ALAIN DUCASSE AT THE DORCHESTER HAS BEEN AWARDED TWO MICHELIN STARS, RISING THREE, IN THE 2009 MICHELIN GUIDE

Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester honoured with Two Michelin Stars, Rising Three

(London, January 19, 2009) – Michelin today released its 2009 results for Great Britain and Ireland, announcing the winners of the coveted Michelin-starred status. Included in the list of acclaimed restaurants is the Mayfair venue Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, which has been awarded two Michelin Stars and tipped as a ‘rising three’. Led by Executive Chef Jocelyn Herland, Restaurant Director Christian Laval and Head Sommelier Hugues Lepin, the restaurant has been in operation since November 2007. Two stars (**) denote "Excellent cuisine, worth a detour" with skilfully and carefully crafted dishes of outstanding quality.

Alain Ducasse commented: “To receive such prestigious recognition from Michelin is a great honour. It is a brilliant achievement for the whole team here who have worked incredibly hard to conceive, produce and serve outstanding cuisine.”

Roland Fasel, general manager at The Dorchester added “We are immensely proud to be able to offer this acclaimed restaurant as part of our excellent dining offerings at The Dorchester. Expert service, elegant surroundings and of course supreme food are all of the utmost importance to our restaurants and Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester has demonstrated this to great success.”

Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester opened on 13th November 2007. Located within the famous Park Lane hotel, at the heart of Mayfair, the restaurant is one of London’s most elegant venues. It has recently been named Best Newcomer by the 2009 Zagat guide and its Executive Chef Jocelyn Herland, who trained under the multi award-winning French chef Alain Ducasse, has developed an exciting menu which consistently respects and champions current seasonal produce – many sourced from the British Isles.

The restaurant has also launched The Lunch Hour, which starts at £39.50 for two courses including two glasses of wine, mineral water and coffee.

The centrepiece of the room is the stunning Table Lumière, a magical table which seats six guests, surrounded by 4,500 shimmering fiber optics.

Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester is now showcasing the Black Truffle Menu as part of its menu, with a selection of exceptional and gourmand dishes in celebration of the unique allure of the “Black Diamond of cuisine”.

Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester
Park Lane, London, W1K 1QA
T: 020-7629-8866 / W: www.alainducasse-dorchester.com

Open for lunch Tuesday–Friday and dinner from Tuesday-Saturday

BARNY’S PLACE
Barny’s Place is pleased to announce its arrival in The City of London. Barny’s is a quick service restaurant concept, serving healthy but hearty hot food using the latest fast food technology from America, but replacing frozen, fried and processed ingredients with fresh natural ingredients. This unique project promises to change the popular notion that fast food and the machinery used to produce it has to result in greasy and unsavoury cuisine that is bad for you.

Brought to London by Barny Stoppard, son of the acclaimed playwright Tom Stoppard, Barny’s has grown from his love of adventure and travel. Inspired by the street stalls of such countries as Thailand and Mexico, he returned to Britain determined to offer street fare that wasn’t junk food. Barny’s started life as a stall in Broadway Farmer’s Market and has kept true to its commitment to fresh and seasonal food as it’s evolved into a larger operation.

All the food served at Barny’s is sourced locally from markets, with beef being purchased at Smithfields on a daily basis and made into ‘The Barny Burger’, which has already attracted a devoted following in The City. Other delights include an excellent choice of sandwiches such as beautifully aged Chargrilled British Beef Steak with Piquillo Peppers, Caramelised Onions and Vine Tomatoes, Grilled Free-Range Chicken Marinated in Rosemary, Lemon and Garlic, and Smokey Tofu and Mushroom. At a time when The City is feeling the pinch, all the food at Barny’s is extremely reasonably priced with sandwiches starting at £3.90 and burgers starting at £4.45. The menu changes daily as does the salad bar, which is loaded with flavours and high-end ingredients previously only found in expensive delis.

In the sprawling environs of The City, Barny has created a 40 cover space with a real sense of community, and the weekly special grilled sandwiches reflect the true multiculturalism of London with a different one every week inspired by countries as far afield as Vietnam, Korea and South Africa. A large blackboard displays the story and philosophy behind Barny’s for diners to read as they enjoy the food. Barny’s commitment to health is also demonstrated through their brand new environmentally friendly packaging scheme. Customers pay a deposit for a FreePack Box, a sturdy plastic lunch box, and then every time they return to use it they are given a reduction in their meal price of the money Barny’s would have spent on packaging.

