Arctic Monkeys

I doubt these guys need an introduction as, quoting my boss, "even Gordon Brown knows who the Arctic Monkeys are". What is also true is that their latest album - AM - got them to another level in rock'n'roll and they've come over the top with countless awards and a world tour that filled arenas for good part of 2013 and 2014.

Arctic Monkeys was the first band that recall enjoying like crazy not long after moving to the UK. The audience just goes mental for as long as they're playing and I definitely love an insane audience

Not long after the AM album came out, I spent a whole week in Amsterdam with my friend Guio listening to it over and over again, I was so in love with Alex that I couldn't wait to see Arctic Monkeys live again.

Thanks to an amazing girl called Louise, I got a chance to see them at their last visit in Finsbury Park and I had a great night. Do never hesitate to see them playing live.

And if you get a chance to meet Alex, please tell him that I am in owe.

DETAILS:
Finsbury Park - http://www.haringey.gov.uk/finsburypark 

Arctic Monkeys - www.arcticmonkeys.com - www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpOSxM0rNPM

  

Zorita's Kitchen

 

It's been one week and one day and I've spent the whole time wondering: why didn't I come I here before?  I'm not going to wonder anymore and simply show up when the sun shines.

This is yet another Spanish restaurant where you can enjoy Spanish beer or wine whilst admiring the Tate Modern, the runners preparing for the next race and the executives from the City having a strall after work - as if they ever did that.

Please come round and enjoy a great selection of cured meats ("cecina" is a must), cheeses, salads and "tostas".  Zorita's Kitchen also has a shop where you can purchase wine to stock up your cellar at home - I don't have a cellar but my drinks cupboard is now full of excellent Ribera del Duero.

 DETAILS:
Zorita's Kitchen - www.the-haciendas.com/zoritas-kitchen/london.php - Broken Wharf House, 2 Broken Wharf, London EC4V 3DT

Pasha

Let me introduce you to Pasha, one of the many excellent restaurants in Upper St (Islington). I love spending time in this area of London, and the day after Arsenal won the 2014 FA Cup I couldn't be anywhere else. 

This little Turkish restaurant, offers great Mediterranean food for a great price. They have a lunch menu even on the weekends including 2 dishes for less than £20. My main reason for coming here, however, is because they're always open for business, from 10pm dinner on a Friday or to a 5pm lunch on a Sunday.

There is nothing pretentious about Pasha - probably it's one of the main reasons why I love it - but when you have the highest quality and attitude, experience and ingredients, why would you need to pretend?

DETAILS:
Pasha - www.pashaislington.co.uk/ - 301 Upper St, London N1 2TU

Bam-bou

If you are walking down Charlotte St you will directly land at Bam-bou in 1 Percy St. This is one of the many perfect spots of London, where you can take a date, go dine with a large group of friends in one of their private rooms or have a business meal - I've done all of the above. 

The main dining room is on the ground floor, there is another dining room (a bit more laid back as it includes a bar) on the first floor; on the third floor there are a couple of smaller rooms ideal for a bigger parties - it looks like you're dining in your own house - and if you make it all the way to the top you'll hit the Red Bar with a great variety of excellently made cocktails.

The food is also quite divine, as you would expect in any other of the Caprice Group restaurants, defined as Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai. By now, I might have tried most of the dishes, and I can confirm that everything is good, really good (within my favourite's the prawn dumplings and the peppered beef).

Make sure that you save some energy to make it to the top floor bar after dinner for a drink or 2, in order to have a night with a cherry on top.

DETAILS:
Bam-bou - www.bam-bou.co.uk/ - 1 Percy St, London W1T 1DB
Caprice Group - www.caprice-holdings.co.uk/

Meat Mission

Brought to you by the same owners as Meat Liquor and Meat People, now open in Shoreditch and offering incredible burgers and out-of-this-world chicken wings. They do home delivery tooif you happen (meaning you are lucky) to live near by - we took our "gourmet club" friends a few weeks ago and since then, Meat Mission's number is in their speed dial.

There is always a good vibe, and there is a DJ booth, so evenings will turn messy - good messy, of course. They serve you the pints in garrafes - in 2s or 3s - and their cocktails' list is so yummy that I'd like to try everything from start to end.

Anyway, you should come here for the big tray of amazing food which will definitely raise your happiness levels :-D

DETAILS:
Meat Mission - www.meatmission.com/ - 15 Hoxton Market, London N1 6HG

The Engineer - Primrose Hill

I don't think the fact that I love pubs will come as a surprise to anyone, but who doesn't? In case you still hesitate, imagine a pub in Primrose Hill, including a beer garden, really friendly staff, a well stocked bar (including cocktails), and mouthwatering food, are you in love now?

