"The Rhodes family are deeply saddened to announce the passing of
beloved husband, father and brother, Gary Rhodes OBE. Gary passed away
last evening, Tuesday 26 November 2019, at the age of 59, with his
beloved wife Jennie by his side. The family would like to thank everyone
for their support and ask for privacy during this time."
A statement from Marriott said:
"The team at Grosvenor House Dubai and
Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa are devastated to hear of the
tragic passing of chef Gary Rhodes OBE. Not only has the industry lost a
true culinary legend, we have also lost an inspirational human being
and a very dear friend. No words can express our sadness at Gary’s death
or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. Our thoughts and
prayers are with the Rhodes family."
Eva and I only just heard about Chamuyo (slang meaning to "sweet talk" someone) last week (it has been open for almost a year), and went there for the first time on Friday night.
Ambience
Chamuyo is a lively, busy cheerful restaurant. As the autumn sets in I would recommend you ask for a table away from the door (which was open to keep the staff cool).
Menu
The menu has an excellent selection of Argentinian steaks and meats including, rib-eye, fillet, chicken etc.
Service
The service is friendly, professional and efficient.
Food
Eva started with the chorizo Spanish Red Chorizo cooked in Malbec wine, with caramelised red onions. This was piquant and flavoursome, it was an excellent starter.
She then opted for the sirloin steak, a tender chargrilled succulent piece of meat that was full of flavour. I would note that the accompanying chimichurri sauce was a tad oily for our taste.
I started with Morcilla (black pudding), a plump succulent pudding that had been braised not fried. It was lovely.
I then had the 350 gram rib-eye steak. This was exceptionally flavoursome, with just the right amount of fat. It cut like butter!
My
only criticism of the rib-eye, was that it was served on a wooden platter (a pet hate of mine); this means any juices either dribble off the side or are soaked up by the wood.
The bill, which included, service, wine and several sambucas (health and safety prevent them flaming them) came to £117.
Overall Opinion
We will most assuredly be going again, but next time I will ask for my steak to be served on a plate ;).
Jamie Oliver has blamed snobbery for the failure of Jamie’s Italian. Apparently, the restaurants would have survived if they were posher. But it’s Oliver’s own snobbery that’s been his undoing: his school dinners and sugar taxes have made him many enemies.https://t.co/wHn0ICMzSJ
Eva and I have been going to English's for many years, and have always had a great time there. Last night was no different!
Ambience
English's serves a great selection of fish and seafood.
As per their site:
"English’s of Brighton is the oldest seafood restaurant in Brighton,
and you’ll find us in the heart of the Lanes, nestled amongst its famous
winding streets. The Leigh-Jones family have been here since 1945, and
we’ve seen some familiar faces come and go. Pop in and take a look at
our hall of fame and you’ll find signed photographs of Charlie Chaplin,
Lily Savage and Judy Dench, amongst others - or ask our staff about the
ghostly gentlemen in an oversized top hat that can sometimes be seen
walking through our kitchens.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional plate of seafood, or in the
mood to sample our contemporary twist on classic dishes, our expert
staff will make sure you order the right meal for you, with a wine to
match perfectly. We offer a unique dining experience, and can
accommodate parties of all sizes, from an intimate table for two to a
restaurant wedding reception. In warmer weather there is no better place
to dine than on our covered and heated terrace. Enjoy plates of fresh
seafood, fine wines and warm sunshine, and watch the world go by with
live jazz or opera playing regularly. Or take a seat at our stunning
marble-topped oyster bar, where you can join us for a platter of oysters
or a decadent three-course meal."
Menu
The menu has an excellent selection of seafood, fish, steaks and chops.
Service
As per usual we were very warmly welcomed, the service from all the members of staff
was (as ever) very friendly, personal, efficient and professional. We were even presented with a couple of glasses of champagne, on the house, when we sat down.
Food
Eva started with the potted shrimp served with bread, dill, crème fraiche, nutmeg and cayenne. It was moist, flavoursome and lovely way to start the meal.
She then opted for the lemon sole fillets which came with parmesan potato puree, spinach, bacon and mushroom cream. The dish was delicately flavoured, no one element overpowering the others, and was thoroughly enjoyed by her.
I started with half a lobster thermidor, which came in a light mustard sauce. Bloody marvellous, next time I might have a whole one!
I then had the 10oz Sussex pork chop on the bone with chips and peas. It was great, the chop was tender, succulent and flavoursome.
The bill, which included, service, Bollinger and several flaming sambucas came to £219.
Overall Opinion
We love English's, and will most assuredly be going again!
Eva and I have been to the Bayleaf three times now, and have had a great time on each visit; Saturday night was no different.
Ambience
The Bayleaf is a modern, vibrant Indian brasserie on the hub of St James Street.
As per their site:
"We are able to offer a variety of authentic
dishes from all regions of India to suit individual requirements. Our
extensive menu contains specialities from all regions of India,
specialising in Tandoori, Khorai & Fish dishes. A private function
room is available for private parties or conferences for up to 30 people.
