The Restaurant

A unique window of a Vietnamese restaurant.  No photos of the dishes or plastic recreations, instead these charming characters.

A Real Diner

Like many of my new discoveries this one was as a result of walking in the wrong direction.  So glad I did.  Is this a wee find or what?  I'll be back to report on the food very soon.

Taking a Break

Lunch is finished time to take a break before preparing for dinner.  Do you see this sight outside restaurants and hotels in your town?

The Bill Please

Or if you are American, "the check please".  I love the novel ways different places bring you that piece of paper that tells you what you have to pay at the end of the meal. Mine was brought inside the apple with the bite out of it.  I am interested in what the request is in your country.  Tell me what you ask for.  And what is the most novel way you have been brought "the bill please".

Dreaming of Greece

He was promoting a Greek Restaurant in the area, but I couldn't help but think he was probably wishing he was lying on one of those beautiful Greek beaches with sun beating down on him rather than London sleet.

Dining at the Cumberland Hotel

The other evening I went out with about 40 other London bloggers courtesy of the Cumberland Hotel. Located literally a stone’s throw from Marble Arch this stylish hotel was reportedly the last hotel that Jimmy Hendrix ever stayed in, and they even have a room named after him, but we weren’t there for that. They also have a Patrón Bar which specialises in a large range of tequila based cocktails, but we weren’t there for that either. We were all there for dinner. We had canapés and bubbles to start and then a 4 course meal, introduced by chef Darrel Wilde.

Dinner featured some of head chef Paul Welburn's signature dishes. Mostly seasonal European takes on traditional British cuisine like pear, roquefort and chicory salad with candied walnuts and a port and walnut dressing which was a lovely dish that exhibited all the care and attention that had gone into it. We finished up with a very nice desert called “Bramble plate” and followed that with petit fours and coffee. Then we got to look into the kitchen. The fun didn’t even end there – we were all then given goodie bags (just like the celebrities get) to take home. So that’s my friend’s birthday present sorted!!

The Cumberland hotel is a welcome, serene and very comfortable getaway from the madness of Oxford St at any time of day or night.  Drop in some time.  Take a look at their Valentine's Day menu.

Naamyaa

My latest favourite place to eat is Naamyaa Cafe, in St John Street, Islington.  A partnership between the two maestros of Asian Cuisine. Alan Yau who brought us Wagamama, Yauacha, and Hakkasan, and David Thompson world renown Thai food expert and all round nice guy.

This is not their first venture together, an earlier and very successful venture was Busaba Eathai in 1999. 
 
The food at Naamya is offered as small plates or set dishes.  It's Thai food as you will know it from Thailand not Waitrose!!  And (cleverly in my opinion anyway) if one of your party simply can't dine out without it being a burger, or hot dog and chips, they have a couple of great (and from what I have seen greatly enjoyed) options on the menu.

Rules .... of Maiden Lane

Londons oldest restaurant Rules was established by Thomas Rule in 1798. Entering this establishment is like stepping back in time through the door to a gentlemans club. Their menu is very traditional English food with oysters, pies and puddings on offer. They specialise in game, most of it sourced from their very own Estate "Rules at Lartington Hall Park" in the high Pennines.

Chariot

Spotted outside 'My Big Fat Greek' restaurant at Elephant and Castle.

Halloween Japanese Style

Shibuya Restaurant getting into the spirit of halloween.

Chinese Dinner

Restaurant window in China Town

Puppets

Dozens of puppets hang from the ceiling in an Indian restaurant in Soho. So bright and cheerful.