In this pub I celebrated my first birthday in London, I met the General Manager of Liverpool football club, I got into a fight with a snob guy, I hung out with Jim Sturgess, I had lunch with my brother before he moved to the States (and go back every time he visits), I also said goodbye to Kevin before he left for Ireland, I took most of the friends who visited the city, and I ate Sunday roast with my dad in his last visit to town... there are countless great memories from this place even if the details were forgotten long before leaving the place.

I love this place!

DETAILS:
The Engineer - www.theengineerprimrosehill.co.uk/ - 65 Gloucester Ave, London NW1 8JH

Maroush

It's no secret that kebabs are the late night deal, something to get into the stomach once one might have had one drink too many. I'm sure everyone has at least once queued in a kebab shop at a random time of night on the way home - and potentially regretted that stop the following morning.

Maroush is an exception to the rule, and it's definitely far from a kebab shop. Maroush offers amazing Lebanese food served until early hours of the following day and if you make it before 1am, you can enjoy kebab & beer.

The light from the fake torch lights in the facade will guide you to the place run by guys who look like agents of the Lebanese secret service. The food inside, served at any time of the day and long hours during the night, also gets delivered home if you live near enough (and have the patience to wait for it).

DETAILS:
Maroush - www.maroush.com/ - 4 Vere St, London W1G 0DH

Sacred

Half way between the crowds of Regents and Carnaby street there is a little oasis, a sacred place to disconnect from the crowds, where sacred conversations happen. A sacred friend brought me here for the first time a while back, and since then when we need it, we come back for sacred coffee (for him), tea (for me) and a pick among the sacred cakes and muffins.

A few months ago, Bea came to live in London, and we took her to the sacred place. She fell in love with Sacred and now she frequently craves for sacred coffee, tea, cakes and conversation.

DETAILS:
Sacred Cafe - www.sacredcafe.co.uk - 13 Ganton St, London W1F 9BL

Lima

Following the recommendation of some Spanish friends who have been living in Peru for a long while, I came to have dinner at Lima not long after it opened and I was  amused by every bite I took. I'm not going to deny that I had knocked down a couple of pisco sours in the bar downstairs before dinner, which everyone knows makes your palate exquisite.

Lima is located at the end of Charlotte St and before getting into the hassle of Oxford St. As you would understand given the location and the fact that the restaurant is small, you will need to book a table in advance. 

The menu is not very long, which in a way is helpful so you don’t go crazy trying to decide what to order, but you will see a sample of the main proteins (pork, lamb, beef and a choice of fish). I will advice you to share so you get a chance to try more things. My recommendation is that you don't miss the Sea Bream ceviche (with Tiger’s milk #obvs), the suckling pig and the beef Pachamanca – and whilst you decide make sure that you have a pisco sour – or a Cuento del Diablo.

DETAILS:
Lima - http://www.limalondon.com/ - 31 Rathbone Place, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 1JH

Beach Blanket Babylon

Beach Blanket and Babylon is a pretty place where pretty people meet. I've always found it a bit overrated but I can't deny that it's actually pretty and I get fascinated by the decor and the people who hung out there. My main purpose for visiting the place, other than people watching, is the long list of varied - and well made - cocktails that they have. On Saturdays they also have a DJ playing some tunes to the pretty crowd.

However, I also like to come here for a late lunch when visiting Portobello Rd - the menu is not long but it has a bit of everything to satisfy all the palates - pasta, salads, fish, burger, schnitzel - as it's three blocks away from the crowds visiting the market so you're in a safe place (and with pretty people!).

If you, however, want to visit the restaurant at "peak time" make sure you have a reservation, even if it's just for drinks. The place gets packed with pretty people over the weekend.

DETAILS:
Beach Blanket Babylon - www.beachblanket.co.uk - 45 Ledbury Road, London W11 2AA / 19-23 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA

Hispania

This is my favourite Spanish restaurant in the city, and actually located in The City. It's not only about the food, although the food is amazing, but also because the building is beautiful, and the ambiance they've managed to create makes you feel like home! - the staff who couldn't be friendlier or more helpful.

I was introduced to it by my sister's father in law last summer - a bit of a long story -, and since then I've been plenty of times and it's always been amazeballs. The place is usually busy so I recommend that you book a table, as even if there is a bar area it tends to be packed.

