Mr Porcini, Madame Butterfried.

It’s Friday! We’ve had the Fleet Street hacks tip-tapping, the Gutenberg pressing, e-ink is drying and the AI paper lads up & down the country strap on digital gloves for the weekly round, it’s a tough one. It’s the first edition, the supplement, the discarded chip receptacle, it’s the Quality Wines Newsletter. Welcome to the weekend, enter…

After what has already been a week of seasonal sessioning here’s what we’ve got to ease you into the sofa-bod, layers, good times.

Cervelle de Canut comes with crudites and imbued with tarragon & chives. Think of yourself on the bank of the Saône, ruddy leaves fall, a glass of something red and rustic, maybe a saucisse stowed safely in your pocket, for later.

Swiss chard is reimagined as Hellenic staple of horta. Greek greens gone wild. Served with Cretan sheeps’ milk cheese Galomizithra and pine nuts. Hake is steamed and served atop chickpeas with artichokes. A cumin & coriander rich chermoula a moreish conidiment.

Then a Autumnal triptych that’ll be tough to beat. Jose, Luciano & Placido. This will be my Saturday night order, it could be your’s too. Black figs with almonds, stracciatella & wild tyhme honey, glass of Franciacorta, decant the wine. Egg yolk tagliatelle, the best porcini Tosca-d in butter, garlic & parsley, covered in aged Parmigiano. Aha! Pink partridge wrapped in pancetta & sage, roasted whole with a pumpkin gratin. Hot to trot. May contain shot. Grappa.

New to our ‘Express Lunch’ menu from Tuesday, spaghetti & meatballs, red sauce. And, available for another week the M.B.P, mortadella, burrata & pistachio panino. Either are yours between midday and 2:30pm for £15 with a glass, beer or softie, Tuesday to Saturday.

Finally a shout out to Ham & Cheese Co. who we had the pleasure of visiting last week with the full team. A fascinating and delicious deep-dive into the meat curing traditions of Italy. Thank you Elliot. Their shop is open for retail sales on Saturday, you will find them at Spa Terminus. Or served 365/52 for the last 6 years and beyond, sliced and with a smile at QW.

Looking forward to seeing you all soon.

Marcos, Nick & the Team.