FOOD & BOOZE NEWS
MALBEC AND CHOCOLATE AT GAUCHO
The Argentine steak house chain have stumbled upon something rather tasty. The predominant Argentine grape Malbec, which ranges from the delicate to the deep and fruity, goes perfectly with all manner of dark chocolate. To book a monthly tasting, go to www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk
THE LANCASTER HOTEL’S HONEYBEES
The bees arrived in July and have been busy making honey all summer. From next year, guests will dine on house honey straight from the comb, honeymooners will receive pots of it and candles will be made from the wax. Now that’s green (and sticky) thinking. Lancaster Terrace, W2 2TY, tel: 020 7262 6737
BLUMENTHAL SAVES LITTLE CHEF
Bringing Fat Duck chef Heston Blumenthal on board was a life-saving decision for the diner chain, which went into administration in January 2007. Thanks to his menu, it now has a £3m profit forecast for 2009. Braised ox cheeks and chargrilled burgers all round, evidently. www.littlechef.co.uk