ALAIN DUCASSE AT THE DORCHESTER LAUNCHES ‘THE BESPOKE DINING EXPERIENCE’

Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester has created a bespoke dining experience, giving those with a designer taste the rare opportunity to add their own personal touch to a Michelin starred dinner.

The two, rising three, Michelin starred restaurant has enhanced private dining by launching a bespoke dining experience. Guests can create their very own ‘menu from the menu’ with their own choice of dishes chosen from the restaurant’s à la carte menu. The new package not only allows guests to select from the haute cuisine menu, but also to tailor their table setting by choosing from the selection of china, silverware, table ornaments and glassware selected from designer houses, famous for the finest creations in tableware.

Guests booking the ‘bespoke experience’ are able to arrange the most exclusive and glamorous celebrations at the restaurant’s stunning Table Lumière, one of the most prestigious dining tables in London offering the ultimate dining atmosphere. Cocooned by a luminescent oval curtain, the table is surrounded by 4,500 shimmering fibre optics which drop dramatically from the ceiling. Designer Patrick Jouin compares sitting at this table to walking into a cloud. While diners are able to hear the buzz of the restaurant, they are partly screened from view, giving a sense of intimacy without any loss of atmosphere.

In addition to the choices of wines and food dishes, the ‘Bespoke Dining’ menu offers options from three exceptional ‘Maisons’:

· Puiforcat silverware

· St Louis crystal

· Hermès china - including the Century, Fil d’argent and Mesclun collection

These exclusive collections of tableware, silverware and crystal sourced for Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester are showcased in the restaurant’s vaisselier.

Alain Ducasse believes that, today more than ever, guests need enchanting and bespoke experiences, saying “I want to offer my guests the right proposal, bringing together the right elements: food, service, design and atmosphere.” He adds, “Harmony is what really matters and it is the combination of all these elements that create a truly special dining environment. Table Lumière has its very own harmony.”

Guests at his London restaurant can now style Table Lumière according to their tastes and celebrate in style with designer flare.

Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester
Park Lane, London, W1K 1QA
T: 020-7629-8866 / W: www.alainducasse-dorchester.com
Open for lunch Tuesday–Friday and dinner from Tuesday-Saturday

DON”T FORGET: THE FORTNUM & MASON CHRISTMAS PARTY in aid of Cancer Research UK
For one night and one night only, Fortnum & Mason is opening its doors for an evening of frivolity and festive fun.
Fortnum & Mason and Cancer Research UK are delighted to announce THE FORTNUM & MASON CHRISTMAS PARTY in aid of Cancer Research.
Held at Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER on Thursday 3rd December from 7pm until 10pm, the night is a celebration not to be missed.
A thoroughly marvelous time will be had by all, with live music, demonstrations and champagne throughout the store all evening.
Experience the wonderful, the strange, the exotic and the extraordinary: from the finest food, to gorgeous gifts and incomparable inspiration.
There is a cornucopia of Christmas prizes, and a celebrity gift auction in aid of this wonderful charity, so do come to what is set to be the happiest event of the season.
Tickets are £150 per person.
To book your tickets or for further information, please call 0845 300 1707 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
All profits from ticket sales and money raised on the night will be donated to Cancer Research UK

THE ART OF GREEN & BLACK'S
New for A/W ’09, Green & Black’s present their stylish bars in a series of striking new colours. To celebrate the style overhaul of their iconic 100g bars, Green & Black’s has launched www.artofgreenandblacks.com, an online art gallery where you can create your own piece of digital artwork made entirely from their new bars.

Green & Black’s has partnered with one of Britain’s most popular artists, the ‘Godfather of Pop Art’, Sir Peter Blake to create a piece of art made entirely from 700 bars of delicious Green & Black’s chocolate from the colourful new look range. The fabulous piece of art is up for grabs online, and would make the ideal statement piece for a drab looking office or a bare wall in your home. Plus all the bars can be removed and eaten for those emergency chocolate moments!

