A 60th birthday lunch at The Cocochine proved every bit as special as we'd hoped. Impeccable yet genuinely warm service, beautifully executed French-led cooking with subtle Sri Lankan influences, and thoughtful personal touches – from a signed birthday card to fascinating stories behind the ingredients – made this elegant Mayfair restaurant one to remember.

Our visit to Sri Lanka, taking in Kandy, Sigiriya 'Lion Rock' fortress, the Temple of the Tooth, Nuwara Eliya, a tea plantation and a show.

Whilst none of us are travelling at the moment, it's nice to remember when we could and try to recreate the flavours at home.

Update: This branch is now closed A couple of years ago a modest but bright shopfront appeared near us with the promise of some...