London Culinary EventsHungry? Need to fill your culinary calendar? Here is where you will find all the restaurant and culinary happenings in London. We feature a calendar of special dinners, tasting menus, prix-fixe meals, food festivals and other culinary events, including regularly occurring food events as well as special one-time-only events featuring top chefs. Keep checking back so you can know all that's going on in the world of restaurant and food events in London. We've also got the latest London Restaurant News and Wine Events.
May 16, July 12 & September 26
The Ritz London hosts a series of Masterclasses in which executive chef John Williams shares his passion for food and his knowledge of culinary techniques. Classes include "Best of British in Spring" on May 16; "Fish and Shellfish" on July 12; and "Chocolate and Macaroons" on September 26. The cost is £250 per person for each class, which includes a Champagne reception in The Rivoli Bar, Chef's Masterclass in The Ritz Kitchen, and a four-course dinner in The Wimborne Room accompanied by wines. Space is limited. Reservations are required. For more information, please call +44 (0)20 7300 2233. The Ritz London, 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR, 020-7493 8181.
May 28-June 30
St. James's Quaglino's has been around a long time. Sixty years ago, the restaurant celebrated the Queen's coronation with a special commemorative menu. Sixty years on, it's celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee with another special commemorative menu. It's not the same, but there are similarities. You get foie gras terrine and port jelly, Dover sole, and strawberries with gingerbread and liqueur biscuit. From May 28 to June 30, the £65 five-course menu will also include a complimentary chocolate gift from Royal Warrant holder Charbonnel et Walker. Some of the dishes will be available on the à la carte menu as well. On Monday June 4, there's an extra complimentary Best of British cocktail at lunchtime. Quaglino's, 16 Bury St., London SW1, 020-7930 6767.
June 1-5
The World Street Food Festival will feature numerous food vendors set up on the banks of the River Thames. Participants will include Anna Mae's Smoke House (American-style barbecue), Bibimbap2go (Korean), Churros Garcia, Greek Expectations and Creperie Nicolas. There will also be live music performances. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.realfoodfestival.co.uk.
June 20
For a special dining experience, consider The Ritz Champagne Dinner offered in cooperation with the house of Bollinger. A five-course menu will be paired with some of the best Bollinger Champagnes. Not only will patrons dine off the likes of tea-smoked salmon with Jersey royal potatoes and morels accompanied by Bollinger Rose, and tender, sweet lamb from Romney Marsh in Kent with aubergine and rosemary curd matched with Bollinger La Grand Annee 2000, they will also get precise, instructive information and entertaining insights from Jerome Philipon, president director general. The evening on June 20 costs £245 per person and starts with a Champagne reception followed by the five-course menu with Bollinger Champagne at each course. The meal takes place in the ornate William Kent House next to the The Ritz Restaurant. To book, contact Ritz Events at 020-7300 2233 or email events@theritzlondon.com. The Ritz Restaurant, The Ritz, 150 Piccadilly, London W1, 020-7493 8181.
Through June 30
French restaurant Brasserie Joël at the very good value Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London hotel has now been open for two years. It may not be as long as Quaglino's, but they are quite rightly celebrating this first landmark with a set menu. Until June 30, you get a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne on arrival, then two courses for £22 and three for £25. Don't miss the roast fillet of duck with polenta, poached pear, truffle and cider sauce. Brasserie Joel, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London, 200 Westminster Bridge Rd., London SE1, 020-7620 7272.
September 28-30
The annual Real Foods Festival at Southbank Centre will feature more than 150 artisan food producers. Events will include chef demonstrations, a sheep show, and a taste experience tent for children. For more information, visit www.realfoodfestival.co.uk. Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX, UK.
Ongoing
Obika Mozzarella Bar is offering a free tasting plate (fresh buffalo mozzarella, crostini with n'duja, a slice of artisan pizza, or a piece of stuffed focaccia) when you order a drink. The special is available Monday to Friday between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Obika Mozzarella Bar, 35 Bank St., London E14, 020-3239 8010.
Ongoing
In addition to its Fashion Afternoon Tea, The Mandeville Hotel London has introduced Men's Afternoon Tea at the deVille Restaurant. On offer are more masculine items like roast sirloin sandwiches, chicken satay, and chocolate brownies, as well as a selection of whiskies. Tea service starts at £23.50. The Mandeville Hotel London, Mandeville Place, London W1U 2BE, 020-7935 5599.
Sundays
If you've tried the crab dishes at Indian restaurant Trishna, you've tasted some of the best. Now the restaurant is offering Crab Master Classes every Sunday. Executive chef Ravi Deulkar will show you the secrets of cooking live Dorset crabs with Indian spicing, and in the style of the southwest coast of India. Then it's a 3-course crab tasting menu with matching wines in the private dining room. Book early as numbers are limited. £60 per person. Book by telephone or on info@trishnalondon.com. Trishna, 15-17 Blandford St., London W1, 020-7935 5624.
Monday-Friday
Galvin at Windows, atop The London Hilton on Park Lane, is one of London's top venues, with a fabulous view and a first-rate chef. But if the restaurant seems too full on at lunch, then try the good-value, seasonally changing bar menu. Take a selection of small tapas-style dishes like Scottish salmon, Dorset crab, avocado and pink ginger (£7), risotto of mushrooms and Parmesan (£6), steak with pommes purée (£12), and a cheese plate (£6) accompanied by specially priced drinks - a glass of Champagne at £6.50 or large glasses of wine from £5 to £7, and you have a rare feast at affordable prices. It's served Monday to Friday noon to 3pm (last orders). Galvin at Windows, The London Hilton on Park Lane, 22 Park Ln., 28th Floor, London W1, 020-7208 4021. Sundays The Marriott Hanbury Manor Hotel & Country Club offers a Jazz Lunch every Sunday in the Oakes Grill Restaurant. Relax to the tune of a three-course gourmet buffet lunch, a glass of champagne and a live jazz band. £29.50 per person. For more information, visit Marriott.co.uk/STNGS or call 0870-400-7322. Oakes Grill Restaurant at the Marriott Hanbury Manor, Thundridge, Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 OSD. First
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