Blog

In Boston, I enjoy the vibrant spicing of a real Sichuan restaurant, but am uninspired by two of the highest rated restaurants there. Back in London, Zaika shows how to make proper biriani.

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.

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.

A busy week. Haandi, Zuma and Yauatcha all deliver reliable meals, but the week was really all about comparing Le Manoir au Quat Saisons with Hof van Cleve and Oud Sluis.

An Italian week: Theo Randall v Zafferano. At the lower end, Chiswick gains an authentic pizzeria. One more terrible hotel meal makes me wonder what they get up to in hotel kitchens, but Royal China's dim sum almost makes up for it. Finally, is Whole Foods over-priced and over here?

Sonnys continues its return to form. Two different Spanish experiences this week with Barrafina and Moro, while Kiasu is that rarity in London - a Malaysian restaurant. Canteen underwhelms but Zafferano makes up for it.

Meals this week at the Capital, Foliage, Hakkasan, High Road House, Madhu's and Agni. I also find the most expensive beer in London at a restaurant - £9 a bottle anyone?

The Brilliant is successfully refurbished, while St Alban struggles to deliver value for money. I had good meals at Pearl and Yauatcha, while a new Lebanese restaurant is erratic. For the revamped Gordon Ramsay stay tuned next week.

Good meals at the High Road Brasserie and Royal China. The Michelin results are (except France) mostly in, and an odd lot they are.

A tasty meal at Eight Over Eight in Chelsea and an even better dinner at Yauatcha.

Tasty South Indian cooking at Oottupura, reliable Chinese food at Royal China and ups and downs (but mostly downs) in Chiswick at Vacherin and new opening Carvosso's.

Pied a Terre produces a very fine meal. Yauatcha and Zafferano also show why they have Michelin stars.