Hush Mayfair

A classic in the area, Hush Mayfair has come back to the list of favorites thanks to its beautiful Italian-style courtyard, which will leave you feeling you are in lemon land without leaving London

WHY should you go? Because you have a bar, a restaurant and a beautiful courtyard (with heaters!) inspired in the Italian summer, all in one place. More over, it is tucked away in a mews style street, just a few steps from New Bond Street, so you can come after a workout in the city center or your casual shopping spree in the area. What’s not to like?

WHAT should you get? It was very difficult to choose from this menu as everything sounded so delicious! However, we highly recommend trying a couple of cocktails whilst nibbling on few olives and focaccia and diving into the truffle gnocchi and the roasted aubergine as mains as these did not disappoint by one bit! I don’t think we’ve tried such delicious and fresh gnocchi in years. Their desserts are also worth trying, specially the cheesecake and the lavender creme brulee.

Average price per person: £60 (including a cocktail and two glasses of wine!)

WHERE is it? 8 Lancashire Ct, London W1S 1EY

WHEN is it open? EVERYDAY guys! Everyday, from 12pm to 10pm.

Know Your Dumplings

I'm a sucker for dumplings, what can I say. If there was something I could indulge into every day (aside from bread, fries and ice-cream) that would be dumplings. And it’s a funny story, cause when I first got introduce to these beauties I was not super keen on them. It was during my first ever travel abroad, to Hong Kong. My friends out there took me out for Dim Sum and the westerner/ continental side of me could not cope with the variety and look of these little things. Little did I know these would become my obsession later on…

As a good dumplings lover, I’ve been travelling all over the city to find the absolute best dumplings in town, and here is what I found:

SOHO

Conveniently located off Carnaby St, Ugly Dumpling (1 Newburgh St) is the new kid on the block. It provides all your street food essentials with a twist, including pork belly, aromatic duck, satay chicken and prawn & chive but aaalso what they call “new favorites” which basically is a feast of flavors in a 5-piece dumpling platter. Lamb, harissa & yogurt, cauliflower & potato and halloume & courgette were surprisingly some of my favorites.

Not only they had a great selection on offer but also dessert dumplings! Matcha-filled dumplings bonanza or blueberry jam fried dumplings with clotted cream. I mean, shall I say more?  

CHINATOWN

Dumplings Legend (15-16 Gerrard St) is probably my old time favorite. Whenever I fancy a quick fix or just wanna hang out for a while in the area, this is always a good choice. Despite having tons of people working there sometimes service lacks attention, however quality-price is unbeatable. Also, they are open for business till 2AM pretty much every day. That’s an absolute winner in my dictionary.

Beijing Dumpling (23 Lisle St) is probably the best in Chinatown when it comes to dumplings. Also, who does not love seeing how these are made in front of you?

MARYLEBONE

Royal China (40-42 Baker St) is perfect for Sunday Brunch (that is, Dim Sum), which not only offers dumplings but a wide range of great chinese/ hong-kong cuisine. Unfortunately, they do not take reservations and this place is quite renown by locals (and not so locals), therefore you may need to cue for a bit. The menu selection is vast, so vast you don’t know where to start, but pretty much all dishes are a winner.

HACKNEY

My Neighbours The Dumplings in Homerton/Clapton (165 Lower Clapton Rd) and also Victori Park is definitely one of my recent locals. It holds a sake bar in their basement and the food was simply exceptional. Again, a bit of an Asian mix here, which included gyozas and dumplings and even dumplings with a European twist. Their menu also includes dessert dumplings, which is becoming on of my new favorite things. Argh, so much for that ‘no-sugar’ diet…

SHOREDITCH

Dumpling Shack is a MUST on Saturdays at Spitafields Market. Open everyday for lunch (and at times also in the evening), this little spot possibly delivers one of my favorite dumplings in town. The menu is extremely limited, but what they do they do GREAT. Fried soup dumpling at its best and extremely delicious hand made noodles at the shack next door. What else could you ask for?

