david goodfellow

I tend to agree on your take on the rating (see above) but the more that I dine out find that its really hard on a restaurant to deliver time after time without the odd slip. Of course it would be great to make multiple visits, however in the real world, cost, time, and other choices negate the possible quick return. Thanks for reminding me of The Sportsman, its had terrific reviews, should be on any serious foodie list.

These guys really put their balls on the chopping block. You can see it in their eyes when they lose It hurts. With a split vote, proves that we all differ in likes and dislikes. Over all, I think the best man won. Yum,Yum.

Sounds good as ever. Its on my list, just need to link it in with something on the way as its a ,(very usual for me,) heck of a way away

I see the menu is dated 1st June. Does anyone know if it is open yet? (we are down that was at the weekend). ← He's there now Phil, give it a try, let us know what its like.

It seems quite strange that I should be writing this review, having read Ross's comments above and especially so that we should both also be dining at 21212 the other night. However as restaurants have off nights, and Tom Kitchin had recently featured on GBM, I thought to give it a try. We went for lunch, and we had a very long drive ahead of us so mindful that a very big meal may have made me a bit drowsy, we opted for the set menu. Eel and Leek terrine, beetroot and apple. Asparagus,asparagus puree, hollandaise sauce. Sea trout spring vegetables, sorrel sauce. Lamb from Dornoch,kidney, crisp belly, compote of red onions. Pistachio souffle, pistachio ice cream. Rhubarb tart, rhubarb and hibiscus sorbet. Pre Dessert was a wonderful flavoured Pea Soup topped with a quenelle of creme fraiche, we really enjoyed this. I started with the terrine, which was as pretty as a picture, surrounded with small spots of beetroot, interspersed with crisp green apple, this was top notch. The asparagus was just classic freshness on the plate. I had my first Sea Trout of the season, pretty good, cooked to perfection, crispy skin. Spring veg and Sorrel sauce completed the dish. Wee baby Lamb, with lots of extra flavours, the onions flavoured with szechuan pepper and apricot. crispy belly is now on my "to cook" list again. Mrs G's souffle was very well risen, and more to the point delish. I had the rhubarb(again), Its on all the menus, up and down the country, obviously because its bang in season. It was very well presented, and tasted as well as it looked. Portion sizes were just about right for a lunch service, and the cooking was to Michelin standard. Tom was one of nine in the kitching along with two stages, one of whom was on pastry. The room was almost full, and everyone had the set lunch, with perhaps one deviation, the table for one, who looked like a mixture of Ray Winstone and John Terry tucking into a large plate of oysters before embarking on the menu proper. We ate all of them with him (wishfully). Pretty good end to our fleeting visit to Edinburgh, a real shame its so far away, But never too far 2 Campari & soda £9.10 2x 3 course lunch £49 2 Villavieja Chenin blanc-Torrentes£13 1 Arteo Nero D'Avola Sicily, Italy £6.50 Total £77.60 plus tip

Mark Sargeant has left Claridges according to this http://www.bighospitality.co.uk/item/3306/23/5/3 Any thoughts on a winner?

New website up for Nathan Outlaw Seafood and Grill in Rock http://www.nathan-outlaw.com/

