I was tempted to respond to last week’s invitation to see the real thing — the large (what else would one expect at your place?) oil painting of the church of Santa Maria della Salute hanging in your dining room. But I was put off by your comment not to bother to call if I wanted good food and ambience. Now we know why you eat out so much!
Albert Rose, Northumberland
Reading of your dinner at the hotel Monaco & Grand Canal last week, I found it amazing that with your obvious affluence, the experience that years usually grant and the ritzy locations you visit, you manage to eat so badly. It must be a combination of ill luck or ill judgment that you do so in the more exalted watering holes of Europe. Have you considered subscribing to an upmarket guide? Otherwise have the girlfriend do research for you.
Glenda Brett-Holt, Malta
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Our local pub, the Fenwick Arms in Claughton near Lancaster, hosted Gordon Ramsay’s nightmare television series. I criticised his pea and ham soup as being too sweet. He admitted using frozen peas (ugh!). The roast beef had been taken off the bone, rolled, and cooked again until it was as dry as Gordon’s wit. Gordon and I spoke at length. He said I was Lancashire’s answer to Michael Winner. An honour I hold with pride. If you need a break, please contact me!
Steve Hinds, Lancashire
I understand the “kitchen porter” (Winner’s Letters, August 27) is a cardboard cut out beaming a fixed smile and slit eyes, positioned weekly for your photos and digitally embellished for each occasion. The person known as Michael Winner passed on several years ago from heart failure after digesting large quantities of cholesterol.
Donavan Winter, London
Michael said he likes quiet restaurants (Winner’s Dinners, August 27) so he can hear all the interesting things he has to say. I’ve always known he likes to be me deep in conversation.
Gordon Staples, Wiltshire
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Send letters to Winner’s Dinners, The Sunday Times, 1 Pennington Street, London E98 1ST or e-mail michael.winner@sunday-times.co.uk