Category: LONDON-guide

Tsunami, West End

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I have been going on and on and on and on about Tsunami close to where I live, in Clapham, but there is actual a Tsunami restaurant in central London as well, on Charlotte Street. I ventured here on Monday with my friends Laura and Jess after Laura had seen a great 50% off food offer at Top Table.

We started with a lovely bottle of white (from Languedoc) and it was so nice sitting there chatting and sipping wine we ended up with another.

But we had some (I mean a lot) of food as well. I wanted the lovely deepfried prawns with their gorgeous dipping sauce and Laura chose the mixed sashimi salad which contained salad leaves, lovely melt in the mouth seared salmon and tuna with wasabi dressing.

All three of us then had sushi for mains, but a few different kinds. Both Laura and Jess tried the Tsunami special roll (the large ones on the pictures) but I went for my usual order of ebi fry rolls and spicy tuna rolls (top picture).

Laura and Jess also had dessert, but I was too full to join in. However I forgot to take pictures of the two fabulous desserts. (I blame the wine.)

Both Laura’s icecream and Jess’s chocolate fondant arrived with plenty of exotic fruits and looked spectacular.

With the discount our bill came to around £90 for the three of us, including 2 bottles of wine, which was very reasonable. Thanks for that, Top Table.

Tsunami
93 Charlotte Street  
London W1T 4PY

The Bolingbroke, Clapham

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You might remember that I wrote about The Stonhouse pub not long ago, and The Bolingbroke is one of its sister pubs in the same area. It is however situated closer to a high street and seems to be packed with people everytime I go there.

I actually went here for food for the first time before Christmas, with my friend Anna. I had mussels that were really good, but I didn’t feel it was a spectacular meal worthy of mentioning here. But after being back on Saturday, this time woth my friend Sinead, I’ve had to reconsider.

I really like this place. It is laidback and cosy, the food is hearty but has some finesse, the service good but relaxed and you just feel comfortable here. We arrived around half eight in the evening and the place restaurant was full with merry people.

We ordered a bottle of wine and went straight for the maincourses since we knew since before that the portions here are huge, big enough for a big working man to survive on. Sinead chose an open pie with sweet potato, kale and barley. It was enormous and looked really good. The vegetables came in a small copper pot on the side, which was nice and cute.

I went for the stuffed rabbit with spinach and hazelnuts served with a potato fondant and carrots. The rabbit was really good, the potato fondant was ok but consisted of a little too much onions. Again the portion was gigantic, but we did our best.

After a breather we were ready to try the desserts, but one to share was definitely enough. We settled on the chocolate fondant with honeycomb icecream. And it was fabulous, the creamy centre of the fondant was just right and worked perfectly with the icecream. Yum!

I really like this place, it is exactly what a pub should be about; a cosy interior, friendly staff, hearty and good food and a decent winelist.

Le Chardon, Clapham

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Although I like to discover new restaurants all over London (and especially central), sometimes it is quite nice not to venture too far from home for a meal out.

On Sunday, I met up with Laura, who lives in the same area, and we went to the cosy Abbeville Road for lunch. To the French restaurant Le Chardon to take my Taste Card out for a spin.

I have been to this restaurant once before over a year ago and although we enjoyed the food, the service decreased as the restaurant filled up and we were sat ignored for 30 minutes after our maincourses. Not ideal.

They were better this time, but the service could still be smoother. It was the little things, like forgetting cutlery and ketchup, but it does a lot for the overall dining experience.

The food here is classic French bistro and not innovative or gourmet, which is nice sometimes. You know what to expect and if the produce is good and the food cooked with knowledge then it is usually good.

Laura started off with a bowl of mussels and they were big nd juice. Definitely good.

I wanted to warm up, so I chose the French onion soup which was nice with the right amount of cheesy croûtons on top.

For maincourse Laura had a whole seabass and it was perfectly prepared; the meat was tender and fell of the bone.

I chose a more carnivorous approach and had the steak (rib eye) with bearnaise sauce and chips. It was good, not great but then I didn’t pay very much for it either.

With our taste card discount the bill came to £36 in total and that is definitely reasonable, don’t you think?!

The Stonhouse, Clapham

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Although I tend to go out eating all over London, I sometimes neglect my own local area, Clapham. I am a fequent visitor to two lovely restaurants, Trinity and Tsunami, but other than that I don’t eat out locally much, which is a shame really.

