Gordon Ramsey is today quoted in the Telegraph as demanding action on restaurants that serve out of season fruit and veg. He believes that restaurants who fail to use seasonal produce in their restaurants should be fined - no doubt for crimes against humanity!

Whilst I agree wholeheartedly that fresh produce isn't used nearly as much as it should I simply cannot see restaurant chain such as Nando's, TGI Friday, Pizza Hut, Hungry Horse and the list goes on being able to comply. They work because they produce the same food every time the client goes in with their family or friends. The ingredients are the same, the look of the dish is the same and the texture is the same. Any divergence from this will not only have the bean counters reaching for their portion control costings in a cold sweat but the customers running for the door.

They work because they are predictable, cheap and a safe choice.

Why are we different from other countries? Because inherently we are afraid of eating out and until that changes menus will be what they have been for many years. Safe and largely boring.

Perhaps the real issue Ramsey should be addressing is the lack of creative youngsters being attracted to the industry, after all if the chef has any interest in his kitchen the fresh food will rapidly follow....