thom

No Peter, if I'd meant 'bland' I would have said 'bland'. I think though I did mention not getting hung up on the details of my statement, it was intended as broad brush... I don't think 'ok to great' as overall ratings for a dining experience would ever be synonyms for 'bland': "Peter, that meal was great, thank you so much", "Glad you liked it love, I too thought it was really bland".... I do though think it is a good thing that people who are not as anal about food as we few are regularly exposed to a wide variety of good food and good restaurants (good as in 'positive', rather than good as in 'mediocre'). This happens more in NY than other cities. On a different matter though, I strongly believe Locanda Locatelli to be a truely authentic Italian restaurant, and AA Gill to be an appalling food critic. Cheers Thom

I agree Macrosan, for me NY is still the easiest place to eat out well in. In simplistic terms (don't get into debating the detail here folks...) the culinary highs in NY are not significantly higher than in London, nor the lows lower. It's just that on average random eating (as opposed to researched eating) gets you more ok-great meals in NY, and less ok to bad. NY is a city where you don't have to be a clued up passionate foodie to eat well (though if you are the experience just gets better), and that has to be a good thing for the world at large. That said, you still struggle for a decent curry over there... Cheers Thom

I would be tempted to clarify whether Simon's date was animal, vegetable or mineral before worrying about something as specific as gender.

I recently had the tasting menu at Gramercy, which included the cheese board. Unfortunately after eight preceding courses my limited short term memory was full to bursting (as was my belly), and I struggle to remember the specifics of my choices. None the less, I do recall that the selection was excellent, with sheep, goat, blue, young, mature, French, English, American and more all represented. I am a cheese lover rather than a cheese connoiseur, so many of my choices were new to me(we had five in all). Where I could make direct comparisons, the cheeses seemed well aged and kept. The two that stood out were an English stilton (served slightly firmer than is the norm in blighty, where a stilton can almost be spread on crust bread), and a very young grassy goats cheese. Service was knowlegable, and the 'tour of the board' was eloquent and not overlong. Extras were sparse, but there was a tangy block of quince paste.

Ah, the connoisseur's choice...

I would recommend citric or possibly acetic, rather than the more feisty sulphuric or nitric versions. Not that I have done extensive research regarding acid/gonad combinations of course...

Merchant House. A note-perfect meal, seemingly simple, but far beyond the ken of mere mortals. The scallops with curry sauce starter (Ok, I'm being flippant, Shaun himself may have named the dish more eloquently than that) is undoubtably the culinary highpoint of my year so far. A joy. As for anticipation of anything looming on the horizon... Probably (and predictably) my next trip to Ludlow. I did a 4 hour round trip for lunch last time...

Guys, Thanks everbody for your tips, caveats, and diverting 'Prune' tangent. Soft, malleable person that I am, my itinerary has actually changed on the basis of your input: *Cafe Boulud is in, at the expense of Vong. *I was mightily tempted by Blue Hill, but the style of cooking sounds similar to Gramercy, and that's kind of a favourite. Maybe next time. *Il Mulino has moved from dinner to lunch. Well, it has in my head at least. I haven't actually been able to get through to the restaurant to discuss it. Postings elsewhere lead me to believe that a constant engaged tone is a fairly common occurence. Is there a way around this? And if so, does the food make it worth coping with the restaurant's patent arrogance and complacency in terms of customer service? Thanks again people, you've been great. Cheers Thom

Ok, a bit esoteric (and I realise I am late to the thread), but I fancy championing a local cause (very local, as it sits barely 200m from my front door. Bear with me, I'm a Brit: If any of you make it to England, and them manage to make it North to Manchester, then I urge you to visit the Marble Brewery at The Marble Arch Pub (1/2 mile North of city centre). It's cloudy and flavoursome (award winning) organic ales are microbrewed in the back of the pub, which has an intact Victorian interior that has to be seen to be believed. Don't listen to me blather on, check out the site at http://www.marblebeers.co.uk/inn.html In fact Manchester has a great brewing tradition, as well as a thriving modern day industry. As well as the bastardised (now corporate) Boddingtons, you should try Robinsons, Hydes, Holts and Lees, (all with their own regional bias within the city). That's not even mentioning other local micros such as the Boggart Hole Brewery. Manchester may not be a regular stop off for everybody, but make the most of it if it appears on your itinerary.

Hi Shaun, A set of linked questionettes, which kind of link up to make one big fat question. Obviously you run a tight ship at your restaurant, and the number of diners is strictly limited. Fantastic, as we can reap the benefits of wonderful dishes prepared by your own fair hand. Ok, compliments over with. So whats your life all about? Do you cook for yourself (and friends and family), in which case why bother with the hassle of paying customers at all? Or do you want to share your gift with the world, in which case expand, grow, spread the message? Obviously you have chosen a balance between these two extremes which satisfies you (30-40 covers, single dining room, no kitchen crew), but do you feel any hankering to tip one way or the other?

