Mandarin

I thought you had worked in lots of kitchens? Marco Pierre White ← Nice one!

The first time I saw MPW on tv he was tasting a sauce with a long trail of saliva running from his mouth into the pan. The health inspectors generally aren't around during service, I find.

He forgot to crack his eggs before frying

If you've ever worked in a kitchen, you will find that using a spoon to taste and then stir is no big deal.

Considering the combined years of experience and talent of (most of these) chefs, and the huge repetoire they have to work from , don't really think that any of them have come up with a really suitable July meal to serve 300. I mean, how summery is Lancashire Hot Pot.

I've eaten at eight of these restaurants and of those (St John) included, I certainly think they deserve their inclusion on the list. Am feeling that there is a tendency to critisize the list even though some of you are not familiar with the restaurants. Everyone's views are subjective anyway, but how can you diss somewhere if you haven't experienced it?

In Sydney, go to the Golden Century for seafood - can't get fresher. Also, check out the Sydney Seafood Market for fresh fish and cheap eats. Have brunch at Hugo's on Bondi or any of the cafes along the front at Bronte Beach. Otto at Woolloomooloo Wharf for fantastic Italian or its sister restaurant next door, Nove, for pizza. Spectacular views at the Bondi Icebergs. If going north of Sydney to the Northern Beaches, head for the Clareville Kiosk or Jonahs at Whale Beach and yes, the last time I was there we did see whales frolicking in the sea! Bather's Pavillion at Balmoral is another must do. If you don't want to fork out in the main restaurant there is a cafe in the same building. Don't know if the Bellevue in Woolahra is still around but this was my favorite gastro pub type place in Sydney. Mezzaluna in Potts Point is also fantastic. Book at table outside (they have outdoor heaters in the winter) on the terrace, in the evening and enjoy the spectacular views across the city. For food on the go, and really good won ton noodle soup or hunnan chicken with garlic rice, the food court below Westpac Plaza on George street has a chinese/malaysian outlet. I forget the name. It's where all the office workers eat. I could go on...............

Erm, has anyone suggested Glamourous/Glorious (I forget the name) - in Ancoats, above the Wing Yip supermarket. Get there early as impossible to get a table (300 seater) after 12.30pm. Best food and best value Chinese I've had (and I should know, I'm one of them).

Have just got back from Venice and Da Ivo, near the Rialto is well worth a trip, but do make sure you book.

Have really got to disagree with the postive comments about Sardo Canale and Melrose and Morgan. The former is the more over rated and expensive 'local' I have been to. I recently paid £10 less for one less course there than at Locanda Locatelli the previous night, which I rate as the best Italian in town. As for Melrose and Morgan, it's doing fantastically well as it appeals to the type of Primrose Hillers who are happy to fork out ridiculous amounts of money for a couple of chicken drumsticks and cupcakes, which incidentally are bought in.