Sea Haze Fresh Fish Shop Brighton Beach

Whenever I want good quality fresh local seafood, I buy it from Sea Haze on Brighton beach (established in 1994) in the fishing quarter.

Sea Haze Brighton
207 Kings Rd Arches
Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 1NB

Open 7 days a week around 8:30am until 3:00pm, if its a nice day they open for longer.

They catch their own fish from their boats in the marina, and they also have a shellfish stall which is opposite the fish shop.
 
They also do a free delivery service please ring 01273 777007 for details.

The above photos are of some lovely dressed crab that I bought and ate the other day.

The TreeHouse Revisited

The TreeHouse Revisited

Eva and I dined again in the TreeHouse last Saturday, and had another excellent and thoroughly enjoyable meal. We feasted on cauliflower soup, crab cakes, baked cod and lamb shank shepherd's pie.

Unlike some restaurants, the TreeHouse prepares and cooks fresh ingredients on the premises; it does not reheat or microwave its food.

The TreeHouse produces consistently good quality fresh food, in a lively and friendly atmosphere.

It is well worth visiting.

Tesco's Crab Paste

Tesco's Crab Paste

Why does Tesco's Crab paste contain more mackerel than crab?

A Good Laugh

A Good Laugh

My compliments to the excellent waitress of Tennstopet (Stockholm), who gave Eva and I a good laugh the other day when we were having lunch there.

I attempted to use my limited Swedish and asked if there was Falukorv on the menu (a Swedish sausage), the waitress looked puzzled and I repeated myself; she then apologised profusely, and said that they had no Novalucol.

Clearly my pronunciation really is appalling. I will stick to English in future.

I wondered why Eva was laughing, and she explained that Novalucol is in fact a stomach medicine.

Clearly I did not look my best that lunchtime!

Anyway, all was finally explained and good laugh was had by all. Unfortunately there was no Falukorv either, so instead I opted for a whole Irish crab; which was excellent!

The World Is Your Lobster

The World Is Your Lobster

Those of you who love the taste of lobster, but are a little squeamish about seeing it being boiled alive, may find the latest food invention to be of interest.

Simon Buckhaven, a barrister, has designed a gadget that stuns a lobster with electrodes and kills it within five seconds. The CrustaStun ensures that the lobster dies a less violent death, than the current variations of; being drowned in freshwater, knifed in the head or boiled alive.

The CrustaStun is being used by the Blue Seafood Company, in Paignton, Devon, and Cromer Crab, of Norfolk.

Mr Buckhaven will soon offer a smaller version that can be used in restaurants, at a cost of about £1,500 to £2,000.

He is even working on one for the home.

It is expected that the CrustaStun will receive a sales boost soon, as the EU may well make the humane killing of crustaceans compulsory; as a scientific report has said that they are "sentient beings" and feel pain.

Maggie Jones's Revisited

Maggie Jones's Revisited

Full marks to Maggie Jones's off Kensington Church Street London, for being consistently excellent when it comes to food, service and ambience.

Eva and I dined there last night, again, and had another splendid evening.

Leek and cheese tart and smoked salmon stuffed with crab were followed by roast duck and stuffed rolled pork.

Top marks!

Long may they continue.

The Fat Duck

The Fat Duck

Good news for all you British foodies, who have laboured under the delusion that British cuisine and cooking was not highly rated by the rest of the world.

Heston Blumenthal's restaurant, The Fat Duck in Bray Berkshire, has been crowned the best in the world by a panel of 600 international chefs and critics.

Blumenthal's award winning dishes include, smoked bacon and egg ice cream and green tea and lime mousse dipped in liquid nitrogen.

The Fat Duck, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, also won the Best in Europe accolade.

Blumenthal reportedly said:

"There are so many very good chefs in the world I cannot believe my name is even in the running for the top. It is fantastic for Britain, though this is all down to the Roux brothers, who first put England on the gastronomic map..".