You shouldn't miss the "croquetas de compango" (or the "croquetas de cecina"), the tuna tartare, and the "arroz negro" (black rice) - it is so yummy! I will always include the Padron peppers because I absolutely adore them.

I must warn you that the amount showing at the bottom of your bill will be not be low, but I can assure you that you will have a superb experience - and you can't take your boss or the in laws, they will fall in love with you - if they haven't already.

DETAILS:
Hispania - www.hispanialondon.com/‎ - 72-74 Lombard St, London, Greater London EC3V 9AY

The Fray

This is the second time that I've seen The Fray live, and it's the second time that I happen to be with them in a confined space enjoying their music; just as if they were playing at home. The same day that their new album Helios came out, it was presented at London's Scala - a really good venue because it's easy to get to as it's just off King's Cross and it's small enough to be able to stand close to the stage.

There is something always really special when seeing a band for the first time but it's also incredible when you see them in a small venue. I fell in love with them, yet again especially with Joe.

Even if they're best known for their slow songs as "Cable Car (over my head)" and "How to Save a Life", I leave you the link to their new single of the last album that has a higher beat and you will be driven to put on your cowboy boots. Love Don't Die!

 

DETAILS:
The Fray - www.thefray.com/‎ - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WptxUWvrINQ
Scala - www.scala-london.co.uk - 275 Pentonville Rd, London N1 9NL 

Mestizo

I love Mexico, their food and tequila (even if the following day it might feel not such a good idea). So imagine how happy I am living just 2 blocks from one of the best Mexican restaurants in London. Maybe it's not too cool for school but the food is just glorious.

Always start with the guacamole -you can never get enough guacamole- and then with some panuchos and jaladas. Once you've eaten the starters and downed your first frozen margarita, you can jump into the serious stuff: the taco tray. Just be bear in mind that you can do a lot of tacos, so just place 2 orders for 4 people - my favourite meats for the tray are alambre and pastor, but anything is good. I never miss the quesadillas with huitlacoche, and for the more adventurous I'd suggest the enchiladas con mole. Yes, that's a lot of food, hence you'll need the tequila flowing.

If you're in the hood or you crave for real Mexican food, you must pay a vist. Viva Zapata!

DETAILS:
Mestizo - london.mestizomx.com/‎ - 103 Hampstead Rd, London NW1 3EL

Tom's Kitchen

The ethos of Tom’s Kitchen is simple: use the very best seasonal and locally sourced ingredients wherever possible

Tom Aikens is the chef behind the idea of Tom'w Kitchen, a place where you'll find a menu varied enough to include something that everyone will like - meat, fish, pasta, salads -; as per their ethos, the source of the produce is all organic and natural and that's what I will call "a recipe for success". The portions are not specially big so sides are recommended, especially the truffle and Parmesan chips - those are to die for! The Tom's Kitchen branch in Somerset House is one of my favourite places for a Sunday brunch - amazing eggs benedict - and you can always catch an exhibit afterwards.

The service is usually really good as they believe that "food is much more than just fuel to sustain. It is food as culture, food that breaks down barriers, and food that brings people together". So get your family and/or friends together and enjoy! 


DETAILS:
Tom's Kitchen - www.tomskitchen.co.uk/ - Somerset House, London WC2R 1LA

Dabbous

Apparently, it is (or was) very difficult to get a table in this restaurant considered as a place to be - and be seen - in the central London night. When a friend offered his booking whilst out of town for business, we couldn't turn it down.

In Dabbous you get offered a set menu created by a trendy chef, so you should incline to get it - even if you have a la carte menu, this is just a shorter version of the set menu. That said you will have to agree with all your party because the set menu is only served to the full table.

I'm not going to enter in the description of the seven dishes that we had because you can read that on the picture at the top - or on their website (better this second option as the menu probably changes with some sort of frequency); to this date I haven't really made an opinion of the place - well, I liked the place, the atmosphere and the formality of the staff whilst wearing casual clothes.

It was 5 of us having dinner and we debated about the food for a while when we finished but the only common agreement we got to is that we didn't love it. So unfortunately not worth the visit; for the money you pay you can have much better food in many restaurants in London.

P.S. One good thing about the restaurant is the location because it's just around the corner from the LCC of Goodge St that is a guaranteed place for drunkenness and hence loads of fun!

DETAILS:
Dabbous - www.dabbous.co.uk/‎ - 39 Whitfield St, London WIT 2SF
London Cocktail Club - www.londoncocktailclub.co.uk/ - ‎61 Goodge St, London W1T 1TL

Yalla Yalla

In a rainy early night on a Friday I walked with my friend Hari into this little place right off Oxford Street looking forward to a nice Lebanese dinner - so long waited given all the attention the place has received lately.