With Barny’s Place leading the charge 2009 promises to be the year that healthy food becomes both fast and delicious.

Barny’s Place - 85 Houndsditch
Corner of Stone House, London, EC3A 7AU
0203 216 0010 www.barnys-place.co.uk

TAKE LACTOFREE®, ADD A DASH OF CELEBRITY CHEF AND SERVE
Lactofree® Partners with Lesley Waters to Create Tasty Lactose Free Dishes

Lactofree® is working with celebrity chef, Lesley Waters, to develop 12 exclusive lactose free recipes for those who have to avoid lactose in their diet.

Lesley, the regular face of ‘Ready Steady Cook,’ ‘Can’t Cook Won’t Cook’ and ‘This Morning’ is creating a range of main courses, side dishes, desserts and drinks using lactose-free dairy drink, Lactofree®, alongside the soon to be launched cheese and yogurt.

Lactofree® products are a UK first, eliminating the lactose sugars that exist in dairy which can cause unpleasant side effects such as bloating, nausea and abdominal pain.

Lactofree® technology ensures that all of the lactose* is removed from all of its products. And by leaving the taste and nutritional benefits of farm fresh dairy behind, Lactofree® really is a delicious and healthy alternative.

Lesley has created the recipes to include all the toppings, sauces and tasty extras that the 15% of people thought to have lactose intolerance normally avoid, but now no longer have to miss out on.

Lesley Waters comments: “Now you can enjoy your favourite meals once again by simply substituting standard dairy products for Lactofree® dairy drink, cheese and yogurt – all of which have the same properties in cooking as well as the same taste and nutritional benefits. It’s really that easy.

“Lactose intolerance is something I know a great deal about as a family member is always struggling to find foods to enjoy. With all three Lactofree® products, cooking a quick snack or a family meal is no longer a difficult and taste compromising choice.”

The recipes are a collection of the favourite comfort foods that those with lactose intolerance thought they would never be able to enjoy again, super healthy treats and dinner party delights.

Sam Glassford, Brand Manager for Lactofree®, adds: “Having Lesley Waters partner with Lactofree® is a fantastic opportunity to let people know that they really don’t have to miss out, especially now that our portfolio of products has been extended. Now, those with lactose intolerance can learn to enjoy dairy once again.”

Think you can’t stomach dairy? Think again. With the new Lactofree recipes by Lesley Waters, you can be sure to put dairy straight back on the menu.

Visit www.lactofree.co.uk to find out more about lactose intolerance and the Lactofree® range.

JOVONNA LONDON
Created by fashion designer Jo Jo in 2006, Jovonna London is the label that offers a fresh and quirky style that appeals to fashion fans. Jovonna London is one of fashion’s fastest growing labels. This collection is a pretty treasure trove of feminine dresses, beautiful accessories and stylish separates. Inspired by the style and spirit of her Grandmother, the label focuses on unusual design detailing and luxe sheer fabrics to make the collection look super stylish. The ultimate shopping destination for Spring 2009 is Jovonna London.
The Spring collection has two distinctive stories for the season: Colour Clash and Boho Babe.

Colour Clash is short and sweet with dresses that make a strong style statement. The Reese Dress features a ruffled vintage style lace yoke and is available in Blush Pink and Cool Turquoise.

Boho Babe is inspired by the hippy dippy trend. It’s all about intricate and beautiful embroidery and the Scarlett Dress is an essential wardrobe item. Team it with a slouchy boot or flip flop. The style is available in white or black.

For when the Spring weather turns showery, you will find a chic range of belted trenches and coats that complete your look. The perfect pieces for that special Jovonna girl.

Available in TOPSHOP and online at ASOS.com, prices start at £45.00 for dresses, £65.00 for coats and £55 for tops.

CELEBRATE CHINESE NEW YEAR WITH ANNABEL KARMEL'S NEW MOUTH-WATERING HEALTHY NEW RANGE OF 'WORLD FOODS' FOR CHILDREN
Celebrate Chinese new year this 26th January 2009 and inspire your child to try foods from around the world including Chinese-inspired Chicken & Vegetable Noodles from Annabel Karmel’s new World Foods range. World Foods provide a convenient solution for busy parents and, with their international flavours, can really help develop your child’s palate to ensure they don’t become fussy eaters with a taste for bland foods. They are free from artificial flavours and colours so you can feel reassured that you’re giving your children balanced nutrition and appetising flavours when you don’t have time to cook from scratch.

The delicious varieties have been tried and tested by children and are sure to become a firm favourite on the family dinner table!

