Well, why go to a restaurant this Valentine when you can cheat with some gorgeously fresh food, prepared by Tossed, then take it home, turn it out on a plate, and pass it off as your own? Beats getting stuff from Marks & Spencer. It's also calorie counted so for once you can drink lashings of champagne (I would!!! valentine or not!!) and eat some well deserved chocolate. And if the Valentine does not turn up, the advantage is that you have not wasted any time cooking and you are still going to have a great meal!
Sexy Salmon Love Salad is the one to have! Go and get it for valentine (£4.95, 338 calories, 5.8 g of fat, what more do you want!)
I had more information to give you but my bloggy blog is not behaving well tonight so I will try again later.
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
WHEN PASTA MET SAUCE
For all you would-be Valentines out there, you dont have to spend an awful lot of money to impress your Valentine. Good food, especially when you know where it's coming from, can do the trick. Read some information below
WHEN PASTA MET SAUCE
Spaghetti House Plays Pasta Cupids This Valentine
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Share the passion at Spaghetti House this Valentine, with a new approach to pasta as the must-have dish on the lovers’ menu. Available at all Spaghetti House restaurants in the evening only on Friday 12, Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 February, the two-course sharing menu is an aphrodisiac delight, which also includes an aperitif, coffee and liqueur, all for just £18 per person.
Start with a flute of Prosecco Rosé for sparkling refreshment, before a sharing portion of Spaghettata di Venere is served at the table in a tegamino pan, for lovers to help themselves from. Screaming ‘take me, I am yours’ at every mouthful, this freshly prepared ‘Venus’s Spaghetti’ is a real recipe for seduction, blending the best known aphrodisiac ingredients in one dish. It combines generous helpings of fresh lobster, Mediterranean prawns, light tomato, chilli and white wine for a real taste sensation and a warming aphrodisiac effect. Myth or reality, if aphrodisiac cuisine does not exist, the taste of Spaghetti Venere is still divine, so much so that pasta is thought to be a ‘feast for the gods’…..if it didn’t exist, Spaghetti House would have had to invent it!
The Valentine’s menu then offers a sharing portion of Tiramisu dell’Amorosa, served with two spoons of course. This Lovers’ Tiramisu is served with strawberries and chocolate sauce, two ingredients well known for firing up the passion on Valentine’s Day, so that you can feed the imagination as well as your loved one. Finish with coffee and a shot of Amaretto liqueur, served with a plate of cantuccini, the Tuscan biscuits ideal for dipping in coffee or in the liqueur.
An attractive food platter, a nice potion, a pinch of decorum, a little bit of imagination, and a warm welcome from Spaghetti House are all you need for a Valentine to remember. And if you don’t find love on the night, you might just fall in love with Spaghetti House. Each restaurant has its own distinctive setting and décor, provide a welcoming atmosphere for Valentines of all ages.
The 11 Spaghetti House restaurants are located at Westfield London W12, Woodstock Street near Bond St W1, Goodge Street Fitzrovia W1, Bryanston Street near Marble Arch W1, Haymarket SW1, Knightsbridge SW1, Sicilian Avenue Holborn WC1, St Martin’s Lane WC2, Duke Street W1, Cranbourn Street near Leicester Square WC2 and Bressenden Place Victoria SW1. Also check www.spaghettihouse.co.uk
WHEN PASTA MET SAUCE
Spaghetti House Plays Pasta Cupids This Valentine
_________________________________________________________________________________
Share the passion at Spaghetti House this Valentine, with a new approach to pasta as the must-have dish on the lovers’ menu. Available at all Spaghetti House restaurants in the evening only on Friday 12, Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 February, the two-course sharing menu is an aphrodisiac delight, which also includes an aperitif, coffee and liqueur, all for just £18 per person.
