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What dressing did you have with the salad Simon?

Bapi Try accomodation pages on www.ludlow.org.uk or put Ludlow in www.smoothhound.com. Sam and I are dining at Merchant House 11th Oct and lunching Hibiscus 12th (couldn't get dinner). I'm planning a pub crawl Saturday night

It's funny, as I sit here feeling a bit peckish, but this pencil tastes nothing like that wine

My meal at Ramsay a couple of years ago is still the benchmark I compare others to, but what a fuckin' wanker this bloke is.

Well that's put me right off, bloody salad I'm definitely waiting for a 2nd opinion.

I think we'll all leave it until after your feedback Andy Did they indicate a pricing structure?

Re read and noted.

Robert, there's a link to this article via an earlier thread http://forums.egullet.org/ibf/index.php?ac...ead880a54f474e2

Racine has opened to plenty of plaudits from reviewers but I have to agree with Macrosan that it wasn't an impressive meal. I wasn't as offended as he, it was just so average. The service bordered on comical at times and nearly all of the staff appeared to have difficulties in understanding questions or relaying answers we could understand. I wanted the Salad Lyonnaise as described by AL's review on his website.http://www.ukgourmet.com/racine.html When Steve asked what was in the salad we were told "Greens, anchovies and egg". When we asked was that it the waiter said "yes but there's a lot of egg and anchovy!" I settled for Warm Garlic and Saffron mousse with mussel dressing. The mousse was of a good texture and was flavoursome but the mussels were particularly gritty. For main I had Rabbit, mustard sauce and grilled bacon. I think Macrosan's got the next chain of events slightly in the wrong order but I thought they miscooked the first Sole, which is why we waited so long for mains, then presented the next one panfried which was returned. I think the other 3 dishes were probably stuck on the pass until Steve's dish was recooked as the mustard sauce was showing signs of a skin. However the dish itself was inoffensive, the rabbit wasn't too dry, and the accompanying green beans were well cooked. The side of vegetables ordered by Macrosan looked actively offensive and I declined a taste. Steve and I both ordered Rice pudding to finish and this was excellent. Very moreish, good al dente texture, vanillary flavour. Had a blob of fresh cream and jam too. Had the same issue as Macrosan with the coffee, but I think by then we had been ground in to submission! The Montrachet M Collin 98 was a pleasure to drink, whilst the Pauillac Lynch Bages 78, which was particularly woody - though cedar not oak with a hint of cassis and berries, drank much younger than its 24 years and will drink well for the next 10 So overall average food and a disappointing meal but great company

Tidy, Tidy

I didn't bother. The glazed eyes, swaying stance and slurred words were usually a big enough give away

No. Your prerogative I believe.

So they should be entitled to decent food then which is the crux of the thread I believe.

Thing is Simon a lot of people I know actually think going to one of these places is a meal out/treat. So until the demand dies the supply of crap will keep on coming

Good post Steve. I've walked by Chez Georges a couple of times this year normally early in the morning, next time I'll make sure I'm going for dinner. Do you prefer the more traditional style of bistro like Chez Georges to the neo-modern style that seems to be the fad in Paris at the moment? What are your favourite bistros that show a definite regional influence

I beg to differ. A cracking sitcom that even puts OF&H in the shade

I thought this was a thread about Simon's dates

Is the sheath like a spikey green? If so saw plenty of them at T Wells last week. I'll have to get some next time I'm there.

Macrosan Sam and I go to a monthly market at Hadlow, when possible a weekly at Tunbridge Wells, and any inbetween if we're nearby. (Tonbridge, Yalding, West Malling). We bought rump steaks a couple of weeks ago that were different class from Supermarket steak, we buy Pork sausages monthly from a farmer at the Hadlow Market and he fries up all morning so you can try before you buy. We buy tomatoes, purple beans that turn green in boiling water, potatoes, apple juice, free range eggs and any other fruit/veggies we fancy. The bread stalls at all the markets normally have great queues and last time I had a venison burger for breakfast. I think the stuff is generally fresher and more natural than supermarket ware and I think provides better value. And I'm supporting the local producers which I'm quite proud of.

Hotel Du Vin Britcook!

Sam and I popped in on a moments notice last night. I had Thinly sliced Pork belly with tuna and anchovy mayo and crackling, followed by Black leg Chicken supreme, creamed leeks, black pudding and red wine. Belly was succulent though the tuna flavour slightly overwhelmed the pork. The chicken was presented breast on bone with trimmed leg on side. It was very moist and well cooked for chicken. Dish was light on the red wine jus though. Samantha had Smoked haddock and saffron fishcake with lemon butter sauce. Tasty and perfectly competent. She mained with "Posh" Mixed grill. (Sam always orders the largest dishes on the menu and then complains of being stuffed after a couple of bites ) This consisted of Rib eye steak, kidney, liver, lamb cutlet and a thick pork sausage. We were both stuffed and the dining room was very warm so we skipped dessert and headed home. Damage for 2 courses each and a bottle of House white was £56 before service.

Basildog We often hear about the possible "extinction" of Cod if continually fished at current rates. Have you ever thought about not having it on the menu?

Not at all Stephen

That sums Sam up too a T

Doubt it