Latest news with #Michelin-starred
Daily Mirror
38 minutes ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Tom Kerridge hits back as Michelin restaurant customer moans 'beef from Costco is better'
The Hand & Flowers may be one of the top-rated pubs in the country, but that doesn't prevent the occasional dissatisfied customer from complaining, says Tom Kerridge Tom Kerridge has defended his Michelin-starred pub after one customer claimed the "beef from Costco is better". At The Hand & Flowers, Tom 's gastropub in Marlow, he and his staff work hard to source the best possible ingredients from independent butchers, fishmongers and vegetable suppliers. But no matter how hard you try, you can't please everyone all the time, as Tom recently learned when one customer launched a 'full-on complaint' at restaurant manager Katie Mulliss. The customer ranted that the food he had been served was no better than something you might find at a cash and carry. 'Katie told me about it first thing this morning,' Tom told Pub & Bar Magazine. 'The guest said the beef they get from Costco is better than ours. That is absolutely fine to have that opinion. I 100% know that it's not, but you can't argue with somebody who's arguing that.' Tom added that he believed in his restaurant, and his staff. 'We know what we do is good,' he said. 'We're very happy with it. I'm sorry that it's not quite what you think it's going to be, but every place has to deal with personal expectation levels.' The fact that The Hand & Flowers has two coveted Michelin stars – a unique achievement for a pub – means that customers' expectations can be very high. 'We care about every detail and if, in turn, that means that Michelin think we deserve those accolades, that's great,' Tom said. Tom has pushed back at customer complaints before, explaining that while his famed fish and chips is very pricey at £37, it's a premium experience. 'The people criticising me don't understand how it's priced,' he said. 'Fish and chips was always seen as cheap, fast food, and I get that because of where I grew up.' He added that the fish and chips you might pay a tenner for in an average chip shop is produced to very different standards. 'The fish in most chippies is frozen at sea, in a big block, a year ago, then cut up and portioned,' he added. The potatoes used to make the chips can be stored for up to a month, he added, before being sliced up and fried in 'cheap oil.' Comparing that to his own food, served in one of the most prestigious retail outlets in the country, he said: 'At Harrods, it's line-caught, day-boat turbot. 'The potatoes are specifically sourced for their sugar and starch content, then individually cut up by a person. It's bespoke dining in the most exclusive and beautiful shop in the world. Of course it's expensive.' Similarly, when the prices in his pub came into question, the Great British Menu judge tweeted: 'Those prices include everything, VAT and service. 'No additional service charge at all. Also I pay staff properly and treat their job as a professional career. Perhaps the real cost of dining should be addressed. Unpretentious does not mean cheap.' Finally, he added, it's important to pay staff well and keep your business running: 'Why is profit a bad word?' He asked.
Time Out
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Two celebrated Mexican chefs are now leading the charge at this chic Blue Mountains restaurant
A golden hash brown topped with soft, sweet leeks and whipped n'duja with a karate-like kick. Slow-cooked lamb barbacoa with a savoury consomé and rings of burnt onions. Succulent fried chicken sitting in a fragrant Warrigal greens curry sauce, adorned with zippy pickled jicama and cucumber. These are some of the dishes on the new menu at Blaq – a chic Blue Mountains restaurant found at Kyah Hotel in Blackheath. And if you reckon they'd be delicious, you'd be right. That's because a new executive chef is in charge. His name is Alejandro Huerta, and if that name sounds familiar, it's because he was recently heading up the excellent – but sadly now closed – Comedor in Newtown. The Mexican-born chef, who has also had stints at Noma in Copenhagen and Pujol in Mexico City, has created a bold, produce-led menu that draws inspiration from around the world – with Mexican flavours woven throughout. In even better news, Huerta is joined by his wife, Galia Valadez, in the kitchen, who is heading up desserts. Valadez brings more than two decades of experience to Blaq, including time at Spain's Michelin-starred Lillas Pastia. Her banana and corn cake with crème fraîche, caramelised white chocolate and koji is a beautifully balanced (and yum) ode to her heritage and her partner – Huerta is a big fan of bananas. 'When we met with the team at Kyah, we fell in love with the project and the vision for Blaq,' says Huerta. 'It made total sense for us to move here and be part of this exciting evolution – showcasing the beauty and richness of the region through food.' 'I've always liked doing things differently and I love having different flavours and textures in what I cook, while keeping it always very casual and fun. My Mexican heritage combined with my love for different ingredients makes for a very interesting combo. We want to make sure that everyone that comes to Blaq has the best time while eating delicious food that's unexpected – but in a good way,' Huerta adds. On that note, you can also expect to find dishes like a crisp wontons topped with fresh tuna, chilli crunch and thin shavings of bonito flakes; and Murray cod paired with borlotti beans bathed in a vibrant green sauce spiked with dill and lemon. Cocktails are another standout, thanks to the team collaborating with one of Australia's best bartenders, Jake Down, on the menu. Our picks are the fresh, light Gala Rain, made with apple, cucumber, green tea and gin; and the Mountain Grapefruit with lime and tequila. If you're looking for somewhere to base yourself in the Blue Mountains, Kyah – with its modern and stylish rooms, thoughtful touches, hot tub, tennis court and sauna – is a cracking place to relax, have fun and breathe in the crisp air. Just make sure you book dinner at Blaq. Find out more here.