Start with a flute of Prosecco Rosé for sparkling refreshment, before a sharing portion of Spaghettata di Venere is served at the table in a tegamino pan, for lovers to help themselves from. Screaming ‘take me, I am yours’ at every mouthful, this freshly prepared ‘Venus’s Spaghetti’ is a real recipe for seduction, blending the best known aphrodisiac ingredients in one dish. It combines generous helpings of fresh lobster, Mediterranean prawns, light tomato, chilli and white wine for a real taste sensation and a warming aphrodisiac effect. Myth or reality, if aphrodisiac cuisine does not exist, the taste of Spaghetti Venere is still divine, so much so that pasta is thought to be a ‘feast for the gods’…..if it didn’t exist, Spaghetti House would have had to invent it!
The Valentine’s menu then offers a sharing portion of Tiramisu dell’Amorosa, served with two spoons of course. This Lovers’ Tiramisu is served with strawberries and chocolate sauce, two ingredients well known for firing up the passion on Valentine’s Day, so that you can feed the imagination as well as your loved one. Finish with coffee and a shot of Amaretto liqueur, served with a plate of cantuccini, the Tuscan biscuits ideal for dipping in coffee or in the liqueur.
An attractive food platter, a nice potion, a pinch of decorum, a little bit of imagination, and a warm welcome from Spaghetti House are all you need for a Valentine to remember. And if you don’t find love on the night, you might just fall in love with Spaghetti House. Each restaurant has its own distinctive setting and décor, provide a welcoming atmosphere for Valentines of all ages.
The 11 Spaghetti House restaurants are located at Westfield London W12, Woodstock Street near Bond St W1, Goodge Street Fitzrovia W1, Bryanston Street near Marble Arch W1, Haymarket SW1, Knightsbridge SW1, Sicilian Avenue Holborn WC1, St Martin’s Lane WC2, Duke Street W1, Cranbourn Street near Leicester Square WC2 and Bressenden Place Victoria SW1. Also check www.spaghettihouse.co.uk
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
KE HOM'S NOODLE ROAD
Ken Hom presented a series of food programmes which have now won several awards in Asia.
The Noodle Road - amazing viewing. 'Noodle' is meant in its broadest context: from Marco Polo to spaghetti, from Chinese noodles and more.
Worth ordering if you are interested If you order the entire series
http://www.kbsworld1.com/noodleroad
I watched it, it's amazing!
The Noodle Road - amazing viewing. 'Noodle' is meant in its broadest context: from Marco Polo to spaghetti, from Chinese noodles and more.
Worth ordering if you are interested If you order the entire series
http://www.kbsworld1.com/noodleroad
I watched it, it's amazing!
FOOD LOVERS FUNDRAISER FOR HAITI
Sabrina Ghayour, who writes up the fab recipes for www.foodepedia.co.uk, has come come up with the idea of a fundraiser for Haiti. Within 48 hours, she got the venue (Le Bouchon Breton, Old Spitalfields Market, E1), two well known chefs already, and lots of people who have pledged to donate food for the six course banquet, wines, big prizes to auction and prizes for the raffle. She aims to raise as much money as quickly as possible to get more help to those affected. Please help her if you can. you can contact her on sabrina@foodepedia.co.uk Dont be shy!
Now, I have not written anything on my blog for sometime, quite frankly, I had nothing new to tell you, and have not been to any fab restaurants at all recently (although all that is changing, watch this space) - but what better way than to start my new year blog than with a news like this.
you can also email me if you wnat more information - just do something beside reading! Thank you.
Now, I have not written anything on my blog for sometime, quite frankly, I had nothing new to tell you, and have not been to any fab restaurants at all recently (although all that is changing, watch this space) - but what better way than to start my new year blog than with a news like this.
you can also email me if you wnat more information - just do something beside reading! Thank you.
Thursday, 10 December 2009
HEARD OF CHERRY JAM?