Annabel Karmel comments: "It's important to develop and expand the taste buds of our children to prevent them from become fussy eaters, which worryingly is the case for eight out of ten children! Children are naturally receptive to a range of flavours from an early age and their tastes are more sophisticated than parents give them credit for. The World Foods range has subtle, yet appetising flavours and spices, such as coriander and mild curry, which will expand the variety of foods that children enjoy eating.”

Annabel has researched tastes extensively over the past 16 years and designed menus for the largest chain of private nurseries in the UK where a survey of over 500 children found that the children’s favourite lunch is surprisingly not chicken nuggets or pizza but a mild chicken curry!

World Foods are available from leading supermarkets including Sainsbury’s nationwide priced at £2.49 (RRP). Chicken & Vegetable Noodles, Chicken Tikka Masala & Rice and Salmon Fish Balls & Rice will all be available at Tesco from January 2009.

Annabel Karmel is the world’s leading expert and best-selling author on baby and children’s food and nutrition. Since 1991 she has written 16 books, selling over 2 million copies worldwide. She has also been awarded an MBE for her work.

Her website, www.annabelkarmel.com, has become one of the fastest growing resources for mothers, with thousands of members chatting live every day. It is the number one site for information and recipes on healthy food for children.

FROM STEAK FRITES TO FISH AND CHIPS FOR £5 AT ALL BAR ONE
Credit crunch munch has arrived at All Bar One this week, with 27 dishes available from the regular food menu for £5, any day of the week.

Enjoy a 6oz sirloin steak with parsley and horseradish butter and fries, chargrilled tiger prawns marinated in lemon and garlic or beef & coriander burger with organic goat’s cheese & peppers for just £5! The fantastic range and value of this offer can be redeemed any day, any time for breakfast, lunch or dinner, during the week or at weekend’s until 12th February.

To claim this incredible meal deal, simply go to www.allbarone.co.uk, download the voucher and present it at your nearest All Bar One.

OR you can download the voucher here
In addition to this great offer, diners can also order a bottle of house red or white wine for £7.95 or a pint of Heineken for £2.50 to accompany their meal.

To locate your nearest All Bar One, visit www.all-bar-one.co.uk.

CROWN AT CELTIC MANOR JOINS “THE BIG LEAGUE”
Newly opened restaurant claims coveted three AA rosettes
The Crown at Celtic Manor has joined “the big league” after being awarded three AA rosettes in recognition of its culinary excellence.

The restaurant is one of only 17 new recipients of the prestigious award in the 2009 list and is one of only three from outside London.

Fewer than 200 restaurants in the UK achieve three AA rosettes or more and this year’s winners were praised by the AA for their “high standards”.

Giovanna Grossi, the AA’s hotel services group area manager, said: “Restaurants serving food of a three-rosette standard are worthy of recognition from well beyond their local area.”

The AA’s guidelines for three rosettes go on to say: “This award takes a restaurant into the big league. Expectations of the kitchen are high: exact technique, flair and imagination must come through in every dish, and balance and depth of flavour are all-important.”

Only opened in April in a ground-breaking partnership with The Crown at Whitebrook, the new restaurant has also been listed in the Good Food Guide for 2009.

James Sommerin, who has won and retained a Michelin Star at The Crown at Whitebrook, is now the executive chef at both restaurants while Tim McDougall delivers his vision as the head chef at Celtic Manor, the five-star Resort which will host The Ryder Cup in 2010.

Other new recipients of three AA rosettes in 2009 include Angela Hartnett’s Murano in Mayfair while restaurants retaining the award include Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s and Gary Rhodes’ Restaurant W1.

The Crown at Celtic Manor’s general manager, David Hennigan, said: “It is a real honour to have been awarded three AA rosettes within our first year of operation, especially as this is such a highly regarded commendation within the industry.

“Three AA rosettes is a real endorsement of what we are trying to achieve here at The Crown at Celtic Manor where we strive to offer the ultimate fine dining experience. This comes as a result of all the hard work, professionalism and enthusiasm of the entire team.”

The Resort Hotel has enjoyed a maximum five-star rating from the AA for the quality of its accommodation since opening in 1999 but this is the first time one of its restaurants has achieved three AA rosettes following a rigorous inspection.

The Crown is one of only five restaurants in Wales to achieve the award, the others being Bodysgallen Hall, Llandudno; Carlton Riverside, Llanwrtyd Wells; Tan-y-Foel Country House, Betws-y-Coed; and Ynyshir Hall, Machynlleth. Only 158 restaurants in the whole of the UK hold three AA rosettes with an even more select band of 31 boasting four or five rosettes.

