All posts filed under: Restaurants

Spuntino

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I went to the Spuntino for a quick lunch bite last week. I promised myself that I wouldn’t read any reviews before I visited and I don’t know how I did it but i managed not too. I am a huge fan of Russell Norman’s other Soho establishments, Polpo and Polpetto so have been very excited about visiting. My worries about dining alone were shattered as I walked in and saw four other lone diners dotted along the bar. It is probably because of the bar that dining alone seems fine – you have the waiting staff to keep you company. Spuntino only has 25 covers but feels larger due to high ceilings. The beautiful rustic tiles were apparently uncovered when the place was being designed. What a lucky, lucky man Russell is. They are a perfect fit in his new and very (pardon the word) cool establishment. I glanced at the menu and the spicy sausage, lentil and radiccio dish caught my eye. After the waiter took my order, he retreated to the popcorn …

Bistro du Vin

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Last week I was invited to the opening of the first stand alone restaurant by the Hotel du Vin group, Bistro du Vin in Clerkenwell. The event was superb and the great food left a lasting memory. All around the open plan kitchen were plates of oysters, scallops, lobster, crab, razor clams, asparagus, steak… the list goes on. Not to mention the private dining room that was turned into a cheese room for the evening. They’re still trying to get rid of the smell, apparently. So I was delighted to be invited to dine at the restaurant with a few fellow bloggers on Monday evening, Ms Gourmet Chick and Rocket & Squash. I arrived and was greeted with a Bistro du Vin signature Marmalade Martini (£10). The vodka, produced by Chase Distillery was done so exclusively for the restaurant launch. Sixty bottles were provided for the opening and I hear that they have nearly all gone! After a quick get to know you chat, we walked past the impressive meat aging room and were shown …

Isarn

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I love discovering great restaurants when I’m least expecting it. Today was one of those days. I was ambling around Islington in need of refuelling, and while I wouldn’t normally pop into a Thai restaurant, Isarn had been recommended to me about 10 minutes before I entered. The restaurant is long, black and very sleek. Each table is set perfectly with gorgeous Asian crockery and possibly the first thing to catch my eye were the cow skin seats. Cow skin isn’t usually to my taste but i have to say, they work very well. Lights dangle down to create an intimate atmosphere. I dined outside in the small terrace area as it was a hot day and I wanted all the fresh air that I could get. Despite next door being a building site, it was very calming and a far cry from the hustle and bustle of Upper Street on a busy Monday lunchtime. I couldn’t decide which of the set menu lunch meals to have – there are a wide range of options …

Petersham Nurseries Teahouse

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The winter that we have just endured felt particularly long so I was overjoyed with the weather today. I spent most of my time this weekend basking in the sunshine outdoors, and on Sunday I hopped on my bike to cycle to Richmond for a salad, a pot of tea and a slice of cake at the Petersham Nurseries Teahouse. My boyfriend and I do this a few times over the summer and this was our first visit of the year. I still haven’t dined at the newly Michelin star awarded cafe, which is run by Skye Gyngell but I’m perfectly content with the salads and cake on offer at the Teahouse. We grabbed the last table in the sun and went inside to order. It’s not table service, which to me is a good thing because it allows you to see the fantastic array of freshly baked cakes on offer. After choosing my cake (rhubarb and polenta), I perused the menu and opted for the faro butternut squash salad. I have never eaten faro …

Albion at The Boundary Project

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I’ve had my eye on Albion ever since they started using the fantastic social media contraption that is Baker Tweet. So why is it that I’ve not visited until this weekend? Who knows. After a short stint at the London Coffee Festival, we walked over and were lucky enough to snag a table outside. We walked past the fantastic array of freshly baked loaves, cakes, GIANT cookies and delicatessen and were presented with the menu. Having not eaten breakfast deliberately so that I could enjoy a lazy brunch, I was quite disappointed when I looked at the menu. The only breakfast options were a fry up (called Albion breakfast), a breakfast bap or field mushrooms on toast. Not a sweet brunch treat in sight and I felt it slightly inappropriate to opt for the GIANT cookie or inviting rhubarb tart for breakfast. So we went for the Albion breakfast and field mushrooms on toast to share. A tin of freshly baked bread and a pot of butter arrived at the table first, which was a …