restaurant review: ceviche

In the midst of buzzing Soho, Ceviche opens its doors and welcomes you. Stepping inside, you are immediately taken with the bright colours on each wall, the people laughing and talking and the background music playing melodic beats. The husband and I checked out this new restaurant before my trip to the US and as soon as we stepped inside knew we were in for a good night.

Ceviche is already known for two things, firstly their ceviche and secondly their Pisco bar, apparently the first in London. I am happy to report, that this vibrant restaurant does both these things exceedingly well. The menu is tapas sized which I love as it means you get to try more of everything - and try most of everything we did!

The Don Ceviche, beautifully marinated chunks of Seabass served in an amarillo chilli tigers milk with lime and and red onion is a classic with the fish melting in your mouth whilst fresh lime and zingy chilli mingles in every bite.

The Sakura Maru is the opposite, subtly flavoured with soy and mirin, thin slices of rich, fatty salmon is cut with just a hint of lime.

We also tried a selection of their anticuchos or grilled skewers. Grilled octopus was smokey and tender served with a 'lick the bottom of the bowl' olive sauce. And the husband managed to persuade me to try the beef heart - and yes it is actually heart - marinated in chilli sauce and thinly sliced before being grilled on the skewers it was delicious!

Cocktails were exceptional and at between £6-£8 a pop worth the price. The Pisco Sour was perfect, a wonderfully balanced Pisco, sugar syrup and lime concoction topped with just the right amount of bitters. But the Soho...wowzers. By far my favourite, this mix of chilli infused Pisco, elderflower, cucumber, lime and black pepper was both surprising and refreshing. It was so good it was hard not to gulp it back.

I can't see how this restaurant won't immediately be popular in London, it's fresh and different and most importantly, very, very good. You can book a table in the back (yay!) but also sit at the bar up front. Definitely a place to check out.

Ceviche, 17 Firth Street, London W1D 4RG

restaurant review: pitt cue co

I LOVE me some deep southern BBQ and it's something that has traditionally been hard to find in London. In the past year however, there seem to be a rash of new food trucks and restaurants that are filling this gap in the market and Pitt Cue Co is definitely one of the best.

What started as a food truck under Hungerford Bridge in the Southbank has recently opened as a small (read: tiny!) but perfectly formed restaurant in Soho. There are only three dishes to choose from, pulled pork, beef brisket and ribs and an equally edited list of sides, baked beans with smokey bacon, mashed potato served in a mason jar, an excellent selection of pickled veg, but each item is perfect. Washing down the food with Pitt Cue's famous pickleback - a shot each of pickle juice and bourbon and your life will be complete.

This is another no reservation place, so get there early and expect to queue (likely outside), but once you are in, enjoy. This is BBQ like you've never tasted before.

Pitt Cue Co, 1 Newburgh Street, London W1

restaurant review: meat liquor

Deary me. These are some amazing burgers. The husband and I were lucky enough to check out the latest American style burger joint to hit London, Meat Liquor, last weekend and It.Was.Excellent. Dark and dirty, the cocktails were strong, the buffalo wings spicy and the burgers seriously some of the best I've had in London. There is a no reservation policy and when it gets busy it's one in/one out but definitely get yourself in town to check this place out. Amazing.

Meat Liquor, Henrietta & Welbeck, London W1G 0BA

paramount

One thing I’ve always loved about London is its constant ability to surprise me. And as someone who usually scoffs at a night out near Tottenham Court Road, I have recently been introduced to Paramount, a gem of a bar located there.

Paramount used to be a members only club, but is now open to the public on a reservation basis only. Located on the 32^nd floor of the otherwise non descript concrete block that is Centre Point, it’s art deco styling, unparalleled 360 views on London and extensive cocktail list make it a special find.

I would suggest going just before sunset to take advantage of the spectacular views of London both before and after dark. And there is a restaurant downstairs if you are looking for something more substantial than drinks. For those brave enough to try, there is also a half bottle of Absinthe on offer, served in the traditional fountain.

Definitely a place to go on a special night out.

Paramount, Centre Point, 101-103 New Oxford Street, London WC1A 1DD

restaurant review: modern pantry

Have you been to The Modern Pantry? Situated in a pretty townhouse at the back of St John’s Square in Clerkenwell, this restaurant has quickly become one of my favourites. I actually feel a bit slow to the mark as the restaurant originally opened in 2009! But alas, I only learned about it this summer when I bought their exquisite cookbook. The recipes I’ve tried so far are delicious and I’ve been intrigued by the eclectic and at times bizarre mix of Asian and Mexican ingredients they suggest.

At dinner, I started with a dish I’d seen in the cookbook but have yet to find the courage to make myself, salmon sashimi with truffled mustard seed and yuzo dressing. The sashimi was excellent, the truffle giving an earthly balance to the bite of the yuzo dressing. My fabulous partner in crime indulged himself with a think and creamy bowl of mushroom soup topped with a dollop of spiced yogurt and a selection of wild mushrooms.  I didn’t taste the soup but as there was nothing left, I assume no complaints!