" Its a bit different to Juniper" said the Geordie. " A bit different is an understatement, this is totally stunning, jaw droppingly so" said the other Geordie. We had just had the royal tour, through the three achingly beautiful bedrooms with their freestanding baths, wet rooms, and wonderful views. As we stood in the foyer on the £100 a metre moth and thistle carpet, the kitchen staff were ready for off. " Any future stars amongst them Paul" " There all stars, every one of them" So the relief of the first night opening finally sinking in, he walked his troops to the door, thanking them for their efforts, wishing them goodnight, and reminding them that tomorrow is another day. Katie meanwhile was with her staff, going over front of house stuff, again with the relief that everything had gone to plan. She had worked the room superbly, making sure everybody was happy and well informed with the detail. 21212 has raised the bar considerably on the Edinburgh restaurant scene, the massive £4.5 m spend makes this THE must visit foodie destination. Everything about it smacks quality, they have taken an incredible Georgian building in a fantastic location, preserved the fabric with its fabulous cornicing and corbelling, and skillfully, and tastefully, injected a huge amount of pizazz. As it was opening night we were all given a wonderful and more than welcome glass of champagne from our hosts. The first floor lounge is the point that the quality really hits home, with an open plan ajoining room with a circular table for a private dinner, although there is also a stunning private dining area proper. We were shown to the best seats in the house, for foodies at least, a table a deux facing the floor to ceiling glass fronted kitchen, this is table number one by the way. It has to be said however, there is not a bad table in the room, there is something for everybody, including those blissfully in love. Cooking on electric, by choice " to keep the heat down" Paul works at a thoughtful pace with his attentive staff, two of whom who have followed him from Juniper. No histrionics in this kitchen, just heads down intent. Chicken BLT, Meaux Mustard Cream. Warm Scallops, 7 peas, Tomato butter. Soup. Baked Turbot,Chorizo, Dates, Vanilla, Swede Puree. Tender Beef Fillet "a la greque" Cheese. Savoury Cheesecake, Ginger and Nutmeg Sorbet. Baked Egg Custard, Raspberry and Banana Trifle, Linseed. Well we both had one of each course, as always the gentleman giving my wife the first choice. Don't wait for butter with the bread, a fantastically flavoured bit of thoughtfullness with its sultana and pistachio filling. Its deemed to be as nice as it gets without the addition of butter, and who am I to disagree. . We did not get the two chips from the teasing intro website listing, we did however get "7 peas" or at least my wife did with her scallops, we both declared them delish. My Chicken BLT was a pretty decent start to proceedings and as we were to find out, throughout the meal there are a few surprise flavours we just could not get. Paul does not do braising he's more "a la minute" as in the truly tender Beef fillet. My Turbot was excellent and chorizo just lifts it, vanilla, dates and swede puree added there bit also. The puy lentils may have seamed a bit al dente, however it was explained to me, Paul wanted a bit more bite with the fish. Paul likes fish, and I begin to understand why a bit more, as he worked for a chef called Ian Mc Andrew, who's book I have " A feast of Fish". Cheese course was always integral to the Juniper menu, and if anybody knows a bit about it, he does. Needless to say it was, perfect. Pre dessert was one of those witty little Juniper jokey things with the paper cups, the coconut porridge milk, was delish, just missing the cornflakes. lol Desserts were on the money and finished the meal off with fitting success Mrs G skipped coffee( included) whilst I really fancied a cup of cha. It arrived in oversized teapot, highly decorated, as it should be and was thoroughly enjoyable. I'm ashamed to admit to having a poor memory, there was a lot more going on than I can convey, however I will try harder next time, and have no doubt there will be a next time, very soon. "We have something in common Paul, I was born in Gateshead, although a few years before you. lol "Never, where aboots" "Bensham road" "Your jokin, I was born in Bensham Road" Small world is'n't it. 2 dinner £120 1 half bottle Pinot Grigio Isozo £18 1 half bottle Valduero Crianza £23 1 glass Pouilly Fume 2007 £7 1 glass Saint Aubin 1er Cru £10.50 Les Combes,Domaine Larue 2006 Bottle sparkling water £3.50 Total £182 plus tip. Food miles 589 Food smiles My abiding moment of this trip, was Paul standing in the backlit doorway, in his whites, as proud as punch, waving goodbye.

Let me just add my six penn'orth to this. We have just walked through the door, after five hours of motorway travel and could not wait to read Ross's comments, I new he would beat me to it as I did not take my laptop,with me This restaurant (with rooms) is absolutely THE place to eat in this city, its just breathtakingly stunning in every way. Its a masterpiece, and a fitting place to showcase the Maestro's skills I wish I were part of it If I were the opposition, so to speak, I would be prepared for a drop in takings when word hits the street, as to just how good this place really is. I know one of Tom Kitchin's chefs is dining their tonight so he will have the info first hand We had lunch at Toms today and enjoyed ourselves, (I will write it up soon). Tom was in the "kitchen" coping with a nearly full service, all eating the good value set lunch. From a personal point of view, its my considered opinion that 21212 is, now the destination restaurant of the North, and given that our round trip mileage is approaching 600, I would do it all again next week Its that good Amen.