A few Fridays ago I met up with Laura after work, who also lives in Clapham, and we decided to meet up somewhere local for a drink and some nibbles. A pub I really like is the Stonhouse, it is non-pretentious but nice and I have never been disappointed there, although I probably didn’t expect the menu to be quite as good as it was, as I’ve only had burgers here before.

We ordered tosted focaccia that arrived on a board with bith green tapenade and balsamic vinegar and olive oil. The green olives where not pitted and lovely and buttery. We just couldn’t stop eating them. The chips were nice too, chunky and crispy yet fluffy in the middle.

But the best nibble for me was without a doubt the baked cheddar pannacotta which arrived warm with a tomato chutney. The texture was slightly firmer than a regular pannacotta, but the cheddar flavour was lovely and a good pairing with the chutney.

Sometimes this is all you need after work; some tasty nibbles, a (large) glass of wine and a chat.

Best burgers in town – Meatliquor

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On Thursday Kristin and I met up in the insanely large queue outside probably the most popular restaurant in London right now; Meatliquor.

We were standing in the queue for a whole hour and a half before we finally were seated in the restaurant. It was even snowing as we were outside and we were so so cold, although as soon as we got into the restaurant we warmed up quickly.

The interior is rock chic with a modern painted ceiling as well as some Victorian decorations. It is dimly lit, with good music playing and the ambiance is very laid back.

Because of the large queue we expected the staff to be really on the ball to seat everyone and turn the tables around quickly, this was not the case however, we saw several empty tables before it was our turn to sit down. But as soon as we ordered the food the service improved.

Our cokes, served in the old style glass bottles and with an old jam jar as a glass, arrived instantly and short there after the fabulous chicken wings we shared as a starter. They were succulent and juicy with crispy skin and a nice spicy sauce, served with homemade blue cheese dressing. Yu-um!

Shortly after our burgers, fries and slaw arrived on a large tray. Kristin went for the green chilli burger and on close inspection we noticed there was a lot of crushed chilli in it. I chose a traditional bacon cheese burger and loved every bite.

The buns were soft and held together well, not like the dryish ones you get in some places. This was quite buttery as well, bioche style. The burger it self was lovely and rare in the middle and proper grilled on the outside adding a lot of flavour. It was seasoned well too. The bacon was nice and crisp and underneath the burger were large pieces of gherkins and dressed lettuce.

The fries (skinny ones) were ordinary, but still perfect because they were freshly cooked and very crispy. Also the slaw was nice, not too greasy, instead fresh and crunchy with carrots and white and red cabbage.

It is safe to say that we will come back, and I urge everyone to pay this place a visit. But try to go either at lunch time (they open at noon) or early or late evening.

Oh, I almost forgot. The price. We almost got a shock when we saw that the bill only came to £30 for the two of us; it felt like we had eaten more than that. But it was accurate. We’re certainly not complaining!

MEATliquor
74 Welbeck Street
London W1G 0BA

Cocktails at Bob Bob Ricard

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Photo: Bob Bob Ricard.

On Friday the plan was for me, Laura and Jess to go to a nice pub in Chelsea, but we ended up having cocktails at Bob Bob Ricard in Soho instead, before heading to another bar for food and some more drinks.

 

Pear bellini

Once we decided to stay central we actually wanted to go to Mark’s Bar at Hix, but it was full and it was too cold to hang around waiting. Instead we walked two blocks to Bob Bob Ricard. It was the first time we were here, but we liked what we saw (and experienced).

When we opened the heavy door, at least four staff members greeted us, took our coats and showed us to our table in the downstairs bar.

The whole place is in art deco style and it looked really nice. The bar downstairs was all in red and had little booths with sofas and little flap chairs. The cocktail menu had lots of interesting English cocktails, as well as little nibbles like olives and popcorn.

Jess and I had a pear bellini each, which was lovely, and Laura’s choice of a Garden drink with Pimm’s, elderflower and mint was very refreshing and it was fun to see what else you can do with Pimm’s apart from serving it with fruit and lemonade.

We agreed that this is a perfect place to start a date or just go for a drink or two when in need for some instant glamour.