Adding:

"I like to experiment with different tastes and flavours of sweet and savoury and show they have no boundaries. People expect ice-cream to be sweet, but the Victorians ate it savoury. Cucumber ice, for example, with fresh cucumber was common as a starter or deappetiser in a meal. Crab ice-cream was also popular and I have a recipe dated 1800 for parmesan ice-cream,"..

Quote:

"The award is the culmination of what has been happening to cooking in Britain since the mid-1990s and makes it now the best place to eat, especially in London and just outside. You can still get appalling food in restaurants outside London. I just don?t think there is a good food culture here as there is in France and Italy. But food trends trickle down from restaurants and some time that will trickle down to people?s own kitchens."

The Rib Room and Oyster Bar

Restaurant

The Rib Room and Oyster Bar
The Carlton Tower Hotel
On Cadogan Place
London
SW1X 9PY

Phone:- 0207 235 1234

Website www.carltontower.com/dining/

Overview

Eva and I were intent on celebrating the launch of my new company, and so decided to push the boat out and try the Rib Room of the Carlton Tower Hotel in London.

The Rib Room was established in 1961, and is renowned for serving the tender Aberdeen Angus beef and fine traditional British cuisine. There is also an Oyster Bar, which serves a variety of oysters and caviar.

Ambience

The Rib Room harkens back to a bygone era of elegance and opulence, rarely seen these days in mainstream restaurants.

The dining room and bar were spacious and calm. The walls lined with dark wood panelling, the bar modern and comfortable, with deep sofas. There was a piano in the corner, but as this was a Good Friday no pianist was on duty.

The dining room had a warm, intimate interior and was decorated with bronze statues, pyramids and artworks by Feliks Topolski. It had more of the feel of an ocean liner from the 1950’s.

The tables were laid with linen cloths, napkins and silver cutlery. There was also a loaf of home baked granary bread, in the centre of the table, which was light and crusty.

The atmosphere was relaxed, and not overtly formal.

Menu

The menu is traditional British, with a fine selection of; oysters, caviar, Cornish crab, goose liver, beef, duck chicken and lamb on offer.

Service

The staff were friendly, efficient and very welcoming. We partook of a few drinkies at the bar whilst perusing the menu, and lingered for an hour before being escorted to our table.

Our waiter was very attentive and accommodating, he happily conveyed my request to the chef to ensure that my beef was not trimmed of its fat.

Food

I chose the Cornish crab to start with. This was a delightful arrangement of dark and white crab meat in a crab shell, interspersed with a generous quantity of chopped egg. This came with a small side salad.

In my view this was an ideal starter, an excellent combination of flavours and textures.

I chose the 454g roast Aberdeen Angus rib of beef (one of the signature dishes of the restaurant) for my main course. This was absolutely superb, it had been cooked medium as requested and was so tender and succulent it just melted away in the mouth. It was absolutely unctuous!

The beef was accompanied by Yorkshire pudding, sauté potatoes and cauliflower cheese. I was absolutely delighted with my meal, and unashamedly “pigged out”; let’s be honest I could have opted for just 250g, but I am a greedy piggy!

Eva started with the scallops on pureed parsnips. These were delightful. Three tender moist and succulent scallops, served atop of pureed parsnips; an excellent combination. She was very pleased with her choice.

Eva then had the spit roast duck for her main course. This was a leg, thigh and carved breast of duck. The meat was tender, flavoursome and succulent; it had been well cooked as requested. Eva chose creamed potatoes to accompany the duck. These were rich and smooth; utterly indulgent.

We demurred on the tempting desserts, and instead had liqueurs and coffee.

The entire bill, which included pre dinner champagne a bottle of Chablis and liqueurs, came to £249 including service.

Overall Opinion

Whilst the Rib Room is not cheap, the meal was definitely one of the best that we have had. Whilst we will not be visiting every week, we will most definitely be dining there again. In our view, if you want to have a special evening then the Rib Room is certainly one place that is worth visiting.