Chinatown Favorites

Everybody should know by now how much I love food. And Fashion. It's probably a cultural thing. Spaniards make a big deal about having a meal, it is such an event. Having lunch (brunch, or dinner) means enjoying yourself, chillaxing and having a good time with your friends and relatives. I guess it's not only about food, but what it represents.

Having that in mind, I thought it was about time I mixed both things in a blog post. After all, Fashion & Food are very trendy at the moment. And the filthier the food, the better. For that reason, the lucky winner is Chinatown.

There's something about this neighborhood that reminds me of the good times traveling in Hong Kong and Shanghai. The absolute chaos, the noise, the smell, the ducks displayed at the entrance of the restaurants. That constant vibe that makes you feel the City never sleeps. I LOVE knowing that even if it is 3am in the morning I can turn up in Leicester Sq and indulge a glorious Peking Duck, or dumplings! MMM.

Some have said to me Chinatown is not the same anymore. It used to be the place to go during the video-club boom but it has lost its appeal over the years. And I could agree to some extend, but not entirely. For those who love the Chinese culture and cuisine, Chinatown remains unchanged. Regardless of the smell, the dirtiness and the lesser offers, londoners and tourists still drag themselves to this neighborhood because there's nothing like it anywhere else in the City. Its uniqueness has been maintained.

More over, if you fancy an affordable day out in the City, there's plenty around the area. It is also near Soho, which is always a plus, and there's so many food offerings you will not know where to start. For that, here are my tips:

(1) Café TPT is one of the cheapest eats in the area. I feel for the tourists (and not so tourists) who end up stuck in Prêt à manger or similar chains, paying overpriced meals for not knowing where to go in the area. This is the perfect place for comfort food and great service. Full of local people, which is always a good sign. Budget: 7£-12£ per person

(2) Four Seasons is THE place to go if you fancy peking duck. Never tried anything that good (outside China) before. Budget: 16£-20£ per person

(3) Dumplins Legend is SUPERB if dumplings is what you are after (hence the name of the place). From Limited edition to the old time classics, you'll find every type of dumpling here. Including Xiao Long Bao! Budget: 11£-15£ per person

(4) New World recalls the perfect sunday brunch: Dim Sum. The guys at New World do things properly and you'll be able to experience dim sum as the locals do in China. There are plenty of trolleys going round the tableS showing fresh cooked dishes. You just pick your favourites and indulge a treat! Budget: 12£-17£ per person

(5) Chinatown Bakery for desserts and the infamous Taiyaki. This is more of a japanese-style bakery, where the famous fish-shaped waffle (Taiyaki) comes from. For 2£ you get 4 fresh cream taiyaki, but there's plenty more on offer. From coconut cream buns to any other pastries you can think of.

But in any case, as I said before not all is about food. It doesn't matter where you are or who you are with, fashion is always there. Fashion in the form of art, architecture, food presentation, and of course, clothing.

My outfits vary a lot. One day I can wear as many colours as I can, and do a lot of mixing up (which is fun!) and another be very simplistic. But as George Clinton once said, "Style is whatever you want to do, if you can do it with confidence".

For this occasion, I pumped myself in some ankle boots, an oversize dress and a black blazer to make my outfit more of a statement. Any outfit looks much better with a blazer. And since I was in Chinatown, I've gone for an easy hair-do with some statement earrings.

TCB x

Claridges, A Deluxe Tea Time Experience

It seems difficult to believe we’ve made it all the way to December this year, but here we are, Christmas is upon us! And so we thought it was time to celebrate.

Some traditions never fail, and celebrating life and good times at Claridges should be one of those traditions. Even if it is just to admire their beautiful Christmas tree, a visit to this luxurious hotel in the midst of the London buzz is a serious must.

A symbol of British tradition, style and luxury, the 5 star hotel never fails to deliver. We were lucky enough to squeeze ourselves into one of their last Afternoon Tea of the Christmas season and we were delighted with the outcome. The service, the attention to detail, and the food itself was superb, let me tell you.

