Jeffrey’s invented a lot of tales but is rightly renowned for spinning them brilliantly. This former politician wrote some brilliant diaries whilst in prison and now is mostly likely to be found doing charitable deeds. His shepherd’s pie and Krug parties are still the stuff of legends.
Tag: W1
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The Rt. Hon. The Lord Archer
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Gary Hazell
This gent has a knowledge of spirits second to none, but he’s now also found a new vocation with his “tales by the riverbank” blog. He’s passionate about fishing and cars but also used to run an antiques shop in Sussex. If you want to go fishing, Gary’s the man to go with. -
Edward "Ed" Waites
Land Rover driving animal sculptor based in Newmarket who also greatly enjoys rugby. His works can be found in various royal collections and other patrons include Lady Bamford and Ivan Massow. -
Nick & Christian Candy
Started a property empire with a loan of £6,000 from their grandmother in 1995. Now said to be worth anything upto £13 billion, this pair are most famous for their One Hyde Park development next to The Mandarin Oriental. London based Nick is married to the Australian singer and former Neighbours actress Holly Valance whilst Monaco based Christian is married to a former “It-girl” named Emily Crompton. In one interview Nick was quoted as saying: “We’ve probably got about 10 cars”. With this much wealth, what’s a car between friends? -
Jacqueline Branston
Former model and society hostess who is now turning her hand to helping wealthy Chinese and Russians settle into London. “Jackie” briefly dated both Warren Beatty and George Hamilton. She’s a big fan of a late night toasted cheese sandwich at Annabel’s and can be found at the smartest of gatherings. -
Lamer than lame
Zagat’s lamest list
I am a big fan of Zagat. I fill out their surveys religiously every year and always look forward to receiving their guides.
Zagat's logo Yesterday, though, I read a piece by Kelly Dobkin on their site that frankly was, in my view, totally ridiculous.
In her piece “The 10 Lamest Things You Can Order in a Restaurant” Dobkin displays extreme snobbishness towards customers who order:
- Iceberg wedge salads
- Shrimp cocktails
- Bottled water
- Plates of fruit
- Mixed greens
- Cereal
- Scrambled eggs
- Steamed vegetables
- Olives
- Baked potatoes
Why not allow a diner a shrimp cocktail if they so wish? Just because some self-appointed expert views them to be naff, why shouldn’t those of us who like the dish continue to enjoy it in fine establishments like Scott’s in Mayfair?
Scrambled eggs also come in for attack by Dobkin who states “Even a broke-ass one-handed wino is capable of creating this dish in less than five minutes.” So what? Oak smoked salmon with scrambled eggs and chives features on the menu of none less than The Ritz Hotel. It’s a dish I often seek out.
How anyone could have an argument with mixed greens and steamed vegetables also escapes me. What does Dobkin propose we eat instead? Birdseye frozen carrots?
With regard to “cereal at a diner” I can’t say it is something I’ve even witnessed. Where on earth does this woman dine? Mind you, I don’t watch Seinfeld so I suppose I learnt something here but why even bother to mention it?
A prawn cocktail Other readers plainly don’t take too kindly to Dobkin’s patronising ways. “Insulting people for what they like to eat is LAME” says one, adding “Worst top ten list ever.” Another simply sates “Think a little harder next time.” I have to agree.
Thank you for reminding me of one of my favourites though Kelly Dobkin. I’m off for a prawn cocktail at La Brasserie for lunch.
Read the original piece at http://www.zagat.com/buzz/the-10-lamest-things-you-can-order-in-a-restaurant?zagatbuzzid=june11week3&utm_source=buzz&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=buzz20110615
For a fantastic prawn cocktail try:
– La Brasserie, 272 Brompton Road, London, SW3 – http://www.labrasserielondon.com (Avocado Crevettes, £8.90)
– Sophie’s Steakhouse, 311-313 Fulham Road, SW10 – http://www.sophiessteakhouse.co.uk (Traditional prawn cocktail, £8.25)
– Scott’s, 20 Mount Street, W1 – http://www.scotts-restaurant.com (Shellfish cocktail, £17.25)