Richard_D

Not long out over here in the UK is "Essence: Recipes from Le Champignon Sauvage" It's quite a book and the first from David Everitt-Matthias who currently holds 2 Michelin stars.

I think your critique is a little harsh. Like I said, I've not eaten there so I can't claim to be part of any eG LCS love in, but the book looks much better than many in that I at least 'think' I could attempt many of the dishes in there. Perhaps that's a failing in my ambition or ability, or just a realistic assessment of a book for an reasonably skilled home cook?

Really good meal in Babbo last week although Otto looked excellent and at frankly incredibley low prices. We had no trouble getting into Babbo for dinner - we were walking past, nipped in and got a 9.30pm reservation.

Still not eaten there yet but got the book on Saturday (whilst visiting the Great British Cheese festival around the corner - luckily I went the day before it was rained off). Have to say it's a fantastic book and unusually it all looks achievable in the home kitchen providing you can get hold of the ingredients.

It varies by region (particuarly North and South). Where are you going?

No doubt the Old Spot is very good (I tend to agree with Jay Rayner) but I wouldn't put much stock in some of the Bristol Metro reviews, after all (if I remember the correctly) this is the paper that gave Que Pasa (the chain tapas pub) a better write up than Le Champignon Sauvage...... This weeks review of Barnsley House was 'accidental' as the clientele of Bibury House was a bit old?!?

Just got back from a week on Anglesey and around N Wales somewhat lighter in the pocket and heavier round the middle but as promised got up to some exploring. If you're ever up that way here's a few places that I found good to visit for supplies: First off we hit the smokehouse on the east of Anglesey at Dulas Bay and we were lucky enough to be shown around. At the time they were smoking all sorts and from what they told us some of their products should soon be available on the high street. As usual I completely overdid it and came away with smoked fish, cheese, sausages (wild boar and venison), ribs and bacon. One slightly odd item was smoked butter which we piled into as soon as we got home - fab on toast and even better in mash or on jacket spuds. They try to source as much as possible from the island and I saw them smoking a batch of Anglesey sea salt which was kinda nice as that was our next stop over on the other side of the island. We turned up there after picking up some fantastic freshly cut asparagus from Hootons near Brynsiencyn that was so fine you could eat it raw. I also couldn't resist a fantastic rack of welsh lamb to keep my sausages company on the barbecue. At the sea salt factory we picked up a selection of salt including some with vanilla which we found to be fantastic ground over grilled prawns and I reckon it would be fantastic finely ground over homemade rich chocolate desserts (trying it this week). I'm a big fan of the plain sea salt anyway and use it quite a lot as I find it's not as bitter as many others. After that mammoth shopping expedition I didn't get out much for food although we did go to the White Eagle at Rhoscolyn for lunch. It's closing soon for refit, and to be frank it does need it although their menu was pretty good and the specials boards (including half or whole local lobsters) were very enticing. We also managed a curry at Gio's in Beaumaris which I have to mention as it was the best dupiaza I've had anywhere! (but I'm not going back until they sort the toilets out, 'nuff said).

Was it the White Horse? I've not eaten there for many a year (unless you include a buffet for someone's birthday last year), really should give it another try. ← I've just found out it was the Grosvenor Arms just up the road in Aldford (which turns out is one of the brunning and price pubs you've mentioned). Relatives were impressed and it was very popular when they were there. Some friends of a relative have just taken over The White Horse and because of this I expect the standard of food to rise quite considerably (if it hasn't already) but remain reasonably priced. I'm heading up that way next week for a week or so and intend to do some exploring. I'll report back!

I'm almost ashamed to say the best one I've got (and for that matter have ever had) is a Tefal Jamie Oliver non-stick pan. Heavy base, thick non-stick and an oven proof handle.

Unfortunately I don't live that way but I visit regularly. I did hear from relatives about a pub somewhere near Churton/Chester that they visited last weekend but can't for the life of me remember the name (but I'll find out). If you're on Anglesey I've also heard good stuff about The Courtyard in Beaumaris (some connection with The Waterfront in Treaddur Bay near Holyhead so I've heard) and Tafarn y bont just as you come over the bridge from Bangor has improved vastly recently. Plas Bodegroes has had mixed reviews from family and friends. Good, but not brilliant has been the opinion.