Restaurant

La Barca
80-81 Lower Marsh
London

Phone:- 0207 928 2226

Website www.labarca.co.uk

Overview

Last Thursday Eva and I, having quaffed an ale in the nearby Firestation pub in Waterloo, wandered off to La Barca to have a meal.

La Barca is a traditional Italian restaurant, situated near to The Old Vic theatre.

Ambience

La Barca was very busy that evening, being crowded with theatregoers from The Old Vic. However, despite the fact that we had not booked, we were found a comfortable table without any delay.

La Barca was decorated in a cosy and welcoming manner; red tiles on the floor, linen tablecloths, wine bottles stacked on racks around the walls and a wooden beamed white ceiling.

Since the restaurant was located near to The Old Vic, there was an extensive array of photos of stars (past and present) who have dined in the restaurant.

The atmosphere was lively and stimulating.

Menu

The menu contained an extensive array of Italian meat, fish and pasta dishes including; Gamberoni Burro e Aglio, Insalata Tricolore, Gamberetti Cocktail, Pate della Casa, Bresaola Con Parmigiano, Pollo all’Agrodolce, Pollo Luciano, Pulcino Pasquale and Guelfi e Ghibellini Toscani.

There was also a very tempting cold buffet counter, which offered a good choice of starters; for those who wished to mix and match a taste of Italy for themselves.

Service

The staff were friendly and efficient. We were offered a bowl of excellent garlic olives and bread to munch on, whilst we perused the menu.

Food

I started with the Guelfi e Ghibellini, which was lasagne and cannelloni served together “half and half”. This was excellent. The two dishes complimented each other, without either one overpowering the other. The sauce was rich and creamy; whilst the pasta was succulent and moist, and was generously stuffed with meat seasoned with basil and garlic.

I chose the spring chicken in olive oil, flavoured with chillies, for my main course. This was decently cooked; the bird being succulent and tender. The oil and chilli did not overpower the delicate flavour of the poussin. The dish was accompanied by roast potatoes, green beans and carrots.

I was very happy with my choice.

Eva started with the crab, prawn, mango and avocado salad; which was well presented, and tasted superb.

Eva then chose the fillet of veal with truffles for her main course. This dish consisted of a tender, thinly cut fillet of veal, cooked with truffles in a white wine cream sauce. The dish was very rich and unctuous, but not overpowering; the ingredients, again, complimented rather than overpowered each other.

Eva also chose the roast potatoes, green beans and carrots.

We eschewed, as we were full, the dessert trolley. However, I would say that the variety of desserts on offer looked excellent; both well prepared and tempting.

The meal, which included a robust Barolo and liqueurs, came to £102 including service.

Overall Opinion

I am happy to recommend this restaurant. We will certainly be returning.

Restaurant

Smiths of Smithfield
67 Charterhouse Street
London

Phone:- 0207 251 7950

Website www.smithsofsmithfield.co.uk

Overview

Eva and I were in the Smithfield area of London the other day, and had reserved a table on the top floor of Smiths of Smithfield. Smiths of Smithfield is a Grade II listed four storey restaurant, next door to Smithfield Meat Market. This is a restaurant complex that specialises in serving organic meat, sourced from the Smithfield meat market.

We booked a table in the top floor restaurant, given the fact that it is very popular I advise you to book 48 hours in advance.

Ambience

The building was restored having been left unoccupied for 40 years. The ground floor open bar area has blasted brickwork, big windows, wrought iron columns and leather seats. The first floor is a cocktail bar, the next floor offers a casual dining room with woks and clay ovens. The top floor offers a more formal dining experience.

As noted we had booked a table on the top floor, we accessed this via the elevator in the main bar. The elevator was decorated in a red padded quilt, hanging from top to bottom of three sides of the elevator; it gave us the feeling we were going to a brothel rather than a restaurant.

The top floor restaurant was exceptionally busy, but not overcrowded. We were promptly greeted and shown to our table without delay.

