LONDON-guide – Page 15

Dinner at La Bodega Negra, Soho

Published on June 5, 2013 by HannaLeave a comment

After some work drinks on Friday, Caroline, her friend Kristen and I decided we needed some food and we went to a place I’ve been longing to try since Caroline first mentioned it to me a few months ago; La Bodega Negra. This Mexican restaurant and bar/café in the middle of the Soho bustle is just as great as I expected it to be and the atmosphere was amazing.

It was still warm outside when we arrived around 10pm and a large glass partition in the outside wall was removed so you sat half outside half inside and could watch the life on the street pass by. That and the great music (Motown and David Bowie on high volume) just added to the ambiance and it almost felt like we were in New York.

We all decided margaritas were the way to go; Kristen and I tried the frozen orange and passion fruit margarita while Caroline had a regular plain one.

Food wise we opted for some nibbles, starting with guacemole (mandatory if you ask me), chicken tacos and two types of quesadillas.

The tortilla chips were the crispiest I’ve ever had, so so good. The guacemole and roasted tomato salsa were also very good.

We had both shrimp and mushroom quesadillas and although both were good, I prefer the mushroom one – it was just brilliant.

The chicken tacos were delicious too and spicier than one might think, so no need for all that extra hot sauce. Caroline learnt that the hard way. 🙂

This might not look like enough to feed three people but it really did. I was too full to even finish my share of the mushroom quesadilla which I still regret as that was my favourite.

La Bodega Negra,16 Moor St, London W1D 5NH

Dinner at Harwood Arms, again

Published on May 18, 2013May 16, 2013 by HannaLeave a comment

That daddy would love Harwood Arms I was certain but the fact is mummy was just as excited about it.

The portions here are in my opinion very large, which I find sad in a way as I can’t try that many dishes in one sitting, but on the other hand it is very generous.

With this in mind we skipped starters and went straight for the maincourse. Via the amazing bread basket that is. Daddy loved the Irish soda bread baked on the premises while I couldn’t get enough of the potato bread from a vendor at Borough Market.

Today’s special was a venison roast for two with potato purée, field mushrooms and jus, which mum and dad shared. Or tried to finish more like, it was a huge piece of meat but it was utterly delicious so they did their best. The meat was slowcooked and super tender and tasted of thyme (which we love in my family) treacle and crispy smokes bacon. The potato purée was seriously buttery and amazing and the jus made form the meat juices also had a strong flavour or thyme. Fabulous!

I was, as usual, seduced by the word bone marrow on the menu and ordered the short ribs (also slow cooked) with baked celeriac (which I actually wasn’t a fan of, surprisingly), broccoli and a lovely purée. And smoked bone marrow. Delish!

We were so incredibly full after this but after plenty of water we braved a look at the pudding menu and decided to share one between the three of us. Daddy chose caramelised pear with baked pear icecream, pear purée and caramelised walnuts. A lot of pear, but it worked thanks to the different textures.

It feels rather superfluous to wrote that we thoroughly enjoyed our evening and the amazing food here, but I will do it anyway. This is what I call a gastropub!

Harwood Arms, Walham Grove London SW6 1QP

Fortnums

Published on May 4, 2013April 29, 2013 by HannaLeave a comment

I also took my parents to Fortnum & Mason when they were visiting, and just like me they adore St James’s.

I like the old vibe of the area, something you can’t easily find in Sweden, and we certainly haven’t got a department store dating from the 1700s. Sadly.

I really appreciate the quality of Fortnum’s products and I usually buy things here for my friends as little gifts for friends and family. Something I almost regret after mummy and daddy have developed an addiction to a certain Morello Cherry and Cognac Preserve…

Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly London W1A 1ER

Hampton Court Palace

Published on May 1, 2013April 29, 2013 by Hanna2 Comments

Partly because of the gardens, my parents and I also visited Hampton Court Palace when they were in town.

It was actually Henry’s (VIII) adviser Thomas Wolsey that built the Tudor palace that was later taken over as residence for the king.

