Archive For September 2010
Peter is a seven-day-old infant who, “like all infants”, used to be part bird. Peter has complete faith in his flying abilities, so, upon overhearing a discussion of his future adult life, he is able to escape through the window of his London home and return to Kensington Gardens. Well, who can blame him? He…
[This venue is now closed] Some restaurants are good, there are a few that are noteworthy, there are others that have memorable food and more that have striking decor, but it’s rare to find a restaurant that can boast a brace of exceptional attributes. La Porte des Indes is that almost unique establishment, having both…
[This venue is now closed] Kasturi is a strong-scented oil found in rare musk deer. This prized substance has been used for the most expensive and luxurious of perfumes. The name evokes opulence and richness. Kasturi the restaurant specialises in Pakhtoon cuisine, which originated in the North-West Frontier Province of the Sub-continent. The essence of…
I had a somewhat cautious invitation from the management of the small Tortilla Mexican chain. They had noticed from my previous articles that I have been lucky enough to review some of London’s most swanky dining spots. But for me it’s all about the food: they had obvious pride in their eatery and that gave…
Westbourne Grove still looks delightful even in a snow storm. The lights of Toms (the Tom in question owns several other London eateries and is also Terrence Conran’s son) were welcoming, although the light from almost anything other than a fridge door would have been a relief in such conditions. The Westbourne Grove locals love…
[This restaurant is now closed] Tike Grill and Bar (pronounced ‘tikay’) is an authentic Turkish restaurant in the City of London. It’s part of a small but classy chain which began in 1998 in Istanbul. Since opening their first restaurant the four cousins from Adana who together make up Tasty Med have expanded their empire…
Sanctum Soho Hotel is in the heart of London’s West End. Two Georgian townhouses have been converted into a striking 30-bedroom boutique hotel. It’s right between Regent Street and the iconic Carnaby Street, now lined with trendy clothes shops rather than the ethnic emporia of the 60s. The dark wood doors of Sanctum welcome the…
On Saturday 11 July 2009 Napket launched its largest flagship café at 61 Piccadilly, W1. With its position close to The Ritz and Old Bond Street, the stylish Napket Piccadilly has cult designer Peter Van Hooreweghe to thank for its striking interior. Such a location deserves a memorable treatment. No, it’s not trying to be…
My advice would be to book your table now! Seasoning will very soon be busting at the seams with discerning customers who are looking for fine food, and décor to match. Seasoning does not scream stereotypical Indian restaurant. It projects cool class, or uncluttered chic with a hint of stylish subcontinent. There is a quite…
One Aldwych has one of the best locations in London. It stands on a corner plot in the middle of the capital in Covent Garden, that neighbourhood being famed as the backdrop for My Fair Lady. It’s a stone’s throw from the River Thames and all the iconic sights of old London. The hotel is…
Indigo Restaurant at One Aldwych Hotel is the ideal spot for a spot of tea. Its unique location allows for the essential “people watching” without the disadvantages of traffic fumes and noise, and with the added benefit of those aforementioned people being kept at a healthy distance. You’ll have a good view of the moving…
I love Japanese food but seldom have I been offered anything other than tempura and sushi. Now, don’t get me wrong, I could eat both those lovely dishes every day but there is more to Japanese food than raw fish and battered vegetables. There is Donburi! What exactly is this donburi? It’s all about rice….
This isn’t just a large format volume, it’s a seriously large format complete with a CD of traditional Japanese music to listen to while you are either cooking or sitting cross-legged in agony at your coffee table pretending to be eating at a tea house in Nagoya. Easy Japanese Cookbook is not only seriously large…
[This venue is now closed.] Tatra is an undiscovered gem. The jewel in the crown of an otherwise unpromising West London street. One does not normally mention the Goldhawk Road and fine cuisine in the same breath but here it is and it’s outstanding. Tatra is a smart restaurant that deserves to be full. It…
Indonesian Food is a fascinating autobiographical cookbook which starts in 1939 when Sri Owen was a small girl. She has memories of food at her sister’s birthday party: boiled soya beans in their shells, which Sri now muses are an expensive starter at smart London restaurants. That says so much about our society! Gus Filgate…
Much was promised for this evening. SNOW. Our destination was at the Marble Arch end of Park Lane, a snowball’s throw from the bustle of Primark, Pizza Hut, MacDonald’s. A few yards, yes, but a world away in style. It. was like a scene from the old black-and-white movie of Lost Horizons (produced and directed…
Michelin-starred executive chef of Iberica Food and Culture is Nacho Manzano, who cooks at his restaurant Casa Marcial in Asturias, in the top left-hand corner of Spain. He is especially well known for his fish cookery and for his new take on traditional dishes. He has become an international ambassador for Asturian cooking. Head chef…
The Howard has a superb location. It’s just across from Temple Underground station and has a magnificent view of the River Thames. A favourite hotel with this reviewer who has enjoyed not only its location but its friendly staff, quality food and attention to detail. Swissotel The Howard, London now tempts us with some truly…
I guess that just the word “diet” will have half of my dear readers turning the page (if they were able to do such a thing on a website) and the other half waiting with bated breath for the next word that will change their lives completely. For those diet-haters I ask you to read…
No, I make no apology, dear reader, for introducing you to a burger restaurant, for that is exactly what Haché is. It’s a family business, established in 2004 but they have certainly not modelled themselves on the ubiquitous fast food chains. The food here is strikingly different and appeals to adults with educated palates who…