FOOD & BOOZE NEWS
BIGGEST FOOD EVENT OF THE YEAR: FRENCH LAUNDRY TO COME TO HARRODS
Before Noma and the Fat Duck, the restaurant that usually vied with El Bulli for the “world’s best” title was California’s French Laundry. It’s still seen as one of the greatest places to eat on the planet (by the few who’ve managed to get a table) and guess what? It’s coming to London. Chef Thomas Keller will be bringing his crew and his remarkable cooking to Harrods, of all places, for 10 days at the start of October. It’s meant to be a replica of the Napa valley original, even including flown-in fixtures and dinnerware, as well as front-of-house staff. A nine-course tasting menu, presided over by Keller, will cost £250. Stay tuned for more City PM coverage of the chef and the restaurant. Oh, and good luck grabbing a table. www.harrods.com
CAPITAL’S 40TH BIRTHDAY BOLLY DINNER
Bollinger served with Scottish scallops and black pudding; fillet of Mey selection beef Rossini with pommes soufflées; and spinach, wild mushroom and artichoke, anyone? Yes please, particularly when accompanied with Bollinger La Grande Année 2002, Bollinger La Côte aux Enfants 2002 and Bollinger Rosé NV. To celebrate its 40th, classic Mayfair dining room the Capital will sell tickets to up to 16 diners who want in on an evening of the finest morsels and libations. 29 Sep. £135 per person. To book, call 020 7589 5171 or go to www.capitalhotel.co.uk.
HAWKSMOOR TO PUBLISH COOKBOOK
Every now and then a cookbook comes out that makes you think: “I can’t wait to get my hands on that.” The Hawksmoor cookbook – of which word has recently reached us – is just such a one: beautifully designed and full of recipes for the madly popular restaurants’ famous burgers (pictured below), ribs and numerous other delights. As well as chronicling the Hawksmoor founders’ travels around the world in pursuit of the perfect piece of beef, from Japan to America, and finally to North Yorkshire for the Longhorn cattle used at Hawksmoor, it tells you all you need to know about making the perfect brunch, lobster roll, oyster feast and, of course, puddings. Peanut shortbread with salted caramel ice cream, anyone? An absolute must-have for anyone who loves a brilliant burger or a perfect rack of ribs. Pre-order yours now. Released on 13 October, published by Preface, £25.