There is a quite long list of mezzes, which are great to share and gives you the opportunity to try different things - they all looked and smell yummy - and you also have really appealing mains for the ones who are not keen to share.

We decided to share and we got the traditional hummus, babbaganoush, sawda djej, halloumi, makale samak and arayes before getting baklava for dessert - with fresh mint tea to help with the digestion.  It was all really good and tasty so for me the better choice as it was the first time. Having said that, the chicken shawarma that the guy in the next table got looked lush! 

Yalla Yalla is a great place for a quick bite - the name of the restaurant translates to "hurry up" - but bear in mind that the place is small and they don't do bookings. For the wait I recommend the Turkish Delight martini.

DETAILS:
Yalla Yalla - www.yalla-yalla.co.uk/‎ - 12 Winsley St, London W1W 8HQ / 1 Green's Court, London W1F 0HA

Blackfoot

Blackfoot (Pata Negra) is the Spanish term to identify and classify the pork of the best quality. This is one of the many restaurants around Exmouth Market really worth visiting.

The establishment is small and simple; the food is quite amazing, my mouth is actually watering as I recall it, and the staff is very friendly so all the ingredients for a perfect afternoon. Given the name, all of the dishes are pork-based. I recommend you try the presa although the ribs were really yummy too. 

Exmouth Market is a place of London that I really like and it might be because every time I come about, I have a good time. Here you can find one of the best pizzas in London, a bar to play foosball, a great place for brunch, a tapas place and ... the possibilities are unlimited - or technically limited to the number of actual establishments in the row.  

The visit is highly recommended so make sure that you book to avoid disappointments!

DETAILS:
Blackfoot - blackfootrestaurant.co.uk/ - 46 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QE
Exmouth Market - www.exmouth-market.com/‎

Woburn

Sunny weekend forecasted before all the floods started happening – or maybe in the middle of all of them – so we decided to make a trip to the North of London and visit our friends living in Buckinghamshire – this sounds way much better than simply saying that they live in Milton Keynes. Woburn is a village within 15 minutes of Milton Keynes, where there are a few amazing restaurants – of course a Sunday out for lunch needed to include a Sunday roast.

The Black Horse is one of this good pubs in Woburn full of locals wearing wellis and carrying their dogs. Decent choice of beers, and quite good menu for the Roast, although the beef was finished by the time we sat for lunch, and it was a bit disappointing.  

Nevertheless, Sunday roast in a pub in the country side with good friends is always a great time!

DETAILS:
The Black Horse - www.blackhorsewoburn.co.uk/‎ - 1 Bedford St, Woburn, Milton Keynes MK17 9QB
Woburn - http://www.woburnvillage.co.uk/

La Bodega Negra

La Bodega Negra is a cool place to go in London but you need to make reservations way ahead in order to be able to get in. In Soho, almost on the Chancery Lane end, look for a sex shop - the only one on that end of the road!

The restaurant is downstairs, and it's dark but the music is busting so you will like it from the start - if you like dark and loud that is. The food is quite good - and I have one of the best Mexican restaurants in London next to my house, so I know what I'm talking about - don't miss the tacos and leave room for the churros with chili chocolate for dessert.

La Bodega Negra is a fun place for a night out - we had an amazing girl's night out - but I also recommended it for a friend on her anniversary and they had a great time.

Watch out for the celebs...

DETAILS:
Lima - www.limalondon.com/‎ - 31 Rathbone Pl, London W1T 1JH
La Bodega Negra - labodeganegra.com/‎ - 16 Moor St, London W1D 5NH

Borough or Bermondsey?

Three weeks ago my parents came to London for a few days and even if they've been here plenty of times - oddly enough less so since I live here - they had never been to Borough Market.

Borough Market has become a place to meet and greet on Saturday. I actually like the area and the market, which sells anything and everything and the produce is amazing. If you are able to organise your day and don't mind eating in the street, the supply of dishes from the world is really broad. Also, there are a few really nice pubs around the market where you can have a drink or two.

A bit farther east you have Bermondsey St. If you're a bit adventurous, I'll suggest that you check it out as it's has a number of really nice restaurants to enjoy different types of food avoiding the herds of tourists from Borough. If I had to recommend one it will be Jose (Spanish and with a review already in the blog) and The Garrison Public House (better make a booking).

 

DETAILS:
Borough Market -  boroughmarket.org.uk - 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL
Bermondsey Street -www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/bermondsey-area-guide-1 - SE1 3UW