Andrew

Meant to post that shortly after the question I went there and had an excellent meal. Really good quality 1 star cooking. Not quite worth 2 stars but far better than many 1 star places. Excellent value for money - £50 for a tasting menu. The highlight was a vegetarian version of the tasting menu for one of our party. It's in a strange position (or at least was) - just off the Holloway Rd in Islington, it is local to us but worth the trek if you're not local. I've been back since and it was as good. I can see why it retains its star year on year. I'm surprised it doesn't get more press. Something to do with its strange location? They have very recently moved to Barbican - another slightly strange location and am going on NYE so will report back. Andrew

Any one been here recently? I'd be interested in any up to date views? Thanks

I've got no sympathy for him. They made the rules and he chose to make some extra profit by breaking them. If he didn't like their rules he could have opened up somewhere else. The rule may or may not be stupid (that is another discussion) but the choice was his. I'm sure he wasn't selling it at cost but making a healthy profit on top, he gambled and lost.

Wow this is impossible but here goes: 1. Sat Bains 2. Gordon Ramsay RHR 3. L'Attlier de Joel R (both London & Las Vegas) 4. Helen Darroze at the Connaught 5. Morgan M 5. Sketch (Library) 6. Galvin at Windows 7. Dinner by HB 8. Simpsons 9. River Cafe NYC 10. Any one of a number of places in Las Vegas The order after the top 4 is fairly random and the River Cafe gets in for view as much food and Simpsons for consistent quality rather than one outstanding meal. Andrew

Went there for lunch today. What amazing value £42 inc 2 glasses of wine. The total bill was bumped up by champagne at £18 a glass and coffee at £5. The food was excellent (for a lunch). The flavours were intense but fresh, the portions sensible sizes and the ingredients light and top quality. The menu was identical to the one mentioned by MaL0 (in early November). The difference was one of us had pork instead of venison and an 'apple' dessert rather than cheese. From my point of view this has to be one of the best value set lunches in London. I can also see why she was recently given a second star. Would I go back? No question about it. Not only for lunch but I can't wait to try it in the evening. Andrew

I went to Goodmans at Canary Wharf yesterday. I understand it has only been open for a few weeks. They demonstrated perfect customer service. THe starter was a good (alhough nothing out of the ordinary) salad. It consisted of rocket, goats cheese, figs and iberian ham (£8?). For a main I ordered a 500g (or 600g I can't remember!) bone in rib eye. It was around £36 + a portion of chips (£4). The chips were perfect - hot, crisp and fluffy. The steak came exactly as I asked for it - medium rare. The first two mouthfuls were wonderful. I then started to encounter a fair amount of grissle. Not every mouthful but more than I would have expected. When I was half way through the manager saw me struggling (somewhat inelegently remove a mouthful of grissle) and came over and asked me what was wrong. I explained that it had a great flavour but there was more grissle than I would ahve expected. She immediately offered to replace the steak. Given I was half way through and there was no way I could have eaten another steak I thanked her and declined saying that it was a kind offer but my waistline wouldn't take a further 500g of meat. As an apology they took the whole price of the steak of the bill. They were apologetic and it was clear the chef should have spotted it before cooking. Having said that it was excellent customer service, these things happen and they dealt with it pefectly. They have also ensured I will return.

Just got back and thought I'd jot down details of the three dinners we had. The first night we went to a restaurant in the Municipal House just by the Powder Gate. I understand it has only recently become a 'fine dining' estabishment called Francouzska Restaurace. The building is an amazing art deco dining room which is worth visting just for the room. The food was very good (pushing 1 Michelin star) and the service friendly and helpful. By way of example a small amusee bouche was brought out (a pork terrine) my partner is vegetarian and they immediately took it away and replaced it with somethng else cf Kampa Park (see below). The food was well executed and presentation superb. Well worth a visit. It cost CZK xxx for two people to have 2 courses, share a dessert, a decent bottle of local pinot noir and a bottle of still water. The second night was a less formal 2 courses each at Zavoje just off Wenceslas Sq. This seems to be a group of 'shops' including a deli, wine / off licence and restaurant. The foot was hearty local dishes although was all a little bland. At CZK 1,220 inc a good local bottle of red it was good value for money for ok food. Their wine selections are excellent and good value. The final night was Kampa Park. The view is amazing (right beneath Charles Bridge) and it has a display of 'famous diners' in reception. The food was very good although not quite as good as the first night. The bill came to CZK 4,400 for 3 courses, 2 glasses of local fizz, a bottle of local red and a bottle of still water. The service was good and quite formal. Presentation excellent and well worth a visit. When they brought out an amuse bouche (salmon) we explained that one of us was a vegetarian, unlike the first night when something different was found without fuss and with a smile, this time it was handed to me with the words "you get two then"! One issue at Kampa Park to be aware. We ordered a bottle of wine listed as 2007 on the menu. It seemed fine when I tasted it although clearly needed some air. On checking the label it was in fact a 2010. They apologised and offered us free desserts. Instead we opted to change the wine for something else. The wine we had was more expensive and they charged us the full price and also for the desserts saying we had the choice. I thought that was a little off as they were trying to palm off a different (and cheaper vintage) on us. Having said that it is a great setting for vistors. Andrew

