gordon ramsay

Gwyneth's Favorite Female Chef Snags a Second Michelin Star

Filed under: Dining, Luxury Travel & Hotels, Celebrity Shopping

Hélène Darroze (above), who runs the chic eatery in her name at London's posh Connaught hotel, has just been awarded a second Michelin star making her the only female chef in the UK with two of the coveted étoiles under her toque. Gwyneth Paltrow, who lived at the Connaught for a month and was a regular visitor to the restaurant while renovating her house in London, is one of Darroze's biggest fans. Reinforcing the legendary Mayfair hotel's 114 year old legacy of fine dining, Darroze, a protegé of Alain Ducasse, has established a loyal following among other notables and gourmets as well with traditional dishes from her native Southwest France combined with the best seasonal ingredients from the British Isles.

Gallery: Helene Darroze at The Connaught

Tags: Alain Ducasse, chef, Connaught, France, Gordon Ramsay, Gwyneth Paltrow, Hélène Darroze, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, London, luxury hotel, Mayfair, Michelin, UK

Continue reading “Gwyneth's Favorite Female Chef Snags a Second Michelin Star”

Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver Take Eel Off The Menu

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

Chefs Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver are making a menu change. They both served European eel at some of their restaurants while taking part in campaigns to highlight overfishing and have been called out as fish hypocrites. European eel was listed as an endangered species in 2008 by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. After being contacted by The Sunday Times both chefs removed the eel from their restaurant menus. There is some controversy over whether or not the eel is endangered but Greenpeace has said the population has declined dramatically and that it is in danger due to pollution in the water. The unagi freshwater eel served in sushi restaurants is also on the Monterey Bay Aquarium avoid list because although it is mostly farmed the young are captured in the wild.

The Dutch Eel company, which has supplied both chefs, posted an open letter on its website saying in part that it feels that the eel is not in danger at this time. The Dutch Eel company does use farmed fish and other sustainable means of procuring its eels.

Ramsay recently appeared on an English television program: Gordon Ramsay: Shark Bait, which had him campaigning against the shark fishing industry. Chef Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall who is also part of that program has his own website, Hugh's Fish Fight, which details his own journey toward learning more about sustainable fish and creating a healthier ocean. That website also highlights the issue of discarded fish. Fisherman often cast back dead fish they don't want. The website says that part of the action needed is not just to stop eating certain fish but to diversify our fish eating habits, and change policies so that it works for fish, fishermen and consumers.

Tags: eel, endangered eel, european eel, gordon ramsay, jamie oliver

Gordon Ramsay To Open Las Vegas Restaurant

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

It seems like Gordon Ramsay already has a Las Vegas restaurant, after all, practically every other star chef is there, but that hasn't happened yet. That's about to change. Robin Leach reports that Ramsay will open the Gordon Ramsay Steakhouse in the space currently occupied by Les Artistes at the Paris on the Las Vegas Strip. That restaurant will shut down at the end of January and Ramsay's restaurant is set to open by June 1. Leach reports that the move is part of the overall "de-Frenchification" of the Paris. The Eiffel Tower will remain but the move is to make it less of a theme-centered hotel.

Ramsay hasn't had the best luck controlling his empire and had to sell off several restaurants in the past year but now that he and his father-in-law have ended their business arrangement, Ramsay seems ready for expansion. It was also recently announced that Ramsay will open a new casual-dining restaurant near London's Borough Market next year, called Union Street Café.

Tags: gordon ramsay, las vegas restaurants, las vegas strip

The Classicist: London's Famed Savoy Hotel Back After $350 Million Revamp

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Architecture & Design

London's renowned Savoy hotel has just reopened following a massive $350 million revamp encompassing one of the most ambitious restorations in British history. The world famous landmark, built by impresario Richard D'Oyly Carte with profits from his Gilbert and Sullivan operas, originally opened in August 1889. Originally managed by Swiss hotelier César Ritz and Maitre Chef Auguste Escoffier, the hotel quickly became known for impeccable service and cuisine as well as glittering parties and famous patrons. Over the decades George Gershwin, Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire and Noel Coward entertained there, while famous guests included King Edward VII, Harry Truman, Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, Elizabeth Taylor, Coco Chanel, Bob Dylan, The Beatles and numerous others. The property, now managed by Fairmont, has been closed for nearly three years while the impressive restoration project took shape.

