http://www.chow.com/boards/42 Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:50:25 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/665521#5164473 Hi, all-- I'm tagging along on my husband's business trip to London tomorrow, where we'll be staying the better part of a week in a hotel near his company's London office near Canary Warf. While we intend to head towards the center for dinner on most nights, I suspect there will be a few when work and jet lag will conspire to keep us closer to our home base. Are there any restaurants near Canary Warf worth one of our seven nights? Otherwise, we're planning on Tayyab, Hereford Road, and St. John, and we'd love to hear any complimentary suggestions! Thanks very much! Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:55:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665521#5164473 http://www.chow.com/topics/584386#5163773 I just had some for dinner purchased from Waitrose, Merchant Gourmet range I think Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:11:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/584386#5163773 http://www.chow.com/topics/665434#5163738 They sell jars of goose fat, and geese stuffed with duck stuffed with chicken (gooducken?). Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:48:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665434#5163738 http://www.chow.com/topics/665439#5163683 Title says it all. It's a small place next to Jen Cafe, on the stretch that includes Baozi Inn. Hope to hear something about it. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:22:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665439#5163683 http://www.chow.com/topics/665296#5163582 Woops, sorry, I must have misunderstood. I misread that texture and flavour is lost when inferior meat is cut thinly. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:24:36 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665296#5163582 http://www.chow.com/topics/665102#5163542 They are happy with cameras, it is a good room for photos as they have very large windows so lots of natural light. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:07:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665102#5163542 http://www.chow.com/topics/665375#5163438 I remember Carnoustie as a famous golf destination. I know there is a four star hotel there and would imagine it has some good food. There must also be some pubs for all those who come for the golf but sorry I don't have a current name. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:12:12 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665375#5163438 http://www.chow.com/topics/665355#5163405 Postcode is W10. It's at the northern end of Portobello Road roughly speaking between Ladbroke Grove and Westbourne Park. For as long as I can remember, there's been a Moroccan and Portuguese community along that stretch but the street food scene is a relatively new and welcome development. Here's a little bit more colour via Timeout: http://www.timeout.com/london/restaurants/features/8332/2.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:41:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665355#5163405 http://www.chow.com/topics/665301#5163337 Likely sage advice since the evening preceeds 8 decadent nights in Paris( have noted your Paris comments, thanks) Would be interested to learn if anyone has eaten at any of the restaurants in that Hotel and which they recommend ... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:55:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665301#5163337 http://www.chow.com/topics/663952#5162863 I thought Jade Garden was quite good, especially the duck tongue and the spareribs. Here's my full report: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/653693 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:50:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663952#5162863 http://www.chow.com/topics/665356#5162862 Fesenjen, chicken stewed in a pomegranate and walnut sauce was quite good. One could quibble about how there should be even more coarsely ground walnuts to give a near paste-like texture, or that the intensity of pomegranate could be increased. But on the whole it was a respectable rendition, with balanced flavours, sour, sweet, savoury, the presence of each component notable but integrated. Was also happy to get some tah-dig (crispy rice from the bottom of the pot) -- it could be even more crispy (e.g. the version at Alounak in Olympia), but was again more than fine. The rice wasn't as good as Mohsen's. Shandis' version wasn't fluffy, even though the grains were finely individualised, and i wished there would be more of the saffron flavoured rice. Bastani, a saffron ice cream, was good and creamy and well flavoured, slightly rosy even. I really liked their doogh, a Persian yogurt drink. Most places make it thick, almost like a lassi with dried mint. I preferred this version, properly made with fizzy water to create a light bubbly texture, together with the usual dried mint/herbs and a hint of salt. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:48:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665356#5162862 http://www.chow.com/topics/663241#5162545 If you get to Howth, Ivan's is another one worth considering. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:19:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663241#5162545 http://www.chow.com/topics/664125#5161622 I scoured the dairy shelves and didn't see it. Although, I was quite hungover (which precipitated the need for mexican food and queso blanco). Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:37:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664125#5161622 http://www.chow.com/topics/665109#5160305 It's hard to avoid the ASK family - the company that owns it also owns Zizzi and Pizza Express and, I think, a couple of other smaller outlets. We don't have one in the Manchester area but I occasionally eat at one of the Greater London branches (Kew Green) simply because it's close to where I stay when visiting the area. Service there has always been fine and the food quality is OK. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:52:50 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665109#5160305 http://www.chow.com/topics/655055#5160276 I've just noticed that Osqa - a restaurant on Oldham St, off Renshaw St - says that it is coeliac-friendly. I've not eaten there, although I keep meaning to, but it may be worth a try next time you go out with your dad. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:24:05 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/655055#5160276 http://www.chow.com/topics/664988#5159209 I found the advertising of Bryons quite cool. I wonder if it will be popular. Talking of Soho - has anyone tried Kati roll on Poland street? It sounds pretty much lke Mooli Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:47:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664988#5159209 http://www.chow.com/topics/262134#5158098 Brindisa in Exmouth Market or Borough Market.... Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:09:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/262134#5158098 http://www.chow.com/topics/649685#5158063 chicken tikkas/reshmi kebabs/malai kebabs etc are all made in a tandoor in india. perhaps its a pakistani preference to grill instead of using the tandoor for the chicken, but it's not chicken tikka as i know it. as a matter of fact, the tandoor helps retain moisture, and chicken breast tends to dry out, so why grill when you can use the tandoor? Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:59:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/649685#5158063 http://www.chow.com/topics/664379#5157335 We don't have the ability to merge threads, but we're locking this one to direct the discussion to the other at: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/649685 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:45:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664379#5157335 http://www.chow.com/topics/664586#5155392 Last year, as part of my Xmas pressies, Mrs H made up her own choices for a "food hamper" for me. There were lots of goodies, including a couple of Seasoned Pioneers things. Choccie didnt last past Boxing Day. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:26:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664586#5155392 http://www.chow.com/topics/664189#5155208 Axon's isnt bad. Nothing special though. Great benefit is that you can do a fair bit of reasonable shopping within 30 yards - Axons, the Cheese Hamlet and the fishmonger on the corner (who might be associated with Axon but I'm not sure). Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:41:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664189#5155208 http://www.chow.com/topics/648616#5154756 Bone Marrow with Parsley Salad at St John is world famous and rightly so. It also boasts the accolade of being Anthony Bourdain's choice for a final meal (if I remember correctly). Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:46:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/648616#5154756 http://www.chow.com/topics/664109#5154203 Yes, you stand a better chance at lunchtime. Before anyone else does, I'll suggest Hereford Road: http://www.london-eating.co.uk/32930.htm For pubs The Scarsdale, or, a little further away, The Dove (good river views) would be good choices: http://www.fancyapint.com/pubs/pub1350.php http://www.fancyapint.com/pubs/pub164.php These are just my idea of suitable places in general. I'm afraid I have no inside info. on their Christmas plans/menus, so you'll need to call them. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:32:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664109#5154203 http://www.chow.com/topics/663960#5154201 Wow, what a good read,and what good appetites also, thanks for reminding me of some very good meals I have enjoyed at the places mentioned. I'm grateful that you have starting my day off on a high, am really looking forward to my Michelin restaurant meal a bit later Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:30:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663960#5154201 http://www.chow.com/topics/663621#5153588 Thank you all for your suggestions...can't wait to get there...thanks again ! Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:02:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663621#5153588 http://www.chow.com/topics/635790#5151839 Hallo this is probably too late to be useful but the website is www.bellpepperfood.co.uk Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:13:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/635790#5151839 http://www.chow.com/topics/663858#5151293 Thanks so much. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:40:45 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663858#5151293 http://www.chow.com/topics/617731#5151277 That really is a shame to hear - both times I have been it's been great (although weirdly the second time we went they had changed the book-like menus to laminated A4 sheets, which just looked cheap). I had dinner at Haozahn a few months ago and it was very good (better than I expected after some very dodgy reviews), but is on the pricier side for Chinatown. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:50:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/617731#5151277 http://www.chow.com/topics/616264#5151141 Sshhh, theoretically, it's only opened to Malaysians. That's coz the place is subsidized by the Malaysian Govt. Non-Malaysians can go in only if accompanied by Malaysians. They've never enforced this rule strictly - in my previous visits (even the old Bryanstone Sq location), there were Pakistanis, Iranians & Middle-Eastern diners who were there for cheap, good, halal food. The Malaysian Govt closed the last canteen due to "cost-cutting" measures. However, after hue & cry from the Malaysian student fraternity and generations of Malaysians who lived in London/UK and had fond memories of the place, the Govt decided to open the new canteen in Queensborough Terrace. Where else in London can you get a meal for 2 (photo below) for only GBP16: stuffed whole fish with chillis, the best beef rendang in London, sambal petai with prawns, chicken in turmeric curry, tapioca leaves simmered in coconut milk (daun keladi masam lemak), rice with mango salad, and "teh tarik" drinks? Best kept secret in London - but don't let this out, for if the place is flooded with non-Malays, the M'sian Govt may enforce its "Malaysian students only" rule! Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:51:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/616264#5151141 http://www.chow.com/topics/619986#5148718 I was watching Family Guy last night and saw them make a sandwich with some unidentifable red meat and it triggered a memory of my dad cooking "Ulster Fry" for me. This sounds very much like what you are describing and somebody else has described something similar here. Sort of like spam but very red and it would crisp with a totally unique flavour, I can honestly say I haven't tasted anything like it in twenty-five years. Have you had any luck finding any of your "breakfast slices"? Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:35:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/619986#5148718 http://www.chow.com/topics/654420#5148456 cool, thanks for the recommendation. I will give it a try Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:31:50 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/654420#5148456 http://www.chow.com/topics/664020#5148454 Yes, we kind of guessed that the owner wasn't there last night. Limster was one of my dining companions, and he mentioned your observations about this. Next time I will ask for no corn starch, cause I think it would have been much better without it. And I'll try going on a different day when the owner is there. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:30:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664020#5148454 http://www.chow.com/topics/662004#5148393 I'm pretty sure I've seen pumpkin at Panzer's. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:29:45 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662004#5148393 http://www.chow.com/topics/663727#5148353 Boundary is close by and very good - French cooking, with a great selection of fish and seafood. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:27:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663727#5148353 http://www.chow.com/topics/663806#5148349 Near the Hackney Empire is a great Turkish place called Tad - their lamb beyti and chicken shish are amazing - it's about a minutes walk up Mare St. You could also head over London Fields to Broadway Market for some of the best steak in London at Santa Maria Buen Ayre - Argentian grill. There's also some pretty good pubs to check out on Broadway market - the Dove and the Cat and Mutton. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:24:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663806#5148349 http://www.chow.com/topics/654406#5148304 hi gourmet traveller. i haven't written it up but below is an extract from an email i sent to a friend over the weekend: "it was a real mixed bag. i had snails and bone marrow with wild mushrooms to start which was nice enough. my friend had foie gras which was good but again no more than that. my main was the wild duck (a special to replace the hare) and while the legs were delish the breast was over-cooked and dry so i didn't eat them. the pigs trotter didn't do much for me but my chum adored it. the pistachio souffle was too eggy ( a definite hint of omelette) but the cocoa bean creme brulee and coffee ice cream was good. the service and welcome were great." definitely not worth the money and there was nothing about the food that had any sort of wow factor. i am amazed at how unstinting the praise has been given the experience i (we) had. has anyone else been? eta: apparently they have extended for another month. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:48:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/654406#5148304 http://www.chow.com/topics/522684#5147486 Haven't been back in a while, and went back for some updates. • Turkish Delight The newer Turkish stall making gozleme (get ones that are made to order, rather than pre-made), a Turkish crepe filled with various savoury items. I had the version filled with a creamy, salty and slightly tangy cheese as well as sparse leaves of spinach. The surface was very slightly crispy, with a good amount of a chewy layer beneath that. Don't rush out there just for that, but its pretty good, and certainly nice to get it fresh from the griddle. They roll it with yogurt and lettuce, but one can get it without all the unneeded extras. • Thai Satay The chicken has a deep, penetrating marinate, with good wisps of lemongrass. Hot off the griddle (rather than grill), it still has a few nice char marks, and is remarkably tender. A thin but suitably flavoured peanut sauce works well with it, as does a soy sauce with minced garlic, cilantro, chilli and other condiments, adding a layer of pungence and umami to the dish. I got mine served over rice with shredded lettuce, peppers, cucumbers and tomato slices. Surprisingly good cohesive and tasty flavours, would love to get it again. • Scone stall Pleasant and fairly soft scones (I had a fruit scone dotted with big fat raisins) their own plum jam (very sweet, somewhat runny with big pieces of fruit in between) and ok clotted cream (despite being from a plastic tear-off metal foil container). With strong tea, perfect between creamy sweet mouthfuls. Not the best cream tea you'll ever get, but not bad for £3.50. They also serve a savoury scone with onion marmalade. Plain andorange (iirc) scones available too. Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:55:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/522684#5147486 http://www.chow.com/topics/658200#5147474 I am luckily enough to work just around the corner to this gem. I made good use of their half price opening offer and have been back numerous times since. I recommend the smoked eel with remoulade, duck rillets and clams with vermouth and aioli. I wasn't that impressed with the duck scratchings. The wine can be quite hit and miss (mostly hit) but it's refreshing to see tiny appellations you've never heard of and they champion some very fine Vin de Pays. Go! Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:50:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/658200#5147474 http://www.chow.com/topics/663933#5147449 Impressively big serving of fennel soup, with good fennel flavour, and minute shreds and bits of fennel. Not as technically adroit as The Ambassador nearby (where I loved their silky cauliflower soup), but certainly more hearty. A magnificent cut of pork chop, rimmed with a couple cm of fat. The pork is a tiny bit more fibrous than I would have liked (cooked longer than necessary?), but it's more of a quibble that can be shrugged away, rather than a complaint with real legs to stand on. A few roasted garlic as garnish, and a hill of lentils (cooked till splitting soft, rather than nubs with a hint of hardness), sweetened with cider and sparing bits of carrots. A solid almond lemon cake flanked by clotted cream on one side, and an intense mixed berry compote, sweet and tangy. All coming together in big flavours. Big hearted food, stripped down to essentials, no fuss. Doesn't have the finer bits of finesse but doesn't want it. Very fair prices, and very good for what it is and what it wants to be, and nothing more. Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:36:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663933#5147449 http://www.chow.com/topics/662507#5147390 Shhhhhhh... it's a secret! I went last thursday and enjoyed a rich borscht and and a warming pumpkin, roquefort and chestnut dauphinoise (the cream did split but it still tasted fantastic). I tried some rabbit rillettes and chicken pie, both excellent. They always achieve big flavours with simple technique. Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:15:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662507#5147390 http://www.chow.com/topics/663115#5147357 They had a few pho dishes on their menu, listed as beef or chicken iirc. But I didn't try (went for the low investment summer roll first, which didn't seem encouraging), so I don't know if it resembles real pho or not. Hope to hear others chime in. Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:06:03 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663115#5147357 http://www.chow.com/topics/661978#5147104 "Most of the dishes seem to be pre-prepared and are served within 3-4 minutes" Is this a good thing? Wouldn't it impact the quality of the food a lot? Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:46:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661978#5147104 http://www.chow.com/topics/596225#5147017 I just walked 1.2 miles to Ikura in Haverstock Hill expecting similar sort of food as Asakusa. What's on their menu? Run of the mill Japanese food that I could've gotten at a closer Japanese restaurant. That place is NOT an izakaya. Just because they have an izakaya lantern outside doesn't mean they are one. Oh how I wish that today was not a Sunday or that Asakusa was open on a Sunday. I wanted chicken skins on skewers and deep fried aubergine. Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:07:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/596225#5147017 http://www.chow.com/topics/663676#5146352 I like how you think and write, helen. This puts everything into very good perspective. I love noodles... even Wagamama doesn't put me off. Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:40:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663676#5146352 http://www.chow.com/topics/662161#5146217 Oh, to be young again.... sounds fantastic. Sun, 01 Nov 2009 07:11:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662161#5146217 http://www.chow.com/topics/663583#5146028 No need to be fearful about Maze, it's lovely, with great food. But, that being said, it never hurts to try to snag a table at GR at RHR. The last time I was there was the first time I've ever been there that there was actually an empty table the entire evening (on a Friday too!), so it's worth a try. Must be the recession. Sun, 01 Nov 2009 02:31:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663583#5146028 http://www.chow.com/topics/648701#5145500 Hi--Did Jase post his trip report? I can't seem to find it. Thanks! Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:54:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/648701#5145500 http://www.chow.com/topics/662098#5144876 Thanks to everyone...some great suggestions. I have been to St. john and love it; however, its not my husband's kind of place...I just booked Wild Honey and cancelled fifteen...the menu looks delightful! I'll give a report. thanks again. Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:44:33 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662098#5144876 http://www.chow.com/topics/662937#5143592 Asda has curry leaves - well, it does in Bristol. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:54:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662937#5143592