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Heather Martin's avatar

Hey Marshall.

I was at the last evening of the soft launch of Le Grand Divan last night as well!

Sorry I didn`t see you or I would have said hello.

We had oysters and the whole rabbit with morels for two,which was superb and would easily have fed four people.

Hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.

Mr Hayler stuck his head through the door just as we were finishing up. Expect his visit and review shortly.

Angus Colwell's avatar

Thanks for the link! V kind

Almut Sylvia Friehe's avatar

I have to admit I’m slightly confused by the presentation of the snacks (on your foto: "Snacks at The Cocochine, awarded 3 Rosettes by the AA.")

Are they meant to be eaten straight off what looks like a tablecloth or curtain?

Or was that just styling for the photo?

Now I’m genuinely curious how one actually eats those.

Marshall Manson's avatar

It's a cheese stuffed cracker with caviar on the top. They are about the size of the top part of your thumb, so meant to be picked up and eaten. I can report that they are delicious. But I admit — it's not the best photo.

Almut Sylvia Friehe's avatar

Well, the photo definitely caught my attention and started the conversation. Thanks for the explanation, Marshall. As a cheese lover, I wish I could reach through the screen and try one.

Sam Scott's avatar

Marshall, is this you announcing your Phils fandom?

Marshall Manson's avatar

I don't know! Which thing are you referring to?

Sam Scott's avatar

"Dongae, a Korean spot in Bristol, and the guy in the paper’s photo is wearing a Philadelphia Phillies hat" struck me as a niche bit of detail to include

Marshall Manson's avatar

Aha! And... no. I'm a Nats fan. I was just really struck by a guy in Bristol wearing a Phillies hat. It's a really unusual one to see in the UK.

Andy Lynes's avatar

Thanks for the mention. The AA has always been Michelin's poor relation. I remember years ago a Michelin-starred chef jokingly told me that 'You get an AA rosette for turning your stoves on in the morning.'

Marshall Manson's avatar

Love that. Entirely true.

Richard Morris's avatar

Still unimpressed with the Observer's restaurant reviewing. Cliched headline - I know she didn't write it - 'scraped' twice in three paragraphs, no mention of prices at all, wrapped up in that overwritten style the paper seems to prefer now. JR is much missed.

Marshall Manson's avatar

I agree. I don't understand why they haven't just picked someone and backed them. It's time they start building the next Jay, Grace, or whatever rather than wishing for someone who can step in.