Some clarification. I made a post above saying that I do not like Gordon Ramsay. As I do not know him I take that back. :)

However, his TV personality grates on me in the worst way - even more than Anthony Bourdain. I read some information by a chef who worked with GR who said that his TV personality is exaggerated but not a lot. After watching his shows (I don't any more) I practically feel like taking a bath.

Regardless I admire his passion and wit. Everyone has positive traits! And as I said, his food is fabulous.

Hi 111op. I suppose Ludlow is probably not far from Birmingham, being sort of south-west-Midlands-ish - not far from the Welsh border. Not sure as I've barely been to Birmingham ! On one visit to Ludlow we drove from Edinburgh and on the other, I got the train from Cardiff (quite short & scenic from what I remember) and DH got the train from Manchester.

I looked up the location on Google maps. And it looked like the largest city nearby I recognized was Birmingham.

It did look iike it's near Wales (or in Wales?). But being ignorant of UK geography, I didn't want to say something that's probably wrong. :-)

It is close to Wales. We were fortunate enough to eat at Ludlow a few years ago. The borders area is just gorgeous!

Oh I'm with you on Gordon Ramsay - he may not be conventionally attractive, but my god is he sexy!>>>>

He makes me laugh. Him and Duncan Bannatine. Every time they pull one of their big scowly "hardman" faces they look as camp as Liberace's Christmas Special.

It is common knowledge about Mr Ramsay's fairly regular trips to Stoke isn't it?

Hey Everyone! How's it going? My day is starting out wonderful. I just got done cooking and cleaning up from breakfast that I made for me and the grandbaby. She's playing house and I'm playing travel expert wannabe.

Caroline Thanks for sending me the info via email. Since I'm at my DD, I can't view it, this computer here won't let me, so when I get home tonight I will read it.

And I think GR is sexy. I mean HOT! Though I would never run my kitchen at the restaurant like he does, I'm shocked at the way he does, I can't stop watching, kinda like a train wreck.

I did receive confirmation for my reservation!!! So I am excited to have dinner there at FTO. I have been calling our tour guide to make sure I can slip out and go without a problem. I'm really excited now.

I can't wait for GR show to come back on. I'm hoping soon.

Have a great day. And if anyone's interested I posted on the Paris page about an article in the Detroit News about Blacks Love affair with Paris.

Theresa in Detroit.

Looks like Gordon is eyeing up Prague for his next venture:
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/s...in-prague.html

GR has another restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt, Co. Wicklow Ireland: http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Proper...ay/Default.htm

Very busy guy.

Haven't tried F.O. but hearing good reviews. Claridges is still the main one, some people rave about the chef's table (personally I don't think it's worth the costs) though some people are not keen into rather stuffy-ish service/ambience.

Don't bother with Maze--more of a concept (grazing dining), food too clever and too miniscule.

IMHO, lunch is ok but not specutacular, always got that rushed mid-day meal feel. If you really appreciate food, I'd go for dinner.

Waiting for his newest dining venue in Maida Vale to open this month.

W9, surely Royal Hospital Road is the main one ? It's the one with three stars.

You are right. It's just the Claridges happened to be more centrally located in my personal universe...