I thought The Capital deserve to have both it’s stars deleted. I had a terrible lunch there but their chef Eric Chavot left in summer, so being stripped of it’s stars was no surprise. Same with Foliage (which I dearly miss). I think Chavot is looking for a west London site for a bistro, so that’s something to look forward to this year. Ditto Bruno Loubet, set to open at The Zetter, not far from Eastside Inn incidentally. Happy eating!

I share many of the same on my eat list. But Chez Bruce is also on my eat list. Mainly because my mate Dave lives 10 minutes from there and he owes me for helping move his cast iron bathtub.

M2 – perhaps stars going to Tokyo has something to do with population density, restaurant location density and general food culture.

Mr Noodles – … not to mention shiny platinum plated toilet seats.

Wild Boar – hahaha… there are far more astute michelin hunters than I , but you are right – all guides have strengths and weaknesses.

M2 – Mmm very true is it something like 150 restaurants right?

Travel Destinations – Hmm….

GC – Hi C! Thanks for pointing it out, will make the changes, and yea terrible oversight from myself not to mention the Bib. Speaking of this particular style of French cuisine, I think the guide is biased towards what is known as Haute Cuisine right? This is due in part to the refinement work done by Chef Auguste Escoffier in the early 20th Century, and whom is considered a sort of father of modern day haute cuisine, and more liberally the front runner of what we recognise as the ‘michelin standard’ … if such a bias does exists.

London Chow – Hakkasan is one of the worst restaurants in town in my humble opinion. I will give it that it still has great ambiance but food wise, this place is rip-off central. And this is coming from someone who used to like it. My example relates to meals from 2006 through to 2008. In 2006, when it was still a Yau establishment (and at the height of his success) , the cooking was definitely higher in terms of technical ability. I remember the claypot atlantic scallops – five extra large scallops full of ‘wok hei’ – very good. The lobster tail roll – a whole tail wrapped in cucumber and then served in a clear broth – fantastic. Creme Brulee with melon – refreshing twist on a classic. In 2006, I think the star was well deserved. In 2008 , the scallops turned into fishballs and the Berkshire sweet and sour pork is worse than Wong Keis, at 15 pounds they are asking for, they are having a laugh! As for Yauatcha, I think the dim sum is good, but its not michelin star good. I can think of at least a handful of better and cheaper dim sum places in town which would easily match the standard at Yauatcha. The Yau magic is waning in 2010, I’m no longer a fan of his restaurants I’m afraid, his restaurants used to be bespoke and unique, now they feel commercial, I don’t know, I just think he’s turning into abit of a franchise, too much of a business and not much of a passion. I guess same thing about GR. I’m hoping to try Fat Duck this year as well.

Youngandfoolish – I suppose that’s where foodblogs come in

LexEat – Thanks!

I can’t agree more about Hakkasan.

Hmm, hoping to try Fat Duck before the next price hike.

C K