120 years later the hotel's two main design aesthetics, Edwardian and Art Deco, have been carefully revitalized under the direction of world-renowned designer Pierre Yves Rochon. More than 1000 craftspeople, artists and artisans worked tirelessly to create interiors that are in keeping with the hotel's original and much-loved spirit. 38 new River Suites and guestrooms have been added, offering the same stunning views over the River Thames that inspired Whistler and Monet. Nine Personality Suites pay tribute to a few of the artists and well known figures who made the legendary hotel their London home away from home including Sinatra, Maria Callas, Charlie Chaplin and Marlene Dietrich. The suites contain art, literature, photographs and artifacts that evoke the time and spirit of the stars including the 12 pink roses in the Marlene Dietrich Suite that the actress always requested upon arrival.

The reopening also includes the addition of a stately $16,000-per-night, 325-square meter Royal Suite featuring two bedrooms, a study, sitting room, dining room, master bathroom, dressing room (with a specially ventilated shoe closet) and a master bedroom with a bespoke Savoir bed. The suite has been specially designed so that all the rooms enjoy one of the finest views of London. The legendary River Restaurant meanwhile gets a contemporary interpretation of Art Deco décor, and the famed cocktail mecca the American Bar is back in business while Savoy Grill returns under the operation of Gordon Ramsay Holdings with Chef Patron, Stuart Gillies and Head Chef, Andy Cook. [continued]

Gallery: The Savoy Reborn

Tags: Art Deco, bar, cocktails, Coco Chanel, Elizabeth Taylor, Fairmont, Fairmont hotels, Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire, Gilbert and Sullivan, Gordon Ramsay, hotel, hotel suites, London, luxury hotels, Maria Callas, Marilyn Monroe, Monet, Ritz, Savoy, Savoy hotel, tea, Thames, The Beatles, UK

Continue reading “The Classicist: London's Famed Savoy Hotel Back After $350 Million Revamp”

Gordon Ramsay Heads To Dubai To Debut Chef's Table Concept

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

Gordon Ramsay may have had to sell off a couple restaurants in the past few years but that hasn't stopped him from continue to expand and modify his existing holdings. Ramsay will be in Dubai later this month to check on his restaurant, Verre by Gordon Ramsay at the Hilton Dubai Creek in Dubai. Arabian Business reports that the newly refurbished black and white restaurant is debuting a new concept, a chef's table with a kitchen view. The table will be served by executive chef, Scott Price. Price says the menu is a surprise and created specifically for each group. Part of the redesign of the restaurant includes a clear glass kitchen wall that allows guests to watch the chefs in action.Those who want to see Chef Ramsay himself can make a reservation for October 23rd. In addition to the chef's table, the full three-course a la carte menu will be available at AED395 per person. The chef's table is designed for groups of four or more, is priced at AED695 (around $190) per person.

Another English chef Jamie Oliver is set to open a restaurant in Dubai in late November. Jamie's Italian, a 290-seater restaurant with a past a bar, will open in Dubai Festival Centre in late November. The restaurant will be located at Festival Centre's Marina Pavilion with waterfront views.

Tags: celebrity chefs, dubai, gordon ramsay, jamie oliver

Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's: World Class Dining in a Stunning Location

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

There are plenty of fine restaurants in London, but only one where you can take home a menu signed by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. More for its food than its gimmicks, Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's is a Luxist nominee in the best international fine dining category.

Ramsay opened his first restaurant in 1998 at the age of 31, after training with the likes of Marco Pierre White in London and Guy Savoy in France. Within three years, the eponymous Chelsea eatery had gained three Michelin stars. Ramsay's flagship seats only 45 guests, and as such, the chef soon expanded; today, his empire includes two dozen restaurants spread across four continents.