Excellent and thought provoking replies... Switching Il Mulino to lunch sounds sensible, and is an opinion that has been voiced elsewhere. In fact, I had a look on the city review things mentioned by tommy (I can't remember the web address), and the reviews were distinctly polarised - exquisite or excruciating, but seldom inbetween. Anyone want to make the casting vote? Also, the 'Daniel, Cafe Boulud and db' recommendation has been noted, and is one I hadn't previously come across. Could anyone point me to menu's or give me a guide to signature dishes etc. Much obliged. Thom

Wise words Tommy, and I appreciate the Vong caveat. In terms of Bluewater, I admit to being 28 and a little bit sceney myself, so we may chance it anyway. Thanks also for the other Italian recommendation. Good Italian food is thin on the ground in the UK, particularly my home town of Manchester (suprising considering its big Italian population). The menu at Il Mulino looked wonderful. Anyone know whether it really does eat as well as it reads?

Intriguing Tommy, a 'favourite' of yours but I should give it a miss? How so? On the subject of negatives, everyone tells me Asia de Cuba is well worth a visit, but I found the one in LA very poor. Does the NY version buck the trend or is it all just hype? Answers on a postcard please... Thom

Ok, a simple, yet annoyingly vague question. I'm visiting New York (from Manchester, UK) with my girlfriend for five nights at the end of this month, and want to dine in varied and outstanding restaurants each night (Wed-Sun). Where would YOU recommend? A little guidance? Well, we love good food, and have adventurous pallettes with no 'pet' cuisines. That said, I like to try local strengths, so American (possibly regional) and Italian could figure. We're staying in Soho, and would prefer to keep to Manhattan. Previously we have eaten at Nobu, Canal House, Mercer Kitchen, Gramercy Tavern, Union Square, Babbo and Balthazar. Possibles for this time inlcude Vong, Il Mulino, Bluewater, Gotham and Gramercy (yes again, it was that good). Obviously the quality of the food - ingedients, preparation and presentation - are important, but we are restaurant snobs rather than pure food snobs. I'm looking for style, striking design or locations, atmosphere, buzz, people and that whole NY experience. Let me know. Cheers Thom

Restaurant magazine (you may know us from such threads as 'Taking top 50's too seriously') did an article on Rick Stein and Padstow, and identified 10 other towns which were ripe for the Padstow/Ludlow treatment. The potential culinary hotspots (some obvious, some not)were: Margate (wealthy, close to London/Dover, the next St Ives?), Ilfracombe (unspoilt, and new road links to Exeter/Bristol, Damian Hirst(!) planning fish restaurant), March (prime produce on the doorstep, close to Peterborough, Cambridge and Newmarket), Melton Mowbray (home of pork pie, and close to home of Stilton, a short drive from Nottingham and Leicester) , Ashbourne (good beer tradition if not food, sited in a National Park, with major population centres nearby), Skipton, (gateway to the Dales, thriving tourist spot) Hornsea (hotspot for fresh fish), Berwick on Tweed (popular tourist spot, between Edinburgh and Newscastle), Arbroath (smokies, working harbour and beautiful beaches) and Stockbridge (rural hampshire, rich area, with great local produce). Are these places worthy/not worthy of fine restaurants? Are they actually better served than we thought? Did we miss anywhere more deserving? I would be tempted to name a couple more areas in the Peak District. Buxton would be a prime example, and currently has less than no decent restaurants. It is a relatively prosperous town, in the middle of the beautiful White Peak, and not far from Derby, Manchester and Sheffield. It has a good tourist trade with its Opera House and Spa, high profile through its eponymous mineral water and (most importantly of all) the University of Derby are moving their whole hospitality and leisure department to the town, meaning no shortage of willing staff. Beat that!

You should definitely take a look at Esperya.com as well. It specialises in hard to source local Italian produce, from oil and meat to wine and virtually anything else you could name. Its a professional site, and the fulfillment/delivery side is very dependable. More importantly, the passion and knowledge of the owners shines through. Could it be partly a slick marketing job? Maybe, but I always leave the site with a smile on my face...

Or maybe their ability to read maps, or throw properly?

Alas Simon, I feel you are more a Fotherington-Thomas than a Molesworth. You should just go back to your girly skipping and saying 'Hello clouds, hello sky'. Chiz, chiz..

Simon, Joe does indeed send his mother, and many other people, bouquets on a regular basis. Sadly, I fear your critique of his writing may have cursed you never to make his 'Interflora' list... Equally, your 'flat-bed scanner' comment wounds me deeply. I can only assume that you are judging Restaurant by your own 'bodge-is-best' standards, and that gas powered Heath Robinson style flat bed scanners represent the limits of your publishing knowledge.

All, Thank you for your feedback on Restaurant magazine. To round up a couple of points: Cabrales: I think that the simple reason the more controversial/celeb led stories were used for the news piece is that they were more 'newsworthy'. People like celebs and gossip, and if that leads them into discovering the myriad joys of egullet then that can't be all bad. The michelin piece was a very good indication of the level of debate on egullet, but as a news story - 'Inteligent people argue persuasively and eloquently about the relevance of Michelin, and the objectivity/subjectivity of guides generally' - it didn't have the same hook as the Heston-bashing. As many of you guys here are loquaicious and opinionated (and I mean that as a compliment) I do suggest you write to Restaurant if you feel the article hasn't done egullet justice. Simon: Thank you, thank you for your kind words. We do feel the magazine is settling into its niche (though not on to its laurels) and I'm pleased that you noticed. Out of interest, our designer has not been shot, or abandoned in Claridges; he's still here, producing fine, fine work. On another note, your sharp comments in regard to Mr Warwicks writing ability are unfair. He is a good writer and a lovely chap. I can only assume that you were horribly bullied in your formative years by a 'shaving at 13' monster who was also called 'Joe Warwick'. Andy, are you heeding Magnolias wise words? I shall tell Phil to warm up his layers...

