By Arie Boris

John Burton-Race is the chef and owner of a Michelin two-star restaurant John Burton-Race at The Landmark Hotel in Marylebone, London. Please note the restaurant name is not The John Burton-Race Restaurant or even "John's Place". It is, simply, John Burton-Race! The man has a truly artistic arrogance and an over the edge excentricity that conjures up images of Van Gogh. The only difference is, if John Burton-Race were to cut off his ear, he would, undoubtedly, create a fabulous appetizer with it!

I had, what could only be called, the unique adventure of dining in person with the Master himself. I came away from the experience overwhelmed by tastes that I had never even dreamed of and the realization that underneath his "bad boy... I want attention" veneer, is truly an appealing guy who can really cook!

John was born in Singapore, in 1957, the son of a British diplomat, and he spent his formative years traveling the globe, experiencing a multitude of cuisines. He wanted to be a painter, but his parents would not support what they considered an impractical career. He directed his artistic genius toward cooking and focused his energy on a formal culinary education. Having mastered traditional cooking techniques, over the years, he has gone on to create his own culinary signature. John's style is classic French Haute Cuisine with a 'lighter' touch – whilst maintaining all the intensity of traditional French flavours...or in his case, a traditional French "palette".

John opened John Burton Race at The Landmark in 2000 and the restaurant claimed not one, but two Michelin stars in its first year. Nestled in the heart of London's historic Marylebone District is the impressively restored Landmark Hotel, home to John Burton-Race. Originally opened as The Great Central Hotel in 1899, The Landmark London was the last of the great Victorian railway hotels constructed during the golden age of steam. In-keeping with the prevailing vogue, the hotel was designed around a vast central courtyard allowing horse drawn carriages to deposit guests into the heart of the property in privacy and comfort. Adapting to social needs with the post-war arrival of the roaring twenties, this central courtyard (now the Winter Garden) was transformed into a dance floor. With the advent of the car and the replacement of rail as the dominant mode of transport in the early 20th century, it was only forty years before the most luxurious of all the great Victorian railway terminus hotels closed its doors. For the next forty years, the building was used for offices and during the two wars was requisitioned by the government for convalescing officers and soldiers on leave.

In 1995, with the help of Japanese investors, the Landmark was completely renovated and is now considered to be one of the most luxurious hotels in London. The restaurant interior has been faithfully restored to the former grandeur of a late nineteen-century grand hotel dinning room, with a contemporary twist. Burnished gold hues feature strongly in the spectacular drapes and the sumptuously paneled walls, while shimmering crystal chandeliers cast an imposing eye over the entire room. Fresh flowers, arranged in Lalique, frosted, crystal vases, adorn every table adding to the light and airy feel of the space.

The dining experience is spectacular... all I need mention is the asparagus blossom, stuffed with asparagus mousse, surrounded by forest mushrooms... who else, but John Burton-Race?

Other delights included scallops roasted, wrapped in sliced cured salmon, dressed on a potato wafer and served with a light celeriac cream... Ballotine of rabbit and foie gras served with a mushroom dressing... A fillet of red mullet steamed, dressed with diced vegetables and haricots blancs... for dessert chocolate and pistachio mousse, wrapped in bitter chocolate, topped with pistachio ice cream.

The restaurant offers several prie-fix menus that allow a wonderful sampling of items. For more information about The Landmark and dining at John Burton-Race log onto www.landmarklondon.co.uk

Here are several John Burton-Race recipes to try at home... Click Here

John Burton-Race Booking Details

Tel: 020 7723 7800
Fax: 020 7723 4700

E-Mail: jbrthelandmark@btconnect

John Burton-Race Restaurant, The Landmark Hotel, 222 Marylebone Road, London, NW1, 6JQ

Opening Times:

Monday - Friday Lunch: 12noon - 3pm
Monday - Friday Dinner: 7pm - 10.30pm
Saturday - Evening Only: 7pm - 10.30pm
Sunday - Closed

Wine List - over 700 wines
House Wine: £18.00 per bottle

A La Carte Menu - £65.00 for three courses - £55.00 for two courses