I tend to think a lot of it is kitchen banter with balls, very Ramsayesque

There's news going around that Mark Sargeant has left his position of head chef at Claridges. Anybody got anything? Food did not get me going too much, Tristan, it seemed, had not really thought his out, service wise. Certainly a bit of an ego thing going on in that kitchen.

We really enjoyed the food at Harvey Nicks, I think the room itself is real special, and a special request window seat, with a bottle of "pop" would certainly make it more memorable http://www.harveynichols.com/output/Page127.asp We also enjoyed San Carlo, its busy and buzzy with a smattering of slebs (sometimes). Food is ok-ish, plenty pasta, pizza, specials board is good also. Liked the room.

Apologies for taking this topic off the Edinburgh thread, however I feel that it more than deserves singular recognition. The website is now up for perusal http://www.21212restaurant.co.uk/21212.html Bit of a wacky intro with the Chicken BLT and two French fries Better be more than two Paul or my missus will have a moan The lunch at £20 is a bargain, most certainly for the quality. Roll on tomorrow

Only two days left to the opening night. really looking forward to it Not much looking forward to the journey though, its a long slog. Still, should be well worth it No website yet, that I can see, would be nice to see one soon.

Interesting piece in Manchester Confidential, did'n't realise you guys took your curry so seriously Shame that EastzEast is closed on a Sunday, that was my first choice. Akbars is now firmly on my list also. Thanks for the tip btw. http://www.manchesterconfidential.com/inde...86IHqi#17018560

....and of course all those British people eating in British restaurants in Spain. A good tried and trusted way to spot a good restaurant ← Oh,you are a one. but I like you

Hi John, After the £386 spend ( for two) at the Fat Duck midweek, I was looking for a bit of a bargain basement end to the week. It looked strongly towards Red Chilli or an Indian of sorts. Timperley Chris reminded me about Dilli a few weeks ago so I went to there website. I believe the buffet is only a Sunday thing and I suppose it has to be considered a steal at the money, it really is cheap as chips. Its a shame that there is only one main so to speak, would have been nice to compare another type of flavour. Your the man with his finger on pulse of the local scene, Altrincham is about forty miles away for me, so I perhaps built it up a bit in my mind. If it were on the doorstep we would try it again

They all have a strong Ramsay connection; it will interesting to see the differences and simlarities.. ← Not had a Sargent meal, sorry to say. Was not impressed with the Launceston Place one (Welch). Still its wrong of me to judge on one visit

He knows how to put a big bit of comfort on a plate

There's something comforting about Indian people eating in Indian restaurants, the same goes for Chinese in Chinese restaurants. It sort of makes you think that you have stumbled on a real find. However, apart from the Sari and turban clad Indian foursome, a Chinese couple with their kiddie were tucking into growingly hot nosh at Dilli in Altringham. Now then I admit to not seeing many, if any Chinese people in an Indian restaurant before, and vice versa, I always sort of assumed the two different types of cusine did not appeal, to the different palates. In between mopping his brow, the Chinese guy gleefully polished off a few plate fulls of Chicken bhuna, clearly loving every mouthful. As also his companions were. So much for assumption, eh. Apart from ourselves, and the aformentiond groups an elderly couple and another middle aged couple tucked in to the all you can eat buffet. We had a lot in common, a healthy appetite! A surprisingly few food options were on offer, all vegetarian except the chicken. Pakoras, boiled rice, aloo gobi, tarka dall, paneer spinach, Chicken bhuna, poppadoms. diced veg, and lime pickle, fruit chutney, and some freshly made (and delicious) nan bread. Everything was o so freshly cooked, and the two chefs in the kitchen were toiling away, doing what chefs do best. The food was a bit above the average for the type, I think that i was expecting a bit more than can be offered for the money, but there is a bit of hype attached to this place, so expectations can be raised. Its not worthy of a journey, however if you are in the area its certainly a very good bet especially with one of the current offers 2x Buffet lunches £15.90 Large tiger beer £4.50 Glass Pinot Grigio £3.65 Service charge £2.41 Jug of North West Water FOC. OK- I know its not City Centre but I thought this was the best place for it http://www.dilli.co.uk/

