Aubergine at the Compleat Angler, Marlow, Bucks.

For various reasons (mainly financial!) we don't get the chance to eat in really good establishments as often as I'd like.

Before Christmas however, we were lucky enough to dine at Aubergine at the Compleat Angler in Marlow.

The Compleat Angler itself is a beautiful hotel situated right on the thames with a wonderful terrace which is a delight in the summer. 

You have a choice of restaurants and we opted for Aubergine with a fixed menu of £50 per head for 3 courses + amuses bouche.

Our meal was fabulous - nouvelle cuisine in appearance but with perfectly sized portions, so you left the table feeling you could probably eat a tiny bit more (which means that 20 minutes after you've finished you'll realise that you are perfectly full).

The service was just as you would expect it to be - attentive without being intrusive.

A truly wonderful experience. 

I would now very much like to try the London restaurant to compare.

Raymond Blanc's tarte tatin dish

My mother bought me one of these for my birthday from Lakeland.  It was quite expensive (£39 for the small version) and I couldn't really see how it could be worth it.
However, it's actually really useful.  The larger plate-like base can be used as a serving platter while the upper bit is flame proof and can be used to cook loads of different things as well as making delicious tatin (sweet or savoury) really easy.  Dinner party guests are always very impressed!

Divans Restaurant - 163 Ballards Lane N3

Absolutely delicious and very reasonably priced Turkish food to eat in or take away.

Their doner kebabs are really good; Jim and I always share one between us as they're so big. (just make sure you ask for it in a wrap rather than a pitta bread)