nikkib

Dinner at Mikuni at the Fairmont. I was lucky enough to be invited by friends and so wasnt paying (hence the step up from hawker centres!) and wow - what a meal! From start to finish - hamachi ceviche with jalapeno through to bonito broth with a prawn, sashimi (including the most deliciously sweet scallop i have ever tasted)sushi (outstanding wagyu sushi) robata grilled wagyu skewers, asparagus and a fish (i forget which) and some miso glazed cod, this was an unmissable experience. The sake list was a sight to behold, not being experts we selected a decently priced (around $125 for the carafe i think) sake from their tasting notes.

Another great meal at Din Tai Fun - pork mince noodles, crunchy cucumber salad and vegtable and pork dumplings. God i love this place!

Some very decent fish tacos (and yummy hot sauce) at Piedra negra just off arab street. A good Mexican restaurant (with killer margaritas) with a nice bar on a pretty little pedestrianised street.

Breakfast at Cafe des Amis in farrer Park again - pongal with vada and sambar. Pongal is a type of Indian rice Porridge and makes a very satisfying breakfast indeed.

oh that baklava made my heart jump a little! Wow or as Homer would say mmmmmmmmmm baklava!

I've only ever eaten it cooked - always took it to be the Italian bacon equivalent ....

Ooh this should be good!

A magical Latin American fairy?!

those look goooood!

Wow! The crispy shell on prawns look especially delicious! Duck jaws? The meat from around the jaw or cartiledge? I've had duck hearts, liver and tongues before but never jaws...

a fun first course could be some nice antipasto - cured meats,cheese, olives, marinated vegetables or some salad, arancini maybe, some home baked Italian bread, bruschetta etc - finger food - sexy and sensual... make some good aperol or campari spritzes to go with them and then move onto the main course. Im yet to meet a man who doesnt appreciate a good steak - you could try poaching one in barolo like this jamie oliver recipe http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/jamie-oliver/barolo-poached-fillet-steak-with-celeriac-puree-recipe/index.html and maybe skip the puree for something lighter like sauteed spinach, asparagus and zucchini.

Looks delicious norm!

Toffee cumin carrots??!! Um yum!

Foie Gras Brouilly Onglet Amongst many others - tortillas and fajitas used to be a big one 5-10 years ago too. Working in a restaurant I have to be honest, I try to ensure the staff don't correct the guests pronunciation unless they are struggling with it or ask. My feeling is that you should never embarrass a guest in this respect, as long as we serve the correct dish that's all that matters. Guests that are interested and want to know the correct pronunciation on the other hand are often few and far between.

It's open on Christmas day...

Kim- welcome back, great food as always!i

These all sound really good!

Must.Have.BacalaoFritters.Now!!!

It's delicious! I am seething with jealousy at the thought of chefcrash sprinkling this over his own home made saj (made using his home made saj oven) yum, yum, yum!

Fresh tumeric... hope that helps

Looks delicious Bruce!

Thanks all, have forwarded the details - ockenden manor does look lovely!

Think that may be a bit too far on this occasion Margaret but thanks! It's just the kind if place she would love to eat in!

Randomnly they looked at that yesterday but you have to take all the rooms too and they are £250 each which is a bit steep...

Hi all - wondering if you might be able to help... my best friend is looking to hold a small wedding (60pax roughly) in May and needs ideas on where to book. She wants somewhere relaxed, fun and with great food - a beautiful English country location would be preferred (she is looking at River cottage and places like that) Does anyone know of anywhere decently priced for a casual countryside in Soth East England (she LOVED The Pig Country House Hotel in the New Forest for example but they are already booked up..) Thanks in advance for any help!