It is incredibly large with several courtyards and a large garden and although it is very interesting walking around here we were a bit overwhelmed to walk around the whole place and chose the parts we were most interested in; the garden and the kitchens.

Unfortunately it was raining when we looked around the garden, so it wasn’t as pretty as it can be with the sun shining, but still very pretty.

The kitchens had lots of props trying to make them look used, but I think I would have enjoyed looking at them without the props even more, but maybe that’s just me, wanting things to be ‘real’. Definitely worth a visit regardless.

Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU

Kensington Roof Gardens

Published on April 30, 2013April 29, 2013 by HannaLeave a comment

When my parents were visiting two weeks ago we got to see and do (and eat!) a lot, and now that I have told you all about my weekend in Gothenburg I’ll go back to telling you about what we did in London.

I really love living here and I especially like the fact that it is, just like in any other large city, impossible to get board. New things pop up or old things change so there is always something to see and do.

My gardening afficionado of a mother really wanted to visit the Kensington Roof Gardens and I must say I enjoyed the visit just as much, although we didn’t visit the restaurant.

Instead we admired the view and petted the flamingos and walked around the impressive garden (it is much bigger than you think!).

Kensington Roof Gardens,99 Kensington High St London, Greater London W8 5SA

Breakfast at Megan’s.

Published on April 20, 2013April 18, 2013 by HannaLeave a comment

Last weekend I finally got to try Megan’s, that my flatmates rave about all the time. It’s located in the Fulham end of Kings Road and just a walk away from the flat.

I took my parents here for breakfast and we all enjoyed the rustic feel to the place. And the food of course.

Daddy had the full English and wasn’t very hungry for the rest of the day. It came – as it should – with baked beans, fried eggs, mushrooms, sausage, bacon, tomatoes and toast. All fresh and nice.

I can never resist an Eggs Benedict so that’s what I had, although this was a more modern version of it. It was toasted sourdough instead of the muffin, and cured ham instead of cooked or smoked and with the addition of rocket for freshness. The eggs were perfectly poached and the quite thin hollandaise felt quite light and airy and had a nice flavour to it. So I was very happy!

Mummy, who wasn’t all that hungry had the scrambled eggs, and that is the most dofficult thing for restaurants get right. Maybe because everybody has different preference.

These were a bit to dry for our liking, but they were still quite good. With her croissant mum tried the different jams that was placed on the table – a nice touch.

Having breakfast here is a bit like having a very well cooked homemade meal somewhere else. It is not gourmet, but fresh, good produce and tasty. And so nice when you can’t be bothered to cook yourself!

Megan’s Restaurant & Deli
571 Kings Road, London SW6 2EB

Dinner at Colbert, Chelsea

Published on April 17, 2013 by Hanna1 Comment

Since it opened some time last year, Colbert has been on my very long lists of restaurants to try.

I have always loved The Wolseley, not just the food, but the whole atmosphere, the excellent service and the grand interior.

I expected Colbert to be similar, and it is in many ways, but there is one major difference – the grandness. It is just not as palpable at Colbert. The restaurant is smaller and the lower ceiling height makes it feel cozy but not very grand. But the air of a forgotten time is still there with the impeccable china (so pretty!), linen napkins and silver cutlery.

It is also more relaxed, which is intentional I am sure, with a few tables outside for passers-by or for a quick cigarette before going back in.

But enough about the ambiance, how was the food?

It got mixed reviews from us. Us being mother, father and I.

Mother chose the soup du jour as her starter; a green pea soup with smoked ham and creme fraiche. It was tasty, but not amazing.

Daddy also chose a soup (it was a cold day); fish soup with croutons and rouille. We (I had the same dish as my starter) expected pieces of fish in the soup but instead the soup was smooth. It had a nice flavour, but because of its texture and the lack of fish pieces it was a bit boring to eat. The croutins were nice and crispy but the rouille didn’t taste of much until a hint of heat hit you at the end. All in all it was a decent soup, but far from amazing.