Cherry Jam in Notting Hill is a cool boutique bar and nightclub that attracts A-list stars as well as up-for-it party goers. Whilst it attracts a well dressed crowd, the venue is refreshingly unpretentious. Celebrity guests have included Kate Moss, Jade Jagger, Sienna Miller and Gorillaz. Private alcoves, booths and tables can be reserved at weekends with whole venue hire available during the week. I am there already.
Monday, 7 December 2009
THE TALBOT INN WINS NEW AWARD
THE TALBOT INN WINS SURREY’S ‘BEST PUB’ AWARD
The latest in a series of well deserved awards is Surrey’s ‘Best Pub for a Cosy Winter Lunch’ for The Talbot Inn, High Street, Ripley.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ranging from historic hostelries to Michelin-starred inns, Surrey is spoilt for choice when it comes to great pubs. After compiling a list of ’15 of the Best Surrey Pubs for a Cosy Winter Lunch’ with the help of many contributors and industry contacts, Surrey Life magazine polled readers on line to find a winner.
The Talbot Inn at High Street, Ripley, pulled into a clear lead, gathering 7,595 votes in just three weeks, with the results announced today, Monday 7 December. General Manager Paul Dixon said: ‘Everyone at The Talbot Inn would like to thank all those who showed their support and voted for us in the Surrey Life’s poll for ‘Best Surrey Pub for a Cosy Winter Lunch’. We are simply overjoyed’.
This is the second recognition in less than six months for its standard of food. Earlier this year The Talbot Inn was awarded its first AA rosette for ‘an excellent restaurant that stands out in their local area’.
Since opening, The Talbot Inn has been causing a stir for the high quality of its food, based on seasonal, locally sourced produce, all freshly prepared. The skilled kitchen team produces food that is described as ‘simply sensational’. Modern British seasonal dishes such as its now famous Pan roasted Cornish scallops, currently offered with Spiced pork belly, pak choi and coriander & chili dressing, and its delicious Roasted rump of local lamb with ratatouille tart, confit garlic mash & olive sauce feature on the menu, alongside many pub classics such as Conisbee’s pork and leek sausages, Savoy cabbage & bacon with mashed potatoes.
The award reflects the outstanding food offer from The Talbot inn, and its philosophy of bringing top quality food into the more informal surroundings of a pub not only sets them apart but demonstrates how favourably the offer is received by its customers.
The Talbot Inn is at High Street, Ripley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6BB Tel: 01483 225188. http://www.thetalbotinn.com/
The latest in a series of well deserved awards is Surrey’s ‘Best Pub for a Cosy Winter Lunch’ for The Talbot Inn, High Street, Ripley.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ranging from historic hostelries to Michelin-starred inns, Surrey is spoilt for choice when it comes to great pubs. After compiling a list of ’15 of the Best Surrey Pubs for a Cosy Winter Lunch’ with the help of many contributors and industry contacts, Surrey Life magazine polled readers on line to find a winner.
The Talbot Inn at High Street, Ripley, pulled into a clear lead, gathering 7,595 votes in just three weeks, with the results announced today, Monday 7 December. General Manager Paul Dixon said: ‘Everyone at The Talbot Inn would like to thank all those who showed their support and voted for us in the Surrey Life’s poll for ‘Best Surrey Pub for a Cosy Winter Lunch’. We are simply overjoyed’.
This is the second recognition in less than six months for its standard of food. Earlier this year The Talbot Inn was awarded its first AA rosette for ‘an excellent restaurant that stands out in their local area’.
Since opening, The Talbot Inn has been causing a stir for the high quality of its food, based on seasonal, locally sourced produce, all freshly prepared. The skilled kitchen team produces food that is described as ‘simply sensational’. Modern British seasonal dishes such as its now famous Pan roasted Cornish scallops, currently offered with Spiced pork belly, pak choi and coriander & chili dressing, and its delicious Roasted rump of local lamb with ratatouille tart, confit garlic mash & olive sauce feature on the menu, alongside many pub classics such as Conisbee’s pork and leek sausages, Savoy cabbage & bacon with mashed potatoes.