Gallery: Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's

Tags: awards-main, Claridges, Gordon Ramsay, Gordon Ramsay at Claridges, luxist-awards

Continue reading “Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's: World Class Dining in a Stunning Location”

Koffmann's Opens at London's Luxe Berkeley Hotel

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Luxury Travel & Hotels

The Berkeley (above), London's luxurious and beloved five-star Knightsbridge hotel, has just opened Koffmann's, a new restaurant from legendary French chef Pierre Koffmann. Overlooking Hyde Park, the historic hotel has long been the destination of choice for stylish travelers including Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and Naomi Campbell. Chef Koffmann, whose name has been synonymous with some of the UK's finest French cuisine for over 35 years, counts Gordon Ramsay among his protegés. The opening of Koffmann's marks the chef's return to The Berkeley, where he was at the helm of the celebrated La Tante Claire until its closing in 2003. The Koffmann's menu features several of the chef's signature items, such as a braised pig's trotter with morels, which guests may recognize from La Tante Claire, but on the whole Koffmann has moved into a more relaxed, informal style while still embracing his classic, provincial, French culinary roots. The menu offers hearty, robust, seasonal dishes, many influenced by his Gascon heritage, which can be enjoyed seven days a week for both lunch and dinner.

Gallery: Koffman's and The Berkeley

Tags: Berkeley Hotel, chef, French cuisine, Gordon Ramsay, Gwyneth Paltrow, hotels, Hyde Park, Knightsbridge, London, luxury hotels, Madonna, Naomi Campbell, The Berkeley, UK

Are Gordon Ramsay and David Beckham Partnering On A Pub?

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

Are David Beckham and Gordon Ramsay going into business together in Los Angeles? Various reports say that the pair are teaming up to open a pub in Los Angeles called The Queen Vic (named not after the actual queen but after Victoria Beckham).

The popular Brits are friends and have been discussing a business for years. The Ramsays and Beckhams even hung out together last Christmas and after the families cooked together they got the idea that opening a restaurant might be a good idea. They think that a traditional English pub might be a hit with expatriates from the UK as well as with the locals. The pub would have ales and beer on tap and serve classic English specialties like fish and chips and bangers and mash.

But don't get too excited yet a spokesman for Beckham said there are no plans in the pipeline yet. And given Ramsay's recent restaurant track record, it's not clear if he has the time to devote to this latest venture.

Tags: david beckham, gordon ramsay, los angeles, pub

Gordon Ramsay's New York Restaurant Faces $2 Million Tax Debt

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

Looks like it's going to be a rough week for chef Gordon Ramsay. He may have three shows on television but his restaurant empire has taken some big hits recently. Not only did his restaurant in South Africa recently close, now he's facing around $2 million in three tax bills related to his New York restaurant, Gordon Ramsay at The London. Back in March, we wrote that Gordon Ramsey New York had made the list of the top 250 delinquent business taxpayers and at that point a spokesperson said the company was working on resolving the debt. In May the restaurant was sued by Wineberry America, an importer of fine wines, for $40,900 of wine that was ordered and delivered but not paid for.

The restaurant has had a long history of financial woes and Ramsay sold the restaurant last December to the hotel in a deal that allows the hotel to keep the name and get menu advice from Ramsay. News of the World reports that the bills are for a corporation set up to run the U.S. restaurant and not Ramsay's personal bills. But the restaurant does bear his name and it looks more and more like Ramsay isn't really able to handle the dual roles of being a popular television personality and the owner of a restaurant empire.

[via NY Post]

Tags: gordon ramsay, tax deductions

Gordon Ramsay Loses Another Restaurant

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

More bad news for Gordon Ramsay, he's losing another restaurant. Bloomberg reports that the One & Only Cape Town hotel in South Africa has closed their Gordon Ramsay Maze restaurant. The restaurant opened with star-studded event last April that included Nelson Mandela. The restaurant is still open but doesn't have a new name.

There are no details on what happened. Bloomberg got only a basic email confirmation from the hotel and in an e-mailed statement Ramsay's company, Gordon Ramsay Holdings said that they were only informed of the decision to close Maze very recently. Meanwhile Ramsay has launched a third show in the U.S.: "Masterchef," a sort of American Idol for home cooks.

It seems that the Maze brand has taken some hits lately. Jason Atherton, who created the brand, quit Gordon Ramsay Holdings in April and his successor, James Durrant announced his resignation earlier this month. Maze Prague has already closed, leaving four outlets: London, New York, Doha and Melbourne.

