Altitude '95 - The Eiffel Tower, Paris

We arrived at the Eiffel Tower on a windswept and rainy day, pretty much straight for the airport and were dying for something to eat. So after the usual walk around the tower, we thought we'd take a chance and try and get a table in the Altitude '95 Restaurant. Straight away, the lady who greeted us said that a table was not possible. It turned out that it was the last night the restaurant was open and was closing for refurbishment. After a little persuasion and some sad eyes from my children, she managed to find us a table as long as we were prepared to leave by 9pm...this was fine by us as we were shattered and wanted to get back to our hotel.

It's great place to eat, not particularly for the food but the setting is superb and they were very nice and welcoming. Of course, we were particularly grateful for the chance to dine there given that the place was closing. Here's a picture of my main course, a rather interesting Sea Bass!!

Murano - Mayfair, London

Angela Harnett opened her new restaurant Murano recently on 21st August in the heart of Mayfair, London. Under the Gordon Ramsay umbrella, Murano claims to serve modern cuisine with an Italian accent reflecting Angela's family roots.

I was visiting Murano with some business colleagues and running slightly behind schedule so by the time I got there they were already into the Champagne. I was met by a very friendly member of staff and immediately spotted my colleagues seated on the other side of the room. The restaurant is smallish, but very smart and beautifully decorated and with a nice buzzy atmosphere. We were seated nearer to the kitchens where they have a chef's table for private dining. We asked if we could have a look at the chefs table and they duly obliged.

The food in my opinion was excellent and the service very friendly. All in all we had a great afternoon finally leaving as the first customer for the evening service arrived.

This is a fine restaurant serving excellent food and a really nice place to go.

Update 13/05/2009
Murano was recently awarded its first Michelin Star in the 2009 Michelin Guide.