horton

I have only had canapes and cocktails which were good but not enough to give an opinion on dining there. I will just say that the design is Hakkasan inspired!

Mint Leaf on Suffolk Place is open Xmas Eve lunch.

Interesting to see no mention of Jamie Oliver / Fifteen but local rival Cru is in there. Has any one been to Cru since chef Gianni Vatteroni left about 6 months ago? He was ex Lighthouse (critically acclaimed) but now in La Contenta.

Christopher's on Wellington Street and Blues Bistro and Bar on Dean Street have always done Thanksgiving menus so I assume turkey is on them!

For quirkiness and atmosphere it has to be Sarastro on Drury Lane. Operatic style setting, 'dining' opera boxes mounted on the walls, orgy artwork in the toilets, live opera on Sunday lunch and Sunday & Monday evenings. I am not an opera fan but have always had a fantastic time there and it's somewhre that wont be forgotten. No chance of a Michelin star but then they play to their strengths!

Brasserie Roux in the Sofitel has just started doing an American style Sunday brunch complete with live jazz. £29 2crs, £34 3crs including a glass of Champagne. Haven't been for the brunch but if it's the same standard as the usual alc menu then it's definitely worth a try!

The Clerkenwell Dining Room on St John has just started doing Sunday Brunch at £19.50 for 3 courses. They have a new head chef there. Christophe Guerrard, who was Andrew Thompson's sous chef at L'escargot's Picasso Room and apparently one of the best chefs he has ever worked with. Thompson is still there and very much a hands-on exec chef. Otherwise I've always enjoyed Gravy in Chiswick.

Planet Hollywood (MPW)?

Who is the chef? Today's Caterer's 'Last Supper' interview is with Chris Staines who is, apparently, head chef at Foliage...

Going back to the topic of quails, I received this e-mail yesterday. I don't think there is much call for French quails but I could be mistaken and they are a far superior bird due to force feeding! But if anyone has any helpful ideas I will pass them on. Thanks. "Hi, I don't know if you can help me, basically we are a English couple living in France, a friend of ours, the local mare as a Caille farm, (pronounced Kye) being a French delicacy he is looking to supply to restaurant suppliers in the UK, I wonder if you deal with business to business, or if you can put me in touch with a restaurant supplier that may be interested. any help or information would be greatly appreciated."

I can heartily recommend Blackpepper, 133 Lavender Hill. Superb Italian (although they do a tapas starter to share) food at very reasonable prices. Raised area at the back is ideal for a party you size. I'd liken it to Paolo on Percy Street.

Definitely Patio! Blah Blah Blah BYO veggie place is OK and near as well.

I suppose Bond closing was inevitable considering 12 people could take the place over!!!

You could also try Bond (ex, Empie, Myna Bird). For a group of your size you could take the place over and the owner chef will do a menu to suit. Although they do some weird fusion (chef/owner ex Archipalaego) he will do mod euro or more nmain stream fusion. About £30 a head.

I went in October (before the England match). Loved it. In the Old Town there is quite an exclusive hotel. All I remember is modern artwork of models adorning the walls. However, the food was excellent. Modern Euro about £30 a head. Expensive for there but worth it. The 'Slovak Pub' is also well worth a visit for a drink. The locals all seemed to book a table there on a Saturday. 3 pints and 2o Marlboro was £2.50!! You can also dine in the Tower on the main bridge but I would just go for a coffee - the views are stunning. Also visited the 'council estate' for a taste of the Eastern Bloc. It's the biggest in Europe but that's just me! Unfortunately there is TGI' s in the centre as well as the American Embassy.

Cafe Lazeez, W1, Room for 10 La Porte des Indes (not really modern) has a room for 14 Depending on the weather Painted Heron may have a garden area for 20. It was previously a Thai place called Busabong Tree and that certainly had one.

I know the Asian & Oriental School of Catering (Hoxton) is starting cookery courses next week. They are doing Chinese, Thai, Indian, Malaysian, etc. Also Terry Tan is doing some of the courses.

Blue Elephant ia always a winner for the special occasion. Extravagant decor, good food and great atmosphere.

I've only heard bad things about Giardinetto recently. As for Paolo's Kikujiro did a seriously long review back in August and thought it good. I am ashamed as I still haven't been!

Going back to the first post, Blue Elephant currently has a special I-san menu until the end of August. Hopefully I am going next week.

Typical, I fell ill on Saturday and had to cancel! Re-booking for next week though! Time Out review today seems to echo the above review from Kikujiro: great food; simple room.

If anyone is interested... Paolo's a new modern Italian restaurant has just opened on Percy Street, just off Tottenham Court Road. Head chef is Michele Franzolin has previously been at Zafferano with Locatelli and more recently head chef at Al Duca. Manager is from Isola. I was recommended by a friend who tells me the food was superb and extremely well priced (£20-25). I have seen no press coverage yet but assume that it is imminent as such people will entice the critics. This will probably result in a price increase and the usual drop in standard until they ge used to being busy. I've booked for tomorrow and can't wait!! Paolo's, 16 Percy Street. 020 7637 9900

The County Hall restaurant is usually good for a business lunch. They also have numerous private rooms if you want to be that discrete.

I have heard the opening date is the begining of August. From what I can gather the only real detailed info can be obtained from the PR - Elizabeth Crompton-Batt.

Baltic on Blackfriars Road has a excellent modern Polish food and a very reasonably priced set lunch. Well worth a try!