Blog

My foray to Norfolk is a culinary let-down, but a really promising restaurant opens in London at last. Diwana Bhel Poori and Zafferano continue to excel in their very different ways.

The Phoenix Palace delivers a capable meal, which is more than can be said for the much-hyped Wahaca. La Trompette and the Brilliant were also on form. I go to a rice tasting, the new Good Food Guide comes out, and I'll be on telly on Monday.

This week saw a fine meal at the Brackenbury, tasty Thai food from the Fulham Road branch of Patara and another excellent curry at Madhu's in Southall. I also have a new toy.

Harden's Guide comes out, and generates some headlines. Also some shameless self promotion: I'm sure all you foodies are familiar with Octane magazine...

A good value Italian discovery in Trenta this week, along with excellent meals at Trompette and Rasa Samudra. I also forgive Racine for the dismal experience I had there when it opened, and find it has settled down just fine. Sadly Boys in Chiswick is a classic: "nice decor, shame about the food" experience.

Roussillon delivers another enjoyable meal, and an excuse to eat the gorgeous chocolate desserts here. Tangawizi continues to set a standard for Indian cooking that few in London can match, and Royal China continues serenely along.

Why democracy is not always the best system. I examine a "top 10" restaurant list voted for by web users and find ignorance or worse.

I revisit Madhu's and have a malai chicken tikka that dreams are made of. My monthly visit to Zafferano is as good as ever, but Matsuri disappoints. My TV appearance firms up.

Pearl serves up a slightly inconsistent, though mostly good, meal. E&O seems busier than ever, and the cooking seems a little sharper to me than on previous visits. Haandi is as consistently excellent as ever, and I judge a TV dinner.