We were greeted by their friendly, and whilst we were sipping on a beautiful glass of Perrier and listening to a beautiful piano on the background, we were paraded with the most indulgent set of finger sandwiches, which followed the most beautiful pastries I’ve seen in a long time. They were both pretty and delicious.

As if we didn’t have enough, when were set to go, we were greeted with some goodies to take home, and so my dreamy experience lasted a bit longer.

It was a very Cinderella moment, one that I suggest you experience too.

Stay safe careless readers,

TCB xx

Alto by San Carlo, La Bella Vita at Selfridges

I am not going to lie, I’ve been disappointed a few times when visiting Selfridges' rooftop bar and restaurant for a drink or a bite. I’ve always felt it was lacking a good customer service and food that was up to the standards of the department store. My perception has now changed. Their Italian restaurant, Alto by San Carlo, delivers above and beyond the Italian life that we all want and desire.

WHY should you go? Because you’ll be transported to La Bella Italia. Is there anything else you would aspire to in life? As you get off the elevetor that takes you to this award-winning rooftop, you’ll enter a forest of lemons, which precedes you to this whimsical restaurant, where local produce meets local Italian chefs. Customer service is above and beyond and quality-price is on point.

WHAT should I get? I am a big fan of eating things out I would not get or cook at home. Having said that, I would still pick a couple of Italian staples as a snack for starters, such as the tomato bruschetta, caprese salad or burrata. As a main, I can’t recommend enough the lobster spaghetti. I’m always a bit skeptical when ordering these type of dishes as restaurants tend to provide small portions of lobster. Little did I know that my pasta would come INSIDE the lobster itself! Taste, presentation, quality and quantity was perfection. To round things up, we finished our lunch meal with a delicious tiramisu. Mamma mia!

WHEN to go? Everyday from 12-11pm

WHERE is it? At the top of Selfridges, hun! 400 Oxford St, Marylebone, London W1A 1AB

Average price per person (including a bottle of wine for two and tipping): £45

Don’t miss it. It’s worth every single penny.

Buon Appetito

TCB xx

SeaBird, the rooftop of the year

ROOFTOP VIEWS FROM SEABIRD, LONDON.

Hello seafood lovers out there,

we’ve got great news for you: Seabird.

On top of the newest Hoxton Hotel in Southwark, you’ll find this beautiful rooftop restaurant, which counts with the longest oyster list in the city and the most incredible raw bar.

WHY should you go? Because, without a doubt, you’ll have a great time. Similarly to Madera, Seabird is a very sexy restaurant. Staff is extremely caring and friendly, the wine list is on point and the seafood portions are generous (though pricey, obvs). Also, the views are fenomenal and the fact that you have both indoors and outdoors space is a plus. It kind of felt like being back in NYC.

WHAT will you get? Traditional seafood dishes with a twist. My favorite was the octopus roll in a brioche bun with padron peppers and smoked aioli (yum!) and the scallop ceviche. Needless to say the oyster were fresh and juicy, and meaty! If you are a fan of oysters, this is your place. To finish it of, go for the manchego cheesecake; it’s to die for.

WHERE is it? 40 Blackfriars Rd, SE1 8NY

WHEN can you go? Thursday to Saturday from 11:30 to 11pm and Sundays from 11:30 to 6pm. British timings for ya!

Average price per person (including a bottle of wine for two, and tipping): £70

Madera, You Sexy Mexican Beast!

Madera

The sexiest Mexican Rooftop Restaurant in the city. Don’t miss out!

The venue is called Madera, which means ‘wood’ in Spanish, is on the 35th floor of TreeHouse Hotel, right in front of the BBC Building in Marylebone.. Prices are rather on the steep side, but if you are up for play, this place will certainly deliver.

WHY go? Because the ambiance is fab, there is minimal techno and house bumping whilst you are sipping the nicest tequila or mezcal cocktails (at the steep price of 16GBP a glass) or indulging into a lovely bio wine (around 40GBP a bottle), the stuff is lovely and the food is fantastic. Why wouldn’t you go?