For mains we ordered a starter portion of crispy lamb served with pickled beetroots. Cubes of lamb cutlets were breaded and deep fried creating a mouthful of oozy deliciousness whilst the tartness of the beetroot cut beautifully though the fatty lamb. The second main was a simple risotto made special by the Filo baked ball of mozzarella nestled on top.

The Modern Pantry offers a wonderful selection of wine by the glass and they include pairing suggestions on the menu which allowed us to taste a variety of wines instead of being stuck with a single bottle.

Sadly, neither of us had room for desserts but as the menu changes regularly, I will definitely be back to try one next time.

The ModernPantry, 47-48 St John’s Square, Clerkenwell, London EC1V 4JJ

Images from The Modern Pantry

the minotaur

The Old Vic Tunnels have done it again! In what’s sure to be a spectacular event, Lazarides Gallery Group will be using the atmospheric underground venue for both an exhibition and dining experience for three weeks in Oct.


Called The Minotaur, the exhibition will feature an eclectic group of international artists each presenting their own interpretation of the classic Greek myth. The dining experience, which will offer two seatings a night, features a three course meal created by three Michelin starred chefs, including my favourite Nuno Mendes of Viajante.

Whilst tickets for the dining experience are pricy at £75 each, tickets to the exhibition are available for £5 each and also give you access to the bar. I have to say, it sounds like something I don’t want to miss!

The Minotaur, Old Vic Tunnels, London SE1

All images from The Minotaur

restaurant review: sushi of shiori

There is good sushi. And then there is good sushi. I'm talking about melt in your mouth deliciousness, tender pieces of subtly flavoured fish, each bite a beautifully balanced explosion of taste and texture. Sushi of Shior is good sushi.

Down a small road opposite Euston Station, this tiny (seating only 7) restaurant is well worth a visit. They will create a tasting menu to fit your budget, and whilst it's not cheap, I'm sure you'll find the food is totally worth it.

starter

sashimi course

nigiri course

We had a starter of cold fish balls (so much better than they sound!) and warm tofu with a sweet caramelised top. Our sashimi course had the expected salmon and tuna, but also included razor clam, horse mackerel and squid. And most amazing was the nigiri which exceeded all expectations. With a tiny paint brush used to apply the perfect amount of soy sauce, each piece of fish was topped with a delectable and unexpected flavour. From truffle, to okra, plum sauce and green onion each bite was an amazing surprise.

Make sure you book and savour each bite.

Sushi of Shiori, 144 Drummond Street, London NW1 2PA

brunch review: st. ali

Friends, meet Christian. He is the super friendly and incredibly knowledgeable barista at St Ali. 

Originally from Australia, St Ali has is one of the newest coffee shops in London. Here you will get freshly roasted coffee beans, hot and cold presses and amazing brunch. These are just some of the beautiful cold presses they have on display. Aren't the gorgeous?

I went with a sizeable group of girls and was therefore able to taste a large amount of the dishes available. I am happy to report that all were stupendous! Highlights included crispy corn fritters served with grilled haloumi as well as a healthy portion of banana bread topped with coffee mascarpone and crunchy cinnamon twirls. A perfectly poached egg with oak-smoked salmon and a pumpkin scone was delicious and kippers served with amazing baked beans sprinkled with feta cheese just perfect.

The space is lovely to look at too. Open brick work, a vibrant green living wall of plants and a clear glass wall that lets you see what both the kitchen and coffee roasters are up too. St Ali is definitely worth a visit!

St Ali, 27 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1

restaurant: north road

People. I have eaten at some pretty tasty restaurants in my time, but the experience the husband and I had at North Road was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Six dishes of exquisite composition, flavour and texture, the meal we shared is not something I will soon forget.

Led by Danish head chef Christoffer Hruskova, North Road has already been recognized as one to watch for its innovative cusine and cooking styles. Trained at Noma, Hruskova has successfully implemented core principles of Nordic cooking into his dishes whilst maintaining distinctly British ingredients. His food comes with an amazing sense of lightness - there are no heavy sauces or grilled meats - instead meats are cooked sous-vide, vegetables are mainly left raw and seasoning takes the form of pickling or smoking instead of the more traditional salt and pepper. 

Starter of Lobster with Rose Petals

Beef Tartare with Duck Egg Yolk & Bone Marrow

Quail with Black Truffle and Onion Three Ways

Roe Deer Rolled in Hay Ash with Beets Two Ways

Burnt Cream with Fresh Flowers

 As you would expect, the menu changes along with the seasons. Dinner for two with wine was definitely pricey, but well worth it for something truly special, I will definitely be back.

North Road, 69-73 St. John Street, London, EC1M 4NJ

too many things, so little time

Is it just me, or does there seem to be a huge amount of fun, new places to check out in London?! Club nights, supper clubs, underground bars, the list is endless. Here are some of the places I'll be checking out this summer...

The Baby Bathhouse, 125 Church Street, N16

Recently opened in Stoke Newington is The Baby Bathhouse. Decorated with skeleton wallpaper and gilded birdcages, this bar promises prohibition era-style cocktails alongside classic American favourites like mac and cheese. Amazing? I hope so.

The Clove Club, Dalston

Private dining club, good food, good music and good fun. Yes?