If Sir Peter’s inspirational art isn’t enough, why not create your own digital masterpiece using the bars in our online studio launching on the 18 November? You will be given a blank canvas to paint with all 15 bars to create a colourful work of art. Each bar acts as a different coloured paintbrush. All art submitted can be voted for in the Green & Black’s gallery and the person with the most votes will win a real life, 700 bar version of their digital artwork. Head to www.artofgreenandblacks.com to get creative with your chocolate paintbrush and choose your palette from the range of 15 vibrant bars:
If you would like to see Sir Peter’s work of (chocol’)art, why not head down to the Art Barter exhibition on 26th – 29th November at The Rag Factory in East London. Sir Peter will be in good company, sat alongside Tracey Emin, Gavin Turk and 40 other established London based artists.

While we are thrilled with our colourful new packaging, all our chocolate remains the same great tasting, organic and ethically produced white, milk and dark chocolate. Enjoy our newly packaged chocolate and head to www.artofgreenandblacks.com for a chance to win!

• All bars RRP £1.89
• Stockists - Waitrose, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morrisons, Booths, Budgens, Dept Stores, all quality health food stores and online at www.greenandblacks.com To buy online visit www.greenandblacksdirect.com
• Sir Peter has been creating inspirational collages, paintings and graphics since the 1950’s and is inspired by pop culture. His most famous work was the iconic album cover for the Beatles album ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’.
• Art Barter will be exhibiting at The Rag Factory, 16-18 Heneage Street, London E1 5LJ. The full list of artists exhibiting can be found at www.artbarterlondond.co.uk

COOL ITALIA HITS COVENT GARDEN KITCHEN ITALIA OPENS ON EARLHAM STREET

The new, stylish Kitchen Italia (www.kitchen-italia.com , 020 7632 9500) opens its doors to the heart of Covent Garden on Tuesday 8 December 2009, welcoming everyone who’s looking for fresh, innovative, exciting Italian food.

Situated on the cobbles of Earlham Street - 41 Earlham Street, WC2 9LX - diners can look forward to a new destination for an affordable but vibrant evening out in Covent Garden. Following the success of Kitchen Italia, Westfield, this contemporary approach to an all-day cantina offers seriously good pasta in cool surroundings, without the expensive bill.

Perfect for those who know where to get the best “cheap eats” in town, the menu specialises in the many varieties of pasta native to specific Italian regions, each paired with the perfect sauce from light and zingy to rich and robust. The menu takes you on a journey across Italy, plus showcases some dishes that prove their influence in world cooking such as Spaghetti with meatballs and Macaroni Cheese. Other dishes include Tiger prawn, chilli and garlic tagliolini and Pumpkin gnocchi with sage butter.

Open from 11am, enjoy Kitchen Italia’s relaxed ambience whenever you fancy; whether it’s for a quick bite pre- or post-theatre, or a more leisurely meal after a day hitting the shops or London’s sights.

Customers can languish in the stylish interior created by Michaelis Boyd (also responsible for Pizza East, Babington House and Tom’s Kitchen). On arrival diners see an eye-catching neon spaghetti graphic, consistent with the restaurant’s feel-good vibe. An open, airy interior sports bench-style seating in light olive ash wood, and fresh herbs and award-winning Marfuga olive oils are in easy reach on all the tables – the oils are also available to buy. Smoked glass ceiling pendants from New York and glass globe table lamps complete the intimate look, whilst cool 1950s jazz plays in the background to add the final touch for a relaxed evening.
Kitchen Italia, Westfield and Earlham Street, are owned by Jamie Barber. Jamie also owns and runs Villandry in Fitzrovia and Bicester Village and Hush in Mayfair.

Kitchen Italia will open on 8th December at 41 Earlham Street, WC2 9LX
Tel: 020 7632 9500 email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Open daily from: 11am-11.30pm Monday- Saturday / 11am-10.30pm Sunday

Kitchen Italia is also at Westfield, Southern Terrace, Shepherd's Bush, London W12 7GB Tel: 020 8749 9133 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.kitchen-italia.com

HAAGEN-DAZS 'MAKE-A-WISH COME TRUE'
Demi-Lea Claydon, aged 14, from London launched the Haagen-Dazs 'Make-A-Wish Come True' charity campaign with a snow blizzard and free Christmas drinks at the company's flagship shop in Leicester Square on Tuesday 24th November. Demi, who lives with Cystic Fibrosis had her wish to swim with dolphins granted by the charity last year, and she helped launch the campaign to help other children's wishes come true.