WHAT will you get? The menu here is to be shared, so obviously we tried a bit of everything. A bi pico de Gallo (tortilla chips & salsa) whilst we decide what to order and then we went for a couple of starters and two mains. We were stuffed! You definitely don’t need more than that. Our favourites on the menu were the octopus salad, the ceviches (any of them) and the rock signatures (we went for chicken). Despite being full at this point, I’d say .the chocolate cake was also delicioso.

WHERE is it again? 14-15 Langham Pl, Marylebone, London W1B 2QS

WHEN is it open? All week, baby! From 8-11am for breakfast and 6-11pm for dinner. Go crazy.

Average Price per person (including a bottle of wine and tip): £65

Don’t miss out, it’s a banger.

TCB XX

Art Afternoon Tea at The Rosewood Hotel

Art meets Tea

And they both met luxury.

2020 has started with a bang and there are many things to celebrate. In the space of one year, my very good friend Liv has beaten cancer, bought a house and recently got engaged. Could there be any more reasons to celebrate life?

Of course, we celebrated it in style. We put up our fancy shoes and off we went to the Mirror Room at the Rosewood, a 5-star hotel in the middle of the city.

Hard to believe but I’ve actually missed this building by running to get to BoomCycle across the road, which seems kind of crazy now that I’ve stepped foot on it. Truly a beautiful spot.

When you step in this hotel is like you are no longer in the bustling streets of Holborn, but rather in a grand town house waiting for your guests to arrive and your butler(s) to serve you. For better or for worse, this is 2020 and we don’t have butlers anymore, but they do have very attentive staff that treated like real queens during our stay.

The occasion? Afternoon Tea. And not like any other afternoon tea. The hotel has been teamed up with Pastry Chef Mark Perkins to create an artful afternoon tea, changing frequently to match with current exhibitions in the city. We were able to enjoy the last day of Antony Gormley’s afternoon tea, but if you are heading there soon, you’ll be able to indulge into Pablo Picasso’s sweet creations.

WHAT will you get if you go? A three-course menu of afternoon tea, including a set of delicious finger sandwiches (OMG that truffle egg!), two sets of little cakes, scones, truffles and few other surprises on the go. They tend to refill you if you are feeling hungry, but we were barely able to go through the three courses without repeating so we would advise you against it

WHY should you go? If you are into delicatessen patisserie, luxury crafts and incredible settings, this is your thing. Be ready to indulge into the most lavish afternoon tea you have probably ever had (we actually liked it better than The Savoy’s or The Ritz’s). Needless to say you should top that up with a glass of bubbly…R de Ruinart is just excellent.

WHEN should you go? Oh honey, any time! They serve afternoon tea from 12 up until 5ish every day.

Ok, where is it exactly, then? 252 High Holborn, WC1V 7EN, London

Average price for afternoon tea (with a glass of champagne): £75

Bon appetite my loves,

TCB x

Kitty and Friends

Tombo x Sanrio

Tombo Fitzrovia has become Europe’s first ever Sanrio café in the centre of London. Can you believe it? Hello Kitty and Friends, at your doorstep

The small Japanese café that started almost 20 years ago in South Kensington now has at least 3 more restaurants across the city, serving yummy Japanese ingredients in a modern and accessible way.

WHAT? You can get a bit of everything really, from noodles to donburi, sushi or poke bowls. Green tea drinks and desserts are overflowing so if you are a matcha fanatic this is your dream come true.

WHY? If you love Japanese food and culture and all things Kawaii then you have to visit Tombo. Not only their food is quality, but also they go the extra mile with the presentation of their menus. Customer service could be better (clearly a lot to learn from the Japanese here) but overall quality price is pretty good.

From the Sanrio Menu we loved the Hello Kitty Garden Poke, the customized Matcha Latte and of course the Matcha Doriyaki. Sweet Green Tea overload, my friend!

WHEN? Anytime between 11:30 and 9:30pm, except Sundays when they close at 5pm.

