Gordon Ramsay and the Harden’s 2009 London Restaurant Guide
It’s Gordon Ramsay vs Marcus Waering and the winner is….
The Harden’s London Restaurant Guide for 2009 has just announced its overall winner. This is a guide which is based on public opinion as opposed to a one off inspection. In fact there are some 8,000 opinions contributing to this year’s guide.
Now there are two main prizes up for grabs here; ‘Best Overall’ and ‘Food and Service’ (I would have thought these are one and the same but never mind) Last year Marcus Waering who was then part of the Ramsay group won best overall for the first time. This was a bit of a blow for Gordon who had held both titles for the last eight years. Since then Marcus has left the proverbial nest and shall go it alone (with a little help from the Berkley hotel group) under a new name. Ramsay is keeping the Petrus name and shall re open it next year.
Here’s the gossip, they both fell out. Marcus didn’t care if he never saw that *@$&*?£ !”$&*?@/ again, Gordon kept his dignity. They kissed and made up and now, alas, Marcus has beaten Gordon in both categories. Oh dear, best overall restaurant and best food and service. Game, set and match to Marcus.
What Ramsay is doing is playing safe, I have been told from extremely good sources that the food is that safe it’s boring. Reading his menus and looking at his food it is clear that he is no longer pushing the boundries like he once did. He is giving the inspectors what they are looking for, no more, no less. Whilst the Fat Duck records a perfect 10/10 in the Good Food Guide Ramsay is in real danger of following the Waterside Inn as a boring three star.
Waering is hungry, he wants three stars. Ramsay wants out of the kitchen, already is really. Are his chefs hungry enough to rise to the challenge? and, more to the point will the hierachy in the group allow them the freedom to express themselves?
Miles
it’s the way of the world, people at the top always have to move over and let the ‘new’ players through.
I think Gordon will be reagrded as a TV institution and London tourist attraction - already is in some ways.
It will be like visiting a Harry Ramsden fish n chip shop - only a bit more expensive.
I ate at The Savoy which was run bt Ramsey and Waering was the head chef that night, I enjoyed my starter, it was genuinely superb - I’ll tell you what it is and let you decide whether it’s cutting edge or not
Smoked Haddock Chowder
Bed of smoked haddock with a quails egg on in a bowl. Choweder came in a silver cup and was poured in at the table.
Cheers
Rod the Gastro Name Dropper
August 30, 2008 @ 7:37 am
Rod,
The general feeling is that he is overstretching himself and the new openings really aren’t that good.
Chowder sounds great. I could tell you a few stories but perhaps best not
Miles
August 30, 2008 @ 3:11 pm
I wonder whether I would like anything on his menu?
Actually I wonder if I would make it out of his restaurants alive, given my culinary tastes!
September 6, 2008 @ 10:27 pm
Craig,
He’s too busy getting photographed in swimming pools in LA for you to worry about that!
Welcome to the site, I hope you return soon.
Miles
September 7, 2008 @ 5:52 am