The Crown at Celtic Manor was also short-listed among the top three British and Irish hotels and spas for the Conde Nast Johansens/Champagne Taittinger Wine List Awards 2009.

The next special event at The Crown at Celtic Manor is a Gourmet Whisky Evening on Friday January 23. For more information or to book for this event or a meal, call Reservations on 01633 410262.

‘INSPIRED BY BURNS’ NATIONAL COMPETITION
BUDDING WRITERS RESPOND TO BURNS TO WIN JURA MALT WHISKY CREATIVE PACK
Jura Malt Whisky and Canongate Books are inviting budding writers to pay tribute to Burns in the year that marks the 250th anniversary of his birth by submitting a piece of poetry or prose in a special national competition.
A prestigious judging panel, including award-winning author Andrew O’Hagan and representatives from Canongate, Jura Malt Whisky, Waterstone’s and the Scottish Book Trust, will pick an overall winner and ten runners up.

Author Andrew O’Hagan can offer inspiration with his latest book A Night Out With Robert Burns, which offers a selection of Burns’s greatest poems. In this book Andrew converses with the work of Burns, offering fragments of distilled commentary of his own and showing what Burns means to him.

Andrew said: “Inspired by Burns is an opportunity for people all over the UK to get involved in a writing competition that responds to one of the world’s most celebrated writers. Although Robert Burns is renowned as a Scottish figure, his work has touched people from all over the world and this competition gives people who have been inspired by Burns the chance to showcase what his work has meant to them.”

Entrants should submit their composition of poetry or prose (fiction or non-fiction) through the Waterstone’s website www.waterstones.com.

The winner will receive a Creative Set of Jura Malt Whisky, and the runners up will take home a bottle of Jura 16 year old. The winning entries will be published on Waterstone’s, Canongate and Jura Malt Whisky’s websites.
Philip McTeer, Marketing Manager of Jura Malt Whisky, said: “I’m delighted to be able to offer a prize for this competition in the year that celebrates the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns. Like Robert Burns, Jura is Scottish but renowned throughout the world. We pride ourselves on our literary connections and being able to offer the best creative opportunities for emerging and established writers.”

Jura Malt Whisky is strongly associated with literature and continues the creative tradition started by George Orwell, who wrote 1984 on the Scottish Hebridean island over 60 years ago, by hosting the annual Jura Malt Whisky Writer Retreat Programme. Highly acclaimed authors including Will Self, Janice Galloway and John Burnside have taken part in the retreat.

A Night Out With Robert Burns is published in paperback by Canongate Books at £7.99

CELEBRATE BURN'S NIGHT AT THE ALBION

The Albion will be celebrating 250 years since the birth of one of Scotland’s most famous exports, Robbie Burns this Sunday with a menu in honour of the late, great bard.

Guests can tuck into three courses of authentic Scottish cuisine starting with a delicious smoked haddock, creamy potato soup, Cullen Skink followed by Haggis, Neeps and Tatties with Dalwhinnie Gravy. Diners can round off the perfect meal with the traditional Burn’s Night dessert of Cranachcan, a mouth watering combination of Oatmeal, Malt Whisky, Scottish Honey and served with Raspberries and Cream.

The three course menu is extremely reasonably priced at £25 per person.

Head down to The Albion for the perfect Burn’s Night celebration.

The Albion Public House & Garden

10 Thornhill Road

London N1 1HW

020 7607 7450
www.the-albion.co.uk

STOP PRESS : DON'T FORGET THE GREAT OPPORTUNITY WITH DORLING KINDERSLEY
Do you have a rare interesting, unseen, inspirational or amazing object, old, or new with a great story to tell?
Dorling Kindersley are producing a phenomenal book of wonders that will feature a vast array of astonishing items that add something to the world we live in.Whether it’s the thing itself, such as Jimi Hendrix's burnt guitar, or what the item represents, such as Edison's light bulb, everything featured in the book will be there to astound, impress and tell a fascinating story.We're giving you the opportunity to be a part of this incredible project. We want you to tell us about your object and why its story or what it represents is so extraordinary and makes life worth living. The most unique and inspirational objects will be shortlisted and then an ultimate winner will feature within the book when it's published.

To enter you need to email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it with an image of your object and a maximum of 100 words on what makes it so worthy of a place in this fantastic new book. The competition closes at midnight, Wednesday 28th January.

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