Good site here for hotels and restaurants in wales (quite a lot of these are in the North). North Wales has always been quite well off for good middle of the road food in my eyes. Michelin Stars are starting to arrive but you could always eat out pretty well. A couple of places you might want to try (that won't break the bank) are: The Druid Inn in Llanferres Ye Olde Bulls Head, Beaumaris, Anglesey (you can't book a table for the brasserie so be prepared to queue)

It appears not. (personally I don't miss him). Next week it starts at 9pm so a full hour of uncut swearing.....

Why not try a private cookery school? OK, it can be very expensive and if you choose a bad school/wrong course it'll teach you things you already know or nothing at all. I went on a 5 day course and really enjoyed it. An added bonus is that you're doing it with lots of other like minded people. Just do your research, phone them up and give them a grilling about the course content and look for one where the tutors have had some experience of teaching.

and (unusually) wrong...

Lucky you, thanks for sharing that with us

5 pints of Cider is not supper. ← Not even with ice in it? ← No, that's pudding (or dessert)

I think it's probably just down to a different approach. Cooking in the UK is not really seen as a profession where ability can be measured purely by academic standards. You go to a technical college to learn the basics, then if you want to get anywhere it's down to you to put the work in and build a CV showing you've been in the right kitchens and learnt more. The focus in the UK is on personal drive and the quality of on the job training. We have fantastic universities that show we can do post-school education, but would we want a CIA turning out classes of chefs who have all learnt the same techniques and recipes in the same way? Things might generally get better but it might make things a little boring

Just picked up a copy earlier this morning from one of our larger bookstores. I didn't even know it was coming out until I read a extract in The Observer here and here today. Just about a third of the way through and it's living up to expectations. The usual funny and wry observations, including, so far, one non-food article. I'll not spoil the contents for anyone but can recommend it so far - like Kitchen Confidential it makes a refreshing change from the usual foodie books and is pretty no-holds barred stuff.

This week I just watched Friday's episode. You miss some of the banter and childish sniping but at least you don't have to see the same thing/hear the same comments five or more times. Much better

Today at 11.30 on BBC1 after Saturday Kitchen

oops! sorry, perhaps I should have put a spoiler space in

Glad to see michael caines win tonight. I thought he deserved it. The judges comment seemed surprisingly harsh - it's either a reflection of the level of the competition or tv editing I s'pose. I'd like to have seen a bit more debate and discussion. Next week's round with Richard Corrigan and Paul Rankin should be fun to watch as they're both characters.

Rather scarily, HM is usually right. Tim - I shall never forgive you for "outing" me. Neither of tonights dishes appealled to me. ← Hmm, doesn't the public vote for the eventual winner after the judges have whittled them down?. Her Maj might end up with one heck of a phone bill if she wants Gary Rhodes to win

Just thought I'd post about this - great day, great weather and a great festival. Managed to catch a couple of demo's, tasted a couple of beers and cider and (as usual) bought bags of loot and ate far too much - all in all a good day! Will definitely be going again next year - I'd recommend it to anyone. It just goes to show how many quality suppliers there are down in the southwest and they're really making an effort to show everyone. Marc - did you make it?

To be honest Cafe paradiso is in a nice building, nice atmosphere but it's mostly variations on steaks, pizza and pasta. One I forgot to mention is Lumiere in the centre of town. (I think it's got a website) There are loads of little places, for a good vietnamese I'd try Newlands by the Queens hotel (which also houses Le Petit Blanc), for Indian or Thai I'd go for the Ruby or Siam Smile repectively which are just down the road from LCS as is Ole (a tapas bar, but probably not what you want for your wedding anniversary!) I didn't think to suggest Winchcombe - No5 North St as people have said, also Wesley House is supposed to be good as well. hope that helps