Opera Tavern, once again

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On Sunday when Emma and Claes were visiting, we wanted to make the most out of their last day here. So we got up faily early on Sunday for a walk around Westminster, followed by art spotting at the National Gallery, then a walk to Covent Garden and Opera Tavern where we were going to have lunch.

I have been to this restaurant quite a few times now, and it is always really busy, apart from, apparently, around lunch time on Sunday. Fair enough, tapas is not the tradional Sunday meal, but we really enjoyed our lunch here.

We were freezing after our walk, so we jumped straight to the hot foods on the menu, which made our waitress give us a funny look. Unintentional of course, and we just found it funny.

To start, we had some grilled bread and alioli. After inhaling that we could be civilized and actually enjoy the food.

I had promoted the amazing mini pork and foie gras burgers, so Claes and I had one each and thoroughly enjoyed them.

Emma chose mackerel with fennel and apple salad and fried chorizo instead and loved every bite.

The rest of the dishes we shared and the first one was cuttlefish (with ink) and a cannellini bean stew. Sublte flavours but it was a lovely dish.

We then had tender slivers of beef with velvety celeriac puree, brussel sprouts and red cabbage. Absolutely lovely!

We also had the classic patatas bravas with two dips. Not amazing, but totally what we expected.

We also shared a fresh salad of pickled salsify with truffle and root vegetable crisos on top. It was very different but delicious.

After all of this, we were full but wanted something more anyway, so we ordered another round of bread and alioli and some cheese. We settled for a menorcan hard cheese made of cow’s milk, called Mahon. It was quite firm and reminded me of pecorino a little.

After this and a bottle of wine, we were no longer freezing and could go for another walk before it was time for Emma and Claes to head to the airport.

Tsunami, once again

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On Friday, Emma and Claes arrived in the afternoon so they went for a walk while I finished work and afterwards we went home to mine to leave the luggage and have a pre-dinner drink (recipe to follow) before going to Tsunami for dinner.

I know I have written about this place before, but I am still impressed, and that’s why I want to share this meal with you.

We were rather (understatement) hungry when we arrived, so we ordered a starter each to share. The first starter to arrive was my choice of yellow fin tartare with a quail egg yolk on top. I have had this before and it was just as nice this time around. The presentation is wonderful as is the flavours of roe and wasabi.

Next up was Claes’ choice, and also the best starter for the evening; deepfried prawns with the most luscious sauce! Safe to say we finished that sauce off with our little spoons.

Emma’s choice was a warm starter – perfect before the sushi – and she went for the peri peri yaki tori. The chicken scewers were very moist and the soy based dipping sauce added some heat. Lovely!

When it was time for the sushi, Emma and Claes had some pretty high expectations, thanks to me raving about it, but the sushi did not disappoint. Quite the opposite – the two talked of nothing else the whole weekend. 🙂 We started off with ten pieces each and had tuna rolls, snow crab rolls, spicy tuna rolls, tuna and avocado rolls and ebi fry rolls.

We then ordered another few pieces each of the two we all liked the most (the ones I always eat here as well); the spicy tuna rolls and the ebi fry rolls.

We also had two bottles of a crisp Italian chardonnay, which left the bill at a very reasonable ~£120, service charge included, for the three of us.

I have been to Tsunami quite a few times now, and when they keep deliver like this, I’ll be back again and again. To me this is the perfect neighbourhood gem; great food, nice presentation, (very) reasonable prices and relaxed staff.

Tsunami
5-7 Voltaire Road
Clapham
London SW4 6DQ

A perfect day

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This weekend my best friend and her fiancee came to visit and it was such a great one. We had a really busy day Saturday but in a relaxed way and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

Here is the recipe for a perfect (for us) day in London:

8-10am: Wake up, have a shower and enjoy a good breakfast before braving the cold.

10.30am: Take the tube to Hampstead and walk towards the Heath. Walk towards Highgate and enjoy the sunshine. Stop on the top of Parliament Hill to admire the view and take some photos.

12ish: Walk to Highgate Cemetery and visit either the East (newer) Cemetary or the older West one.

12.45pm: Walk up the massive hill to Highgate village and stop at the first nice pub you see. Order lunch and drinks and just relax for a while.

