Despite being a non-meat eater when I arrived, ten years on I am leaving London having developed a passion for good cuisine. Food has certainly moved on in Britain since the days they believed pasta grew on trees and what follows is an approximation of my top ten eating experiences.
Chorizo Roll – Brindisa Grill at Borough Market
The supreme marketplace sandwich – Brindisa chorizo in a ciabatta roll with Piquillo peppers and rocket. They promise you won’t find a more satisfying sandwich in London… a bold statement perhaps but it comes pretty close.
Steak and Chips – Smith of Smithfields
From the top floor restaurant of John Torode’s Smiths of Smithfields a ‘dry aged’ (for 28 days or more) steak served with Bearnaise sauce. Mystifyingly memorable, I am yet to find a steak that compares. Sourcing rare breed, organic and additive free meat – they must have been happy cows.
Langoustines and Mayonnaise – J Sheeky Fish and Seafood Restaurant
Once past the doorman with the top hat there’s something quite special about Sheeky’s. Possibly my favourite London restaurant, it is on this site that I consumed many a bottle of champagne accompanied by Langoustines and Mayonnaise amongst other seafood delights.
Montgomery’s Cheddar and Cashel Blue Cheese
I love cheese and when it comes to British cheese no trip to Neal’s Yard Dairy would be complete without a chunk of Montgomery’s Cheddar & Cashel Blue.
Salt Beef Beigel – Brick Lane Beigel Bake
Freshly baked beigel, delicious salt beef and hot English mustard. A 24 hour operation, an East London institution and a ridiculously cheap eat.
A cut of meat for Sunday lunch – Ginger Pig Butchery
Eye wateringly expensive, mouth wateringly good.
Roasted Bone Marrow on Toast – St John Bar and Restaurant
Greesy, gelatinous bone marrow slathered on toast topped with parsley salad and rock salt may not be everyone’s idea of a nice dish but it makes my mouth water just thinking about it.
Hot and Cold Tea – The Fat Duck
One of the final courses in Heston Blumenthal’s Tasting Menu at The Fat Duck in Bray. A tea that when drunk is hot on one side of your mouth and cold on the other. WTF! Our meal was a culinary experience unlike any other but this dish is one that will be with me for a life-time.
Science meets gourmet cuisine. How does one become a guest at Heston’s Feast?
A pot of tea and any piece of cake –
Maison Bertaux French Patisserie
One of the oldest cafes in Soho with its mismatched furniture Maison Bertaux is charmingly retro and I can’t think of a sweeter place for tea and cake. The cakes are all devine and although the service often comes without a smile I found this added to the character. Pay as you leave – merci.
Spiced Lamb Chops – Tayyabs
I generally don’t mind queuing for a restaurant as it’s typically a precursor to something special and this is certainly true in frenetic Tayyabs. The curries are exemplary but the lamb chops are unlike any other – amazing. The sweet mango lassie is also divine and acts as a perfect accompaniment to the meal.
Other dishes worthy of mention…
Ginger and Green Peppercorn Calamari – Busaba Eathai | Salt and Pepper Squid – Yauactcha | Rib of Beef (for 2), Welsh Rarebit, Chocolate Fondant – Medcalf | Mangal Ockbasi kebabs
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