I'd be interested to know people's view on the best steak in London. Goodmans comes highly recommended as does Hawksmoor. I've always been impressed by Hawksmoor but never been to Goodmans so views welcome. Thanks Andrew

Thanks. I've had some really good meals at Yang Sing but the last time I went there (2 years ago) it was dreadful so not inclined to go back unless someone says it has gone back to how it was many years ago!

I'm loking for the 'best' chinese in the city centre. I've received suggestions of Wings or Yang Sing. Looking for somethng fairly standard foodwise with maybe a view slightly different dishes. Any views or other suggestions would be welcome. Thanks Andrew

Has anyone been here recently? They seem to retain their Star but I'd be interested in some recent feedback. Thanks

what an excellent summary of the guide and their 'attitude'.

This is a very different experience compared to my visits. I've been there a few times, twice as a single diner (although have never stayed there). Each time I've been welcomed and Amanda has been excellent, perfect FoH. On both occassions I've booked for one and there have been no issues. In fact the total opposite. One evening there was another single diner who had a little to much to drink and was causing some difficulty and Amanda (and Sat) dealt with him expertly. Whenever I go to Nottingham for work I try and visit with clients or by myself. Andrew

Any tips for a visit to Prague would be welcomed. I can go through the Michelin Guide but any recent experiences / views? Only requirement is there must be a vegetarian dish on the menu as one of the group doesn't eat meat or fish. Thanks Andrew

My experience as well. Perfectly executed and presented top quality ingredients.

Not a suggested up or down but a remain the same, I went Royal Hospital Road for lunch yesterday and was really impressed. I know a fair few knock him and suggest that the flagship is likley to lose a star but on yesterday's evidence I really believe it is worth its 3 star ranking and will keep it. Andrew

I went there for lunch yesterday and was really impressed. I know a fair few knock him and suggest that the flagship is likley to lose a star but on yesterday's evidence I really believe it is worth its 3 star ranking. The food and service were excellent. You don't get the theatre and innovation of the Fat Duck but it should not be compared to it, Royal Hospital Road is different, it just produces top quality food, with top quality ingredients and first class service. True they do not innovate, but sometimes you really don't need a curry foam with duck on a bed of cornfalkes (ok I made that bit up!). I'll post a few more details of what I ate when I have a little more time. Andrew

Waterstones (£30) are saying it is 41 days away from publication which takes us to the begining of October.

I'd expect Dinnr to get 1 star but no more. It is good with a few 2 star dishes but as an overall experience it doesn't make a 2 star experience. Sat Bains to get an extra star. I predicted this last year and was wrong. I really believe he deserves it and will get it this year. Andrew

Having been to the Fat Duck a few years ago I would love to go back. Has anyone got experience of their waiting list and the chance of getting a table at short notice?

I am visiting RGR for lunch in a few weeks for the first time and would be interested in any comments in the difference between the set lunch (£45) and the a la carte (£90). With the set lunch providing a choice for each course I just wondered what the actual differences are - better quality ingredients, extra 'courses' etc? Andrew

I would agree about Midsummer House in Cambridge, top quality food well worth visiting. Andrew

I'm visiting Belfast and will have one night spare. Any suggestions on current the 'best' restaurant in town? I was thinking of visiting Deanes but other suggestions welcome. Thanks Andrew

It will be interestig to see whether the new Blunos restaurant in Cardiff goes for high end fine dining or sticks with the current good quality sharing formula.

I will be visting Atlanta for a couple of days and will have a couple of days free to 'explore' the Georgia dining sceen. Any suggestions for the best resturants in the state would be appreciated. They don't necessary have to be 'michelin' type establishments but do need to be 'best in class'. Thanks Andrew