We are dahn sahf tomorrow. Mark Sargent v Tristan Welch, looking on is Jason Atherton. I know a few people are looking forward to this one. Its eggy time Egg and Soldiers, broccoli puree, goats cream cheese. Asparagus, egg and cress sandwich, and cured smoked ham. Egg-tastic

Back in January we had the pleasure of an evening meal at Corrigans, Mayfair and was looking for an informal lunch, at a reasonable price, so I took a look at the Michelin Bib Gourmands GQS fitted the bill perfectly. Dark and dingy with heavily worn wooden floors, its in no way as inspiring as the food on offer Along one wall is a bar, although the focus here of course is the food. Before I move on to the food, let me give you a tip, ask for a window table, they are a lot lighter and you can watch the animation outside. Fortunately, I kept the paper menu of the day, although I did remember some of it. Some of the starters, Onion soup and Ardrahan, Cured sprats, broccoli and radicchio, Brawn and ham hock terrine, Warm snail and bacon salad etc Mains Partridge and lentils, Skate and tomato sauce, Hereford Beef: salted brisket, dripping toast and pickles. Braised Hare and pickled walnut, Blackface Mutton hotpot (for two) etc Dessert Chocolate tart, Buttermilk pudding and rhubarb, Little seville orange pot, Muscat caramel cream,etc Listed at the top of the menu were, Campari and Clementine, and Hoppit Firkin, a real ale from Loddon Brewery, Oxfordshire, so thats what we started with Well we guessed the portions at Corrigans would be genorous so we skipped starters and jumped straight in with the Hare. Hare is very rarely on a menu so we both plumped for it. Needless to say it was divine, a big hunk of divineness with near black sauce, due to the pickled walnut, there was also lots of chunks of celery adding further depth of flavour. It was served with buttery mash and we had a side of Kale, scrumptious! We were pleased with the trencherman portions and had no room for dessert. Tom Norrington-Davies is not only a highly skilled chef, he makes good use of the pen also. Writing good articles for the telegraph. I'm extremely gratefull to Jasper Gerard for his timely review, as it reminded me how good this place really is. Do go if you like full on flavor http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/re...eet-London.html

Heston for London? Looks like it. Chris Staines is also confirmed at Heckfield Place, Hampshire http://www.bighospitality.co.uk/item/3275/.../238/pg_ftr_art

He's got some work yet to do if he wants to reach the dizzying heights of 2008's official 'wa.ker' chris horridge. Even then, he was painted badly by the producers. ← I note that Chris is no longer at Bath Priory (Michael Caines is now exec). I think Chris has gone to Waldo's at Clivden. I always wondered if the two were connected. Another of our local contestants Elisha Carter (Charlton House) has also moved on. Does anyone know were he went? GBM works for some (Sat, Jason, Glynn etc), but obviously not for all. ← Elisha Carter is now the sous chef at Pennyhill park,where Michael Wignal is head chef, Pennyhill Park ← That explains why my meal there, in recent weeks, was fantastic. Spoke to Michael afterwards, never thought to ask who his sous was. Top, top quality, highly recommended.

Blackburn 3 Liverpool 1 I was right about the soup Just wrong about the cold. Twenty five years at the top speaks volumes, Nigel clearly knows what the judges are looking for. Aiden admitted to me months ago that he wished (like most chefs) that he had done more work on pastry Not bad viewing, enjoyed the banter, looks like they had a lorra, lorra, laughs in the kitchen. Anybody know anything about the sous chefs?