Something old, something new this week.

Old, or more fairly well-established are our Acorn awards, which celebrate 22 years in 2008.

As ever we’re looking for the hot new stars of tomorrow so nominate now online. Closing date for entries is the 29 February, so get going.

News this week that many of the Compass old guard are back on the scene with a new catering vehicle, Graysons.

Whether you’re being served seems largely irrelevant at Gordon Ramsay’s revitalised Foxtrot Oscar in Mayfair – it’s the décor that has garnered most criticism so far.

Elior powered ahead with a new catering contract win at EDF but some debates – colleges, hospitality employers and the skills shortage – just run and run.

Gordon Ramsay’s plans to do it himself with his own catering academy received a mixed response from the wider hospitality industry.

But new research showed drinkers were definitely against a tax hike on alcohol to tackle binge drinking.

Texas Chicken is the new would be challenger to KFC’s throne but there’s something strangely familiar about a new government-backed school dinner initiative promising to improve standards.

Still Premier Inn’s £9m marketing campaign with comedian Lenny Henry should hopefully raise a few laughs.

Although the meaning of life may well be 42, you no doubt have other questions you’d like an answer to as well.

This is where we come in, as we’ve got none other than Tony Blair’s former spin doctor Alastair Campbell and Hell’s Kitchen star Marco Pierre White (MPW) on hand to answer your queries (alas not together).

Caterer editor Mark Lewis will be interviewing MPW at this year’s Chef Conference on 12 May at the InterContinental Park Lane. So why not ask the legendary chef/restaurateur a question?

The person who sends in the best as judged by us will receive a free ticket to the 2008 Chef Conference, plus a place at the conference dinner - a package together worth £250.

Hot of the press is the news that Michelin-starred Danish chef Rene Redzepi, one of Europe’s brightest talents, will perform a culinary demonstration in the UK for the first time at the Chef Conference.

Arena has none other than Alastair Campbell lined up as its guest speaker at its annual lecture and dinner on 19 February.

Yes Tony Blair’s spin doctor in chief will be on hand to answer your questions and we’re giving you the opportunity to put your queries to Campbell and win one of five signed copies of his book: The Blair Years. But this is your last chance so go, go, go.

By Chris Druce