The Times - Clive Aslet says-Give Star in Michelin Guide for us.

"If the Michelin Guide cared about proper food, rather than the degree of starch in the napkins, it would give Bonchurch Manor a star", says Mr Aslet in the Saturday Times, July 28th 2007.

What an accolade !! I am stunned. To say this publicly as well ! Wowee! How often is Indian food recognised as being complex and delicate enough to warrant such grades. Usually,this food conjures up slapped on "curry type" cheap gunk. God forbid if you charge "Western Food" prices for dishes that are delicious !! In such a public climate, I am absolutely honored by Mr Aslets comments. For a white person to make this statement is bold and radical.

If you look at some of the food blogs listed on my Tiffin Room blog you can find the most amazing cooks and recipes. They are ordinary people yet their cuisine is heavenly. And any way should'nt the Michelin Grading be more inclusive- taking into its fold the vast spectrum of people and food from around the world?

Mr Aslet says "I got back to a superb breakfast, made from local, free-range produce. The coffee was excellent". True, True. The experimentation - the errors, the fine toning of the ingredients have resulted in a breakfast that we think is the best. Would you find a breakfast cooked only with olive oil and tomatoes sprinkled with fresh basil in a place which provides accommodation in such a splendid location at £42 pppn !!

Do you know that in 2004, when we were experimenting with presentation, taste and variety, we offered a selection of breads- cheese, pumpkin, aniseed, fruit, plain etc. And guess what. Perhaps 2 people asked for this bread. Everyone wanted the synthetic plain white or brown toast. And the coffee- we had a couple who wanted to try every type of coffee we had on our menu. Java, Italian, Blue mountain. Would any other Guest Accomodation provider have allowed this ? We think not.