Maison Novelli Status

[cabrales]

Zagat lists Maison Novelli on its "Recent Closings" list. Has this restaurant closed?

[Tonyfinch]

It was well shut when I drove past the other (Friday) night. And I couldn't see any Maison Novelli signs.

[Andy Lynes]

Novelli is now chef at Brocket Hall, but the city restaurant was meant to be staying open. perhpas plans have changed.

[cabrales]

Well, I can't say I'm sorry, based on the one or two meals I've had there (lunches only).

Edited January 10, 2003 by cabrales (log)

[Kikujiro]

Walked past last night. Looked very open.

[Matthew Grant]

It looked open when I walked past just before Christmas.

As for Brockett Hall - 6 course tasting menu £85!!!! I have always meant to get around to eating at a Novelli establishment, but £85 for 6 courses at an unstarred restaurant!!!!! The wine list seems somewhat limited at the lower end, very little for under £35.

[Tonyfinch]

Maybe it was Sunday night when I drove past. A couple of years ago I enjoyed several meals both at Maison Novelli and the (slightly) cheaper brasserie next door. I especially remember an excellent version of Koffmans Pied de Cochon (acknowledged) and Novelli's trademark desserts with all those wild strands of caramel.

Then the brasserie disappeared and prices at the main restaurant shot up. If its still going what are the prices like now?

Edited January 11, 2003 by Tonyfinch (log)

[tony h]

Well, I can't say I'm sorry, based on the one or two meals I've had there (lunches only).

Agreed. My one visit was v expensive - plus the upstairs room had a very unapplealing smell.

[Andy Lynes]

You can view a menu here, which now follows the format of every other bloody Marco restaurant. how dull.

[tony h]

but don't forget the "affordable glamour" tagline.

[cabrales]

Novelli is providing demonstrations at the "Vive La France" event, which I have never attended and cannot provide information on.

http://www.vivelafrance.co.uk/VISITING_Def...tID=1&TextID=99

[Gavin Jones]

It looked not too full in the downstairs on Saturday when I walked past on the way to try to learn to Tango (failed). ('Be strong, like a man' - I had to run).

I too have affectionate memories of his way with a pig's foot.

[Andy Lynes]

And he doesn't mind you discussing it in public?

[cabrales]

Novelli is now chef at Brocket Hall, but the city restaurant was meant to be staying open. perhpas plans have changed.

Andy -- Zagat notes the following: "Auberge du Lac at Brocket Hall: Former Maison Novelli chef Jean-Christophe Novelli has been appointed chef patron."

Note the reference to "chef patron", denoting some potential ownership or other "upside" interest. Does Novelli have that, to your knowledge?

[Jon Tseng]

Note the reference to "chef patron", denoting some potential ownership or other "upside" interest.  Does Novelli have that, to your knowledge? 

Don't think there's any major holding.

The article in this wk's Restaurant mag seems to imply he's an employ; words to the effect of "they chose me out of their shortlist of four cos they thought i was the cheapest on the list"

J

[Bapi]

I found this rather gushy review which may be of interest.

http://dine-online.co.uk/brocket.htm.

[Jon Tseng]

The Dine Online guy seems a nice chap, and fairly well-eaten

Should we invite him to drop in here? (has he already been?)

J

Edited February 6, 2003 by Jon Tseng (log)

[Bapi]

I don't know Jon, but, if you look around on the site there is an article about The Merchant House, Ludlow by a certain chap by called Andy who may seem familiar to us all.

[Jon Tseng]

I don't know Jon, but, if you look around on the site there is an article about The Merchant House, Ludlow by a certain chap by called Andy who may seem familiar to us all.

Andy who?

[Andy Lynes]

I think I e mailed Clifford Mould a while ago about eGullet but haven't spotted him (he may well lurk I suppose). I used to visit dineonline quite regularly, but it seemed for a while to have only press releases rather than reviews or reports, so this appears to be an exception.

[Andy Lynes]

Another review, this time from The Independent.