RESTAURANT FILE – Page 28

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

Brunch at Rosen Bar and Dining, Malmö, Sweden

Published on May 15, 2013 by HannaLeave a comment

When I was home visiting I had quite a lot of friends I wanted to meet up with. I went for dinner with some of them and the rest I gathered for a late Sunday brunch in Malmö at Rosen Bar and Dining, the restaurant in Malmö’s only five star hotel.

It is nice here, but not too swanky and at 2pm we almost had the dining room to ourselves, which we quite appreciated as we were twelve adults and two children.

As this, especially with Swedish standards, was quite late in the day for brunch, we were really happy with the substantial spread of non-breakfast items.

At the hot plate you could choose between broccoli quiche, tender ribs, potatoes, chicken drumsticks, the obligatory scrambled eggs and bacon as well as order your own dish straight from the kitchen. The menu, consisting of several omelettes and Eggs Benedict (or Florentine actually as it was ham free), was scribbled on a black board just next to the kitchen and it was nice with a little interaction from the kitchen.

I had the Eggs Benedict (Florentine) which was really good. The English muffin was homemade and very tasty, the hollandaise rich and velvety but the egg slightly overcooked. Still really good on the whole.

At another station you found gazpacho, several cured hams (including a local spickeskinka), wild boar sausage and a few cheeses.

At another (chilled) station you found small pots with seafood in a mayonnaise dressing, small portions of Caesar salad, hot smoked salmon and cold smoked, even herring if I remember correctly.

There were also plenty of pastries, both French croissants and Swedish cinnamon buns, several bread rolls and breads. All the sweets were gathered at one table offering yoghurt and granola, lots of fresh fruit, mini cupcakes, brownies and rhubarb pie with custard.

Something we all really liked was the thought behind all the small portions, which made it so much easier to taste a wider spread and not to plate more than you could eat and therefore it much lead to less waste.

Also tea, coffee, sparkling and still water and four types of juice were included which I think is great. We will definitely be back, probably next time I am home to visit.

Rosen Bar & Dining, Mäster Johansgatan 15, Malmö

Dinner at Atmosfär in Malmö, Sweden

Published on May 11, 2013May 9, 2013 by Hanna1 Comment

Although Malmö is Sweden’s third largest city (which perhaps doesn’t say that much when the country’s population is similar to London’s, but still) it hasn’t had a lot to offer in terms of great restaurants. There are a few great ones that I return too, but the restaurant business hasn’t been buzzing like in Stockholm and Gothenburg. Until now that is. Now there are plenty of new tables I want to try when I visit home.

But with that said, we did actually return to an old favourite when I was at home last. Partly because of the convenient location a mere five minute walk from my best friend and her husbands flat where we had a pre-dinner cocktail and after dinner musings and partly because it simply is very good.

Atmosfär serves small plates, and recommend 3-4 per person including pudding. I would say 2-3 per person including puds as the dishes are more filling than you expect. I love this more relaxed way of eating good food; it feels less formal somehow not following the conventional starter – main – dessert.

There were seven of us dining together and I managed to photograph most plates, of course I forgot to take a picture of one of my own dishes. Doh!

The wild garlic soup (above) was velvety and nice served with melt in the mouth sweetbreads and red wine mayo.

The salmon tataki with quail’s egg, truffle and chives was lovely and fresh.

And the lamb with sage and pata negra ham was really good too.

One of the most iconic Swedish starters; löjrom toast with creme fraiche and red onions, was delicious (as always).

Deconstructed steak tartare was a hit with the men. I passed on it as I new it came deconstructed and I prefer mine mixed to perfection in the kitchen. But that’s just me. The pickled beetroots added a Scandi touch.

Everyone who tasted this dish (I sadly didn’t) all agreed it was the best one they had that evening. And it looks magnificent, doesn’t it? Duck breast, beets, almond bread, rygeost ( a smoked cheese from Denmark flavoured with caraway seeds) and shiitake mushrooms.

Also the monkfish with Jerusalem artichoke, tomato and pepper was very tasty and the fish was perfectly cooked.

It was the amazingly tender pig’s cheeks with lovage and celeriac I forgot to photograph, but I can assure you it was very good indeed. Personally I would have liked a little less lovage in there, but that’s because I am not a huge fan of that herb other than a substitute for stock.

A few of us couldn’t resist the puddings and most opted for the deconstructed (I sense a theme?) snickers bar with salted caramel, chocolate fondant, vanilla icecream and peanuts, but also the creme brulee was delicious.

We had a lovely evening here, just as I expected. And definitely the perfect place to catch up with old friends over food.

Atmosfär, Fersens väg 4, Malmö, Sweden

Brunch at Incontro, Gothenburg

Published on April 28, 2013April 24, 2013 by HannaLeave a comment

Sunday was my last day in Gothenburg and I started with a lie-in while my host went for a run. Then we went to Incontro for an epic brunch.