The Candlelight Club, a secret location

A venue completely lit by candles, a 1920s speakeasy, a one-off bespoke cocktail menu...what more do you want?

restaurant: cay tre

If you've run the gamut of Vietnamese restaurants on Kingsland Road, you might have missed Cay Tre - successfully located off the main drag on Old Street, it pulls action from Hoxton Sq and has built its reputation based on the super stellar food.


Surprisingly, they have recently opened a brand new restaurant in uber snazzy Soho and after my meal last week, I'm sure it will be just as successful as it's East London sibling.


Vietnamese food is about fresh flavours and exciting combinations and Cay Tre delivers on both. I went with a group of hungry girls so therefore able to try a vast amount of food. Highlights included the gỏi cuốn  - spring rolls bursting with mint, prawns and coriander and cà tím nướng - delicious grilled aubergine topped with ground pork and a tangy sweet and sour sauce. Anyone who visits has to try the Mekong catfish - made to order table-side, it's full of dill, peanuts and noodles and a surprise favourite was the curried soft shell crab, an unctuous dish that oozed flavour with every bite of crunchy crab.


The service was good, the wine list reasonable and I've been told they will soon be serving cocktails. Definitely not a place to miss.


Cay Tre Soho, 42 Dean Street, London, W1D 4PZ

restaurant: riding house cafe

When you're shopping in town, are fed up with the crowds and just want to sit down to a nice glass of wine and light snack, where do you go? If like me, you've struggled to find the perfect spot, you'll love the Riding House Cafe.

The decor is spot on; a big warehouse like space that is dominated by a huge bar and a long communal table on the right whilst on the left is a smaller space full of cozy, bright orange banquettes. The menu is interesting - they have small, medium and large tasting plates, the normal selection of classic mains you'd expect to find and as an added plus, they do brunch! There is a more than decent selection of wines by the glass and the cocktail list is full of interesting sounding concoctions. 

I've been lucky enough to try out their food on three separate occasions over the last few weeks and let me tell you, it's worth checking out.

cured sea trout, jalapeno, creme fraiche

chicory, pear, radish, gorgonzola

And for brunch...

chorizo hash browns, mushrooms, poached egg

eggs hussard - ox heart tomato, ham, spinach, hollandaise sauce

Riding House Cafe, 43-41 Great Titchfield St, London W1W 7PQ

restaurant: nopi

the bathroom!

Hello friends, how excited are you for the long weekend?! I know most people are heading out of town, but if you’re staying in London, I would definitely recommend Nopi, the newest and most luxurious of restaurants by famed chef Ottolenghi. The restaurant is stunning, all white and gold and flickering candle light. There is a dining area upstairs for small parties and communal tables downstairs that overlook the kitchen.

The menu is designed for sharing with our waitress suggesting two and three dishes each. The portions are generous but dishes can be quite pricey! They come out as they are made, so not necessarily in the order that you order them and the menu will change with the seasons – a great excuse for repeat visits.

Our first dish was seared scallops, pickled daikon & green apple – the caramelised sweetness of the grilled scallops contrasted nicely with the tart apple and picked daikon; it was followed by grilled mackerel filets, served with a Thai inspired coconut, mint & peanut salad. Our confit artichoke, faro, broadbeans and preserved lemon came next, it doesn’t say on the menu but it’s dotted with a melt in your mouth goats cheese and my goodness it was devine! A baked blu di pecora cheesecake was served chilled with a side salad of gorgeous greens & picked mushrooms. And I think they saved the best to last as our miso quail, red shallots grapes & ver juice was like nothing I’ve ever tasted. The quail was spatch-cocked and de-boned making it incredibly easy to eat and the grapes and ver juice tasted sweet…almost like candy. We barely had room for dessert, but went for the pineapple galette which wasn’t really a galette at all but a thin upside down tart served with a creamy coconut ice cream. All in all: heaven.

Nopi, 21-22 Warwick Street, London, W1B 5NE

restaurant: spuntino

Deary me people, have you been to Spuntino? This recently opened gem of a restaurant is definitely worth checking out. It's run by Russell Norman, whose other restaurants Polpo and Polpetto are equally exciting...but I've dined at both and it is this one that's something special. Maybe it's their nod to the deep South, maybe it's their ridiculously indulgent food, but this place just screams late night lounging on a hot summer's night.

It is a no phone and no reservations kind of place, which means you rock up and queue along a slim back bar. We ordered a perfectly quaffable flask of wine and munched on some tasty nuts while we waited. Once sat at their U shaped bar (there are no tables) we were promptly served a mug of popcorn from their very knowledgeable bar staff.

And the food! We started off with deep fried, breaded olives with a little anchovy stuffed inside that had melted into the olive leaving behind it's deep flavour. Instead of main courses we ordered a three side dishes. Soft shell crab was to die for, the mac & cheese some of the best I've ever tasted! A side salad of beets with ricotta and pistachio's helped cut through the richness of the other dishes. We were way too stuffed for dessert but the guys next to us ordered a peanut butter & jelly sandwich.Seriously, it doesn't get much better than that.

Spuntino, 61 Rupert Street, W1d 7PW

photos via Gourmet Chick