Caviar House and Prunier, London

Caviar House & Prunier is not an unfamiliar name. Well, not surprising really as their stores are spread out in many capitals and international airports around the world. We have tried their stores in Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport, Alsterhaus - Hamburg and the last one at Piccadilly - London. And we must admit, the quality of food served in all different places were consistent. Thumbs up!

On our last visit to Piccadilly store we had a plate of fresh oysters and afternoon tea. As expected the afternoon tea indeed all seafood except one with foie gras. We were unsure if those savouries go nicely with a cup of tea, but we tried it anyways. Result... Not too bad, but it would taste much better with a glass of chilled Chablis. We would not mind having it again... 

Caviar House & Prunier
161 Saint James Street, London W1V 9DF
Phone: +44 20 7408 2900
Website: https://www.caviarhouse-prunier.com/united-kingdom-store

La Perla - Cafe Pacifico Mexican Cantina, London

After a couple of days in a row indulging ourselves trying out different kind of food, what could be a better cure of a hang over but a spicy Mexican food?! Some of you might have answered 'Hot Indian Curry', we guessed... but we have done that the previous day. So, Mexican it is! Arriva!!

There are several Mexican restaurants in London, but chose this particular one as we have walked pass it sometime ago and the place was packed. So we got to try it!

Well, as we arrived literally minutes after the restaurant is open for business on hot Saturday noon, we were their first customers. Great, we had the privilege to choose the seat before the crowd start to arrive. We settled for a nice table at the back. 

As we enjoying chilled Corona and nibbling tortilla chips we wandered around the establishment. We admired the whole set up that is done it authentic Mexican cantina ideas packed with memorabilia and large selections of tequila. We had no idea there are so many of them have been produced!! Not that we wanted to try them one by one.. 

Kill or cure. Most people like to believe spicy food is the best cure of the hang over. Well... then we must be the followers of that believe. Despite some days we would prefer our home made spaghetti bolognaise. Not today though... Today we all up for Nachos with chorizo, Jalapenos poppers, Chicken Burrito, Chicken Enchiladas and not to be missed, Ocho Blanco Margaritas!!!

Presentation must be least concern to the people who run this restaurant, but the taste was not disappointing at all and the portions were extremely generous for the price they charge! And to us, the food was simply served the purpose, great ambiance and friendly staff. Although, we were actually expected to be welcomed by staff wearing Mexican sombreros which it did not happen... ah... maybe some other time.. 


La Perla 
28 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7JS
Phone: +44 20 7240 7400
Website: http://www.cafepacifico-laperla.com

The Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay, London

This was our first visit since last May yet the reception staff recognized us immediately. Nice to be remembered! And on top of that we always had great food and serviced as we expected. Not wasting more time we got down to food business. 

Starters. As we remembered that the portion of main courses served in this restaurant mostly rather generous, we decided to have the lightest starters available. So we chose half a dozen of oysters and English pea and broad bean salad with smoked rainbow trout. Oh, weren't they delicious and delightful! It went down very well with a good bottle of Bollinger Rose. The oysters were fresh, sweet and tasted of sea. And the salad, quickly blanched peas and beans so they're still crunchy and sweet tossed with sliced boiled new potatoes and light dressing really compliment the smoked trout. Perfect!!

Our tasted buds have been woken up at this point. We could not wait to get to the main courses. A whole lobster thermidor and trolley special of the day - pork loin with stuffing complete with apple sauce and jus... Who can resist that temptations??? We surely could not.. 

The lobster thermidor was cooked to perfection. We thought the best thermidor we ever had was the one from Caveau 30 in Cannes, but we must admit the one served at The Savoy Grill was better. That must tell us something... 

The pork was not disappointing either. Slightly dry but easily compensated by the jus, delicious stuffing and apple sauce, plus sauteed green beans and roast potatoes. We could not really complain, especially after we had a second help of stuffing.. 

We are not quite sure which correct order we should follow, cheese after dessert or the other way around. This time we had the british cheeses first with sliced apple and grapes and tawny port before the desserts, boozy glazed rum baba with vanilla chantilly and raspberry sorbet complete with sprinklers!! What a treat!!

As result, we could not move from the seat by the end of the meal. Fortunately we had a nice booth that give us plenty of room to expand while taking a slow sip of green tea. 