I was very pleased to see that they had given us a good table by the window, in the far corner of the restaurant. This afforded us an excellent view of the London skyline, and a special view of the dome of the Old Bailey.

On fine summer days the floor to ceiling windows, which were on two sides of the room, can be opened and diners can eat on the wooden decked terrace. However, this night we were treated to a spectacular lightening storm, so nobody tried dining al fresco.

The restaurant was modern, bright and well laid out; a bar ran down one side of half of the room, padded benches down another side and freestanding tables took up the remaining space. The windows gave the place sense of space, and freshness. Tables were laid with linen cloths and napkins. The ceiling was dark slated wood, with spotlights.

Menu

The menu offered a good selection of meat a fish dishes including, crab, Dover sole, Longhorn sirloin and Welsh black fillet steaks, chicken and pork.

Service

The staff were very friendly and efficient, service was prompt and accurate. They were helpful and knowledgeable when explaining the sourcing of the meat. I was impressed to note that we were offered a choice of cooking methods for the steak, pan fried or grilled.

Food

I started with half a crab in its shell. This was a good sized half a crab, in its shell, served with a simple mayonnaise. The necessary shell crackers and flesh picking tool came with the dish; enabling me to have a very physical experience with my crab. The crab was first class, and very fresh. A good way to start to the meal.

Eva chose the smoked eel with bacon and beetroot for her appetisers. This came with mayonnaise and was served on a potato pancake with a salad. The taste was smoky but not overpowering, she was very pleased with her choice; a dish that she has not had since childhood.

We both chose the longhorn sirloin for our main courses, accompanied by béarnaise and horseradish sauce. This was a magnificent cut of sirloin, with a good layer of fat. It had been pan fried to seal in the juices. As it was a rare breed the taste and texture were very special, and totally different to the steaks served by other restaurants. The texture had more body than ordinary steaks owing to the denser flesh of the meat, and the flavour had a smoky sweet flavour. It was very special, and thoroughly enjoyable.

The steaks came with mashed potato, which was very rich and creamy, and chips that were 1 inch thick; these were absolutely gorgeous, some of the best that I have ever eaten in a restaurant.

I chose the 3 rhubarb dessert to finish with. This consisted of a slice of rhubarb pie, rhubarb jelly and rhubarb ice cream. Each had a good flavour, not to sweet or sour, this was a very pleasant way to finish the meal.

The meal, which included cocktails, a bottle of Chablis and liqueurs came to £152 including service.

Overall Opinion

A good quality restaurant, serving good quality food in a lively atmosphere. We are happy to recommend it.

Restaurant

The Harbour Room
Pomme d’Or Hotel
Liberation Square
St Helier
Jersey
The Channel Islands

Phone:- 01534 880110

Website www.pommedorhotel.com

Overview

Whilst we were on holiday in Jersey we tried the Harbour Room, the restaurant of our hotel the Pomme d’Or, for breakfast and dinner. The Harbour Room serves traditional English food. The breakfast is the full English buffet, and the dinner is a buffet carvery.

Ambience

The Harbour Room was spacious and comfortable. As the name implies it overlooks St Helier harbour.

The restaurant was pleasantly decorated; tables laid with linen cloths and napkins, the cutlery good quality silverware.

In the centre of the Harbour Room were two large buffet serving stations, where diners serve themselves their breakfast and dinner.

Despite this being a buffet style restaurant, there were a good number of staff on hand at both breakfast and dinner to serve wine, coffee and indeed to help serve you the buffet.

Menu

The breakfast menu was very substantial, and included; sausages, eggs (fried, boiled and scrambled), bacon, beans, fried bread, mushrooms, kippers, porridge, hams, hash browns, black pudding and tomatoes.

The carvery dinner menu also offered a good selection including; roast joints of beef and lamb, chicken, fish, vegetables and a fair selection of cold cuts and salads for starters.

