Those of you interested in Angela Hartnett’s (MBE) progression as a chef, rejoiced at the news that she has finally left Gordon Ramsay to make her own name, though truth be told, the charismatic chef has already built a formidable reputation over the years. There are very few – if any – negative reviews written about her restaurants, and she’s my favourite chef on TV. Her years with GRH had led to critical success where she famously won her first Michelin star while at The Connaught in 2004 and then another after just her first year of stewardship at Murano in 2009. My my, how far she has come, since her waiting days with Hans Schweitzer. Following in the steps of Wareing and Atherton, Angela joins – what is now – a rather illustrious Gordon Ramsay alumni. She leaves on good terms, buying out El Gordo’s stake to take the helm at Murano outright, which as far as we know, is to become her sole restaurant venture, as of writing. Practically however, it is business as usual, Murano is still, by Angela Hartnett. Success also means that there will be difficulty in securing a table at either of her restaurants. I had to wait until the 2nd week to secure a table at Murano; the week before, I managed a very late lunch at the Gordon Ramsay restaurant – which
Whatever reservations I may have about the man and his empire, I respect El Gordo’s achievements above all and can’t help but admire the sheer talent that has passed through his stables. Ramsay’s first class have all but graduated, they now lead their
Wow, what great weather! It’s late september but summer has finally arrived. I knew it, all those months of rain and cold have finally given way to sunshine. I understand what global warming is doing to the world now – its pushing the seasons back a few months. Its been a pretty hectic week so far, lots of updates and changes on the site, I’ve been busy contributing some of my stuff for metrotwin (you’ll hear more of this next week), and I finally completed my first wine post. Last week’s conquests included Great queen street and I settled for some nice gelato at covent garden. Here’s some of the stuff I’ve been reading about lately: Alibi Tony Naylor at word of mouth was writing about this new magic drink called Alibi which is marketed as an ‘active pretox drink’ that helps ward of nausea and headaches. So hangover medicine. I don’t really get drunk that often i must admit. The last time I was absolutely hammered was probably by eight (or was it nine?) shots of absinthe . I laid in bed for the whole day. It’s days like that which make me want to be a better man. Menu Radar I’ve been quietly following the developments at the Connaught. There has recently been a change of stewardship at the restaurant. The previous patron, Angie Hartnett, whom I have great respect (she’s really funny too I find) for, has
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