The new Christmas menu features two festive drinks - Italian Christmas Latte and Cinnamon Dulce Dream, along with two limited edition ice cream creations - Italian Christmas Sparkle and Caramel Waffle Wish, all available until 31st December. Made from scoops of the highest quality ice cream, such as Dulce de Leche and Caramel Biscuit & Cream, the new creations offer a heart-warming taste of Christmas. Haagen-Dazs will donate £1 to Make-A-Wish every time its customers buy one of the specially created products.

There are currently 20,000 children and young people in the UK fighting a life-threatening illness. Next year around 1,000 children will turn to Make-A-Wish to experience the magic of a Make-A-Wish wish. Haagen-Dazs Leicester Square aims to raise as much money as possible through the sale of the festive recipes, as well as various fundraising activity undertaken by staff to help Make-A-Wish grant these magical wishes.

Rebecca Jones, Corporate Account Manager for Make-A-Wish, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen as Haagen-Dazs's charity partner this Christmas. We believe a wish can transform a child's life and are constantly seeking support to continue granting wishes. I would like to say a huge thank you to Haagen-Dazs, and their customers, for all their kind support."

SPORTS AND REMEDIAL THERAPY TO BE REGULATED FOR FIRST TIME

From January 2010, for the first time, sports and remedial therapists in the UK will be regulated. The announcement was delivered today by the UK wide regulator, the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) which opened its register earlier this year in the interests of protecting the public and setting standards within the industry.

Currently there is no UK wide regulator for sports and remedial therapists which means appropriately trained and skilled practitioners are not easily identifiable. The decision to open the CNHC register to them will allow athletes and their trainers to choose their practitioners secure in the knowledge they are appropriately qualified and meet national standards of conduct and training.

Opened in January 2009, the CNHC register has already admitted professionals from massage therapy, nutritional therapy, aromatherapy, reflexology and shiatsu who have all met the ‘gold standard’ within their field, and who are now entitled to display the quality mark confirming their registration.

Speaking today from the CNHC conference which was attended by Professional Associations in the complementary, health and wellbeing sector, Maggie Dunn, CEO/Registrar of the CNHC said: “This is not only an important development for the CNHC but also for the sports industry. Any sports and remedial therapist applying to the CNHC register does so in the knowledge that they have to meet specific standards.

“This is vital at a time when the country is preparing for the greatest sporting event in the world, the Olympics. We need to be delivering quality on every level in preparation for the 2012 London Olympics and the admission of sports and remedial therapist to the CNHC register is an important development in this process.”

During the past year, the voluntary register has opened to a wide range of complementary and natural healthcare disciplines and by the end of the spring next year, practitioners of yoga therapy, Alexander technique, cranial sacral and bowen technique will also be able to become regulated.

For further information about registration, visit www.cnhc.org.uk

CREATE YOUR NORTHERN LIGHTS AT VISITNORWAY.CO.UK

The magical Northern Lights have bewitched humans since time began. Now you can create your own Aurora Borealis, against a fairytale Norwegian backdrop at www.visitnorway.co.uk/mynorthernlights.

Paint the sky above a dramatic northern Norwegian coastal landscape with your mouse, or use your astrological constellation, in a palette of colour reflecting your mood, to create your own Aurora Borealis. Your personal Northern Lights display will be saved for you to share with your friends via Twitter, Facebook or email. When they click on the link, they will be greeted by a star spangled sky with your very own lights display as well as a star named after the sender.

Viewing the Northern Lights is a powerful, and often emotional personal experience, and virtual displays on VisitNorway.co.uk are accompanied by information about how you can see the Aurora Borealis for yourself. This wonderful display can be experienced anywhere, from an outdoor hot tub surrounded by snow, during a moonlit husky sledge or snowmobile safari, or like Father Christmas, with you own team of reindeer!

Catherine Foster, Country Manager, Innovation Norway UK, comments: “Norway is the ideal setting for seeing the Northern Lights. Its location and landscape of rugged mountains, awe inspiring coastal fjords, pristine forest and wooden huts, offers a magical backdrop for this stunning natural phenomena. Hunting for the Aurora is a journey of a lifetime, one that you will want to share with your friends and loved ones. We hope to convey the beauty and mysticism of this once-in-a-lifetime experience through the new site.”

