Pweaver1984

After hearing Andys and Gavin recent praise of LH I was looking forward to my meal here last Saturday evening. Since Gavins visit the tasting menu had changed to this: Cured Poached Foie Gras & Sauternes Jelly Roast Dive Scallop & Pea Gnochhi Lemon Sole with Courgette & Fresh Water Crayfish Best End of New Season Lamb with Wet Garlic & Moussaka Banyuls Soaked Crozier Blue with Thyme & Celery Rhubarb & Alfonso Mango with Sable & Vanilla And to be honest his sounded like it tasted much better.... I just wasn't that impressed, thought the meal would sparkle more after some fantastic canapes which we enjoyed with a glass of champagne. I must add that we were booked in for 10pm and when our server finally asked us for our menu decision she didn't seem all to pleased that we went for the tasting menu. Don't offer the menu if your not happy to serve it! The sommelier seemed quiet down to earth though, but he kept playing catch up through the meal as we'd also chosen the tasting wine menu to accompany (He mentioned that Richard Corrigan had popped in earlier during the evening and had upset the chef and left to go to Bentleys!) Towards the end of the evening we chatted to another table who were on their 24th wedding anniversay, whom shared the same views on the evening, that the whole experience didn't seem "enough" for the price we were paying. Bill came to £271. I know the lunch deal sounds better value, but with so many other fantastic places in London to choose from, I will find it hard to return here soon.

Surely when the South East heat of Gary Rhodes Vs Atul Kochhar is on the Judges will easily be able to tell which chef is cooking what menu; thus influencing their decision?

I saw a few weeks ago in Restaurant Magazine that Salt Yard is recruiting a new Head and Sous chef to start in June this year. Wonder if this will have any affect? Hope not as I also had a good meal here recently.

I also really enjoyed the programme, glad that both chefs we're taking it serioulsy, hopefully the rest will through out the series. Could have watched it for a good few more hours. That some inside knowledge then Sadie? I know Gary was in Whitstable for a bit of the show, ate in Wheelers and visited the harbour. There is a book to accompany the series Great British Menu

Has Maze got a website? Was thinking of going early next month, does the menu change near enough daily?

Yet again these two are going to battle it out although this time it will be for "Number of Copies Sold" Both of them are this year bringing out the respective Biographies. Amazon links here GR's and MPW's Looking forward to reading both as I'm sure they will full with great stories and anecdotes. Will we find out if they are actually friends or foe?

I'd recomend a place called Le Manoir, ownded by a chef called Raymond Blanc. I'm sure they will treat yourself and your friend to the perfect meal...... In saying that I'm no expert in the Oxford county, but I reckon they'd be the best. Let us know where you choose, Cheers, Paul

Beandork, I'm sure Richard won't mind me giving the Link to the Matthew Norman review of Sixty One. Have you been? Was the "chef" working? Paul

Heston from the Fat Duck is a massive fan of Star Anise, check these out GiftedG: The Appliance of Science Taste not, want not Eight ways to fight Bird Flu Ultimate Bolognaise Paul

Try here, Shepherd Neame Beers Best one down here. See what you think?

When can we read about your adventure Andy?

Would someone mind posting the Bibs on here as I can't seem to download them? Prior thanks. Paul

Well Done Ginger Chef! Excellent news. Personally shocked and disappointed for Petrus.

Found this site, seems to be well up to date and with some very talented individuals on the team, just thought I'd let other Egulls know about the service. Anyone know more about it? AskMario.com Paul

Not everyones cup of tea, although he does write good books Gary Rhodes - The Complete Cookery Year Paul

Predict Petrus 2* Andy - Do you think Apicius will gain a star, or will Michelin hold back like they seem to do on recently open places? I really need to get down to the restaurant, seeing as its only 45 min drive. As every year with the guide no one really knows what to expect, apart from the unexpected expected?!?

Has anyone got any pics of the food? Paul

Any more news on where Stephen is yet? Has anyone been for a meal if he's opened up in Cardiff?

Heres a Link to what Gordon Ramsay has to offer for Xmas, some nice ideas and suggestions. What did anyone think of the free DVD from Saturdays paper? Unfortunately I didn't manage to get a copy... Paul

Not 100% sure as I haven't got a copy, this quote is taken from the NY thread. Sounds like its been designed towards the american market.

Do we know if the Great Britain & Ireland 2006 Guide will take on any of the New York's features?

We were the last to leave yeah, another birthday couple from Newcastle were just in front of us though.... The FoH staff towards the end really started have some banter with both tables, kind of let down their 'professional guard," and was like having a meal with friends! The chef was saying lunches are particularly quite, I'd defiantly recommend it, though not sure of the prices?

Well we had an absolutely fantastic evening, everything pitched perfectly. Our booking was at half nine, it was a 5 minute taxi journey from The Rembrandt Hotel where we'd decided to stay. Think was about £115 for the one night, a very comfortable place to stay in a good location. Got to The Berkley Hotel and after a little confusion we managed to find Petrus. My GF had rung the restaurant up during the week, un be known to me and mentioned to them it was 21st, she decided to choose for us to have the tasting menu. So when we we're seated instead of showing us the menu, we we're presented with a glass of bubbly, then some fine canapés which at this moment have slipped my mind. The Menu that evening was the following: Amuse Bouche * Pan fried foie gras on pickled rhubarb and roasted hazelnuts * Scallop on tomato chutney, parsley oil and caviar * Slow cooked pork belly with spiced aubergine * Turbot and quail egg with truffle dressing * Loin of Welsh lamb, onion and golden raisin compote, wild sorrel and baby artichokes Or Barbary duck, swede gnocchi, buttered white cabbage * Cheese from trolley (£8 supplement) * Pre Dessert * Caramel Mousse coated in white chocolate with mango sorbet Just after our main courses which I had the lamb, we we're asked if we'd like a tour of the kitchen which we jumped at the chance. Marcus Wareing was not there as he was on a trip to NYC, but we met his Sous chef Tristan Welch, who was the Gordon Ramsay Scholar in 2003. We chatted for nearly an hour to him; he was a really genuine chef, with a passion and wit to boot. With the FoH having to step in and advise that we go back to the restaurant as the pastry chefs wanted to get a couple of hours sleep. The whole menu hit the right notes, with the confidence of 1 star cooking but also the flair, imagination and consistency associated with 2. Hopefully this will be the case in the New Year honours list! Special note about the FoH who were also superb, quite a lot of the floor, but all so smooth, running like a well oiled machine. Mentioned about JP, who was said to be well on the way to being fit and healthy again, after his terrible accident. We picked up the Bill at 0230, which came to £358 including wine to match each course, water, coffee and service. A truly memorable evening.

Been rejected My 1st time of applying though, little disapppointed to say the least! Though nearer the date will get in contact for any cancellations as Louisa quite rightly says..... Well done for those who have been chosen. Paul

Do we know if Michelin has set up office in the United States/New York? Did the European inspectors go out and help with the proceedings? I thought they were going to be a lot more conservative for the first ever guide. Paul