After being seated and served with drinks it was time to queue up by the different stations and help yourself to the big spread of food.

The cold food, which we started with, consisted of lots and lots of vegetarian antipasti, a large wooden board full of cold meats, olives, freshly baked bread with truffle cream (amazing!) and big chunks of parmesan to enjoy with either a tangy orange marmalade or with a strong balsamic vinegar. (I preferred the latter). Oh, and we had smoothies too.

After a little break we started with the warm spread. Eggs and bacon, naturally, but I actually skipped the a bit too dry-looking scrambled eggs. The bacon was nice and crispy, the ribs succulent, the pizzas very good and so on.

Another break. Longer this time, and then the obligatory breakfast pancake with cream and warm blackberries.

And yet again a longer break before we embarked on icecream, hot chocolate sauce and meringues.

At the pudding table you also had pannacotta, Belgian waffles, strawberry crumble with custard and lots of pastries.

Needless to say I wasn’t hungry for the rest of the day.

The brunch was very good in my opinion. Sure, everything isn’t perfect when sitting on a hot plate, but the staff were great at topping up the food and changing it if it had been out for a while. Our waitress was also very attentive to clearing plates and topping up our drinks.

And it occured to me how great this place is for vegetarians. Most dishes were actually vegetarian and it was a good spread of that too. Most of the antipasti was vegetarian, same for the pasta and they also had a vegetarian pizza.

Incontro
Mässans Gata 24
412 51 Göteborg, Sweden

Dinner at Hello Monkey, Gothenburg

Published on April 27, 2013April 27, 2013 by HannaLeave a comment

After cocktails at Hotel Dorsia we (all the food bloggers) continued our Saturday evening at Hello Monkey where we all had had their Monkey Combo menu.

Hello Monkey. Such a great name, don’t you think?! Great food too. And atmosphere.

The starter consisted of three different sashimis that we shared among the table. The tuna was soft and velvety and was paired with creamy avocado and crispy fried shallots.

Norwegian Salmalax (a type of farmed salmon) came with pickled ginger and shiitake mushrooms. My favourite among the three.

The mackerel came on a bed of coconut creme and had mustard pickled chilli on top. Nice although I don’t particularly like coconut.

The maincourse was again lots of different plates that we shared among us. First we had these divine shiitake mushrooms springrolls served in a lettuce leaf. So yummy!

Several dips for the dumplings.

These little shellfish cakes made from tiger prawn and scallops were like most generic fishcakes, and it was a shame you couldn’t taste the scallops.

The steamed dumplings with chicken and spring onions were delicious, especially dipped in the soy sauce.

The potstickers with entrecôte (beef) and pork mince had a nice flavour too them, but the texture of the casing was rather strange and slippery.

These crispy lamb wontons were nice too, but not that special. All the different dumplings were served with vegetables (in case that doesn’t show very well) and we also had steamed rice on the side. It wasn’t necessary though, the rice, I was so full at the end of this meal.

Although some dumplings were better than others I really enjoyed this meal. Everything was tasty, nicely presented and well timed for such a large group. The restaurant is cosy and really buzzing on a Saturday night. If I lived in Gothenburg I would definitely eat here a lot.

Hello Monkey, Magasinsgatan 26, 41118 Göteborg, Sweden

Dinner Chateau Beirut, Gothenburg

Published on April 25, 2013April 23, 2013 by HannaLeave a comment

The first item on the agenda for the meetup was drinks at Kim’s followed by dinner at Lebanese Chateau Beirut on the Friday evening.

We all had a set meze menu with twelve different dishes, some of them real classics like hummus, stuffed vine leaves and baba ganoush but also a few interesting ones like the creamy tuna dip (delicious) and bulgur wheat falafel.

Stuffed vine leaves

Paprika and garlic dips

Belly dancing

Tabbouleh and tuna dip

The food was really good and authentic in flavour and even the wines were Lebanese. Only downside was the dated decor and the very loud music from the speakers when it was time for the belly dancing.

Chateau Beirut, Karl Johansgatan 7, 414 59 Göteborg, Sweden

Lunch at Amanda Boman, Gothenburg

Published on April 24, 2013April 23, 2013 by HannaLeave a comment

On Friday morning when I arrived in Gothenburg the sky was grey and the rain was pouring down. Much like London a few weeks ago.

Since the weather was so miserable I didn’t really want to be outdoors and suddenly I was standing outside Saluhallen, a covered food court with both shops and restaurant. Of course I went it and had a look around. I wanted something warming for lunch and settled for a bouillabaisse at Amanda Boman.

Included in the lunch was also a side salad, freshly baked sourdough, coffee or tea and three types of cakes and biscuits for afters.

The fish soup was fresh with plenty of vegetables as well as chunks of fish and seafood. The two big dollops of lime aioli made it delicious. The bread and cakes were lovely too, and really liked this little oasis in the food court.

Amanda Boman, Stora Saluhallen, 411 17 Göteborg, Sweden

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

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.