WHERE? We like the original spot in SouthKen, however Fitzrovia is the one advertising it Tombo x Sanrio café. If you like Kitty, then head to 4 Windmill St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 2HZ

Average price for lunch per person (including dessert, no booze): £15

Itadakimasu~~~~

TCB xx

Churches and Sinners at Mercato Mayfair

Who knew there was a Grade I Listed Church less than 5 minutes walk from Selfridges? I didn’t. And I certainly did not know it was up for grabs to the best bidder, but I am very happy that the people behind Mercato Metropolitano got their hands on it.

WHAT is it then? A beautiful church turned into a Food Market. Underground there’s a well kept cellar serving refined wines and bubbles as well as delicious charcuterie and cheese. On the main floor and upstairs there’s a variety of trade vendors: from hand made pasta and pizza to middle easter pitas, dumplings and a sushi bar. Not to mention the holy German Kraft Beer Stall and the Chacha Cocktail Bar or Badiani’s Gelato, delicious!

WHY should you go?

Because… why the hell not? You are out and about on Oxford St, your shopping has got out of hands and you forgot about the time and now you are famished. This is without a doubt your best choice around! Inexpensive and with a variety of options. Also the gelato on offer is probably one of the best we’ve tried in the city recently. Now that is a big say!

WHERE? St. Mark's Church, N Audley St, Mayfair, London W1K 6ZA, United Kingdom

WHEN? 8am to 11pm most days except for Sundays, when it closes at 10pm. All in all pretty decent timings!

Enjoy!

TCB xx

Bancone, Pasta's Paradise

Pasta Pasta Pasta

Bancone, the italian that will save you every time

Affordable drinks and home-made pasta in the heart of the West End. Shall I say more?

Bancone is a little gem, really. As the peeps at The Guardian described it: casually orgasmic and deeply affordable, the Italian restaurant succeeds in all marks. Drinks are cheap (a glass of vino for a fiver? I’m SOLD), food is excellent.

WHAT will you get? Pasta, pasta, pasta. If you want pizza, this is not your place. Pasta? As much as you like. The restaurant certainly specializes on delivering the best fresh pasta but also has incredible antipasti. If you ask us, you should definitely try the panelle with smoke duck breast, lardo & whipped anchovies and the cime di rapa (turnip tops) with garlic and chilli. Mouth is watering just reminiscing of it! As for the mains, their Beef shin ‘ossobuco’ ravioli with saffron butter is rich but incredible, and their octopus and nduja with olives is also superb.

Another thing that we really appreciated here was the service. Very attentive peeps; most servers where italian and so were the chefs, which is always a plus.

WHERE is it ? Right next to St Martin In The Fields, by Trafalgar square. More precisely, 39 William IV St, London WC2N 4DD

WHEN is it open? Great news. For once a restaurant in London serves up until 11pm! You can get there closer to the time and still manage to get all the yummy food in the menu. BOOM.

Certainly the perfect spot for pre and post-theatre food. And get this: you can book.

TCB xx

Sweet Catalan Cakes & Bubbles

Ladies and gentlemen, your wishes have been heard. There is a dessert restaurant in London, and by no other than pastry chef Albert Adria. Let me introduce you to Cakes & Bubbles.

WHY should you go? Because even if you are not a sweet tooth, you’ll have a great time. It’s not only about the food (which is obvs amazing) but rather the experience. Sit down and have some bubbles with your friends, while your waiter explains what you are about to indulge into. Needless to say that the chef Adria stamp is a big winner.

WHAT will you get? If you like traditional pastries and sweets, this is not your place. Chef Adria loves to be innovative with its food, and you can see it in each one of his desserts. Our two favorites where the ‘Tickets’ cheesecake, flavored with hazelnut and a white-chocolate rind and the egg flan with dark caramel.

WHEN should you go? Really, anytime is good. This hot spot is looking rather pretty right now due to the Christmas lights, but I bet you it will be as amazing when the festive period is over.   

