Jamie's Brighton
We were going to visit Jamie Oliver's restaurant in Brighton this Saturday. However, when trying to a book a table, I was informed by a member of their staff that they were not taking bookings that evening.
Their loss!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Poncey Food
Poncey Food
The Times reports that Michelin starred chef, Ryan Simpson, has stormed out of his kitchen, at The Goose in Britwell, after being told that his food was "too poncey".
Simpson, his kitchen and waiting staff quit after the owner said that his menu was unsuitable for local diners. The restaurant has closed.
Why employ a Michelin quality chef in the first place then?
Engineering a walk out is a neat way to avoid paying redundancy though.
The Times reports that Michelin starred chef, Ryan Simpson, has stormed out of his kitchen, at The Goose in Britwell, after being told that his food was "too poncey".
Simpson, his kitchen and waiting staff quit after the owner said that his menu was unsuitable for local diners. The restaurant has closed.
Why employ a Michelin quality chef in the first place then?
Engineering a walk out is a neat way to avoid paying redundancy though.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
World's Top Restaurant Closes For Two Years
World's Top Restaurant Closes For Two Years
Ferran Adria, the chef at El Bulli restaurant in Spain, has announced at Madrid Fusion (an internationally culinary conference) that El Bulli will close for two years in 2012 and 2013 giving him a chance to take a sabbatical.
El Bulli has been repeatedly voted the world's best restaurant (measuring the quality of restaurants is a somewhat inexact science, I would say). It serves up "experimental" cuisines such as, turtle dove with blackberry caviar and duck foie gras candies.
Tables for its six month annual season sell out in just one day.
Ferran Adria, the chef at El Bulli restaurant in Spain, has announced at Madrid Fusion (an internationally culinary conference) that El Bulli will close for two years in 2012 and 2013 giving him a chance to take a sabbatical.
El Bulli has been repeatedly voted the world's best restaurant (measuring the quality of restaurants is a somewhat inexact science, I would say). It serves up "experimental" cuisines such as, turtle dove with blackberry caviar and duck foie gras candies.
Tables for its six month annual season sell out in just one day.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Free Advice
Free Advice
Here is some free advice to those new to the restaurant business (such as the four week old establishment that we visited last weekend):
1 Wipe your faux marble table tops down properly, stains from previous diners are not very appetising.
2 Serving me pigs' trotters that were first cooked 4 days earlier (ie that have therefore been reheated a few times), is unwise; they were most assuredly stale.
Here is some free advice to those new to the restaurant business (such as the four week old establishment that we visited last weekend):
1 Wipe your faux marble table tops down properly, stains from previous diners are not very appetising.
2 Serving me pigs' trotters that were first cooked 4 days earlier (ie that have therefore been reheated a few times), is unwise; they were most assuredly stale.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Saltier Than The Sea
Saltier Than The Sea
In this age of "saltism" it comes as no surprise to learn that poor old Jamie Oliver has been on the receiving end of criticism from the anti salt brigade, re Jamie Oliver's pasta sauce.
Seemingly, if the hype is to be believed, it contains more salt that 10 bags of crisps and even the sea!
Frankly this criticism is a load of BS.
Salt is perfectly harmless to those in good health, indeed it is a necessary component of our diet.
Excess salt, in a healthy person, is easily excreted via sweat and urine.
It is a fuss over nothing, whipped up by ignorant pressure groups and the media.
The ingredient that does need to be cut down on in all our foods is sugar.
In this age of "saltism" it comes as no surprise to learn that poor old Jamie Oliver has been on the receiving end of criticism from the anti salt brigade, re Jamie Oliver's pasta sauce.
Seemingly, if the hype is to be believed, it contains more salt that 10 bags of crisps and even the sea!
Frankly this criticism is a load of BS.
Salt is perfectly harmless to those in good health, indeed it is a necessary component of our diet.
Excess salt, in a healthy person, is easily excreted via sweat and urine.
It is a fuss over nothing, whipped up by ignorant pressure groups and the media.
The ingredient that does need to be cut down on in all our foods is sugar.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
The Setting Sun Brighton
The Setting Sun Brighton
1 Windmill Street,
Brighton,
BN2 0GN
0872 148 6119
Eva and I regularly dine in this fine gastro pub, not only because it is a mere two minutes walk from our home, but because the food is excellent.
The Setting Sun is more of a wine bar/bistro rather than "pub" in the strictest sense of the word. It has light wood flooring, large leather sofas, bistro style wooden tables, a conservatory and a patio that affords stunning views of Brighton (if you can find seat there in the summer).
The atmosphere is often lively, yet cosy and intimate (each table has a candle).
The menu, chalked up on a blackboard, changes with the season and currently includes; soup, sausage and mash, fish and chips, burgers, chicken in a cream and mushroom sauce and pumpkin risotto etc.
The staff are friendly and very cheerful, they even manage to put up with me!
The chef is a real find, her food is excellent, and the pub will be lose a real asset if she ever leaves.
All in all an excellent place for a bistro meal, usually (with a bottle of wine) it will not set you back more than £40 for two.