But my starter was, however, amazing. I received a giant slice of the smoothest chicken liver parfait I’ve tasted, framed with butter. Stunning (see top photo). The flavours were fantastic, the texture perfectly smooth and the little jewels of sauternes jelly added both acidity and some sweetness. It also came with toasted brioche which was soft and buttery without being too rich.

Daddy settled for the Minute Steak for his main course, like me he likes his meat. This steak was a sirloin, cooked perfectly and with plenty of smoky flavours from the grill. It came with a herb butter, crispy frites (they were really good actually) and a side salad.

But mummy’s maincourse was the best of them. I so wish I had ordered the same. Her trout was cooked really well and served with samphire, fried mushrooms and the most amazing creamy sauce it was a real treat. She had some new potatoes on the side which was the perfect pairing.

We actually, I don’t know how, had room for pudding. Dad chose a classic creme caramel that I helped him finish and it was really good, up there with mummy’s homemade one.

Mummy, who chose the daily specials all the way through her meal, was tempted byt the pear and almond tarte, that I also helped her with. It was lovely, just very rich.

Despite the mixed quality of the food, everything was good. We are just an especially picky bunch, and the food we really enjoyed was very very good. I like the relaxed atmosphere and the, for me convenient location, and will definitely be back. But I think I will skip the fish soup next time.

Colbert

50-52 Sloane Square

London SW1W 8AX

Borough Market

Published on April 16, 2013 by Hanna2 Comments

Any London foodie worth its name must have visited Borough Market. It is one of my favourite places on earth so I was happy to accompany my parents there when they were visiting.

They love food as much as I do, and visiting the market on a Friday morning we had plenty of time to browse and decide on what to eat.

We started our tour in the Green Market which is part covered and part outside. This is where most of the hot food and lunch vendors are and the amazing smells of barbecued meats and melted cheese makes you instantly hungry.

All three of us wanted raclette to start and we shared two (ginormous) portions, which was more than plenty.

Before that we had tasted (and bought) some amazing choccies from Artisan du Chocolat.

In the newly renovated Three Crown Square, we tried an amzing comté cheese from The French Comté, so good mummy and daddy bought some to take to Sweden. My best find was foraged wild garlic from Kent.

In Jubilee Place I had a super fresh oyster and we all tried the fried scallops with bacon and beansprouts from Shellseekers.

I absolutely adore this place and love coming here on weekends buying ingredients for the same evening’s meal. And most importantly, the British new season asparagus is coming soon. In the words of Arnold: I will be back.

London – a guide

Published on March 20, 2013 by Hanna2 Comments

I published a concise London guide on my Swedish blog today and was going to leave it at that. But, on afterthought, I think this guide would be useful here too.

Enjoy!

LONDON – a guide, vol.1.

I plan to update this guide a couple of times a year to keep it fresh.

MICHELIN STarred:

The Square – Wonderful Phil Howards two -starred restaurant is amazing. Sofisticated, amazing service and of of course delicious food.

The Ledbury – Notting Hill restaurant with two stars and a spotless reputation.

L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon – Quite relaxed for a two-starred restaurant. Also serves small plates.

GOURMET:

Roganic – Simon Rogan is true to his own way of cooking and mixes technical gastronomy with foraging. A pop-up restaurant that became permanent.

Pollen St Social – Jason Atherton is trained by Gordon Ramsay but it far more endearing. And his food is amazing. One star.

BRITIsh:

Hix – British, well cooked and seasonal food. Nice bar in the basement too.

St John – Fergus Henderson started the concept nose to tail eating and can cook any cut of meat to absolute perfection. The signature dish is his bone marrow and parsley salad which I love. One star.

GASTRO PUBs:

Bull & Last – Cosy and relaxed with great grub. Known for their Sunday lunches. In Kentish Town.

Harwood Arms – A one-starred gastro pub. Amazing food in cosy surroundings. In Fulham.