WHERE? Inside Hotel Café Royal in Piccadilly (70 Regent St, W1B 4DY), super central!

Bella Lina, Pasta At Its Best

Lina Stores

Iconic Italian Deli in Soho opens its own restaurant in the city, with outdoor seats in the heart of the city

Italians have conquered another hood in the city, Soho. OK, not quite literally, but the opening of Lina Stores in Soho has definitely had an impact on my latest restaurant visits. 

The iconic delicatessen store on Brewer St has opened its own pasta and cicceti restaurant on Greek St, and its results are superb.

WHAT/ WHY SHOULD YOU GO? Because it feels truly feels like being in Italy. The restaurant decor is very hip and out of a Wes Anderson movie, and the handmade pasta is to die for.

As the Mediterraneans we are, we like ordering all of the things on the menu and share it between us. That way you get to try most things! For starters, we had the nduja con ricotta and some arancinis; and as soon as we tried these, we knew we were in for a treat. It was very difficult to choose only one pasta dish, so we went for three: the pumpkin, the ragu and the mushroom based. All three SHAMAZING. Obviously, we finished with some cannolis, cause you can’t leave without having one.

WHERE EXACTLY IS IT? 51 Greek St, Soho, London W1D 4EH

WHEN SHOULD YOU GO? Any day of the week except Sundays, from 12-2.30pm for lunch and from 5 til 11pm for dinner

Average price per person (including a bottle of wine, and tipping): £35

Hungry yet? Me too.

TCB xx

Hakuna Matata, Ikoyi

Happy FRIYAY foodie monsters!

Eventhough I've been back at work for a while, there's a different feel to it this week. Everybody is back at school, and I feel I have to do my homework too. 

Having a look back at where I've been for the past few months, I realized that I forgot an amazing hot spot that got me savoring my tongue for days. I am talking about IKOYI.

It is interesting to see how sometimes amazing spots go unnoticed, and I feel Ikoyi must be one of those. Despite being in the hot dinners scene for a good while, I feel it hasn't got the rave reviews/ attention it deserves. UNTIL NOW. Their service and incredible food has got them a Michelin star! The only African restaurant with a Michelin Star in London. YIKES.

We went there a few weeks ago to celebrate one of my besties birthday, and decided to treat ourselves (as we always do, ha) to a set menu. 

WHAT? Chef Chan has worked in pretty awesome restaurants in the past such as Noma and Dinner by Heston and you can see how his cooking delivers on this. At Ikoyi you’ll find elegant small plates that reminiscence of West African cuisine, all in fine-dining style. Our personal favourite was the crunchy plantain dusted in Scotch bonnet powder but the chargrilled octopus leg with spicy ndolé was also supeeeerb.

Little update: this restaurant has now a Michelin star!

WHERE? 1 St James's Market, St. James's, London SW1Y 4AH

WHEN? Anytime for lunch (3-5pm) or dinner (5.30-11pm), except for Sundays when it's closed.

They keep on changing the menu (a plus to come back) so I wouldn’t miss on the opportunity of checking this restaurant out!

Stay tuned for more

TCB xx

Clicking with Evelyn's Table

Evelyn's table

Indulge mode is ON.

If there is something I've realized over the past year of wining and dining in London is that the best seats in town are not at a proper table but where the chefs and cooks are. Forget chatting to your friends or your partner, food is no longer the only thing you care about, but also the vibe of the venue and its entertainment. 

Evelyn's certainly checks all boxes. But let's recapitulate. THE BLUE POSTS. 

That old pub in Soho? Yes, you are right, but only slightly. That 'old pub' is no longer so, but rather three floors of drinking and dining adventures. How is that possible? Well, the amazing peeps from Palomar (love you, guys!) decided to take this bad boy and give it a renewal. And damn, they've done great.

The renovated Blue Post Pub is on the ground floor, with tons of new quirky beers for you to discover; The Mulwray, on the first floor is a cool AF wine and cocktail bar; and then you've got Evelyn's Table on the basement, seating only 11 lucky guests! Serving italian food and fresh fish. All by the counter with the cooks, of course.