Tags: gordon ramsay, maze restaurant, south africa

Gordon Ramsay Facing Large Wine Debt

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Wine

More bad news for embattled television chef Gordon Ramsay, he has been sued by a wine merchant for not paying his bills. Wineberry America, an importer of fine wines, says that Ramsay, his backers the Blackstone Group, and the hotel The London NYC didn't pay for $40,900 of wine that was ordered and delivered, according to the lawsuit filed in New York. It delivered wines to Ramsay's New York City restaurant from July 2007 until November 2009 according to court papers. At some point though, the bills weren't getting paid and the company eventually decided to file suit.

In March we learned that Gordon Ramsay New York, a subsidiary of Gordon Ramsay Holdings, was on the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance list of delinquent taxpayers. On the list of the top 250 delinquent business taxpayers Gordon Ramsey New York clocked in at number 198 with a debt of $377,887.77. The company is said to be working to resolve the debt.

Gordon Ramsay has had money problems since the recession began. In 2009 accountants told Ramsay the wanted to put his business into administration and that he owed millions in debt. Ramsay has struggled back from the circumstances, a period of time he referred to as "the worst bollocking ever" and the worst year of his life. He sold off his restaurants in Los Angeles and Paris back to the hotels they are in and pulled out of other cities. His restaurants have also been out of the list of the world's top restaurants since 2008. It's a good thing he's got a television career to fall back on.

Tags: gordon ramsay, lawsuit, the london nyc, wineberry america

Australia's Newest Hotel, Crown Metropol, Now Officially Open

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Melbourne's latest and hippest joint for temporary accommodation has just opened, and it's called the Crown Metropol. It is said to redefine "the word 'nu-luxury' in hotels," which means we need to catch up on things because we weren't aware of the first definition of "nu-luxury." Luckily the Crown Metropol has 658 rooms divided into four categories which will give us plenty of material to study: luxe accommodations including 12 Isika spa rooms, R58 and R60 studio-style rooms, 33 lofts, and an apartment on the 25th floor with its own lobby, butler kitchen, and spa bath.

Gordon Ramsay's Maze is the Metropol's headlining restaurant, serving Australian-inspired French cuisine. Not left alone for dining duties, however, it is joined by 12 other premium eateries that count Nobu among them, as well as 19 casual establishments for more relaxed offerings in the Crown Entertainment Complex. And if you really want to make a statement, there's Level 28, a private lounge on the top floor.

If your own idea of luxury is nu enough then Melbourne's Southbank could be the spot for you, and it's taking reservations now.

Source

Tags: australia, crown metropol, gordon ramsay, hotel, isika, isika spa, melbourne

Another Gordon Ramsay Protege Leaves The Fold

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

Another of Gordon Ramsay's proteges has flown the coop. Bloomberg News reports that Jason Atherton, the chef behind London's Maze restaurant, is leaving the Gordon Ramsay group after nine years. Atherton ran Ramsay's Verre in Dubai before founding Maze in 2005. Atherton was quick to dismiss speculation that he had run afoul of the famously volatile chef and said that he is just ready to start his own restaurant.

On his Twitter Ramsay said: "jason's ready to fly the nest.Time for him to have his name above the door.Who doesn't want that? I wish him every success, an amazing guy." But rumors of discord continue. Atherton won't be moving straight from his Maze to his own venture. He plans to go overseas, most likely Spain, to get a little more experience in friends' kitchens. Atherton was the first U.K. chef to complete a stage at Ferran Adria's famous restaurant El Bulli.

Tags: celebrity chef, chef, gordon ramsay, jason atherton, london, maze restaurant

Gordon Ramsay Owes New York Tax Debt

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

More tax woes for Gordon Ramsay, the always entertaining chef who has struggled with money troubles over the last couple of years. The Scottish Record reports that Gordon Ramsay New York, a subsidiary of Gordon Ramsay Holdings, is on the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance list of delinquent taxpayers. On the list of the top 250 delinquent business taxpayers Gordon Ramsey New York clocks in at number 198 with a debt of $377,887.77. A spokesman for Gordon Ramsay Holdings confirmed to the Record that the there is an outstanding amount owed to New York state and that the company is working to resolve the debt.

In an unrelated story, Ramsay recently revealed the reason for the cosmetic surgery that smoothed out his wrinkled chin. The Daily Mail says that Ramsay's own kids teased him over the wrinkles even trying to shove coins in the deep creases. Ramsay took advice from Simon Cowell and got a little laser resurfacing. Don't look for Ramsay to take a Botox shot to the forehead anytime soon. He says he's not going to have any more work done.

