FOOD & BOOZE NEWS
BENARES’ DIWALI FEAST
Mayfair’s favourite posh Indian restaurant is going to be celebrating Hindu festival Diwali in style with a special menu. Michelin-garnering chef Atul Kochhar’s menu, on offer throughout November, will two or three courses with paired wines, of which highlights include smoked lamb kebabs with pickled red cabbage; tandoor sea trout with marinated cucumber pearls, spice crusted steamed plaice with masala squash and tempura rice pudding. £25 for three courses. Berkeley Square. To book, go to 207 629 8886 www.benaresrestaurant.co.uk.
SEVEN DAYS OF WINE
A “restaurant with rooms” in pretty rural Berkshire, the Vineyard at Stockcross has launched Seven Days of Wine, a new wine promotion that will feature different wines or champagne every day of the week from its 2,300-bin cellar. Guests have the chance to choose a bottle of their choice, then sit back and relax while chef Daniel Galmiche prepares a lip-smacking dish to match the wine. Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 8JU. 01635 528 770. www.the-vinyard.co.uk
DELIA’S XMAS PUD-IN-A-PACK
Love the idea of making Delia’s Christmas cake but not sure you’re up to the task? No problem: our favourite chef has transformed her beloved recipe into an “at home” pack in which all the ingredients have been weighed out and measured; the dried fruit pre-soaked in brandy. All you have to do, sings Delia, is “empty the packs into a bowl, add eggs, butter, orange and lemon zests, mix it together, and bake.” That’s our kind of cooking. Available from 11 Nov in Waitrose, for £10.