Daily news update: our selection of food and chef news from the world's press

Michelin-starred Welsh chef James Sommerin gets set to open new restaurant on Penarth seafront

Michelin-starred chef James Sommerin has announced the opening date of his much-anticipated new restaurant – and has already made 350 bookings.  The fine-dining venue on The Esplanade in Penarth will open on April 25 – and Newport-born Mr Sommerin started taking his first bookings 10 days ago.

Read more from Wales Online

 

Growing Underground: Michel Roux Jr reveals plans for subterranean farm in the depths of empty south London tunnels

Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux Jr has joined forces with two foodie entrepreneurs to grow herbs and vegetables 100ft below the ground.  Thanks to advancement in LED lighting technology, the plant-friendly temperature found 100ft below ground and some support from celebrity chef Michel Roux Jr, the damp Second World War air raid shelter is being transformed into the capital’s first underground farm.

Read more from The Independent

 

Philippe Conticini opens ‘pastry shop of dreams’ in London

La Pâtisserie des Rêves, the Parisian boutique patisserie concept from pastry chef Philippe Conticini, is opening its first UK outlet today (31 January) with a site in Marylebone High Street.

Read more from Big Hospitality

 

Why a Burger King Whopper contains LESS calories than a restaurant salad

For those watching their weight, choosing a restaurant salad over a fast food burger may not be the wisest idea.  A restaurant meal that includes an appetizer, salad entrée and one side can contain an average of 1,494 calories, compared to a greasy McDonald's Big Mac Extra Value Meal that will set you back 1,130 calories, according to the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.

Read more from Mail Online