Blog

I go to the "other" restaurant at the Dorchester and enjoy it more than Ducasse. Tangawizi continues to impress but not even the Brilliant can rescue a turkey curry. Various Michelin guides come out.

I venture to Alan Yau’s new venture, Sake No Hana, and mix with the celebs. I return to Madhus in Southall, and to Tarantella in Chiswick.

This week I try Rowley Leigh’s new Cafe Anglais, revisit Odettes, find a pizzeria with a difference in Giusto, and savour a remarkable special at the Brilliant. The Michelin 2008 Spain guide comes out with little change, but by contrast the new Michelin Tokyo Guide lands with a thump.

I try Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester on its opening night. I find Semplice to be an impressive Italian restaurant, and have very enjoyable meals at Yauatcha and Haandi. Michelin Germany 2008 comes out, and arrives with a bang.

I spend Diwali in Southall and meet Prince Charles. Cambio de Tercio seems transformed, and Pizzeria Rustica is all too rustic, at least in its staff hygiene training.

The chef interview series continues with Joachim Wissler, chef at the superb 3 star restaurant Vendome in Bergisch Gladbach.

This week I sample the newly opened Hibiscus, and revisit Gilgamesh, La Trompette, La Trenta, High Road Brasserie and the Brackenbury.

New site feature - interviews with top chefs

I venture to the wilds of Hoxton to try Bacchus. Gordon Ramsay arrives in Chiswick in the form of a pleasant gastropub, while Gary Rhodes Brasserie disappoints. The Fish shop on St John Street and Rasa Samudra deliver as usual, but I encounter some dismal service at Bar Shu.