Web Release
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Web Release
Flavors of Friendship: An Unforgettable Evening at 'The Saffron Society'
'The Saffron Society' (TSS) announces its upcoming edition of the supper club, set to take place on Sunday 24thof August 2025. This event highlights a vibrant theme of friendship and summer, creating a memorable evening for all attendees. Taking place at La Maisonaire from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, guests can look forward to an evening of delicious food, lively conversations and a welcoming ambiance. This gathering offers the perfect chance to build new friendships and rekindle old ones while indulging in a carefully crafted culinary experience. The menu will feature a carefully curated selection of offerings developed by Chef Varun Menghani from the Dubai vibrant culinary scene. Featuring diverse dishes from fresh seasonal ingredients which aim to reflect the warmth and joy associated with the essence of summer gatherings. On this day, he will introduce a new menu featuring seven exclusive dishes that embrace the beauty of third culture cuisine. Growing up in a multicultural environment, he draws inspiration from his diverse background and culinary experiences, merging flavors and traditions from around the world. Chef Varun started his culinary journey in his mother's kitchen, where her cooking inspired his culinary style. Growing up in Dubai, he studied Culinary Arts in Switzerland, training in prestigious European kitchens alongside Michelin-starred chefs and focusing on French and Italian cuisines. After graduating, he worked in New York City. He then moved back to Dubai and opened an Indian inspired burger outlet which led to him discovering his real passion for private diners and supper clubs. This passion aligns perfectly with 'The Saffron Society', a platform designed to bring together a diverse group of individuals, including culinary enthusiasts, influencers and notable personalities. TSS recognizes the importance of food as a medium for connection and community, and this edition will further emphasize the significance of friendship. 'Cooking is an art, it's about creativity and the desire to invoke memories from something as simple as a dish. Every plate I prepare tells a story, and through food, we can connect cultures and build lasting friendships. I will be presenting seven exclusive dishes that showcase a delightful range of flavors and culinary artistry, each dish will be crafted with care and creativity to ensure a memorable dining experience,' said Chef Varun Menghani.' Shraddha Barot Amariei, founder of The Saffron Society and White Label Media, said: 'We are thrilled to have Chef Varun cooking for us this evening. The kitchen is a place where hearts meet and flavors unite. We believe that food not only nourishes the body but also nurtures relationships. This evening is a tribute to the bonds we create around the dinner table.' 'The Saffron Society' invites brands to share narratives related to the themes of friendship and summer, allowing for meaningful interactions that resonate with the attendees. The platform continues to redefine culinary experiences in Dubai, fostering an atmosphere where unique connections can be cultivated over exceptional food.
News18
a day ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Isha Ambani And Nita Ambani Keep It Chic At Chef Vikas Khanna's NYC Restaurant Ahead Of NMACC India Weekend
Nita and Isha Ambani served elegant smart-casual looks during their visit to Chef Vikas Khanna's Bungalow in NYC, ahead of the upcoming NMACC India Weekend. In the lead-up to the much-anticipated NMACC India Weekend in New York City, Nita Ambani and her daughter Isha Ambani paid a stylish visit to Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna's restaurant, Bungalow. The mother-daughter duo, known for their graceful fashion choices, kept things effortlessly elegant in coordinated smart-casual looks for the intimate outing. For their dinner at Bungalow, the Ambani women opted for understated yet polished ensembles. Isha Ambani chose a striped top layered with a cropped jacket, paired with denim jeans and flats. Meanwhile, Nita Ambani complemented her daughter in a pastel floral co-ord set, accessorised with minimal yet luxe jewellery. Breaking Down Their Looks Isha Ambani embraced a monochrome palette with a short-sleeved striped top in off-white and black. The blouse, featuring a crew neckline and form-fitting silhouette, was layered with a cropped open-front jacket with full-length sleeves and horizontal stripes. She paired the ensemble with light blue mom-fit denim jeans that sat high on the waist. Finishing touches included green-and-black ballerina flats, soft waves in her hair, rosy cheeks, groomed brows, dewy makeup, and a glossy nude lip. Nita Ambani, on the other hand, wore a light green satin co-ord set adorned with delicate floral prints. Her shirt featured a relaxed silhouette with full sleeves, lapel collars, and front buttons, while the matching trousers had a flowy, flared finish. Her accessories included peep-toe sandals, diamond studs, a statement timepiece, and stacked rings. She wore her hair down and opted for a subtle, natural glam look to complete the ensemble. What Is the NMACC India Weekend All About? The NMACC India Weekend is a three-day cultural celebration bringing the essence of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre from Mumbai to New York City. Scheduled to take place from September 12 to 14, the event will feature performances, exhibitions, and showcases that highlight India's rich artistic legacy on a global stage. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
