Chopstix to Steaknives: By Area

Showing posts with label By Area - London Marylebone. Show all posts

Monday, February 20, 2012

Tamarind, London

Catching up with SC, we ended up heading to Tamarind for dinner. I was looking forward to the meal and we both opted for the tasting menu.

A round of various sauces to dip our papadums started us off.

Spiced chickpeas with mint chutney and sweetened yoghurt topped with tamarind chutney

skewered ground lamb kebab with ginger, chilli, cheese, paprika and basil

The chickpeas had a delicate spiciness which was a great contrast to the coolness of mint and yoghurt. The lamb kebab was moist and tasty without a greasy aftertaste.

Tiger prawns marinated with ginger, yoghurt, paprika, dill leaves and ajwain

This wasn't as positively received as the prawn was either frozen, not fresh or overcooked as it had a mushy texture.

After the duo of starters, a tray of various bowls with ladened with our mains arrived.

Monkfish chunks marinated with yoghurt, coriander, mint, mint-leaf, green chilli, roasted gram flour and saffron

Chicken Tikka in sauce of fresh tomatoes, with ginger, red onions, green chillies and crushed fenugreek leaves

Boneless lamb with ginger, browned onions, tomatoes and kashimiri chillies

The Monkfish was cooked well with the aroma and taste of lemongrass sealed in the charred bits. The spices harmonised together with an overall sweetness balance.

I found the chicken tikka to be veering slightly on the sweet side as well.

On the vegetables side, we had

Shiitake mushrooms in pureed spinach, flavoured with cumin and garlic and slow cooked black lentils, a speciality of the Northwest frontier.

All these were mopped up with a choice of braised cumin and saffron rice and date and toasted almond naan.

For desserts, we had a velvety dark chocolate mousse with a hint of cinnamon and orange zest and basmati rice simmered in milk flavoured with cloves.

Petit Fours

At the end of the dinner, I found the meal to be satisfying. The dishes were all made to be friendly and appeal without pushing the boundaries of the palate of the people I didn't get the spicy explosion that usually comes with Indian cuisine but it does hit all the basic elements.

Will I recommend: Yes

Will I come back: Yes

Have I had better: Yes

Tamarind, 20 Queen Street, Mayfair, London W1J 5PR

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Golden Hind, Marylebone

I love my fish and chips. Coming to London, I was excited and was expecting awesome fish n chips to be found everywhere, Be it newspaper wrapped or served on a fancy plate. Sadly, it seems that what London has to offer is quite elusive. I was told that to find a good one, it will have to be outside of London.

That is until I heard of Golden Hind which came recommended. That got me quite excited and I happily roped in some friends for dinner there.

Watching food passing you with its aroma enticing was too much while we waited for a late party to arrive. We decided to order some starters to tide our tummies over.

Feta cheese fritters £3.4

Whole tail scampi £3.6

Interesting fried little bites. I like the crispy batter and both were tasty without being greasy.

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Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Brunching around London breakfast style

I love having brunch and I love breakfasts, warm crispy toast ready to be slapped with butter and condiment, silky and fluffy scrambled eggs... Need I go on? I can have breakfast stuff anytime of the day and love it when places offer all day breakfasts. As not everyone might be as crazy as I am, brunch is a good alternative where I can still go breakfast crazy while my friends can choose other options; all while chilling out on a sunny and relaxing weekend day.

Here are a few places that I've been to.

Let's start with Loafing. A corner cafe with a cool vibe about it, located close to Victoria Park, shabby chic furniture and teapots and cups decorate the place.

I was only here for a quick stop and had the muesli granola. Alternating layers of muesli and yoghurt topped with granola and freshly sliced fruits. This tasted fresh and natural.

My dining friend had a hot chocolate. Can’t wait to try out other options on the menu.

Will I recommend: Yes

Will I come back: Yes

Have I had better: Yes

Loafing, 79 Lauriston Road London E9 7JH

www.loafing.co.uk

Another place that I really like is Kruger which is located in Canary Wharf. It’s an awesome place that serves all day breakfast. I had the Eggs Béarnaise which is muffin, poached eggs topped with Hollandaise sauce.

They definitely make good breakfasts.

Yes

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Sunday, March 20, 2011

Atari-ya: Understated Gem

Had an appointment to catch up with a friend over dinner and she set a few criteria’s. Healthy, quick and has to be centrally convenient for the both of us. I suggested Atari-ya at St. James Street and that was our destination.

The city branch functions more as a take away and there are only a few seats for dining in. I wanted to go for the Deluxe Chirashi but was veto-ed and in the end we went for a selection of rolls.

It took easily half an hour for them to prepare it and I was really hungry and scratching my head as to why. Later I found out that this is the norm, I guess I just didn't know.

Rolls includes: Negitoro Hosomaki, Spicy fried Yellow Tail, Black Cod, Sake Kawa, Spider Roll

So we finally received our platter and it was just so beautifully presented. One bite in and all was forgiven. Slightly warm sushi rolls and the rice seasoning was flavoursome with the right amount of acidity to it. Ingredients or toppings were fresh and succulent. This is how sushi should be and I wished that more places make it like this.

I especially enjoyed the spider roll, Negitoro hosomaki and the spicy fried yellow tail.

The bill came up to £11 per person and I think it is good sushi at great value. I'll be coming back often and I'm still eyeing that deluxe chirashi.

Atari-ya, 20 James St, London, W1U 1EH
www.atariya.co.uk/shops/james_st.html

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Phoenix Palace

Day 6 of Dim Sum Marathon Week and we are at Phoenix Palace.

I was told about this place when I first came and was asking around for some recommendations on places to eat. I was given a list which included Phoenix Palace with a side comment saying that a lot of celebrities head there.

Now, celebrities I did not see but dim sum I did eat!