Category Archives: Restaurants

Good Stuff

Good Stuff and lots of it! Here’s the low down on some fine things to see, sip or take a bite out of – all of which I’ve recently come across and thought were worth sharing with you. Enjoy. Elephant … Continue reading

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Ramen Fun at Shoryu Soho, Denman Street

So it’s been about a month since I visited Shoryu Soho ramen bar. But that doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten how much fun I had dining there. Besides, judging from the queue out-the-door I observed when I passed by the Soho outlet last night, I guess the restaurant hasn’t been in need of any positive press. Nevertheless, here’s mine up-thumbed input about the place. Continue reading

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Dixie Detours: Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler!

Happy Mardi Gras! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my Dixie Detours miniseries featuring the highlights from my recent trip to Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana and Florida along with suggestions for planning your own sojourn to the Deep South. Continue reading

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Craft Beer Rising Review by @cathiasays

A couple of Sundays ago (while I was still bumbling round in America), London blogger Cathia Randrianarivo kindly  subbed for me accepting to attend on my behalf a beer-ific event I was unable to make. As Cathia puts it, “I … Continue reading

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Dixie Detours: Miami in a Minute

The final stop of our Dixie Detours visit to the US was Miami, where an overnight layover afforded Kemey and me the chance to check in on some friends who had recently moved there – big thanks to Tanya and Francesco for being such fantastic hosts and showing us around so much of your fine town – while soaking up some south Florida sunshine before heading back to Blighty. Continue reading

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Dixie Detours: Sweet Shoals Music

Before our visit to the Muscle Shoals area of Alabama, I never would have imagined the music of Aretha Franklin could resonate even more with me than it already did. Goosebumps on top of goosebumps – how’s that gonna happen? But there I was standing in Studio A of Fame Studios in humble little Florence, Alabama where the mighty diva recorded such classics as Do Right Woman, Do Right Man, and something clicked in a deep and soulful sort of way. In the few days since Kemey and I checked out the Shoals, listening to Aretha’s songs has been coupled with an even deeper and more satisfying feeling than before. Continue reading

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Dixie Detours: Chattanooga, Choo Choo City

Chattanooga is my old teenage stomping ground. Since I’ve moved away, every year or two when I’ve managed to make it back for a visit (usually around Christmastime), the area always seemed to have gotten better than I remembered it being. Same holds true this time round. Continue reading

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Dixie Detours: Tabasco Tourism on Avery Island

Louisiana’s most iconic brand, McIlhenny Company’s Tabasco brand Original Red Sauce packs a wallop of distinctively spicy flavour. For all its flavoursome punch, it’s comprised of only three natural ingredients: aged red peppers, vinegar and salt from Avery Island, which is also the home of all Tabasco production. In addition to the pepper sauce factory, the island (roughly two hours from New Orleans and 40 minutes from Lafayette) is also a botanical garden, bird sanctuary and wildlife refuge. Our last day in Louisiana, Kemey and I spent a fantastic morning on Avery Island before carrying on with our Dixie Detours road trip. Here are some highlights from the fun time we had there. Continue reading

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Dixie Detours: A Cajun Good Time in Lafayette

It’s a down home kind of place, Lafayette, where a koozie for your cold one is handy asset indeed. Continue reading

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Win a Free Afternoon Tea for Two at Harrods

Hey everybody, I’ve teamed up with the folks at Buyagift to offer one lucky reader the chance to actually win a gift! The prize in this case is an opportunity to indulge in a delicious afternoon tea for two at the world famous department store, Harrods. Keep reading to find out how to win this fantastic day out in London. Continue reading

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Dixie Detours: NOLA!