Well worth visiting!
1 Windmill Street,
Brighton,
BN2 0GN
0872 148 6119
Eva and I regularly dine in this fine gastro pub, not only because it is a mere two minutes walk from our home, but because the food is excellent.
The Setting Sun is more of a wine bar/bistro rather than "pub" in the strictest sense of the word. It has light wood flooring, large leather sofas, bistro style wooden tables, a conservatory and a patio that affords stunning views of Brighton (if you can find seat there in the summer).
The atmosphere is often lively, yet cosy and intimate (each table has a candle).
The menu, chalked up on a blackboard, changes with the season and currently includes; soup, sausage and mash, fish and chips, burgers, chicken in a cream and mushroom sauce and pumpkin risotto etc.
The staff are friendly and very cheerful, they even manage to put up with me!
The chef is a real find, her food is excellent, and the pub will be lose a real asset if she ever leaves.
All in all an excellent place for a bistro meal, usually (with a bottle of wine) it will not set you back more than £40 for two.
Well worth visiting!
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Opening a Can
Opening a Can
I have never seen anyone attempt to open a canned product using a kitchen knife before.
What were these people thinking of, and why were they even selected to appear on "The Restaurant" out of over 9,000 applicants?
I have never seen anyone attempt to open a canned product using a kitchen knife before.
What were these people thinking of, and why were they even selected to appear on "The Restaurant" out of over 9,000 applicants?
Monday, November 02, 2009
The Coach House Brighton Revisited
The Coach House Brighton Revisited
Eva and I often enjoy dining in the Coach House, and were there last Friday evening.
However, although we enjoyed ourselves, it was evident that the kitchen was a little out of "sync" that evening. The saute potatoes were under cooked, my liver not rare (as requested) and the main courses took around 40 minutes to arrive after the starters had been cleared away.
That being said restaurants are run by human beings, not robots, sometimes things go wrong; the world continues to spin on its axis, and we will continue to visit the Coach House.
Eva and I often enjoy dining in the Coach House, and were there last Friday evening.
However, although we enjoyed ourselves, it was evident that the kitchen was a little out of "sync" that evening. The saute potatoes were under cooked, my liver not rare (as requested) and the main courses took around 40 minutes to arrive after the starters had been cleared away.
That being said restaurants are run by human beings, not robots, sometimes things go wrong; the world continues to spin on its axis, and we will continue to visit the Coach House.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Gordon Ramsay Loses FD
Gordon Ramsay Loses FD
Gordon Ramsay is "terminating" the appointment of his Chief Financial Officer, Nick Fletcher, at a number of his companies.
The documents for "terminating appointment" were filed at Companies House last week.
However, Fletcher is still director at five companies, three of which are overdue for filing company information.
Sadly the more "celebrity" a chef attracts, it seems the more time he/she has to devote to business matters rather than food.
Gordon Ramsay is "terminating" the appointment of his Chief Financial Officer, Nick Fletcher, at a number of his companies.
The documents for "terminating appointment" were filed at Companies House last week.
However, Fletcher is still director at five companies, three of which are overdue for filing company information.
Sadly the more "celebrity" a chef attracts, it seems the more time he/she has to devote to business matters rather than food.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The Dover Castle (Brighton)
The Dover Castle (Brighton)
My compliments to the Dover Castle:
43 Southover Street
Brighton
West Sussex
BN2 2UE
Telephone: 01273 889808
Eva, myself and a friend from Sweden dined there last night and had thoroughly enjoyable time and meal.
The menu specialises in fish, sourced daily from the locality, the selection on offer is written on a blackboard and as the evening wears on the dishes that run out are crossed out. Other non fish dishes are also available.
Being a "contrarian" I had the steak and chips, which was first class; the steak was tender and succulent, and the chips, onion rings, peas and tomato all ticked the right boxes taste and portion wise.
The butternut squash soup and mezze, that we also scoffed, were likewise excellent.
The selection of beers, lagers (including Asahi) and wine is decent and the staff are very friendly, easy going and service minded (eg I appreciated being offered a smaller (and cheaper) bowl of soup as a starter).
All in all a good place to have a reasonably priced, good quality meal in a friendly atmosphere.
My compliments to the Dover Castle:
43 Southover Street
Brighton
West Sussex
BN2 2UE
Telephone: 01273 889808
Eva, myself and a friend from Sweden dined there last night and had thoroughly enjoyable time and meal.
The menu specialises in fish, sourced daily from the locality, the selection on offer is written on a blackboard and as the evening wears on the dishes that run out are crossed out. Other non fish dishes are also available.
Being a "contrarian" I had the steak and chips, which was first class; the steak was tender and succulent, and the chips, onion rings, peas and tomato all ticked the right boxes taste and portion wise.
The butternut squash soup and mezze, that we also scoffed, were likewise excellent.
The selection of beers, lagers (including Asahi) and wine is decent and the staff are very friendly, easy going and service minded (eg I appreciated being offered a smaller (and cheaper) bowl of soup as a starter).
