The software is compatible with most desktop applications allowing information to be easily exchanged. Everyone enjoyed using the Newton and though not immediate, it does learn to read your handwriting within a few days of use."I tended to use the pop-up keyboard on the screen as it kept making mistakes with my handwriting. It's a bit tedious to keep clicking on letters to type something in," said Elaine. The keyboard gave the Psion the edge although the PalmTop scored points for running Windows CE and standard office applications.***APPLE NEWTON 2000pounds 700The most expensive PDA we looked at, the Newton, which doesn't have a keyboard (you use a stylus to write or draw onto the screen, although an external keyboard can be added), was also the most idiosyncratic. Unlike the PalmPilot the Newton can recognise your handwriting and either convert it to text or leave it as script. The 12.9cm by 8.3 back-lit screen can be viewed in landscape or portrait format.

However, if Simon's poached fruits with nutmeg ice-cream had been alive, I would not have even asked for a date. They were anonymous and plain in comparison.Asked what sort of coffee we wanted to drink, it seemed reasonable to ask what was available, in the hope of some sort of list "Almost anything you want," was the answer. We both searched for the name of a vaguely remembered coffee whose beans are ground after passing through the stomach of some wild animal, but settled for filter.The restaurant had all but emptied by the time we finished, as even executives must get back to their desks these days. The bill for two was close to pounds 100, but cheaper set menus are available. If you are looking for somewhere to enjoy a high-powered lunch on expenses, Circus gets the highest recommendation. But for similar reasons, if you're thinking of it as a place to blow your savings on a big night out in relaxing surroundings, I really wouldn't bother.! Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is on holiday. An all-purpose musical insult runs along the lines of: "When the London Philhar-monic plays Beethoven's Fifth, Beethoven loses." In matching food with wine, the line might be adapted thus: "When chilli peppers play a decent bottle, the bottle loses." These ruminations are occupying my thoughts because I recently had the pleasure of judging a grapes 'n' chillis competition at Leith's School of Food & Wine.

The competition, called Chilli Chile Bain Bain, was sponsored by Errazuriz. The competitors, students at the school, had to create recipes to harmonise with two admirable Errazuriz wines (Chardonnay and Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon). And while some of the food was fantastically good, it was hard to find anything that really went with the wines. Where the matches did work, it was because the cooks had muted the chillis to the point of sensory invisibility. The experience confirmed my previous investigations in the field.