The award reflects the outstanding food offer from The Talbot inn, and its philosophy of bringing top quality food into the more informal surroundings of a pub not only sets them apart but demonstrates how favourably the offer is received by its customers.
The Talbot Inn is at High Street, Ripley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6BB Tel: 01483 225188. http://www.thetalbotinn.com/
Friday, 27 November 2009
KEN HOM'S OBE AWARD
This is a little Hom-age to the Master of the Wok, Ken Hom, OBE. The celebration for his award could not have been more magical. It started in Paris where the British Ambassador invited him to the Embassy to receive his OBE. A splendid building, and the former house of Marie Antoinette as I understand it, it was the perfect setting for the ceremony and the first of many glasses of good champagne. Ken then jetted to London, where he has many friends and close associates, for the reception. Shanghai Blues, a rather swish resturant in central London, was the perfect venue for the reception. Here, Ken welcomed a host of celebrities, starting wtih Cherie Blair, who was so nice to talk to and very friendly, and her lovely mother Gale Booth, then Ainsley Harriott, Angus Deayton, June Whitfield, Antonio Carluccio, himself an OBE, Rosemary Shrager...and more. Even Fay Maschler was able to come, and that meant a lot to Ken. The first two canapes were from Ken's own range of new foods for Tesco, the duck spring roll and the sesame prawn toast, then we tucked into Shanghai Blues' own canapes. Please join me in sending Ken your congratulations, this is a real achievement. Well done Ken!
Thursday, 19 November 2009
ALL NEW AQUA NUEVA
When I read that Aqua was going to open in London, I knew it was already too late to approach them to do their PR - anyway it helps if you are American in order to bag their PR - enough said. So the next best thing was to eat there. Decisions decisions. Aqua Nueva or Aqua Kyoto? Both sounded appealing, so the first visit was to Aqua Nueva, the Spanish Aqua. Again the choice here was restaurant or tapas counter? It was the restaurant this time. I did dislike being given a two hour slot to finish a meal though , when the place was busy but there were plenty of empty tables, and I was not well pleased to be sat in the back part of the restaurant, which is very bright, and very narrow, because most of the area is taken up by the tapas counter. I would have much preferred the larger room at the front, with its subdued lighting and more relaxed atmosphere.
Still, I was in great company, and that was important. Sharing a meal with someone who truly appreciates good food and wine makes all the difference. Service was checkered but pleasant, but let's concentrate on the food. This is a good restaurant, I liked the menu, lots of very assertive flavours and unusual choices, such as roe deer and partridge, well executed. If they lacked the wow factor, there was no reason to complain either. This is very Modern Spanish, in fact, it's more European with a nod to Spain, but nevertheless I liked it. Scallops were juicy and the gutsy mushroom gravy went well with them. Duck breast was cooked to my liking and for this I thank the kitchen - I do hate it when a chef imposes that the meat must be cooked rare 'otherwise it will spoil'. Good desserts - try the Ganduja with white chocolate ice cream, and dont worry, it's small enough not to pile on the calories. Prices are OK too. The wine list was not interesting in the least, and not very Spanish either. So I was pleased to find a red Jumilla 2003 at £23, which ended up being the same wine the waiter would later recommend. This is stunning for the price, velvety and full bodied, with a kick at the end, from a very good vintage. Unless you want to blow £150 in a bottle of Brunello (which is a wine for meditation, which needs to be open well in advance, and should be sipped rather than drank in a noisy restaurant) then go for the Jumilla. But with the dessert, a list of sweet wines was presented, with suggestions of what to drink with what. The best PX was out of stock, so we settled for the house Pedro Ximenes, still excellent, and at £6 a glass, a real snip.
A word of advice: stay away from the champagne cocktails and stick to a glass of champagne or other drink. The rose champagne cocktail was a sickly concoction of rose syrup which ruined a perfectly good glass of champagne and was topped with dry roses pot-pourri style - ghastly! I did not try the ginger champagne cocktail, and perhaps just as well......