A must visit restaurant! The Savoy Grill is indeed located at the famous Savoy Hotel, but do not get cold feet to dine there,  you really get overall value for your money there. Good venue, good food and good service... What else you can ask for?? 

Book your table in advance as the restaurant get really busy most of the time and check out their daily trolley!! 

The Savoy Grill

Savoy Hotel, Strand, London WC2R 0EU

Phone: +44 20 7592 1600

Website: http://www.gordonramsay.com/thesavoygrill/

Al Hamra Lebanese Restaurant, London

An attractive, spacious and comfortable restaurant serves tasty and hearty Lebanese food but unfortunately comes with a very poor service. We did not notice it immediately though, as we did get some sort of service to start with before it faded away. 

Not quite familiar with Lebanese food, we felt making an order quite challenging. Unfortunately we were not in the brave mood to try things out. So we went for safe choices such as Hommos Beiruty, Sauteed Mushroom, Mekanek (Lamb sausages) and Farruje Musahab (Grilled boneless baby chicken). All of those we enjoyed with a bottle of Laurent Perrier Rose. Yummy!

There was nothing we can fault about the food we had at Al Hamra, there were all delicious and well presented. Not exactly a healthy choice but comforting. But the service was truly and utterly poor. Once the waiter opened the champagne and served first glass, nobody comes back to refill it, so we had to help ourselves. When we told them we have done with the meal, one waiter came to clear few plates and left the rest until we actually left the restaurant. We were not the only customers who got disappointed by the service. During the period of less than two hours while we were having our meal, we noticed the staff actually turned away seven customers! The staff forgot to put the order into the system of two customers who sat next to us and offered no apology when they decided to leave. Then a small group of three people left unattended at the entrance while the staff busy chatting with each other. And a couple sat down, read the menu and ready to order but nobody came around to take it. 

We could not stand anymore ignorance, we asked for the bill. That magically arrived very quick. On the bill stated that service charge is not included and we happened not to have an exact amount to pay so we paid more and expecting a change. We were amazed that the staff still had a cheek to keep the change without our consent and after all that poor service. 

We would not recommend this restaurant to anybody who expects a good time dining and enjoy a friendly service. But it will do for a quick meal. You decide... 

Al Hamra Lebanese Restaurant
31-33 Shepherd Market Mayfair, London W1J 7PT
Phone: +44 20 7493 1954
Website: http://www.alhamrarestaurant.co.uk/Total.html

Burger & Lobster, London

Half eleven in warm Monday morning and there were five people queueing already. This place got to be really special, we thought. No more excuses needed, we got ourselves a spot on the line. While trying to kill some time before the restaurant opens, we got our phone out and punch on Google to get more info about Burger & Lobster. Not a lot we could get on the web apart from reviews from people who have visited the place. The majority were happy with the food and value for money, but had to queue up for average 2-3 hours before they got themselves a table. We count ourselves lucky not having to wait that long then..

12 noon.. Burger & Lobster is open for business! Everybody rushed in. We were still wondering what's all the fuss about. But as we entered, we could sense a casual yet cosy eatery, a little bit of American influence there and great ambiance when the place is full. And it did not take long to get full either. 

There is a long bar with stools. Looked quite comfortable to have a quick lunch at. But not for us though. So we picked seats at the back. Less traffic of people coming in and out. 

Soon after we were seated, we were given a menu to go through. Seconds later we noticed, that was just beverage menu, so where is the food menu?? Well... there is none. Burger and Lobster only serve three options of meal to choose from, explained the waiting staff.  First, burger with bacon and cheddar in brioche buns. Second, half a lobster with garlic butter sauce and the last option is lobster roll, all served with french fries and salad and all the same price of twenty pounds. That's a bargain for lobster lover!! 

That day we could only manage a burger and half a lobster, although the lobster roll also quite tempting. But we saved that for our next visit. To go with those meal we chose a bottle of chilled Newton Johnson Sauvignon Blanc. Light and crisp white wine, a sort of wine that we can enjoy anytime in warm summer days. 

After savoury meal we fancied sweet dessert. What could be better than a chocolate brownie mousse?! And a chocolate brownie mousse arrived in less than two minutes after we ordered. Served in a styrofoam cup. Hmmm.. Very american, that's all we could say and it tasted quite good. 