7 times JD Vance probably should have just stayed home on the couch
JD Vance looking like a dweeb as always. Vice President JD Vance can't go anywhere! Vance has a history of being off-putting, making people uncomfortable, and getting booed basically everywhere he goes. But now, President Donald Trump's second in command can't even go to his home state of Ohio without having the population make their dislike of him very clear. And it's not just states or the happiest place on earth that don't want him around; entire countries want nothing to do with him, either. He may only have a 47.4 unfavorable rating from Real Clear Polling, but if the crowds that gather every time Vance tries to exit a plane or car are any indication, people really don't like him. We can't imagine why. Here are 7 places that the populace has made it clear that he should steer clear. Ohio Even in his home state of Ohio, Vance isn't guaranteed a warm welcome. On July 28, the vice president visited the Metallus steel mill in Canton, Ohio to brag about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, but was met by a few dozen protestors with a giant sign accusing Vance of 'protecting pedophiles' in reference to The Trump administration's refusal to release the files related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the Ohio Capital Journal reports. Nantucket Last week, Vance traveled to Nantucket for a Republican National Convention Committee fundraiser and was met by boos from protesters who trolled the vice president with giant posters of the AI-generated bald Vance Meme and protest signs with messages like 'go hump a couch,' in reference to the hilarious rumor that he once made sweet sweet love to a piece of furniture. Disneyland After Trump started gleefully ripping families apart as part of his 'immigration policy,' ICE protests sprang up all over Los Angeles, so when Vance decided to roll into town to take a family trip to Disneyland, the protestors set up camp outside the park. But that's not all, once he arrived, Vance and his family were met with people confronting, heckling, and recording them. Also, if you haven't seen him running while at Disneyland, do yourself a favor and check it out now. You can thank us later. San Diego Vance is so unpopular that he can't even have dinner without facing hate. Over Fourth of July weekend, Vance was heckled and booed while coming out of a sushi restaurant with his wife. "Hope your Michelin-starred sushi was worth it with 82 people dead in Texas! Thanks for cutting the National Weather Service,' someone can be heard shouting in the video, while another person says, "Get the hell out of San Diego, a******!" The Kennedy Center As Vance and his wife Usha took their seats at a National Symphony Orchestra concert at Washington's Kennedy Center back in March, the concert hall filled with booing, jeering, and shouts of 'You ruined this place!' from the crowd. This came after Trump sacked the chairman of the Kennedy Center board and appointed himself instead, and named Usha as one of the new board members, all while vowing to change the Kennedy Center's offerings because he deemed them to be too 'woke.' Greenland In March, Vance and Usha arrived in Greenland on a controversial trip as part of Trump's bizarre push to take Greenland from Denmark, but instead of being welcomed with open arms by the locals, Vance was ignored by the people of Greenland and told the trip was 'highly aggressive' by the government. People protested the trip outside the airport where Vance landed, and organizers of a dog sled race, the second lady intended to attend, announced they never invited her. Ouch. Canada Conservative Canadian MP Jamil Jivani, who befriended Vance while the two were at Yale, uninvited his old friend to the Great White North after Trump's comments about Canada becoming the 51st state and the administration's threats of tariffs. 'They need to probably reconsider some of their rhetoric and their policy before coming to Canada,' Jivani told Politico. 'Our country should deserve more respect before being able to welcome them.' Vermont Vermont's normally very welcoming people gathered by the thousands to protest Vance when he and his family descended on the state for a ski trip. People lined the streets leading to the ski resort with protest signs expressing concerns about the state of democracy, climate change, the war in Ukraine, and LGBTQ+ rights, and aimed their ire at the vice president, the Maine Morning Star reported. And stores Listen, the whole story about Vance d*cking down a sectional might have been just a rumor that got out of control, but furniture stores aren't taking any chances! This article originally appeared on Pride: 7 times JD Vance probably should have just stayed home on the couch RELATED The internet can't stop mocking JD Vance for being the 'antichrist' after the Pope's death 30 HILARIOUS reactions to JD Vance allegedly in drag as #SofaLoren trends & we CACKLE JD Vance made a mockery once again, this time he's besieged with devastating AI eyeliner videos
