Kitchen Rat: What’s the beef?; Mum’s the word; Coming up Trump

What’s the beef?

It seems that some of the Brexit trade excitement across the pond has rubbed off on the US’s neighbours. Canada is now waiting in the wings – so long as it’s able to negotiate a drop in the 20% tariffs that currently stifle sales. But we’re not talking chlorinated chicken – this time it’s beef. And Canada’s is considered some of the best available, fed on a grain-rich diet that contributes to a well-marbled and tender product. So it came as some surprise that at a recent Taste of Canada promotional event, those responsible for promoting the product in the UK were… a German and a Spaniard. Proof, if it were needed, of Canada’s ability to remain neutral.

Mum’s the word

Occasionally it pays to turn to Twitter for a bit of advice, or perhaps something to jog your memory. The Guardian wine writer Fiona Beckett received an avalanche of responses to her tweet asking: “Anyone know of a central London restaurant with good wine service, decent grub and a large private room that could seat 18-20 that’s available on October 16th? Pls RT.”

Most of those replying pointed out that the answer was fairly close to home since her son, Will Beckett, runs the Hawksmoor restaurant group. Will even pointed it out himself, with the pithy retweet: “My own mother…” before mum responded “I’d disown me if I were you.”

Coming up Trump

Jason Atherton opened the Betterment restaurant at the Biltmore hotel last week, and though there is bound to be plenty of praise for head chef Paul Walsh’s dishes, so far Instagram has been most taken by the Orange American cocktail.

This particular drink has been inspired by President Trump and is served in toby-jug style receptacle complete with blond candyfloss flyaway hair. Back in June, Atherton cooked for the president when number 10 was occupied by Theresa May, with the leader of the free world praising the chef at the time. He may have a bit more to say if Atherton is asked back to prepare lunch when the president next pays Boris Johnson a visit. Photo www.instagram.com/sober_and_social/