Why should you go there? I mean, if the words Palomar, Fresh Fish, Italian and Limited Access do not sell it to you, I do not know what will. But if you need more info let me tell you. Excellent mix of flavours, delicious menu of wine and super attentive staff.

When should you go? Anytime from now, really! They are open everyday except Sunday, from 5.30 til 11pm

Where is it exactly? 28 Rupert St, W1D 6DJ

Enjoy fellas, 

TCB xx

Adventures with Scully

Sorry guys, I am not talking about Dana Scully and a new sequel of the X-files, but rather about Chef Scully, former head chef at Ottolenghi's NOPI. YUM, THOUGH?

Scully Restaurant is the chef's first solo adventure, and let me tell you it is a good one; from the moment we you sit at the counter (envisioning everything you are about to indulge into), til you leave rolling yourself home. Because, believe me, you will. 

This has been by far my favorite culinary experience in 2018. Why? Let me tell you. 

For starters, the chef's mum is of Chinese and Indian descent, and his father’s Irish and Balinese. Not to mention his six years heading NOPI...I mean, you can imagine his dishes were anything but boring. And oh, oh, don't I love to be surprised...

Think of mix and match dishes, bold blend of ingredients, spices, great wine pairing, excellent customer service and the best and funniest cooks, not only catering each dish to extreme detail but also keeping you entertained while at it! If I were you, I would ditch the boring dining table and sit by the counter, that's where all the fun is at. 

What can you get? Our favourites definitely included the Puff Beef Tendons with Oyster Mayo (mouth watering just thinking about it) and the arepa as a starters, the octopus ragu (O-M-G) and the spiced goat shoulder as mains. Not to mention all their desserts...

When to go? Anytime for lunch (12-2,30pm) and dinner (5,30-10,30pm). We went for late dinner and it was a pretty spectacular show, tequilas included.

Where is it? Conveniently located in St James, right below Picadilly Circus. A little bit hidden in a little corner, more precisely in 4, St James Market. Nevertheless, the venue is lush and chic, matching it's food and ambiance. 

Expect to spend some dollah in here. Worth every penny, though. Yep, that good. 

TCB xx

At Luca Italians Do It Better

WHAT? Yes, you've heard it right. Italians do it better. Or rather british, really? Because Luca, it's a mixture of both. British produce and italian menu, BRITALIAN.

WHERE? Farringdon/ Clerkenwell area, more specifically: 88 St John St, Clerkenwell, London EC1M 4EH

WHEN? Anytime (except Sundays) between noon and 10,30pm. 

WHY? If you like home made italian classics with a british touch, this is certainly your place. The venue is the second restaurant of founders of The Clove's Club, kind of an institution in the foodie London scene. 

Many had high expectations, but to be honest, I was just happy to try a new restaurant, specially cause one of my friends was at the kitchen!

The venue itself is very cutting-edge, a modern restaurant with a vintage touch. Apparently, they are also setting up a courtyard for the summer, which I am really excited about. 

As for the food: certainly mouth-watering. We kick-started with some bubbles while waiting for our starters, which included the infamous parmesan fries, scallops with smashed wasabi peas and octopus. YUM!? We also shared our mains as we were to excited to try as many dishes as possible. Fresh pasta is always a winner and therefore my favourite main was probably the vegetarian lasagna, along with the steak tartare. Dessert followed with a delicious tiramisu paired with an amaretto on the rocks.

All in all a 'must try' if you are around the area, certainly.

10 Greek St for Soho Food Lovers

Hello Foodie Monsters, How You've Been? 2017 has started strong and I've been to few places you definitely need to know. But all in good time. So far, my favourite discovery this year has to be 10 Greek St.

Why? Because it combines all the things I like: great customer service, a counter bar (where you can chat with the chef & cooks), and generous-size dishes. All delicious, needless to say.

Where is it? It’s on 10 Greek St, as the name says. Ha!

