Headlines § e-mail § Publisher details § rates & data Est. 1996 Issue 147 May 2009     First Mood Food Awards See A Tie At The Top     This year we have joint winners of the Restaurant of the Year title. Both have been at the top for many years but continue to re-invent themselves and innovate in a difficult economic downturn. The first year of the MoFo awards by Mood Food Magazine changes the way awards have been made in the Indian sector over the past 15 years. The norm has been the selction of a Top 30 or Top 100 plus several specific titles but the MoFo's represent an award to restaurants the panel feel of a high standard to be recommended in the current year. JOINT WINNERS OF RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2009 ARE : Bombay Brasserie, London SW7 : Cafe Spice Namaste, London E1 After over 25 years as the Indian restaurant in Britain that set the standards for all others, the venerable Bombay Brasserie was closed last year whilst it was re-designed, refurbished and re-invented. The new BB is a delight even down to the delightful surprise of how they present the hand towels at the end of the meal (I will leave you to find that out for yourself). The prices are not hefty, in fact they seem to be lower than the old Bombay Brasserie and certainly well in line with other top London restaurants. The service and atmosphere are as wonderful as ever and now they are offering an adventure in taste which makes the meal memorable. A great evening, a packed restaurant and great food. Mr Harnal and his team are back at the top of their game. Check out the Bombay Brasserie's new look at (www.bombaybrasserielondon.com) Run by Cyrus Todiwala MBE and his wife Pervin, Cafe Spice Namaste appears to be a whirl of continuous activity ranging from Gourmet Adventure programmes, to a new cookery book, to Mr Todiwala's chutnies and pickles not forgetting demonstrations, wine tastings and appearances by Cyrus at events seemingly all over the world. And by the way, he still finds time to sit on government committees and raise funds for charity. A perfect example of how to cope with the economic downturn whilst still maintaining the highest standards in food and service. (www.cafespice.co.uk) 141 MoFo's have been awarded all over Britain for 2009 (the full list can be reviewed on www.fedrest.com/awards) eleven of which have opened in the past year. There are also special group MoFo's for eleven groups with Namita Panjabi and Ranjit Mathrani's Masala World (including top restaurants Amaya, Chutney Mary & Veeraswamy as well as popular chain Masala Zone) as the Group of the Year 2009. Editor Peter Grove said "We felt we had to change the way these annual recognitions were made as changes in the industry have made the old system obsolete. Some top class groups have from three to more than ten branches, all deserving of recognition so we could have used up a 'To 30' before giving other restaurants the recognition they deserve". "The restaurants chosen by our panel are all of a very high standard and curry fans can feel confident in visiting them and enjoying a great experience". A full list of MoFo 2009 winners can be seen on www.fedrest.com/awards top

Headlines § e-mail § Publisher details   Mood Food is published by FSR, London, England © 2009 Editor: Peter J. Grove Editorial office: PO Box 416 Surbiton, Surrey, England, KT1 9BJ Tel: 020 8399 4831 email: GroveInt@aol.com