Next time it's the tapas counter - and I will be ordering a plate of Pata Negra, even at £18 a plate I still think it's good value for this superlatively fine and melt in the mouth ham.
Still, I was in great company, and that was important. Sharing a meal with someone who truly appreciates good food and wine makes all the difference. Service was checkered but pleasant, but let's concentrate on the food. This is a good restaurant, I liked the menu, lots of very assertive flavours and unusual choices, such as roe deer and partridge, well executed. If they lacked the wow factor, there was no reason to complain either. This is very Modern Spanish, in fact, it's more European with a nod to Spain, but nevertheless I liked it. Scallops were juicy and the gutsy mushroom gravy went well with them. Duck breast was cooked to my liking and for this I thank the kitchen - I do hate it when a chef imposes that the meat must be cooked rare 'otherwise it will spoil'. Good desserts - try the Ganduja with white chocolate ice cream, and dont worry, it's small enough not to pile on the calories. Prices are OK too. The wine list was not interesting in the least, and not very Spanish either. So I was pleased to find a red Jumilla 2003 at £23, which ended up being the same wine the waiter would later recommend. This is stunning for the price, velvety and full bodied, with a kick at the end, from a very good vintage. Unless you want to blow £150 in a bottle of Brunello (which is a wine for meditation, which needs to be open well in advance, and should be sipped rather than drank in a noisy restaurant) then go for the Jumilla. But with the dessert, a list of sweet wines was presented, with suggestions of what to drink with what. The best PX was out of stock, so we settled for the house Pedro Ximenes, still excellent, and at £6 a glass, a real snip.
A word of advice: stay away from the champagne cocktails and stick to a glass of champagne or other drink. The rose champagne cocktail was a sickly concoction of rose syrup which ruined a perfectly good glass of champagne and was topped with dry roses pot-pourri style - ghastly! I did not try the ginger champagne cocktail, and perhaps just as well......
Next time it's the tapas counter - and I will be ordering a plate of Pata Negra, even at £18 a plate I still think it's good value for this superlatively fine and melt in the mouth ham.
Friday, 13 November 2009
AN UNLIKELY PLACE TO EAT
What do you do when you are stuck at Gatwick airport, and have to kill quite a few hours? Treating yourself to the lounge is quite a good idea, as it is an oasis of calm, but if you want to eat something, the choice of restaurants is rather grim. So if you find yourself at Gatwick North (great fun at the moment, once you are there you dont wnat to move as the train is not operating and there is a bus replacement service) here is my suggestion. Walk to the Premier Inn (dont bother with the £2.50 bus, each way!), it's literally a five minute walk, and sit yourself down in the restaurant. This popular little hotspot needs booking, would you believe, as it gets very popular, especially in the evening. I was amazed at the quality of the food and how hard they try. OK, we are not talking Michelin star here, but the Cajun prawns were really tasty, and the portion was plentiful for a starter, and so was the salmon fillet served with very fresh vegetables for the main. The surprise was that this two course dinner was £9.90! What more can you ask for? The succulent lamb from the a la carte was £13 as a main course, and this too was tender, well cooked, and rather delicious. If you are hungry, you want to eat a proper meal without spending a lot, this is a little secret place worth checking out. What's more, you get a breath of fresh air by leaving the stuffy airport for a while! Check it out
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
JINGLE BELL ITALIAN STYLE
I have just found this great jingle on the Spaghetti House website www.spaghettihouse.co.uk it's really funny, they have turned the 12 days of Christmas in what 'my mama gave to me', you have to listen to it, it will put a smile on your face. And whilst you are at it, read the menu, they have this great idea for Christmas, La Tavolata, which is basically a sharing table with lots of food brought to the table, and everyone shares from it. It's a fun way of eating, and it's very good value at £17.95 per person. I am going to have a go as it is not all pasta, there are lots of really good dishes on the selection.
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