algy

why would he want to? He's making a fortune.

Wait for his fitness dvd

oxymoron ← Dangerous! There are people on this very forum right now who are journalists who I would consider to be "pucker". Cheers, Howard ← "The top ten most respected professions, listed in order, were - doctor; nurse; teacher; fireman; paramedic; Army/Navy/RAF; scientist; ambulance driver; police officer; care assistant. The top ten least respected professions, listed in order, were - MP; estate agent; government minister; lawyer; journalist; footballer; advertising executive; car dealer; company director; accountant." puckerness is in the eye of the beholder

oxymoron

Hillary stood by Bill, but that didn't mean he was always telling the truth.

you might like to check that fact

I agree. The assertion that all wine in Burgundy is of a similar high standard is ridiculous. Even worse some very poor wines from distinguished appellations are both very expensive and absolutely appalling. We stopped in Beaune recently and it was interesting to see the range of outlets offering wine - some excellent in range and price, others truly awful. It's a pity that your friends had such a disappointing experience but, for me, enjoying burgundy is a matter of a lot of research, a lot of money and a lot of luck.

a plane ticket to Spain

think that there may be a "legitimate" missing from that paragraph somewhere. ← I certainly hope you're not suggesting that the business interests of a Leeds-born Anglo-Italian restaurateur with connections to the horse racing industry may not adhere to the most rigorous standards of practice. I'm sure such a thing would never happen in the catering industry. ← you're absolutely right. The word "allegedly" was inadvertently omitted from my post.

think that there may be a "legitimate" missing from that paragraph somewhere.

sounds a good idea. These days he's much better at shouting than cooking.

and an excellent, reasonably priced wine list

"pre-fixe" is presumably post modern irony.

It's worth reading the whole article to get the full flavour of his busy life (including the need for someone to arrange "back-waxing or gushy messages on flowers"). Don't know if the service includes handy tips on dealing with third degree burns

The Capital

and what, exactly, is wrong with that?

a source of dining companions for the event http://arts.guardian.co.uk/features/story/0,,1792158,00.html let's rock

Collioure would be a much nicer location, but we enjoyed meals here http://www.hotel-ile-lagune.com/fr/index.php in St Cyprien

This is so true. I'm always amazed that TV programmes appear to be aimed at pleasing hoi polloi, rather than the sophisticated, well informed and those who are able to demonstrate a modicum of savoir faire. And as for allowing these people to vote! Whatever next - universal suffrage?

nothing "pretty" about Luciano, although agree about the "arsey" (and some).

we went last year and enjoyed it. The cooking is a long way from "cutting edge", but is skilful and uses excellent ingredients. She's an interesting woman to talk to and the wine list is well chosen and reasonably priced.

sounds a bit suitist. which way round does it work - if you wear a suit, you can't be a "foodie" or if you're a "foodie", you can't wear a suit?

che just to second helenah's point above about covering fixed costs. The percentages quoted for the different cost elements are helpful, but are obviously based on sales volume assumptions. It's key to identify the balance between your fixed and variable costs and understand where your breakeven point is and the implications of not meeting it. Beating it is not a problem! Apologies if this restating what you already know and good luck.

all you're allowed in St Joseph Blanc is Marsanne (mainly) and Roussanne (sometimes).

If he was selling a St Joseph Blanc made from Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay, he was doing an amazing job