A Man for all Seasonings

Mr.Lynes, did you eat at Foliage and think it was worth 3 stars? I never did, but I live in North London and discovered Hywel Jones's food while he was at Lola's. I thought his cooking was amongst the best to be had in London. When he left for Pharmacy, I dined there shortly thereafter. Delays, yes, but nonetheless the same quality of cooking. But the restaurant itself was nowhere in the same league as Lolas, who I found to be charming and friendly. If I remember correctly, Jefford gave Lola's 5 out of 5 for their wine list, a rating I fully concur with as they are very enthusiastic about their wines, and not greedy on pricing. I think Maschler was correct in her rating of Lolas, as much because of their effort and sincerity as anything else. I too would sooner go to places like Chez Bruce or Lola's as Pharmacy any day, because, even though they make mistakes, there seems to be a genuine desire to please. Went there a week or so ago,with a new chef in residence. Still excellent.

Dont be a turkey! Consider taking the folks out for a really decent meal at a la carte prices at Le Colombier in Chelsea. the atmosphere is great, the meal isnt haute cuisine, but then who needs haute cuisine on Xmas day? Its more about being with the folks, having a good time and not having to wash up.

Club Gascon would be one of my choices, also it has a very interesting winelist and Pascal Ausignac (spelling correct?) does wonderful "raciones" of gutsy south western french food.. how about J.Sheekey? it can be a very romantic place to take someone... ..neither of these choices fusion I'm afraid...or just one course at Locatelli - a large portion of white truffles with pasta, come on, it is a birthday and it is a sexy place....

Dear Cabrales, no my name is not a play on one of Gordons books...I am known as Moreish Thomas...(have you seen the film?) I have not eaten recently at Royal Hospital Road but had an excellent lunch at Claridges not so long ago (Gordon not cooking of course) It showed a wonderful "lightness of touch", such clean flavours, though I'm afraid I do not remember what I ate.

I had dinner at Lola's on Saturday. Menu has not changed much recently though there are a few new dishes. I had ravioli of oxtail with foie gras and beetroot then Lamb with canelloni of shoulder and a type of ratatoille followed by lemon 3 ways..all excellent. The service seemed very efficient and quite charming (apart from a waiter who I think may be deaf???? He seemed to get a few things wrong!) Otherwise, one of the best evenings I have had for ages. One waitress was very enthusiastic about wines and we had one of their wine flights (mini wine tating) plus a red Crozes Hermitage (I cant remember the producer though it was not overpriced) Does anyone know if Hywel Jones has actually done his homework re the Pharmacy? I would not touch the Herford group with a bargepole, I thought they were trying to sell the Pharmacy but no-one was willing to pay the price. I think that everyone is incredulous that he has taken a job with a restaurant group that are going downmarket (just bought the Jamie wine bars) i dont think they are interested in fine dining and I think he is in for a big shock. Does anyone know anything more abouut this? He seemed toi be on such a good thing joining an independently run restaurant like Lolas