FOOD & BOOZE NEWS
NEW LOYALTY SCHEME FOR THE PALM
Palm, the US-based group of steak and lobster restaurants which opened its first London site in Knightsbridge last year, is extending its loyalty club to UK customers. The 837 Club, which has 150,000 members Stateside, has a one-time membership fee of £25, but that becomes an automatic gift card towards the next visit. Points redemption can translate into anything from a £100 gift voucher to a four-night trip to the USA, while members are entitled to a complimentary lobster on their birthdays. The Palm, 1 Pont Street, SW1X 9EJ, 020 7201 0710, www.thepalm.com/837club.
CHISWICK’S RESTAURANT MICHAEL NADRA
Chef Michael Nadra – who previously worked in esteemed kitchens including La Trompette, Chez Bruce and Petrus – has built up a fine reputation over the past few years with his West London seafood restaurant, Fish Hooks. However, he’s decided it’s time to extend the menu to meat dishes too, and following a makeover and new menu, the place has been renamed Restaurant Michael Nadra. Mouthwatering menu items include ham hock ravioli with chicken broth, roast rump of lamb with sauteed sweetbreads, roasted pollack with sauteed squid, and a rather tempting £42 tasting menu. Restaurant Michel Nadra, 6/8 Elliott Road, W4 1PE, 020 8742 0766, www.restaurant-michaelnadra.co.uk
CRICKET CLUB’S CHINESE COOKING CLASSES
Lovers of Chinese food can get a special insight with Brendan Speed, executive chef at Chinese Cricket Club, the restaurant at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Blackfriars. He’s hosting a series of 90-minute masterclasses, explaining the backgrounds and history of many traditional Chinese ingredients and culinary methods. A selection of dishes will be prepared and cooked in front of guests, who can then enjoy a sumptuous, five-course banquet. Classes run every Friday from 16 April, 2.30-4.30pm. £57 per person including drinks. For more info, email loncy.ccc@ihg.com or call 020 7438 8051. Chinese Cricket Club, Crowne Plaza London, 19 New Bridge Street, EC4V 6DB.