As well as the Northern Lights website, you can learn more about the amazing display in the sky as well as share your own experiences on our blog http://www.visitnorway.co.uk/mynorthernlightsblog and via Twitter at: http://Twitter.com/NorwayAurora.

ENJOY AN ENGLISH WINTER - BANISH THE WINTER BLUES AT AN ENGLISH HERITAGE COTTAGE
Christmas comes just once a year and is a time for cold nights and warm fires, dreaming of snow and taking long walks after hearty lunches. With English Heritage, you can enjoy all the sumptuous comforts of a cottage, whilst nestled in the midst of some of England’s most beautiful landscapes and historic properties.

Make the most of the ‘out of hours’ access to the grounds, a perk of being a guest at the cottage. Follow in the footsteps of Bess of Hardwick, a medieval monk or a Victorian gamekeeper. Relax in front of a log burning fire or brave the snowy forecasts for spectacular countryside strolls.

The best bit? Book Christmas at Cambridge Lodge, (Audley End), Garden Cottage (Walmer Castle), Prior’s Lodge (Mount Grace Priory) or Refectory Cottage (Rievaulx Abbey) and English Heritage will provide a Marks and Spencer ‘Celebrate Christmas‘ hamper* as a Christmas gift. Furthermore, each one sleeps four plus a cot, which makes them ideal for the family to get away together. (* Offer is only valid on bookings between 9th November and 23rd December and through quoting HHAMP.)

English Heritage’s portfolio offers 15 cottages located across the country and with prices starting from just £235 for 3 nights, who could resist the attractive and idyllic surroundings of some of England’s most charming and historic properties.

All the cottages have been refurbished and offer a very modern and contemporary feel whilst still maintaining their rustic charm. Inside you’ll find all the modern conveniences including televisions, DVD players, microwaves and dishwashers.

Four cottages on the late deal

Cambridge Lodge
Sleeps 4+cot
Originally the principal gatehouse to Audley End, the ornate surround on the front door welcomes visitors and the large rounded bay windows with leaded panes add to the generous proportions of the house. Cambridge Lodge offers wonderful views over the beautifully kept lawns down to the River Cam, which is dammed to form a lake as it flows through the grounds.

Garden Cottage
Sleeps 4+cot
The cottage has fantastic views across the productive and beautifully tended kitchen garden. It is within very easy walking distance of Walmer Castle and the beach. The magic here is waking up in the master bedroom, overlooking the castle.

Prior’s Lodge
Sleeps 4+cot
This charming single storey stone cottage nestles against the medieval wall of the original manor house. The whole place exudes history. From the front windows there are views over the lake, once a medieval fish pond, and the view from the rear windows over the church and the cloisters, formerly the heart of this Carthusian monastery. Guests have the unique opportunity to enjoy the special tranquility of the priory grounds ‘out of hours’. ??

Refectory Cottage
Sleeps 4+cot
Built in the early 20th century for the custodian of the Abbey, this cottage is a reminder of the original medieval masons who built the Abbey. Their marks can still be seen on many of the blocks used in its construction. The cottage stands conveniently close to the entrance to the Abbey and a short walk from the River Rye. Nestled into the corner of the Abbey ruins, Refectory Cottage provides the perfect base for enjoying the beautiful valley. Light the real fire and cosy up amid these breathtaking surroundings.?

HELP CHARITY AND LOOK GREAT WITH NICKY CLARKE’S LOVE WOMEN CERAMIC STRAIGHTENER

Doing your bit for charity and ensuring you look your best are not usually two tasks that come hand in hand. However, celebrity hair stylist Nicky Clarke has set out to change this with the launch of a limited edition ceramic straightening iron.

The Nicky Clarke Love Women Ceramic straightener provides expert styling, whilst raising awareness of Ovarian Cancer. Each pair is branded with the Ovarian Cancer Action Charity logo and 10% of each pair sold will go directly to the charity.

