Infrasonic

This is spectacularly interesting for me. I called up at about 6pm on that very day to request a table, on a punt that there'd be some cancellations due to the tube strike, and was told they were completely full. Either the punters who'd booked didn't cancel (an inexcusable malfeasance in my book, tube strike or not), or, as has been suggested, they keep the tables open for supposed special customers. (In the end I went to Le Gav instead, and despite not having dined there for about three months was greeted and addressed by name as if I still go there at least once a month by Maitre d' and many of the other FOH crew throughout the evening.) H ← Anyone tried booking on behalf of David Beckham to see if this works...

Congratulations...

I only ate at Juniper twice, both memorable experiences. I'm seriously trying to find an excuse for a trip to Edinburgh now...

Isn't the old Sous (Stuart Thomson) now the Head Chef? Should help the continuity no? http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/in...DfiKHqiNw86IHqi

The ubiquitous Ferrari shot sank it for me. It seems the Ramsay stable does breed a very insecure strain of chefs, a reflection on the man himself? Or is it a London thing? ( As an exiled Londoner living in the NW for the last twenty odd years I hate having to work down there dealing with attitude )

Protesting is fine but I don't see why they have to ram it down our throats in this way...

Re-posted link that works

I always knew that Tana was a bit kinky...or was it the other one?

Thanks for the expansion rjs1. Who would have though accounting could be so exciting...

Ramsay is on record as saying that bookings went ballistic at Aubergine after Boiling Point was aired on TV. (Plus lets not forget he would have seen first hand how MPW got so much mileage out of being the bad boy @ Harveys) I think it was then that the penny dropped about playing the pantomime villain for effect. There is no way he could keep the stable of chefs he has unless he looked after them. I think he is deeply insecure (like most talented people), and the tirades are the steam letting moments. If you run the sort of mad schedule he does you'll never really have time to address your "issues" (again very much like MPW). He's been very successful being a bit of a twat sometimes, it's only going to reinforce his behaviour.

Don't most of the larger outfits put service charges through the PAYE system though? (Or in some cases actually make up the wages to minimum out of tips ) Even with a separate troncmaster HMRC are keen on getting their class 1 NI. How would that work accounting wise if there is only the NI liability appearing and not the income that it has been derived from. Thinking aloud, don't know. I always tip in cash in the vain hope that the staff will see it without deductions.

Any truth in the rumour that the name is being changed to The Pot Luck...

Daft name, can see it getting shortened by everyone to 212. Interesting that he has backed off from his previously stated aim of getting up to two stars. Perhaps the current climate has modified the business plan a tad...

I'd echo Thom's verdict on Sweet Mandarin. Ate there twice in the early days and thought it was dire. And the online anonymous eulogising on various websites is definitely suspect. The sisters are certainly media savvy, shame they can't convert the attention whoring into serving decent food. Never had any ill effects from Mahabra, whereas I stopped doing Hunters when I got a dodgy tummy a bit too often. Kabana is my regular lunch haunt now. Open kitchen, can see what the hygiene is like (good). Also been doing the little Italian place next to Cafe Nero on Princess Street/Mosely Street corner. All Italian staff who are a bit flaky to be honest but they do a mean Penne Carbonara that keeps me going back. Today was really yummy.

Anyone got the inside track on what's going on with Paul Kitching? Is it still all going ahead at No 3 Royal Terrace? http://www.edinburghguide.com/forums/edinb...outandpubs/2539

Karims has a "closed due to maintenance issues untill further notice" sign on the menu boards outside, uncollected post inside the locked gates...seems my prediction upthread about being the next Mcr casualty may be coming true Mahabra. Nans to die for. I used to be a regular years ago, karai chicken and a nan mmm. Just never ever ever go near the toilets though...

The more this goes on the more it reminds me of the 1920's and the good time bubble before the '29 crash.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7877289.stm Celebrity chef Antony Worrall Thompson has had to shut four restaurants, leaving 60 of his staff redundant.

Harvey Nicks to lose Head Chef Chinatowns demise

I've done Karims a few times at lunch. It started off at £8 for the buffet, now a fiver, all in that splendid marble! I can't see how they make any money with the rents being what they are on King Street. The next candidate to close? Never seen it more than a quarter full (if that).

Another one bites the dust... CELEBRATED chef Raymond Blanc has closed the doors of his Manchester city centre restaurant for good as 'le credit crunch' claimed its latest high profile victim. I only ate there about four or five times, quite liked it food wise even if it was a bit corporate chain on the service front. Not on this link but in the MEN paper there was something about Juniper not reopening after its winter "break"... Edit; MEN link here...http://www.citylife.co.uk/restaurants/news...ems_at_juniper_

The thing is he could quite easily have done a CVA and at least made an effort to repay his creditors, even if a few pennies in the pound. (Still having the option to bump it at a later date if needs be) Once the VC's were on board though I bet even if it had been considered initially they would have vetoed it and gone for full liquidation.(Prepack)

I thought it was quite prophetic how both Albert Roux and Nico Ladenis both told MPW to slow down lest he burn himself out, which is effectively what he did in the end.

Agree with the previous comments regarding HN, The Modern etc. At the risk of incurring the wrath of the haters, Panacea on a Friday is actually alright (for drinks, I wouldn't eat there personally). Quite a few bar/restaurant staff pop in later (before hitting MOJOS to get trashed) and it has a more laid back "regulars" vibe. It's never rammed out on a Friday usually. Cocktails are good. It's Saturday I would miss if you really want to avoid the squawking wanna be WAG brigade... Ignorant, no manners chavs and the gym bunny steroid boys

I've only eaten the once at The French @ the Midland, enjoyed it very much. With the caveat that it is very old school (food and service) and to my mind overpriced for the standard of cooking. (My fish was well overcooked) I was on a 50% off the food deal (for two), and at that price it was well worth it. Full whack...not so sure. If the cooking was better, definitely. But, as I said that is based on one visit. The Maitre d' Bruno has been there over 35 years I believe, smooth as silk. http://www.qhotels.co.uk/hotels/the-midlan...restaurant.aspx The Gastronomique menu at The French Restaurant can be booked from Tuesday to Friday and offers excellent value for money with two, three or four course options from £29. ^^Anyone done any of these? ALC Menu http://www.qhotels.co.uk/pdf/French%20Rest...20Brochures.pdf