What do you get there? Well, that’s up to you. It is all Mediterranean food with a British touch, I would say. Good thing is, they have a daily menu and its all seasonal, which makes all dishes very fresh and ridiculously yum. 

Teaser - Our Menu for 2 people:
For starters we had padron peppers, fried squid and burrata. 
Mains included sea bream, runner beans, peperonata & brown shrimp and a pasta dish with the freshest asparagus, egg and parmesan (SERIOUSLY DELISH)
And of course, TCB wouldn’t leave without at least trying one of their deserts. This time we tried their chocolate cake with salted caramel icecream. I am not a big fan of chocolate puddings but this one was to die for.

The bill turned up to be veery decent, around £30-£40 with a couple of wine glasses - More than reasonable for everything that we got, if you ask me.

All in all, a 10/10 restaurant in the heart of Soho. Don’t miss out!

Happy Meal Babies, 

TCB xx

King Balthazar

Ever wondered where to go for a good quick bite around soho? Cause I certainly have. 

You all know this is probably one of my favourite neighbourhood and therefore I hang out a lot around the area. That leaves me always questioning myself about where should I go for a sweet treat where I am not going to be ripped off. BINGO! Balthazar. 

I've heard their brunch menu is off the charts, though I haven't got my hands around it just yet. I have been at their café-boulangerie, however, and that was REALLY good.  

French patisserie with an english touch and at very decent prices AND by Covent Garden Market. I mean, what else could you ask for? 

TCB xx

Let's Be Barbarians

Let's Be Barbarians. If that's what it takes to indulge into these treats, you can count me IN.

I can honestly say that this is THE best restaurant I've been since I moved to London two years ago. Discovered by luck while passing Neals Yard Place with a dearest friend, we first saw The Barbary due to its loud music pimping us in.

The set up of this place is fantastic: a cozy little restaurant with only 24 seats for the lucky guests who will make it that day for either lunch or dinner.

There are no proper tables but a dining area set deli-style (eating by the counter), which I particularly love. The idea here is to share, and to share everything, even who you sit with! Some may not like the idea but I think that interacting with the amazing cooking team while they prepare your Middle-Eastern (with Mediterranean and/or North African twist) delicacies is great.

Every little dish we tried was an explosion of flavors, but if I had to choose my dream meal here, I'd say the following:  Arayes, a pita bread sandwich with minced lamb and lots of spices, and the Jerusalem bagel with some dips as a starter. If you are a veggie lover, then definitely try the aubergine and the cauliflower Jaffa as some of your mains; and if you are a meat lover, you REALLY need to try Pata Negra. You'll die of pleasure. 

As usual, we were last finishing our meal, but thanks to that we got to talk to the friendly peeps working there, even Chef Navob, owner this terrific place, was there for the first opening weeks. He totally got us into trying desert even though we were quite full, but man oh man was he right to force us...

The hash cake is meant to be the star of the menu but I particularly liked the Knafeh better, a cheese pastry soaked in sweet, sugar-based syrup. NOM.

In any case, I think I made myself pretty clear here, but if you haven't got why you should try this place out yet, I'll summarize it for you: BEST Food (though minimal selection of drinks, for those who need them), BEST ambiance, BEST music, and of course, BEST service!

My motto is to never repeat restaurants, and I've been here twice in the last month.

What is it this place called again? The Barbary, Palomar's little sister.

Where is it? 16 Neal's Yard Place, WC2H 9DP

When should you go? Tuesday to Sundays from 12,30 to 3,30pm and from 5 til 10pm. You may be put off by the long cue, and even more so since you can't have a drink until you are by the bar counter. But, my friend, don't despair! If you hate q's just try to make it for lunch or have an early dinner or rather quite a late one.

YES, YES, YES. I am hooked to this place, but so will you once you try it.

TCB x

P.S.: As I was very into my food, I kinda forgot to take many pictures (oops!). The gallery you see here today is a mixture of my own pics and some taken from my google research. Thank you to those who remember to take such fantastic shots!