Designed using the latest ceramic heating technology, the Love Women ceramic straighter is an advanced styling tool.With rounded edges to straighten and curl, variable temperature for different hair types and floating ceramic plates which glide perfectly through the hair without snagging the straighteners give salon-like results every time.

Nicky Clarke comments: “If found in the early stages up to 90% of women will survive Ovarian cancer for more than five years. By purchasing the Love Women straighteners customers are donating 10% of the sale to Ovarian Cancer Action.

“I’m hoping that my hair straightener will act as a talking point amongst families and groups of friends to help raise awareness of the disease and its symptoms.”
The Love Women pro ceramic straighteners are available from Argos RRP £59.99

LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS EVENT?
Add a touch of affordable luxury at Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill

Richard Corrigan’s iconic restaurant, Bentley’s, offers a solution to Christmas celebration headaches with a fantastic new lunch offer in the glamorous Jameson Room, and a host of private dining and event possibilities spread over the Victorian venue’s three floors. Throughout December, for just £37.50 per person, guests can enjoy a three-course lunch chosen from a menu of seasonally festive dishes such as Potted Smoked & Organic Salmon, Beef Braised in Ale, Bentley’s Fish Pie and Drunken Trifle. The Jameson Room has its own private entrance, an opulent ambience and fully stocked bar with a 3am licence, as well as full technical facilities including 42" plasma screen and

DVD player for presentations and DJ point for any musical requirements. Live bands, magicians and DJ's can also be arranged.

There are several Christmas options available for private events in the Jameson Room and also the Crustacea Room, a warmly decorated, cosy room suitable for parties of up to 14. Those hosting cocktail receptions can choose from a range of exquisite hot and cold canapés, such as Poached Quail Egg with Spinach and Hollandaise, Monkfish and Prawn Brochette, or Spiced Lamb Fillet with Yoghurt and Mint (£3-£5 per piece). For those sitting down, there are a number of menus available priced from £43.50-72 per person, and offering premium English and Irish ingredients in Richard’s signature robust style: Potted Fois Gras, Ham Hock and Piccalilli, Roast Venison en Croûte with Spiced Red Cabbage and Lancashire Goat’s Curd with Crispy Root Vegetables are just some of the dishes on offer.

Various treats such as canapés, a cheese course, or coffee and Bentley’s mince pies can be added to the menu as desired, and a selection of Champagnes, fine wines and ports is available to complement the food.

Bentley’s Oyster Bar and the upstairs Grill rooms will be serving their classic seasonal menus over the festive period.

THE EBURY CELEBRATES THANKSGIVING
This year Thanksgiving will fall on Thursday 26th November and in honour of this occasion chic brasserie and bar the Ebury has launched a Thanksgiving Menu that will be served over the last weekend in November.

To celebrate the arrival of the pilgrims to American shores, The Ebury will serve truly authentic, warming cuisine. Starters include New England Sweetcorn and Smoked Haddock Chowder, Turkey and Chestnut Rillette with Cranberry Chutney and Smoked Oyster and Cucumber Salad with Shallot Dressing. Mains include Whole Roast Guinea Fowl with all the trimmings such as Braised Red Cabbage, Roast Carrots and Parsnips, Bread Sauce and Cornbread. Other mains include Baked Fillet of Cod with Herb crust, Creamy Mash and Celery Shavings and Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Chestnut and Wild Mushrooms.

Polish off the perfect all-American feast with truly indulgent desserts such as Pumpkin Pie with ample Clotted Cream and Apple Fritters with Rum and Raisin Ice Cream. The menu is extremely reasonably priced at a mere £25 per person and diners will definitely leave feeling more than satisfied with the delicious and generous cuisine on offer.

Head down to The Ebury to celebrate Thanksgiving in style.

The Ebury
11 Pimlico Road
London
SW1 ANA
Tel: 0207 730 6784
www.thee bury.co.uk

Please Note
All information is supplied to us by the individual organizations, or agencies acting on their behalf. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, it may be subject to change. Please check with individual organizations for the latest information about all events, products, promotions, or news items. Inclusion in a news item does not imply endorsement by Hot Brands Cool Places. Recipes have not been tested by Hot Brands Cool Places. Hot Brands Cool Places does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site.