ITALIan:

Bocca di Lupo – Authentic food, cosy interior. Anthony Carluccio approves!

Zucca – A favourite! Fantastic modern Italian food. In Bermondsey.

The Polpo Group – Four central restaurants with authentic Venetian cuisine. Cheap too.

Chinese:

Leong’s Legends – My fave. Have a feast of dim sum and crispy aromatic duck. First come first serve.

INDIan:

Dishoom – Bombay Style Café with proper Indian food. In the middle of Covent Garden, cheap.

TAPAS:

Barrafina – Only 27 covers and no reservations so come here early or late. Simple yet wonderful tapas, always seasonal.

BURGers:

MeatLiqour – A little New York-y with dimmed lights, skull and crossbones in the ceiling and great burgers, chicken wings and fries.

Bar Boulud – American restaurateur Daniel Boulud’s first London restaurant is a hit and may have the best burgers in town.

steak:

Hawksmoor – Great steaks, really good bearnaise sauce (and I don’t say that lightly), chilled out ambiance. Not cheap but worth it.

FISh:

J Sheekey’s – A Covent Garden institution that’s still holding its own. Both restaurant and oyster bar.

Outlaw’s – Nathan Outlaw has created a name for himself and is a fish expert!

SUSHI:

Yashin – Sushi serves without soy sauce. The soy is incorporate into the rice instead. Best sushi in town!

breakfast:

The Wolseley – You breakfast in style here. Art deco interiors, perfectly cooked eggs and pastries. So famous for their breakfasts that A. A. Gill wrote a book about it.

Kopapa – Peter Gordon’s café in Covent Garden. Laid back and really good food.

AFTERNOON TEA:

Fortnum & Mason – Fornum’s has great restaurants and cafés too.

something different:

Dinner – Legend Heston Blumenthal’s restaurant in Knightsbridge serves dishes dated from the 1390s onwards. One star.

Bubbledogs – Hotdogs and champagne!

Nopi – Ottolenghi’s wonderful restaurant with unusual flavour combinations. Also has a NYC feel to it. Even the loo is fantastic.

John Salt – Neighbourhood restaurant with that little something extra. BBQ inspired food. Very foodie!

HOt:

Balthazar – The French New York restaurant has opened in Covent Garden. Impossible to get a table at the moment, but the bakery next door does takeaway.

Dabbous – last year’s most popular restaurant is still, indeed, popular.

Footnote There are plenty of great restaurants in London and this is a selection.

Dinner at The Sand’s End, Fulham

Published on March 18, 2013 by HannaLeave a comment

Literally around the corner from where I live, is a well-known gastro pub – The Sand’s End. Although walking past it several times I week I haven’t actually been there until this past weekend.

The pub is very cosy with a bar area at the front with plenty of tables and the restaurant area at the back of the building.

Both Malin, who I went with, and I took two starters each. We’d had a big lunch in the office that day so I wanted something lighter than a big hearty maincourse. What I had was perfect, as it was two smaller dishes but together they were substantial enough.

The first starter was the homemade tagliatelle with cold water prawns, chilli and coriander – delicious. The pasta was al dente and full of flavour and the prawns soft and sweet. This was a very different way for me to eat these prawns. Cold water prawns are a staple in the Swedish diet. When I grew up we had them once a week, usually on Fridays. There are so many ways to cook and eat them but we generally add them to a hot sauce very last minute. These prawns were so soft they must have cooked in the sauce for quite some time. A very different texture compared to what I am used to, but not unpleasant.

My next dish was a classic steak tartare served with an extra yolk and toast. It was hand cut which I very much prefer, it adds so much to the texture and the flavour was lovely; quite full on and with a kick to it. Really nice!

And speaking of steak tartare, try this recipe if you want to make it yourself.

I really enjoyed this relaxed meal and will of course be back shortly. How can I resist when it is practically on my doorstep?!

The Sand’s End

135-137 Stephendale Road

London SW6 2PR