PotjieCheffie

The Swan-inn in Middleton, Milton Keynes for lunch was rather enjoyable for a Sunday. Slightly modernised, with a lovely facade - the pub is in the original Milton Keynes village, I'm told. Unassuming, good pub food, 'Antipodean-influenced service' and general smiles all round. Apparently part of a small chain of pubs, though still a quick journey from home to a half decent meal. Eaten at Blue Orchid, Aspley Guise - Thai - for one of the rare day's off. Chain as well, and average Thai food on the doorstep. Still after the elusive breakfast.. Any places worthwhile to visit?

The quest continues.. Crooked Billet , Newton Longville last week: Ok. By no means a great meal/ service, but I suppose it is somewhere to go and relax over a glass of wine. Average at best. It didn't live up to the hype, so slightly disappointed in that regard. The Kings Head, Ivinghoe this week: Better than last week's meal by a distance. Though the drive there was a little further too. The huge fire place in the bar would lend itself to a revisit in winter for a post-dinner drink. Didn't have their 'signature' Aylesbury duck carved on the gueridon, but it looked ok. Starters were ok; mains were slightly better and cheese followed by dessert was average. Good ambience and attentive service. Would return again. Decent breakfast place anyone? Thanks again in advance Grant

Cheers Helen Harpenden is a little out of the way, though I'm not against a good drive for decent food. The Crooked Billet is on the list of places to visit, as is the Kings Head in Ivinghoe. Thanks again Grant

Cheers Bapi, Duncan and Olicollet La Chouette : Sounds promising. I've heard some good reviews and will put that on the radar. The Charles Napier : Only ever hear good things about the place. Tried to book a couple of years back and was given the brush off by reception on the off chance they might have a table available a couple of weeks ahead. Will try this again.. Taipan, was ok. Nothing to write home about. Bapi, Novelli has opened another pub about 10miles away. Might go there sometime.. after I discover some others that tickle my fancy. Thanks again Grant

Over to the learned masses.. I am looking for decent restaurants, pubs and places to eat in Milton Keynes. And preferably not the 'chains'. To put things in perspective, I am a chef, working in SE Milton Keynes and though I enjoy eating at our restaurant, it doesn't allow me the same level of relaxation as eating elsewhere: I suppose you're always going to notice things as a diner in your own place and the other half isn't charmed with the 'distracted look' . I have taken my other half to several of the places in and around the area (on my rare days off), however I'm still looking for a spot to call 'my local': Paris House in Woburn was lovely. The setting, food (albeit massive portions, cooked perfectly) etc was worth the trip. And probably the only restaurant to date, that I'd happily return to. The Swan, Salford; The Black Horse, Woburn; The Wavendon Arms; Taipan; Woburn Zens and a few 'country pubs' have all been tried. I have a copy of the local guides and do make use of them. A few that have been recommended to me (I have yet to eat there): The Crooked Billet, Newton Longville The Knife and Cleaver, Bedford St Helena, Bedford As Milton Keynes is easy(ish) to navigate around - Have Tom-Tom, can drive - somewhere within a 15/ 20mile radius of Aspley Guise would be great. A good place for breakfast; a decent pub for Sunday dinner and a good restaurant (food and service) is my culinary quest. Many thanks in advance for your help. Grant

Hi Digijam and Andy Many thanks for the replies and the info. I have emailed off the Ritz and will pass on the details to our guest at the restaurant. Sounds interesting to do at home.. though not sure of his culinary skills yet Many thanks once again. G

Thanks Catriona and OldFoodie My Afrikaans is a little rusty and could barely make out the Dutch I've looked in Larousse, La Repertoire, several classical cookbooks and online in various forums etc. As I haven't seen the programme, the description above sounds like the one that he must have seen. I will make contact with the hotel and see whether they can assist. Any other clues out there? Many thanks again G

Hi I've been asked by one of our regular guests whether I've heard of/ seen this being made anywhere. Apparently it was on a TV programme screened here in the UK within the past year (he seems to think Masterchef or something) and is wanting to make it/ have someone make it for him. As I seldom watch TV , I was wondering whether any of you had seen the programme and/ or have a recipe/ link to info on it that I can pass on to him (I have told him to register here and get into the foodie side of things here too). From his alcohol fuelled memories he can only recall vague snippets (though I'm wary to state them as fact): They were duck eggs, had some form of truffle and had foie gras too. Great clues but still clueless.. Over to you. Many thanks in advance. G

To add to this: Generally speaking (and in my experience) Rent = 5-8% of turnover (realistically speaking around 10%) Cost of Sales shouldn't exceed 33% (Food 70% of sales and Wet 30%) Labour (salaried and wages) 34% Other overheads including: NI + PAYE Employers NI cont Business Rate Water Rates Premises Insurance Trade Refuse Collection Heat, Light and Power Telephone Office Stationery Legal Fees Audit and Accountancy fees Consultancy fees Miscellaneous Expenses Repairs and Maintenance Cleaning Bank Interest / Charges Loan Interest Paid Credit Charges Depreciation on Furniture & Fittings Amortisation of Leasehold Amortisation of Goodwill Subscriptions Licence Donations Other (miscellaneous) Should account for 11-15% (realistically speaking) Leaving you with around 10% profit. (obviously with fixed overheads and low turnover this can be somewhat unnerving, though on the upswing it can be quite rewarding). It's been the model we've used to open up and whilst the profits aren't high, it does make for some interesting control mechanisms to be put in place. The wastage factor generally given is around 5% on food and 2% on wet (though all should achieve their 67-70% GP's with this included. Best of luck with your venture

