Hello friends

I know that it has been some time since I have brought you news of the winners of the BBC series The Restaurant – both JJ and James from 2009 and Russell and Michele from 2008. I hope that this blog will bring you up to date with what has been going on with both sets of winners – and also with Alasdair and James, runners up in 2008.

First, Michele and Russell: deserving winners in 2008. Their wonderful restaurant in Marlow, The Cheerful Soul, has now been open for eight months. In spite of having to set up and open a restaurant during the grip of recession, they have done it! The Cheerful Soul is doing well and is profitable! Many professional restaurateurs are suffering, but Russell and Michele have managed to create a truly beautiful restaurant and also make some money. I am so very proud of them. Do take the time to visit The Cheerful Soul in Marlow; I am sure you will have a wonderful meal and experience. They have just launched their new website www.thecheerfulsoul.com where you can find out lots more about the restaurant, the food and, of course, about Russell and Michele themselves. Telephone: 01628 483343.

Second, JJ and James. I know that many of you disagreed with my own choice of winners for 2009. So, either David, Sarah and I are all completely stupid, or perhaps there is much more to these boys than meets the eye?
JJ and James were unpopular and they carried all the stigma of youth: their perceived inadequacies and lack of skill rankled with many of you, and so did their appearances and attitudes: cocky boys, winking and flicking their hair… So, what have they done to prove you all wrong?
 
In the last few months, JJ and James have really transformed themselves into mature professionals with a huge desire to learn and keep learning. They have lost their annoying habits – their schoolboy traits. We always knew that would happen, underneath the shallowness, these were young men who are ambitious and who have the abilities to succeed.

They spent two months at Le Manoir, working closely with my wonderful chefs led by Adam Johnson and Gary Jones, and with the Front of House team led by Alain Desenclos. All my team have been impressed by them. We did not choose JJ for his cooking ability – we chose him because he is one of the best cocktail makers in the country and he had huge ability to learn. Over five months JJ has mastered all the basic techniques of cooking. On the other hand, James is settling down in front of house and has made many friends amongst our customers and our team. JJ and James will form a formidable partnership, and they have the potential – the mettle – to run a business.

JJ and James then spent a month with David Moore at his fantastic London restaurant Pied à Terre (www.pied-a-terre.co.uk telephone 020 7636 1178). This has given them a real insight into the London restaurant business.

The final phase of the JJ and James’ ‘training’ is taking place under the tutelage of brothers Sam and Eddie Hart at the glorious Barrafina restaurant, a Spanish tapas restaurant and bar, located in the heart of London’s West End (www.barrafina.co.uk Telephone: 0207 813 8016). Sam and Eddie are consummate restaurateurs, driven, enthusiastic and professional, and we are all so grateful to them for taking JJ & James under their wing.

You should certainly try and visit Barrafina, or its sister restaurant Fino (www.finorestaurant.com): I have known Sam and Eddie from an early stage of their career, and have been privileged to watch them flourish and make such a great addition to the London food scene.

Over the last two months, we have been firming up the concept, brand and menu. David, Sarah and I, along with JJ and James, are now actively looking for the right property – and also for investors, so do let me know if you are interested! We will be back with more details soon.

Finally, a word about James and Alasdair, runners-up in The Restaurant 2008. I hope you have managed to watch them in their new series on BBC2, Out of the Frying Pan (next episode is on Wednesday 5 May at 9pm). James and Alasdair were very popular, always hardworking and accommodating, but not always businesslike or streetwise. However, they spent nearly a year working at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, learning the ropes. They have transformed themselves into real professionals. They are returning to Le Manoir – as guests – on 9 May. I am so pleased for these two young men. They have worked hard and have so much to offer. I definitely recommend that you watch the final episode of Out of the Frying Pan… it should be very interesting!

Phew! This has been a long update, but I have lots to tell you. It is so wonderful to see a new generation of restaurateurs finding their feet and making a success of their lives. I am proud to think Sarah, David and I may have played a small part.

Best

RB


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