2pm: Walk down hill (yay!) to Archway tube station and take the tube to Charing Cross. Buy some plasters and put them on your sore heels and walk towards St James’s Park. Walk around the park and up towards Buckingham Palace on your Way to Green Park and Piccadilly. Walk to the large Waterstones and the top floor bar, the 5th View. Order some cocktails (a minimum of two) and enjoy the afternoon with your lovely friends.

6.30pm: Settle the bill and pop into Fortnum’s to buy a nice bottle of wine. Go home and change into stretchy trousers.

7.30pm: Have a glass of champagne and snack on some lovely nibbles while preparing dinner.

8pm: Dig into pulled pork from the Crockpot and whatever you like to serve with it.

9pm: Move over to the sofa and stretch out and enjoy another glass of wine.

10pm: Realise that you have room for dessert after all and make a quick sundae with vanilla icecream, chocolate sauce and chocolate chip cookies. Agree that homemade icecream beats anything!

My favourtie London restaurants 2011 and where I will spend my money this year…

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It is fun to summarize the past year, don’t you think?! The way I will do it is to reminisce the restaurants I enjoyed the most during the last year.

Lovely tomato salad at Nopi

Below is my list of the best (for me) ten restaurants in London 2011, but it is not a list with the best on top or bottom, just a list, not a ranking, I liked them all in different ways.

  1. St John – I want to go back here very soon. It is a place for proper foodies who enjoy different cuts of meat and non-fancy but delicious meals. We had the best lamb sweetbreads here ever, and the madeleines for pudding are to die for.
  2. Apsleys – we had lunch here on a Top Table offer but we were treated like regulars. Great service, amazing food and that little extra you want when you go to a really nice restaurant.
  3. Opera Tavern – this is a very accessible place for me. There is something for everyone, it is walking distance from the office and the food is fabulous and not very expensive. The pork burger with foie gras is sublime and the range of small cooked dishes, cheeses and charkuteries are great.
  4. L’Atelier Joël de Robuchon – My colleague took me here for an amazing birthday meal. Relaxed yet fantastic, both decor, food and service.
  5. Da Polpo – cheap and cheerful but well cooked. Only downside is that you can’t book a table for the dinner service.
  6. Tsunami – one of my best local restaurants and they have amazing sushi.
  7. Nopi – I am a huge Ottolenghi fan and this restaurant is the perfect place. Lovely dishes and great vegetarian food.
  8. Terroirs – not exciting, but cosy and comfortable with nice no fuss food. A gem I come back to often.
  9. Corner Room – gourmet food to low prices in Hackney, and it was amazing!
  10. The Square – the food is wonderful at this, two starred place, but you need plenty of time to enjoy the meal.

In a city as large as London (same population as the whole of Sweden!) restaurants pop up all the time, and it is difficult to keep up. So I made another list comprising of the London restaurants I want to visit the most this year. Most on the list are fairly new, but there are some old gems I haven’t had the opportunity to visit yet too.

  1. Hawksmoor Seven Dials – you can have steak for breakfast here! That’s a great reason, don’t you think?!
  2. Dinner – Heston Blumenthal’s London restaurant in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel seems fabulous and the whole menu consists of old dishes, even cated (i.e. c 1390 etc). Can’t wait to try it!
  3. José and Pizarro – The same man is behind both restaurant. First José opened and made sherry hip again, then Pizarro followed. Tapas and sherry in Bermondsey, anyone?
  4. Cut 45 Park Lane – now you can get proper American steak in London, cooked by an American too. Expensive, but I think it is worth it!
  5. The Delaunay – The team behind The Wolseley has opened a more casual restaurant in Aldwych, with five stars from Time Out and as good food and service as the Wolseley, I will certainly go!
  6. Meat Liquor – Apparently the best burgers in town. Unfortunately you can only queue up and not book, but again, it seems worth it.
  7. Hix – I am a bit ashamed to admit that I haven’t been to this London institution yet, but I will go this year – promise.
  8. Pollen St Social – Ranked one among the world’s 50 best restaurants I sooo want to go. Jason Atherton’s place.
  9. Roganic – the couple behind this restaurant already runa a gamous restaurant in the Lake District and I can’t wait to try one of their menus consisting of either six or ten dishes.
  10. Koya – famous for its udon noodles, is a cheap place perfect for lunch, and that is exactly when I will visit.