Eat London: All About Food: True to its name, this new book by Terence Conran and Peter Prescott is about food and the people who make, sell, cook, serve and care about it. Each chapter explores a specific area of London, with suggested itineraries like a tour around Borough Market and address listings for every entry. Included are more than 60 recipes by various chefs such as Giorgio Locatelli, Rose Gray, Ruth Rogers and Richard Corrigan (Conran Octopus Publishers; £20).
Angela Hartnett's MENU: The Connaught Hotel, including MENU, are closing for a major refurbishment at the end of this month and are scheduled to reopen in November. During that time, Angela Hartnett will be overseeing the opening of Cielo, a new Gordon Ramsay Holdings venture in Florida's Boca Raton Resort & Club.
Baker & Spice: Opened a new branch in St. John's Wood (20 Clifton Rd., W9; 020-7266 1122).
Benares: Is serving a weekday three-course lunch menu with a glass of wine for £25.
The Berkeley: Already famous for its Prêt-a-Portea, which includes biscuits decorated like clothes, the hotel has now expanded to hosting baby shower tea parties with biscuits in the shapes of baby booties and bottles, served with pink champagne, coffee, tea and juices in a themed room with decorations in pink, blue or yellow. Prices start at £150 per person (020-7235 6000; www.the-berkeley.co.uk).
Foliage: Its new lunch menu is based on small, tasting-size dishes (four courses for £27; £35 includes two glasses of wine).
Franco's: New pre- (5:30–7 PM) and post- (10:30–11 PM) theatre menus (two courses for £16; three for £20) accommodate early and late diners. For an additional cost, the restaurant can arrange a car to take you to the theatre and bring you back after the show for dessert.
The Grill Room: The Dorchester restaurant's recently appointed chef Aiden
Byrne (ex Tom Aikens) has introduced his new menu showcasing Modern British
cooking. The newly appointed sommelier, Jason McAuliffe (ex Chez Bruce),
has developed a list of 30 wines under £30 to complement the already expansive wine
list.
Neal Street Restaurant: This is your last chance to dine at this Covent Garden Italian, as it's closing on March 17th due to redevelopment of the site, and it's not yet known whether it will reopen elsewhere. Coincidentally, owner Antonio Carluccio was recently awarded an honorary OBE during a dinner at the Italian Embassy.
One-O-One: Is closing on March 12th for refurbishment for approximately 10–12 weeks. When it reopens, it will remain a fish restaurant with the same chef.
Roast: Register for the Roast Privilege Card and receive dining points that you can redeem for free breakfasts, a bottle of champagne or meal discounts. The first person to reach 1,000 points wins a weekend for two at the Ritz Paris. For more details and to register, visit www.roast-restaurant.com.
Roka: March 14th sees the launch of "Bespoke Shochu" at the restaurant's basement Shochu Lounge. After a session with the Shochu Master to discuss your preferences, receive your very own labelled bottle to keep at the bar for future visits, take home or give as a gift (£120 includes bottle and session).
Yoshino: The restaurant, as well as the pedestrianized street outside, are currently closed for refurbishment. Its reopening is set for the end of April.