Service

There was a good number of friendly efficient staff, who were on hand to serve wine, coffee and generally help make the breakfast/dinner as enjoyable and relaxed as possible.

Food

At breakfast we tried a little of everything. I am happy to pronounce the food as first class, hot, properly cooked but neither greasy nor dry.

An excellent way to start to the day!

At the carvery for dinner we tried many of the starters. They were reasonably good, as far as they went. However, we were a little disappointed that there was not such a good selection of seafood (eg lobster or crab) on offer as one might have expected in Jersey. That being said I understand that every Friday evening they serve a special seafood buffet in the Harbour Room.

We tried both the beef and lamb for our main course, which were craved by the chef. The joints were cooked medium rare, and were succulent, tender and of good quality.

The potato and vegetable selection were decently cooked, and complimented the meal.

The cost of the breakfast was included in the price of our room. Our dinner, which included a good bottle of Medoc, came to £55.

Overall Opinion

Good food, and good value for money, served in very pleasant surroundings. Even if you are not staying in the hotel; the Harbour Room is worth popping in to one evening, or indeed one morning.

Restaurant

La Bersagliera
372 King’s Road
London
SW3 5UZ

Phone:- 0207 352 5993

Overview

Eva and I were wandering around Sloane Square on Friday; and so we decided to pop into La Bersagliera, an Italian restaurant on the King’s Road.

Ambience

La Bersagliera was very lively and busy. However, the staff managed to find us a table without any delay.

La Bersagliera is compact, but the tables are not too close together; privacy is enhanced by the large potted shrubs that are placed between the tables. The cool white marble floor is offset by the warm red walls, which in turn are complemented by the bright ceiling with large fans. The tables, instead of having flowers, were decorated with sprigs of fresh rosemary in small vases of water.

The background music was quite loud, but not intrusive.

Menu

The menu offers a good selection of Italian dishes such as; pasta, pizza, calves kidneys and lamb. Specials are written on blackboards.

Service

The service was courteous, prompt and efficient. I was pleased to see that the waiters were offering freshly grated Parmesan.

Food

I started with lasagne. This was a little disappointing as it came swimming in a tomato sauce, which to some extent overpowered the dish. There was little taste of meat or béchamel sauce, and the cheese that had been used in the dish had a rubber like quality. Although the dish was filling, it was bland; and not of the quality or taste that I would expect in a good Italian restaurant.

I chose the poussin for my main course. This was better; the poussin had been spatchcocked, flattened, and cooked with herbs. It was succulent and quite tasty. The sauté potatoes that accompanied it were tasty, although a little greasy.

Eva started with mango and crab. This was very fresh and tasted good; the crab was served in a pleasant tasting mayonnaise based sauce, and was accompanied with fresh mango slices.

Eva chose the calzone, a folded pizza, for her main course. This was absurdly large, some three feet long I would venture. The calzone itself was stuffed with cheese, chorizo and salami. Again the same industrial rubber cheese had been used, I tried a mouthful and must confess found it was hard work to chew. Notwithstanding the texture, the flavour was reasonable.

The meal, which included a good bottle of Chianti, and post dinner liqueurs came to £55 before service.

Overall Opinion

Food wise it is a bit of a hit or miss affair. However, I cannot fault it for atmosphere. If you want cheap and cheerful, and avoid any dish with cheese, then it is not too bad a place to go.

Restaurant

L’Autre
5B Shepherd Street
Mayfair
London

Phone:- 0207 499 4680

Overview

Eva and I spent the other evening strolling around Shepherds’ Market, and came across L’Autre. Despite the French sounding name, this restaurant, come bistro, serves a combination of Polish and Mexican dishes.

Ambience

The bistro is romantic, cosy and intimate. The main part is situated on the ground floor, and is not much larger than a reception room of a domestic house. There are also tables outside and a dining area downstairs.

The décor is “bistro kitsch”, with a wooden floor and wooden beams decorated with knickknacks and stuffed toy animals (some of which are wearing sombreros). The tables are situated close together, and there is a bar (space prevents you sitting around it) at one end of the room.