New Orleans is a sultry dream. I can’t imagine anywhere else in America that’s even half as beguiling or idiosyncratic. Probably the most dynamic city in the US, it is without doubt the most spontaneous and freewheeling. When I think about other destinations across the planet that offer experiences comparable to what I’ve happened upon in NOLA, I find myself coming up with a list of my absolute favourites places. Put simply, NOLA rocks (it shucks, jives, slides, saunters, shimmies and rolls too). Continue reading

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Dixie Detours: Overnight Luxury in Mobile, Alabama

The rather underrated and often overlooked Gulf Coast town of Mobile proved to be an excellent choice and our time there an all too short and actually quite luxurious stay. Continue reading

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Dixie Detours: When in Rome … Georgia

The wedding of my old friend Jack and his lovely fiancée Beth was the main reason prompting my and Kemey’s visit back home and a big factor behind the design of our Dixie Detours itinerary. The wedding was held in Rome, Georgia where Jack had attended university. Yes, that’s right. I went to Athens one day and Rome the next – all without leaving the great state of Georgia! Continue reading

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Dixie Detours: Athens, Georgia

First stop on my Dixie Detours road trip was the quintessential college town of Athens, Georgia – the city which I had called home for most of the 90s during a rather scenic, circuitous and often hazy experience as an undergrad anthropology major at the University of Georgia. Much of the reason for my meandering approach to higher education and indeed life in general during my 20s was due to spending loads of time mingling with the musical set of this amazing little city famed for hosting more than its fair share of influential musicians and bands (REM, B52s, Vic Chestnut, Neutral Milk Hotel, Of Montreal, etc ad nauseam). Continue reading

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5 Great Cafes Near London’s Oxford Circus (CheapOair)

Yes, it’s invariable that I will leave at least a couple of great cafes off this list in my pursuit to share a few ideal places to have a quality coffee while keeping within striking distance of all on offer … Continue reading

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Heathrow’s New Terminal 2 to Open This June (OneTravel)

After 54 years of service, Heathrow’s Terminal 2 closed in 2009. But come this June, a newly named “Terminal 2: The Queen’s Terminal” is set to reopen. Despite being built in the center of one of the world’s busiest airports, … Continue reading

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Vantra Vitao: Tasty Nutrition for All Dietary Needs on Oxford Street

Vegan food makes ya peppy! Or, at least, that’s the conclusion I was coming to as I watched a couple of extra-energetic vegan dancers poppin’ to some dub step at yesterday’s launch of the new Vantra Vitao restaurant on Oxford Street. I had a great time – and sampled some delicious food and drink at Vantra. I’m more than happy to recommend a visit to this relaxed and health conscious restaurant just down the street (but seemingly a world away) from the calamitous Tottenham Court Road Tube station. Continue reading

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La Giaconda Café Bar Restaurant on Denmark Street

Following a major refurbishment, Denmark Street’s landmark rock ‘n roll restaurant, La Giaconda Café Bar Restaurant brings together a quality caff experience and a fine dining options in the heart of Soho. Continue reading

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Daawat Indian Restaurant at the Strand Palace Hotel

Presenting tried and true South Asian comfort food on the Strand and just down the street from Covent Garden, Daawat Indian restaurant at the four star (and recently renovated) Strand Palace Hotel is a smart choice when you’re on the go and seeking a satisfying meal. Continue reading

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Win a Seven Dials Shopping Spree Worth £100 + Dinner for Two at Flesh & Buns

Wanna shop like a chic Brit and chow down like a Japanese rock star in one of London’s most stylish and centrally situated locations? And all for FREE?!? Check it out – I’ve got a £100 Seven Dials gift card plus dinner for two at Flesh & Buns to share with one lucky reader. Keep reading for your chance to win. Continue reading

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illy Regent Street

I don’t know about you and your line of work but as for me and mine, I run around all over town all day long. Often I find I’ve got time to kill between meetings and events. Sometimes it’s just 20 minutes, other times it might be a couple of hours. And just because I have time to kill doesn’t mean I have time to dawdle. I need to get in somewhere fast and park it during such spare moments – where I can tackle my inbox, draft my next blog post, maybe grab a bite to eat and (most importantly) have a cup of coffee. With the recently opened illy Regent Street, being able to do all this stuff in a seriously stylish and comfortable setting just became a real option for me. Continue reading

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Does Your Sweetheart Have a Sweet Tooth? Then Paris is the Perfect Place! (CheapOair)

Sure, it’s probably the most romantic city in the world, and thus the ideal destination for any amorous couple. But Paris isn’t just for sweethearts. Any Francophile can tell you that Paris is one of the sweetest places anyone’s ever … Continue reading

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Sampling the “Thinwich” at Brick Lane’s Caboose