Tags: gordon ramsay, tax debt

Claridge's: London's Art Deco Jewel

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Located in the heart of Mayfair in London, Claridge's hotel is nominated for a Readers' Choice Award for Best City Hotel.

The historic art deco hotel is known for its award-winning service and luxury and is a key part of London's history. Stars, statesmen, socialites and the crowned heads of Europe have enjoyed this five-star hotel for more than 100 years. Its grand hallways and staircases were designed to be wide and spacious so that ladies wearing wide skirted ball gowns, with crinolines, would be able to walk two abreast.

The hotel's history dates back to the first half of the 19th century when it was founded by William and Marianne Claridge ran a hotel at 51 Brook Street. The five next-door houses were the famous Mivart hotel. In 1854 the Claridges bought the Mivart buildings and the combined property became known as Claridge's, late Mivart's until Mivart's death in 1856. The ultimate seal of approval came in 1860 when Queen Victoria and Price Albert arrived at the hotel. They were visiting the Empress Eugènie of France, who had made Claridge's her winter quarters.

In 1893 Claridge's was bought by Richard D'Oyly Carte, owner of the Savoy. He commissioned the designer of Harrods to rebuild the hotel from the ground up. The new Claridge's opened in November 1898. Through the years, the hotel became the destination of choice for royalty. During World War II, many exiled royals made their way to Claridge's, including the Kings of Greece, Norway and Yugoslavia, as well as the Queen of the Netherlands. In 1947, a diplomat telephoned the hotel asking to speak to "the King". The polite response was "Certainly sir, but which one?"

Tradition has it that when two Kings arrived on the same day both demanding to stay in the Royal Suite, a diplomatic incident was avoided by a quick thinking manager who advised them both that the ceiling had fallen down and gave them equally large suites on separate floors instead.

On July 17 1945, the hotel's Suite 212 briefly became part of Yugoslavia. Sir Winston Churchill made the concession so that Crown Prince Alexander, the heir to the throne, could be born on Yugoslav soil. According to legend, Claridge's staff placed a clod of Yugoslav soil under the Queen's bed during her labor. Of course, even Winston Churchill, himself, took up residence at the hotel. At the end of the war, when unexpectedly defeated in the General Election of 1945, Churchill had to leave Number 10 Downing Street in a hurry. While temporarily homeless, he took a suite at Claridge's, "with a rather poignant view back to the Palace of Westminster".

Claridge's, which is considered to be the most glamorous hotel in all of London, has been the destination of choice by many of America's Hollywood royalty, too, from Yul Brynner and Audrey Hepburn to Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn and Bing Crosby. Spencer Tracy once said, "not that I intend to die, but when I do, I don't want to go to heaven, I want to go to Claridge's." The hotel remains a favorite for celebrities with regular visitors ranging from Nicole Kidman and Naomi Campbell to Jude Law and Mick Jaggar. Model Kate Moss has been known to celebrate her birthday at the hotel.

The hotel recently redecorated its Fumoir bar, which features new Lalique chandeliers, bar fittings, glassware and votives, in addition to a cocktail menu featuring authentic 1930's. The new Lalique enhancements make this aubergine-leather clad, candlelit bar the chicest and most luxurious venue in town. Claridge's restaurant, was frequently visited by Her Majesty the Late Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. One particular table in the restaurant was referred to as the Greek Cantina because Aristotle Onassis regularly chose to sit there. Today, the restaurant, Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's, features modern European dishes in a lavishly redesigned space by New York architect Thierry Despont.

The hotel has 203 rooms rooms including 67 suites, each of which were individually decorated and designed. One-third of the hotel's suites were recently re-designed or restored by Viscount David Linley while designer Diane von Furstenberg is creating 10 guest rooms and suites for the hotel, which will launch in June. Each room comes with fresh flowers and the latest entertainment equipment. Rooms start at 490 pounds while 1-bedroom suites start at 1,700 pounds per night.

Vote now for what you believe is the best of breed for each of the Winter Travel categories. Readers' Choice Awards for the Best in Winter Travel will be announced on January 31st.