurateurs would kill for. Facing south you have views across Hyde Park and for many miles beyond, it’s like a huge chunk of the London A to Z is set out before you.
The Scandinavian Cookbook – Trina Hahnemann
For many, the clichéd aspects of Scandinavian cooking (dumplings, lingonberry jam, pickled everything and the ubiquitous meatball) can be as cloying as my grandmother’s chintzy tapestry cushions and scatterings of nick-nacks, but here Hahnemann uses a much lighter touch. Arranged seasonally, this book takes a temporally sensitive approach to both produce and preparation…
English Apple season launches
I was invited to attend a Dinner to mark the launch of the English apple season on the 29th September at ‘The Deck’, a great venue which sits on top of the National Theatre and has stunning views of some of London’s most iconic buildings. I was also inspired to urge you all to seek out and buy English apples while they are available, which I do, wholeheartedly.
Asda, changing image, developing products
Asda have introduced a lot of new products and tell us that they have made improvements to many, both in the Chosen By You and their Extra Special ranges, all three items I tasted while there were fine examples.
Feast & forage adventures at Dorset’s Summer Lodge
If you’ve always loved the idea of foraging for your own food but don’t know where to start then why not head to the Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Restaurant and Spa in Dorset on Saturday 30th October where John Wright will be leading a fungi forage?
Eight over Eight, Chelsea
Eight over Eight closed down in 2009 as a result of a fire which, given the restaurant’s clientele, was possibly started by a member of the working classes with a chip on his shoulder. It’s no good looking at me though guv, I’ve got a cast-iron alibi.
Leon2 -Naturally Fast Food
Put together by John, Henry, Benny and Allegra, Leon2’s recipes create a strong feeling of sharing good food. There has clearly been a lot of involvement by the extended Leon family and the book certainly adheres to the Leon vision that food should taste good and do you good, and that everyone should be able to enjoy it.
Clos Maggiore presents the ultimate chocolate menu
To coincide with National Chocolate Week 11th-17th October, London restaurant Clos Maggiore has created a special chocolate laden tasting menu.