Some things can get lost in translation when you go from Japanese to English but the news that Toyko has remained the most Michelin-starred city in the world seems clear enough.

A man that knows a thing or two about Michelin stars is of course Gordon Ramsay.

The sweary chef is headlining Taste of Christmas in association with Channel 4. Whether Ramsay embraces a goodwill to all men attitude at the event remains to be seen, but we have two pairs of tickets up for grabs for lucky Caterersearch readers. He who hesitates is lost. 
 
However, he who breaks his arm in an unfortunate cycling accident when chef patron of a busy London restaurant, is simply up a certain creek without a certain paddle.

The week wasn’t any better for a Chinese takeaway in Wales, which was forced to close after Border Agency staff found on a raid that five out of six staff there were failed asylum seekers and deported them. Somewhere in the Principality a very hungry man is thinking ‘I’ll give them ten more minutes but then that’s it’.

Although hoteliers and hospitality operators in general are in for a prolonged recession some are better placed than others.

Young’s pub company put two-fingers up at the slowdown with strong six month results but The Campaign for Real Ale warned of a “bloodbath of pub closures”, which unless you’re a creature of the night sounds grim indeed. It’s clear there’s a lot at stake.

The ALMR suggested pub openings are of more value to the Chancellor than pub closures ahead of next week’s Pre-Budget Report. Enough to raise an eyebrow, Alastair? Perhaps not.

Heading up, up and away – in a manner of speaking – is Chris Staines, head chef at London restaurant Foliage at the Mandarin Oriental hotel. Staines has been invited by Lufthansa to create a series of menus and becomes the first British chef to do so for the German airline.

I fought the law and the law won. And Booker/DHL nicked a lucrative prison shop contract off caterer Aramark. Newcastle Football Club, who have been hoping for a get out of jail card since the start of the season, made a high-profile new signing in the form of Sodexo, which are handling catering and hospitality at St James’ Park.

Elior parted ways with another managing director and MySchoolLunch scooped the top prize at Caterersearch’s inaugural Web Awards.

The Government opened its consultation on staff tips and the curiously named Bob Bob Richard restaurant launches in London’s Soho next week.

Oh, and do look out for those bloodsucking lawyers. 


Editor's Pick 
Where are they now? Bill Toner >>
China in her hands: Can’t buy me love >>
The beeping Jamie Oliver >>
Two pairs of tickets up for grabs at Taste of Christmas >>
  
 
  
Quote of the Week 
“There are so many ‘big-time Charlies’ out there – what did you think would happen? You need to shut up, quit whining and get back to business”
Barbara Cassani, executive chairman of Jurys Inns, with some stark advice to hoteliers 


By Chris Druce