I had a meal at the Sportsman in August. I have two regrets . . . one is that I didn't have a full tasting menu, the other is that I wasn't able to return and join you for this meal. I love the oyster and chorizo combination. It's a huge flavour hit but it's also a very interesting texture combination with the chewy chorizo that breaks apart and the silky oyster that gradually envelopes it. For dessert we had a textbook lemon tart with a fantastic meringue ice cream. I can't wait to go again.

On the Olive Magazine scan the last line of Jay's comment says "The downside to being Michael Winner . . ." and then gets cut off. What comes next? Feel free to make something up and take as long as you want . . .

I'm in broad agreement with what you say - the idea that a writer is more objective merely because of the presence of an editor is somewhat laughable, I sure that many are less so as a result. This is, of course, not to say that bloggers can be objective . . . as you point out. On the point about being able to objectively judge a classic dish . . . as chefs (hopefully) become more innovative I think this skill will become less valuable.

I went there a couple of weeks back. As well as the weirdness, voyeurism and shock attempts, it's also . . . really funny. As well as the Bengali places nearby I know you and many of your members are aware of New Tayyabs. There's also Story Deli with very good pizza or if you head North up Brick Lane, delicious not-run-of-the-mill Mexican food at Green and Red.