Overal, Burger and Lobster is a nice and casual eatery serving simple and tasty food with very good value for money and friendly service. Not our usual place to dine, but certainly a great place for a quick lunch as the service is incredibly quick. 

Please be aware that Burger & Lobster at Clarges Street does not take table reservation, so be prepared  to arrive early and take your line. Alternatively, contact their branch at Dean Street in which they do take advance booking to avoid queueing up. 

Burger & Lobster
Address: 
29 Clarges Street, London W1J 7EF
Phone: +44 20 7409 1699

36 Dean Street, Soho, London W1D 4PS
Phone: +44 20 7432 4800

Website: http://burgerandlobster.com

Tamarind - Indian Restaurant, London

This was our first experience dining in Michelin starred Indian restaurant. We were a little bit skeptical at the beginning, to be honest. We have passed Tamarind many times yet somehow we were not too intrigued to pop by and giving it a try. Until saw their advert in some local magazine. 

As you may have noticed we enjoy long and no-rush lunches, finding out that the restaurant only opens  from noon to 2.30 PM, we made sure we arrive at the venue bang on time. Welcomed by a friendly receptionist who then showed us down to the dining area. 

Normally, when we visit an Indian restaurant, we could pick up the strong scent of herbs and spices used in the food almost immediately which it is not the case with Tamarind. Good sign of a good restaurant. Impressive!

As we were first few guests arrived at that afternoon, we got plenty of tables to chose from. We picked a large table with a sofa. Nothing better than a large table and comfortable seats when you dine. 

As we slowly sipping our Campari Soda and nibbling pappadams, we browsed through the menu. Urged to try so many different things, we consulted the waiter if he can order us a selection of starters. And he was gladly to do so.. One job done for us, now challenge is about the main courses. After a long consideration we settled for Hyderabadi Shank and Gosht Dum Biryani, simply because we have never had it before. And of course Garlic Naan and Zaffrani Rice on the side. 

Starters. We had Channa Chaat (Spiced chickpeas with yogurt), Kalonji Jhingga (Jumbo King Prawn), Peshwari Kebab (Marinated Lamb Chops) and Malai Tikka (Spiced Chicken). Oh my.. Apart from the king prawn were overcooked, they were all tasted soooo good!! Both lamb and chicken were juicy and tender. Beautiful! And the chaat worked so well to compliment the combinations of herbs and spices used on those dishes. A must try!

Main Courses. We were pleasantly surprised to find the Gosht Dum Biryani looked like a giant pie. Something we have not expected. Apparently the rice and the lamb with all required ingredients are all marinated and cooked underneath the pie. The waiter then cut it open to serve and the fragrant of rice and lamb with all the herbs hit the air... It smells divine! And the taste??? Delicious as expected.

Although presented nothing out of ordinary, the Hydrerabadi Shank was not less interesting though. We dived in to our dishes in no time. We juggled between having the dish with the rice, dunking the naan bread into the Hydrerabadi sauce, spooning Cucumber Raita and taking a slurp of Laurent Perrier Rose Champagne until we could not get through anymore food. We don't call ourselves as King Foodie for nothing ;) 

Well.. our last statement was not completely true as at the end we could not resist the temptation to try the dessert. Not just one to share, we had three to share!! They were Tandoori Ananas (Grilled Pineapple), Chocolate Mousse and Duo sorbet (Mango and Basil, Strawberry and Mint). 

As you can see all those desserts were beautifully presented as they're tasted. We left nothing on the plates. As result, we could not move from the seat we were sitting on for a while. Fortunately, unlike other restaurants we have visited, the staff at Tamarind would not rush their guests to eat and leave the premises even passed service hours. They were quite happy to serve us until we were ready to go. So, although they mentioned opening hour is from noon to 2.30 PM it's basically a guideline for last order. Jolly good!

To us, Tamarind's idea to change our perceptions of Indian Food was well delivered and executed. Do we think they deserve their Michelin star? Well.. Of course!!!!


Tamarind 
20 Queen Street, Mayfair, London W1J 5PR
Phone: +44 20 7629 3561
Website: http://www.tamarindrestaurant.com