Would avoid both! Overrated seafood and PE? You can't be serious.. If your budget allows you to cab it over the hill to Amersham, then the Artichoke would probably be your best bet. Whilst you're in the area, try visit The Royal Standard - 01494 673382 - allegedly the oldest pub in England and the food isn't too bad. The historical atmosphere is quite good. The Royal Saracens (in Beaconsfield old town) will probably be your place to watch the footie and have a few beers. Try the local chippy (also in the old town), The Town Friar. Not too shabby. There is an Indian on the High street too, never eaten there but hear it's half decent. Enjoy the countryside

Lambretta, As this week is manic with other things on the go, I'd love to but will have to turn you down this time round unfortunately - barely have time to sleep let alone cook for friends LOL. Whilst I realise getting on the Metropolitan Line would be a mission, the food at Cape Etc in Little Chalfont (Chalfont and Latimer station - if you get the Marylebone overland Chiltern Railways, Aylesbury via Amersham, then the journey would be approx 30 min) is the one I'd trust. Magnolia, I've not had the pleasant time to indulge myself at Vivat Bacchus to date but will hopefully get there soon. Not sure how long you're going to be here for, but drop a line if need be via PM etc G

I'm curious too... being a South African chef in London Having been head case/chef at 2 'South African themed seafood restaurants' just outside of London (and wholly disgusted with the food served at Fish Hoek at the time - our supposed 'competition' ) there are a handful that I know of and only one that I can say is worthwhile. Chakalaka - Putney - never eaten there but supposedly 'authentic'. Vivat Bacchus - I think near Farringdon. A sister restaurant of one in Pretoria, though never eaten there as well. Cape Etc - Little Chalfont Great little deli and near to where I live - the only one I personally would trust to have a decent 'home' cooked meal at. Alternatively there is the South African shop in Putney/ Roehampton (St Marcus foods) who might be able to direct you to some hidden gems.. Lambretta, there are a load of expat Saffers here and most tend to eat out locally and purchase 'home' goodies from the SA shops dotted around the country or online. If you want an authentic Saffer meal in London, befriend a local Saffer and convince him/ her to do you a proper braai with potjiekos and all the trimmings. Alternatively a meal that their grandmother/ mother used to make them when kids. Personally I'd sod the local version of the food and take Matthew Grant's girfriend recommendation of going to Cape Town Andy... one day the food might match the wine recognition

Hi Doc I consulted with some friends down south and apologies to One Waterfront - it is supposedly very good, however quite pricey even by Cape Town standards. Panama Jacks would be a good choice for seafood, however the Blue Danube would be something special. David Higgs is also at the Meerendal Wine Estate... give him a shout on some places to visit as well. I look forward to hearing about your gems that you discover Grant

Hi Doc Nothing to report as of yet - am waiting on updates from my lists of travellers. Personally I'd avoid the Waterfront (too touristy) and venture forth into Cape Town and surrounds. I mentioned Bloemers as locally speaking its about as authentic as you will get in terms of Afrikaans cuisine. Bukhara is supposedly still the top North Indian restaurant outside their homeland. Constantia Uitsig is worth the 40 minute journey - French use of provincial ingredients, truly memorable. For a different take on the Waterfront, you might wish to travel to the 'yacht basin side' and enjoy the seafood at Panama Jacks - Send Quentin (the owner) my regards. Not cheap but probably the only place I would recommend in the Waterfront. The Mount Nelson is a must, even if for their High Tea. The Cape Colony restaurant was rated in the top 10 worldwide a few years ago. The Blue Danube restaurant, by Austrian Thomas Sinn, does magical food. Franschhoek eateries are plentiful so either a trip to Haute Cabriere or Le Petite Ferme would be the choice personally. Oh... and depending when you travel down south - enjoy a glass of bubbly on Chapmans Peak or on Table Mountain. The sunsets will blow you away! Safe travels G

Hi Dana Personally I'd avoid Blues - but then again if you've never been, then it might be worth it to have a look see first. Try a cocktail at the bar, peruse the menu, but bear in mind that the food might not match up to the fantastic views... nor the service ;) Tom G has some great Winelands restaurants listed in his post earlier. If you manage to make it out to Le Petite Ferme, purchase some of their wines and courier them back home. They're ONLY available at the estate and they're one of the little treasures you might find. Matthew Gordon @ Haute Cabriere is a great Chef too. You won't be disappointed. Just a note on the restaurants that have been mentioned - speak with the locals when you get down there. Speak to the various Chefs when you get the chance and ask them where they'd eat. Have a great time down south :) Sorry can't help you with Vic Falls - never been there myself, but do believe that 'hard Forex' would be advisable when travelling there - the exchange rates you'd receive from the locals are massively higher than that of the banks.