nikkib

I don't understand this statement. Individual tasting menus as opposed to what? ← as in everyone at the table has different preparations of each dish so the "main course" might be squab for one person, veal for another etc etc no two dishes are replicated at the table

That was very bolshy of you, if I may say so! Glad it turned out well - and yes this does suggest a kitchen very much in control. ← i dont think its bolshy at all - at RHR they pretty much make you have individual tatsing menus, i think it showcases a kitchen at its best

yeah, i will definitely be checking out ambassade and the connaught but feel like something a bit more casual on monday - am booked in for giaconda dining room now - will report back next week

i was thinking about the giaconda actually, i work nearby too so that might be a goer... thanks

http://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2008...ven-months.html a bit of googling....

am pretty sure it closed - rather acrimoniously too if i remember correctly?

What, of the spate of new restauarant openings in London would get your thumbs up as "your favourite"? am all out of ideas and have my first night off since may (!) on monday and want to go somewhere new and interesting(ish) that is not going to break the bank. Don't want anything too formal, more relaxed than anything (but not too casual) with some lovely food and delicious wine - where to go?

anyone else been recently? am off for my first visit this month - i adore le gavroche, i'm not going to be disappointed am i?

Petrus is until the 15th of this month operated by Gordon ramsay holdings withMarcus wareing as chef patron. A few months back, marcus did an exclusive deal to take over completely from GRH and work directly with the berkley hotel (so essentially carrying on doing exactly what he was doing before just without GRH's involvement) google waitrose food illustrated or some of the newspaper headlines from early august to see the story break and get acrimonious... In my opinion Petrus is a brilliant restaurant and would highy reccommend it, especially over tom aikens which is a great dining experience but really not comparable.

not sure about the * but i got a reservation for 5 on a friday night at senderens in Oct at 830pm with no trouble at all - via email (in french) on website

Is the noise inside more of a problem than the jet airplanes brushing the chimneys? S ←

i thought the hinds head was utterly average

arbutus,galvin bistro deluxe, l'autre pied all spring to mind - dare i say it but check out toptable for their special offers as well maybe? Ramsay restaurants do an early supper menu at around £30

just saw in Evening standard that they have closed toms place pre empting legal action about the "smell" any ideas on when/if it is likely to reopen?

i think the room is lovely at lunch, the lighting is really good - somehow you don't notice that you are in a near windowless basement. Really buzzy atmosphere with a good mix of suits and knightsbrige ladies who lunch.

0207 235 1200 - same number as before so shows what i know!

try the last word with a couple of drops of frenet branca for "the last word on the last word" use the frenet as if it were bitters.....

Wont be the same number - all goes through a GR switchboard at present so will have to change that - the present number will continue (i would imagine) as Petruus (ie GR's Petrus)

no it hasn't closed yet, not sure when that is pencilled in.

Not sure if it qualifies as central london - but he may well enjoy Fifteen... jamie is, i think quite big in the states and it has quite a "young" feel to it.

Notting Hill has loads of restaurants to recommend if you are looking for solid locals, Osteria basilico (kensington park road) is a great little Italian restaurant, The Electric (soho house group) is on kensington Park road and is great for brunch and the electric cinema is brilliant as well -comfy leather armchairs and a bar. The Ledbury is wonderful - set menu is only £35 for 3 courses and well worth it. Lucky 7's for burgers, The Cow for oysters and guiness 9both on westbourne park road) Hereford Road is a brilliant bistro -esque restaurant with a former chef from st john behind it and a daily changing menu. Cafe Anglais in Bayswater. The lonsdale and montgomery place for cocktails.

Little Bay. ← I'd second little bay, cheap wine too which is always a bonus!

i think anyone who has actually read anything giles has written would understand that he is an amusing, talented writer who would have succeeded no matter what

which one - les cocottes or violon? I have booked into le crillon for the brunch du monde, looks eye wateringly pricy but rather lovely....