The management have a rather unusual policy with regard to single diners, which we witnessed first hand, they don’t allow them. The rationale being that the single diner may intrude on the intimacy of couples.

Menu

The menu offers a good selection of Polish dishes including; Borstch, pate, dumplings and stuffed cabbage. The Mexican selection is a little more limited, concentrating mainly on a variety of burritos.

The bar has a selection of chilled vodkas, including Goldwasser which contains flecks of gold leaf.

Service

The service is pleasant and efficient.

Food

I chose the charcuterie for my starter. This consisted of a very generous selection of sliced smoked meats (sausage, chicken and ham); served with salad, horseradish and dark rye bread. The combination of meat tasted superb, I was very impressed.

I chose the Golonka for my main course. This was a large boiled ham hock, served with a good sized portion of mashed potatoes, red cabbage and sauerkraut. The meat, which was tender and succulent, was cooked to perfection; literally falling off the bone. The potatoes were excellent, and had been flavoured with a little cheese. This was a most hearty dish, make sure you have a hearty appetite to do it justice.

Eva chose the fish blini for her starter. This was really special, resembling a large pasty, it was stuffed with prawns, crab and trout. It was served with roe, and a sour cream sauce. I am not a great fish fan myself, but tasted it and was very impressed with the quality and combination of flavours. Eva was delighted.

She chose the Pozarski for her main course. This was minced veal, flavoured with dill and other herbs, shaped into a cutlet. The meat was creamy and succulent, and had a very special flavour of dill. It tasted superb. The dish was served with a mushroom and cream sauce, and was accompanied by boiled potatoes, carrots and French beans.

The bill, which included; a bottle of Chardonnay, an Irish coffee and brandy, came to £59 including service.

Overall Opinion

We thoroughly enjoyed our meal, and will definitely go back there again; making sure that we have starved for a day beforehand!

Restaurant

The Old Bell
High Street
Old Oxted
Surrey

Phone:- 01883 712181

Website www.theoldbell-oxted.co.uk

Overview

It was a sunny, hot Saturday; and so Eva and I decided to take a trip out of town to Old Oxted, a village, only 20 minutes train ride away from Croydon.

I haven’t been to Oxted since my childhood, so we took pot luck with regard to our dining needs. Having visited a couple of hostelries, we were delighted to stumble across The Old Bell; a 15th century pub that serves traditional and modern English cuisine.

Ambience

The pub is a traditional timber framed building dating back to the 15th century. Low ceilings with timber beams and columns are decorated with the usual knickknacks (hops, horse brasses, photos etc) accumulated over the centuries of use.

The restaurant and bar meld into one, so you can combine a trip to the pub with a meal (every Englishman’s dream!).

The menus are on chalkboards dotted around the walls.

There is a smoking and non smoking area, plus a garden. We were offered a choice of tables, and took one by the window.

The chairs were old fashioned highback “cottage” style, and were exceptionally comfortable.

Menu

The menu offers a staggering array of dishes including; pate, smoked salmon parcels, baked goat’s cheese, pies, fish, spinach and Roquefort tart, steaks, ham and eggs and vegetarian dishes.

I would venture one small suggestion; whilst the use of chalkboards is fine for specials, we found it to be a little inconvenient placing the entire menu on it. I would suggest that the “standard dishes” are detailed on menus (even if only photocopies) placed on the tables.

Service

We were promptly and warmly greeted by one of the staff when we arrived, and were shown to a table. Once seated, the ordering system was explained to us.

You choose from the menus on the walls, then place your order at the bar; quoting the number attached to the candle stick on your table.

After that the service is as in any other restaurant; ie further orders for drinks, wine, desserts etc can be placed with a member of staff. All of whom we found to be cheerful and efficient.