Cabrales, Our magazine is not yet in every shop on every street corner, though rest assured we are working on it. You can find Restaurant in WHSmiths nationwide, as well as Borders, and leading independent newsagents (especially in the main metropolitan areas). If you are having trouble contact either ourselves (0161 606 0442), or our distributor (01483 211222). Simply shout 'I can't find your magazine!' down the phone, and we should be able to locate your nearest retailer and get back to you within 48 hours. Happy reading. Thom

Adam, funny you should mention Cheetham hill as the first three pubs mentioned are all in 'Angel Medows', which is on the Northern edge of the city centre and right beside Cheetham Hill. Don't worry, its a friendly place really. Regarding Holts. I am a pub-lover rather than a real ale expert, so my knowledge on specific brews isn't the best. That said, they did open a brand new pub called the Ape and Apple (John Dalton St, just of Albert Sq), which although new is done out traditionally and has quickly acquired a patina of character. The beer is purportedly top notch, and it serves the cheapest bitter in town (I think around 90p a pint). Hope that helps. (Edited by thom at 3:36 pm on Feb. 8, 2002) (Edited by thom at 3:36 pm on Feb. 8, 2002)

I have a vested interest, but for a website for those that work in the restaurant industry (and for passionate foodies as well) I suggest www.therestaurantgame.com It has a huge depth of information on there, but is especially useful for keeping up to date (with daily news) about the UK restaurant scene. Hope thats of some use, I'm the Marketing Director for the company, so if you have any questions, queries or criticisms then let me know. Cheers Thom

Thom, I think you made a mistake. This is the "England/UK" Board. You should have posted to the "Off the Beaten Path" Board. Shouldn't you ? (Edited by macrosan at 2:00 pm on Feb. 8, 2002) Macrosan, I can virtually guarantee that with your Southern pansy witticisms you would end any trip to Manchester severely beaten, regardless of whether you strayed from the path or not. If you do find yourself lost in the Grim North , I would be more than happy to act as bodyguard against the attentions of the more uncouth local elements. (Edited by thom at 3:11 pm on Feb. 8, 2002)

I'm know this kind of contradicts the thread title, but I see it as conversational evolution (todays buzzword): Great Manchester City Centre Pubs I am lucky enough to have 3 of the best on my doorstep (not literally). The Marble Arch is a virtually unotuched small Victorian boozer, with the most fantastic tiling and barrelled roof. The floor famously slopes towards the bar (useful when physical coordination is tricky and gravity takes over) and it also houses the famous Marble Arch micro-brewery. This produces award winning bitters, including N4 and Chorlton Cum Hazy. Pot Of Beer Listed by Matthew Fort in the Guardian as one of his 'top 50 British cheap eats', the Pot Of Beer is owned by a Polish-American couple and specialises in hearty Polish food. Its also a good place to drink. It has a fine rotating stock of beers (including Flashmans), and ciders (I think the last was Black Rat?) and also serves some rare lagers (Dutch Lindeboom). In addition, it has a remarkably small male toilets. The third is the Beerhouse. This is a bit of a spit and sawdust place, and was popular with bikers. It has the biggest selection of rare bitters and ciders I have yet encountered, which seem to rotate on almost a daily basis. On top of this is has nights when you get free chip butties (don't sneer, a good chip butty is a wonderful thing) and purportedly the finest juke box (rock of the 70's and 80's - not to everyones taste I know) in town. All three pubs have a great mixed clientelle. They tend to fill with shift workers from the neraby post office depot, fire station, and gas works. On top they attract real ale enthusiasts, discerning locals, and as fine a collection of 'characters' as you could ever hope to meet. In addition, beer fans, I suggest you check out the following: Castle, Oldham St: As traditional and colourful as a pub can get. Centro, Tib St: Possibly bar rather than pub but serves an excellent range of Belgium beers. Hare and Hounds, Shude Hill: Original pub for the old Victorian Smithfield Market. Still seems to have its original clientele, and difficult to avoid drunken sing songs around the piano. Peveril of the Peak, behind the Bridgewater Hall: Manchester institution, green tiled pub on original coaching route. Beers are just ok, but ambience is smashing. Britons Protection, behind Bridgewater Hall:Popular haunt of musicians fron the hall across the road. World famous for its collection of Whiskys from around the globe. Particular popular with the Irish (When they are in town for United games) for its Irish whiskys. Well that should do you for now. I'm unsure how many of you metropolitan prudes actually venture North of Watford. Let me know if anyone wants more. Cheers Thom (Edited by thom at 2:59 pm on Feb. 8, 2002)