“Slow smoked grub” served from a “custom built railway cabin”? Sure, why not? I tagged along to a menu tasting at Brick Lane’s Caboose. Hosted by Warburtons – the UK’s leading independent baker – the event also provided an opportunity to have … Continue reading

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Augustus Harris, Venetian Style Bàcaro in the Heart of London’s Theatreland

An uncomplicated menu of pronounced northern Italy flavour; an equally concise and decidedly Italian list of wine and drinks; a stylish wood and copper bar that’s as cosy as it is elegant – there’s a lot to love about Augustus … Continue reading

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50% Off Lunch This Friday at Quantus in Chiswick

Quantus restaurant in Chiswick was one of the best restaurants I visited in 2013 and was a rare venture westward when I really thought I might be missing out on something good and London-y by living in the East End. “Destination dining at its best” was how I summed up my experience there, and I definitely am keen to repeat that sojourn for another taste. If you’re all about fine food sans hype, you’d be wise to eat there too. Anytime to visit Quantus is a good time I reckon, especially this Friday (24 January) when the restaurant will present an opportunity to try its new lunch menus with 50% off the total bill. Continue reading

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Turin: City of Foodie Firsts (CheapOair)

Turin is a city of firsts in many ways. The northern Italian city is home to the country’s first official capital. It’s the birthplace of the Fiat automobile and is essentially the go-to scene for contemporary art in Italy today. And … Continue reading

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5 of London’s Beefiest Burger Blogs (OneTravel)

Heading to London and hankering for a good burger? Be sure to give these blogs a read for tips on where to find the best burgers (and avoid the worst) while in town. Read my complete post at the OneTravel … Continue reading

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New Year’s Eve Dinner at Nobu London

What a way to end (and start) a year! The seven course New Year’s Eve 2013 dinner and wine menu at Nobu London at the Metropolitan Hotel ended the year on a delectable note and set high the bar for restaurant experiences for the months to come. Check it out … Continue reading

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Super Bowl Sunday in London (OneTravel)

Excited about that upcoming trip to London but bummed because you think you’ll have to miss the big game on TV? Nonsense. The NFL is becoming more and more popular in the UK. Besides, if there’s a reason to drink … Continue reading

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London’s Quirkiest Taxidermy (CheapOair)

Ever feel like someone … or something … is watching from some dark corner? Never fear, that’s just the décor! If you like your pub with as many heads on the wall as there are patrons at the bar and … Continue reading

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Restaurant Review: Rocket Bishopsgate

A crowd pleasing menu at a convenient location with funky décor, Rocket Bishopsgate is a safe bet decision if you’re looking for a quick bite or a night out near Liverpool Street Station. Continue reading

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10 Reasons to Eat and Drink at London’s Seven Dials (CheapOair)

Seven Dials is a small but popular area of Central London near Covent Garden where seven streets converge at one junction. The area is conveniently located near a number of Tube stations including Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Holborn which … Continue reading

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Ergon, Greek Deli + Cuisine in Marylebone

Ergon is a newly opened Greek deli and restaurant in Marylebone. Its menu features dishes designed by Dimitris Skarmoutsos, Greece’s best know celebrity chef. The shop sells products only from independent Greek producers. And, in the face of the the gargantuan econonomic meltdown, this startup business managed to expand across Greece and actually make a profit. Now with its Picton Place shop launched just before the new year, Ergon aims to bring an authentic taste of Greece to London. The reasons to visit are many. But if you need just one reason go, make a take home jar of the cod roe spread. That stuff is gorgeous. Continue reading

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Restaurant Review: Flesh & Buns … and Rock ‘n Roll

Carnivorous gnashing to a heavy metal soundtrack? Yee-aye-uh! Who knew going out for Japanese comfort food could provide such a rawkin’ good time? The folks behind Flesh & Buns apparently. Continue reading

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25% Off Flying Burger Company Premium Burger Delivery

Flying Burger Company is a burger-only/delivery-only biz. Right now it’s serving a small area of West London – W11 4, W14 8, W14 0, W6 7 and W12 8 – roughly Notting Hill and bits near High Street Kensington, Shepherd’s Bush, and Hammersmith. However, I reckon the concept is a smart one and has a good chance of taking off and successfully soaring. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see service extend across London soon. Continue reading

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