All in all a good place to have a reasonably priced, good quality meal in a friendly atmosphere.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Actimel Advert Banned
Actimel Advert Banned
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned the Actimel TV advert that claims its yoghurt supported children's natural defences.
ASA decided that evidence provided by Danone did not uphold claims that the drinking yoghurt could help normal, healthy school-aged youngsters protect against common childhood illnesses.
The ASA concluded that the advert broke rules for being misleading, rules relating to evidence and accuracy in food advertising.
Danone are reported to be "very disappointed" at the ASA's ruling.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned the Actimel TV advert that claims its yoghurt supported children's natural defences.
ASA decided that evidence provided by Danone did not uphold claims that the drinking yoghurt could help normal, healthy school-aged youngsters protect against common childhood illnesses.
The ASA concluded that the advert broke rules for being misleading, rules relating to evidence and accuracy in food advertising.
Danone are reported to be "very disappointed" at the ASA's ruling.
Monday, September 28, 2009
The Fat Apology
The Fat Apology
Good news for the 500 diners at Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck restaurant, who went down with food poisoning in January-February this year as a result of eating oysters contaminated with sewage.
They have now (some 7/8 months after the event, and following on from a critical report issued by health investigators) been offered a free meal.
Blumenthal has written to affected diners apologising for the "bad experience".
It is surprising that he took so long to make such an offer.
Good news for the 500 diners at Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck restaurant, who went down with food poisoning in January-February this year as a result of eating oysters contaminated with sewage.
They have now (some 7/8 months after the event, and following on from a critical report issued by health investigators) been offered a free meal.
Blumenthal has written to affected diners apologising for the "bad experience".
It is surprising that he took so long to make such an offer.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Keith Floyd Dies
Keith Floyd Dies
I am sorry to read that Keith Floyd died yesterday from heart failure.
His obituary, as per the BBC, can be viewed here Keith Floyd.
I am sorry to read that Keith Floyd died yesterday from heart failure.
His obituary, as per the BBC, can be viewed here Keith Floyd.
Monday, September 14, 2009
The Brighton Food Festival
The Brighton Food Festival
Brighton and Hove are hosting a month long Food and Drink Festival, this September.
I took the opportunity to wander through the festival market on New Road and Jubilee Road (which ran this weekend). It was lively and contained a veritable smorgasbord of stalls offering a fine array of food and drink; oysters, sausages, cheeses, bread, vegetables, Mediterranean cuisines, Thai cuisine, and cakes etc. There was even a live cooking demonstration.
However, I would like to make two observations:
- the prices charged by some stalls were over the top; eg £5 for a container of rice and chicken soon breaks the budget if there are several in the family, and £1.50 for basil in a pot (which could be bought in the nearby supermarket for 69p) was "taking the piss".
- At one point in the street the stalls, on opposite sides of the street, were placed too close together, thus causing a very slow moving traffic jam of people who were unable to pass by and could not easily access (or even view) the stalls in that area.
Brighton and Hove are hosting a month long Food and Drink Festival, this September.
I took the opportunity to wander through the festival market on New Road and Jubilee Road (which ran this weekend). It was lively and contained a veritable smorgasbord of stalls offering a fine array of food and drink; oysters, sausages, cheeses, bread, vegetables, Mediterranean cuisines, Thai cuisine, and cakes etc. There was even a live cooking demonstration.
However, I would like to make two observations:
- the prices charged by some stalls were over the top; eg £5 for a container of rice and chicken soon breaks the budget if there are several in the family, and £1.50 for basil in a pot (which could be bought in the nearby supermarket for 69p) was "taking the piss".
- At one point in the street the stalls, on opposite sides of the street, were placed too close together, thus causing a very slow moving traffic jam of people who were unable to pass by and could not easily access (or even view) the stalls in that area.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Fat Duck Food Poisoning
Fat Duck Food Poisoning
It seems that the much publicised food poisoning outbreak that caused illness to more than 500 diners at Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck restaurant, in Berkshire, was probably caused by raw shellfish contaminated with human sewage.
Inspectors from the Health Protection Agency have released a report that highlights the probable cause, and criticises the food safety standards in the kitchens.
Sick staff continued to work and handle the shellfish. Unsuitable products were also said to have been used to clean kitchen surfaces.
The HPA stated:
"Oysters were served raw; razor clams may not have been appropriately handled or cooked; tracing of shellfish to source showed evidence of contamination and there have been reports of illness in other establishments associated with oysters from the same source."
It seems that the much publicised food poisoning outbreak that caused illness to more than 500 diners at Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck restaurant, in Berkshire, was probably caused by raw shellfish contaminated with human sewage.
Inspectors from the Health Protection Agency have released a report that highlights the probable cause, and criticises the food safety standards in the kitchens.
Sick staff continued to work and handle the shellfish. Unsuitable products were also said to have been used to clean kitchen surfaces.
The HPA stated:
"Oysters were served raw; razor clams may not have been appropriately handled or cooked; tracing of shellfish to source showed evidence of contamination and there have been reports of illness in other establishments associated with oysters from the same source."
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