Our secret lies in sourcing out fresh
ingredients along with decades of experience in the Indian food
industry. Our Chef meticulously mixes and blends the spices and herbs to
create mouthwatering dishes for you to indulge and enjoy every time you
visit."
Menu
The menu has an excellent selection of Indian dishes including the staples such as Madras, Vindaloo and Korma etc.
Service
As per usual we were very warmly welcomed, the service from all the members of staff
was (as ever) very friendly, efficient and professional.
Food
Eva started with the Reshmi Kebab (minced chicken and herbs and spices) cooked in a charcoal oven. This is a delicately flavoured succulent kebab, well balanced in terms of heat and flavour. She was more
than happy with it, as it was well presented and perfectly balanced in
taste.
She then opted for the Chicken Pathia with rice, a spicy sweet and sour dish, that gave just the right amount of heat and depth of flavour.
I started with the Chicken Milestone, chicken with green chillies and onions. This was splendid, a good sized portion and very tasty.
I then had the Chicken Madras with rice, just the right amount of heat and spices made this a very balanced and pleasant dish. My side dish of Tarak Dal complimented it perfectly.
I rarely have desserts, but saw that the Bayleaf had a lemon sorbet served in a lemon on the menu...."old skool!"..I had to have that. It was great, and the lemon was a stonkingly large size too!
The bill, which included, service, Prosseco and several flaming sambucas came to £110.
Overall Opinion
We are very happy to recommend the Bayleaf, and will most certainly be going again!
As it was such a lovely day, yesterday Eva and I went to the Brighton Beach Club for a very late lunch.
Ambience
As per their site:
"A fantastic
two-floor pub and contemporary dining room that is literally on the
beach next to the famous i360, with amazing outside terraces and
unparalleled views across the sea.
Join us
for a drink, snack or something more substantial – you’ll find a wide
range of tempting choices and our ‘Nippers menu’ will definitely appeal
to our younger visitors!
Thirsty? We offer a
wide selection of wines, craft beers and specially crafted cocktails –
or just sit and enjoy the view with a cuppa and a cake."
We sat at a table on the balcony overlooking the sea, and were bathed in glorious sunshine. Thus they are 100% correct about the location and view!
Menu
The menu has an excellent selection of dishes including, lobster, steak, pasta, crab etc.
Service
We were very warmly welcomed, the service from various members of staff was very friendly, efficient and professional. They well deserved their tip which, by the way, doesn't go into the management's pockets (as is the case in some establishments) but does actually go to the staff!
Food
Eva started with Smoked Hampshire Chalk Stream Farm trout, hot smoked salmon and asparagus, beetroot coulis and crème fraiche. She was more than happy with it, as it was well presented and perfectly balanced in taste.
She then opted for the beer battered smoked haddock and chips. This too was excellent, the fish flaky and battered light and crisp. The tick cut chips were splendid, as were the Jersey Royals that we had as a side dish.
I started with the ham hock terrine with a dressed baby gem salad. It was absolutely lovely, a good sized portion and very tasty.
I then had the 28 day old Black Angus rib eye steak on the bone. It
was splendid, cooked medium as requested. The meat was exceptionally
tender, it cut like butter, and very flavoursome with just the right
amount of fat.
The bill, which included, service, Pol Roger champagne, a splendid pecan pie, coffee and liqueurs came to £169.
My good friend Derek Stott
of D and D Family Butchers, supplied me with an excellent selection of
chicken thighs, pork loin steaks, home made burgers and his own sausages
for my barbecue.
Looking at these figures I am not surprised #restaurants are having such a tough time. >20% growth in number of U.K. restaurants in 2015 ... madness. pic.twitter.com/gxunmXdFSQ
Rather disappointed that, despite the Ivy's website saying they serve food until 10PM on Sunday, they in fact stopped at 9.30PM when we wandered in last night for dinner!
This morning’s @EMTrains breakfast service on the only Leeds-London HST to feature it. Served very quickly after departure from Sheffield. pic.twitter.com/skNyLxCYzL
-season the inside of the carcass -put two peeled garlic cloves in each bird -put a knob of butter in each carcass -put the parsley and half a lemon in each carcass -smear the bird with butter -place in roasting dish and surround bird with carrots -add white wine -cover in foil -roast at 180 for an hour -remove foil and roast for another 15 minutes to brown birds
I bought this splendid leg of Sussex lamb from my good chum Derek Stott (of D and D Family Butchers) and roasted it with a little salt, pepper and olive oil.
I bought these splendid ribs from my good chum Derek Stott (of D&D Family Butchers) on Saturday, and roasted one plain with just salt and pepper and the other with a special glaze.
-Mix the ingredients
-Coat the ribs
-Put the ribs in a roasting pan and cover with silver foil
-Roast for 1.5 hours at 180
-Remove the foil and roast for another 20 minutes or so
Are you ready for our Love Sausage? Heart-shaped, lightly-truffled, wrapped in bacon and in store tomorrow. Say it with sausages – tag who you’ll be sharing your Love Sausage with this Valentine's Day! #MyMarksFavepic.twitter.com/VPQi4ENnsn
