Australia with Simon Reeve
Sun May 19, 9-10pm, BBC2
It’s not all cricket, casual racism and ‘Wolf Creek’, apparently: ‘If you think you know Australia, think again.’ Wise words from professional globetrotter Simon Reeve, who begins his three-part jaunt Down Under by travelling from the nation’s parched centre to its west coast. Along the way he rounds up some camels, dives with blue fin tuna, tastes some wine, prospects for gold and drives a big lorry.
But, for all Reeve’s infectious enjoyment, it feels unfocused and a little thin on revelation compared to such previous high-concept ventures as ‘Equator’ or ‘Places That Don’t Exist’. Which isn’t to say there aren’t incidental pleasures: the camel-wrangling is a spectacular sight, and Reeve’s frustration at the gradual ecological ruin of Australia through mechanised agriculture and careless industry is as palpable as his dismay at the continuing exploitation of Aboriginal peoples.
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Quaglino's
This swanky Mayfair restaurant and late night party spot dates back to 1929, but it was quite the place to be when Sir Terence Conran revived it back in the early '90s. It's now under the ownership of the D&D group, and they've spent a small fortune on a refurbishment nothing short of lavish. There's a modern-European feel to the menu, with dishes ranging from cauliflower velouté with winter truffle to hand-chopped venison tartare with smoked oil, pickled shimeji and sourdough melba, oysters, caviar, Dover sole meuniere and a duck egg bubble and squeak with charred leek, sautéed mushrooms and glazed baby onions. Keep an eye out for seasonal menus, bites at the bar and fancy brunches, too - including the 'Q Brunch' on Saturdays, with live music, bottomless prosecco and a menu of classic brunch options such as omelette Arnold Bennett, eggs royale or scrambled eggs with lobster and a spinach muffin. The wine list - slanted toward big-hitting old world regions - is extensive, with many of its bottles available by the glass and the carafe. A wide-ranging champagne selection and an array of classic cocktails are also available.
Venue says: “Join us for lunch from Mon - Fri and enjoy two delicious courses with wine for £25 or three for £30! To book, call us on 02079306767.”
