Khan’s Restaurant in Bayswater

Located at 13-15 Westbourne Grove, Bayswater, London W2 4UA, this indian restaurant is quite reasonable and tasty. if you ignore the mediocre service and really camp under the sea decor, this restaurant is fabulous for a casual meal out.  We had the butter chicken, spinach with cheese, daal (lentils), fish tikka, lady fingers(okra) which were tasty and reasonably price.  We felt we had a baby in our tummy after this meal but a very satisfying experience.

Bull and Last

Located at 168 Highgate Road, London, NW5 1QS across from the entrance to then tennis courts across the street at parliament hill fields is this lovely pub that services fabulous roast. The roast is a little more expensive then most at 13-17 pounds but perfect beef/gravy and perfect chips… can’t be missed if you are up near hampstead…

jin kichi- hampstead

Jinkichi  - 73 Heath Street, London, NW3 6U

I felt like treating myself to japanese in hampstead and was very disappointed.  When having really good food ratatouille fans will remember food reminding you of home.  Well for me, it should give me an big O for orgasm if I have really good food. This did not do it for me. I admit the fish was fresh but it didn’t go that extra mile…  The food was average and the prices were expensive.  I tried their special tuna and as pretty as it was… it didn’t have the big bang.  I’ve had better sushi and i left unfulfilled.

japanese in brighton

So i have been absent for awhile due to new job and just travelling in general. I spent a week in brighton and was very hopeful I would be able to have better seafood if i lived near the sea… I found a perfect quant japanese run, japanese owned restaurant on sydney street above an oriental supermarket.  E Kagen 22/23 Sydney Street, Brighton BN1 4EN, England, +44 (0) 1273 687 068 filled my need for good old school rustic homey japanese food. I had the eel, seabass sushi and chicken don one day and the gyoza and tempura udon for lunch another day.  I was completely satisfied. It is reasonably priced and authentic. Bear in mind, since everything is cooked to order and we are in a seaside slow moving city like brighton, the service is really slow… this isn’t fast food and if you are looking for that, don’t come here.  If you have the ability to be patient, this is the place for you. Atmosphere is reminiscent of the back of a market similar to places in japan, it ain’t pretty but tingles all those tastebuds if you have been missing good japanese food in the uk (cheaper)…

Bites at Borough Market

On a may bank holiday weekend, it’s just nice to wander around the markets (especially when it’s sunny outside).  I walked to brick lane, got my flat white , read a bit of my kundera book and then ventured off to Borough Market to the chaos it is on Saturday.  I had a chorizo sandwich from:

Brindisa- oh to die for with the rocket salad, chili oil and some roasted red peppers

Then moved on to  Argentine Folklore which specializes in “Empanadas” (turnovers) with Chimichurri sauce, Sweet potato and Quince paste. Damn those little pockets are tasty and CHEAP.  

Also the portuguese tarts are great for some sweetness the next couple stalls down from Brindisa at Borough Market.

There is sooo much food at this market that you just have to wander around and eat a little bit of everything… LOVE IT.

Gordon’s Wine Bar

Featured on Supersizers go… I had to check out this romantic venue near charing cross station.  my friend and i ordered 2 cheese each (which is WAY too much, we could have just ordered the 2 cheeses – bound issues… enough said) I have never seen or eaten so much cheese in my life.  We opted for some less stinky cheese.  Gurth was substituted for quality here but I have to admit the prices are reasonable.

For pure atmosphere, this is a great little hidden spot for a bottle of wine and some cheese.  I’ve had better of both but it was a fun touristy experience. The out of towner enjoyed it. 

47 Villiers St London, WC2N 6NE - 020 79301408

tayyab

Located at 83 Fieldgate Street, London, E1 1JU down a residential street off whitechapel, is this amazing pakistani restaurant which is an absolute gem.  We waited for 40 minutes and ate in 20 minutes and spent 17 pounds each on the food.  The lamb chops were tender, the goshi was boneless and tender and the sauces and spices were warming to the tummy. The lentil/baby aubergine dish is tasty and i now remember how much i miss ghee… clarified butter rocks!

Holy Bush – holly bush pub

I finally had a good sunday brunch which is essential to london living.  The Holly Bush 22 Holly Mount Hampstead London NW3 6SG is a beautiful old pub with character tucked away around the corner from Hampstead station.  The angus roast was rare and tender (must of been the middle of the roast) and the yorkshire pudding was light, fluffy and not in the usual hockey puck form. MMM. Worth a visit.

Flat white/Milkbar

The one thing i remember most about Australia when i went back in 2002 was the coffee. Aussies LOVE their flat white and you really can’t order anything else but this shot of espresso with frothy textured milk… It’s just really tasty coffee.  Flat white is located at 17 berwick street in soho and if i really need a caffeine fix and a low key cafe vibe, i come to this friendly establishment. I went with a friend this afternoon and had the brekkie and it was decent, the first time I have had scrambled eggs runny in the UK and not shriveled up like a sad men’s shirt. It’s worth trying a great export from down under.

Milkbar ( 3 Bateman Street) is the sister cafe deeper in soho closer to centerpoint with the same flat whites. Just as good, smaller but no kitchen.

Serendipity at the corner

Barnsbury Grocer 237 Liverpool Road London N1 1LX is one of those places at first you think whatever, it’s a small organic store on a quiet neighbourhood street.  I finally had some time to myself and decided to go in for a coffee.  They serve really good monmouth coffee and serve my favourite types of cheeses: montgomery cheddar, parmesan reggiano, comte and ofcourse manchego.  They also make fresh sandwiches for around 3 pounds every day and some take away meals.  Even though Waitrose has just opened down the street, come support the locals! I do.

p.s. they make portuguese tarts… mmm.