Food

I chose the warm chicken liver and bacon salad as a starter. This was very good, there was a generous portion of both liver and bacon tossed with a green salad and croutons. The liver was not overcooked, and was complemented by the bacon.

I chose the mixed grill for my main course, with a couple of fried eggs as an extra. The grill included; a lamb’s kidney, calves liver, a double lamb loin chop, a good sized portion of steak, a sausage and a slice of gammon. This was served with home-made chips.

The grill was professionally cooked, not burnt or dry. The meat was of good quality, although parts of the steak were a little chewy. A hearty meal for a hearty appetite!

Eva started with the smoked salmon parcel stuffed with crab. This was served with cherry tomatoes and beetroot. It was a good sized portion, the chef had not stinted on the crab stuffing. The combination of flavours was first class, and made an ideal starter.

Eva chose breaded pork with apple squares in a sage sauce for her main course. The combination of flavours was mouth-watering. The sauce was very “sagey” and was complemented by the flavour, and texture, of the cooked apple cubes; which in turn enhanced the flavour of the lean, tender pieces of pork in breadcrumbs. The pork had been cooked to a golden brown colour.

The dish came with new potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots and courgettes; all cooked to perfection.

The bill, which included; a bottle of Chablis, two Irish coffees and brandy, came to £60 before service.

Overall Opinion

We thoroughly enjoyed our meal, and feel that it was exceptionally good value. Well worth a trip to Old Oxted. I recommend that you do the same.

Restaurant

Shepherd’s
Marsham Court
Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4LA

Phone:- 0207 834 9552

Website www.langansrestaurants.co.uk

Overview

Shepherd’s serves traditional English food and is owned by Richard Shepherd who, recognising that some of his clientele are MP’s, has installed a division bell so that they can enjoy a good meal and can then rush back to the House of Commons to vote.

Eva and I, together with our good friends David and Gabi, went there on Tuesday evening.

Ambience

The restaurant is pleasantly set out with good sized tables, laid with white linen cloths, and discrete comfortable booths. The walls are decorated with wood panelling and oil paintings. The genteel ambience is enhanced by faux gas lighting. The background music was provided by a CD of “old blue eyes”.

I would venture one criticism, relating to the air conditioning which was turned on full blast towards the end of the evening; presumably to hasten the departure of the guests. I find this trick, employed by some restaurants, to be quite annoying.

Menu

The menu offers a good selection of traditional British dishes including; carrot and coriander soup, crab salad, veal chop, steak and kidney pie, liver and Eton Mess.

Service

The service was exceptionally efficient, and the staff were polite but not intrusive.

Food

I started with half a dozen plump Irish oysters. These were served with the traditional accompaniments of brown bread and Tabasco sauce, and were delicious. I opted for the roast beef as my main course. The menu claimed that it was carved from the trolley. However, this was not done at the table so I cannot confirm the existence of said trolley. That being said, the meat was tender, of good quality and had a good layer of fat; it had been cooked medium rare. It was accompanied by roast and boiled potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, mashed Swede and string beans.

I eschewed the dessert in favour of a Welsh rarebit savoury. This was a well balanced combination of cheese, Worcestershire sauce and mustard served on toasted bread.

Eva and Gabi started with scallops and bacon, which they both professed to be tasty and tender. David kicked off with a stilton and onion tart, which was a rich caramel brown colour; this showed that the onions had been well cooked to maximise their flavour and sweetness.

Eva had venison in a red wine sauce for her main course, whilst she enjoyed the flavour she felt that it could have been a little more tender. Gabi had pork in a rich, dark chestnut sauce which she was delighted with. David opted for the rib eye steak and chunky chips. He was satisfied with the portion, but felt the steak was a little dry.

Eva had the Eton Mess, a combination of raspberries, cream and meringue, for dessert; whilst David and Gabi had sticky toffee pudding. All received top marks.

The overall meal, which included two bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon Club cocktails and liqueurs, came to £219 including tip.

Overall Opinion

An enjoyable evening was had by all, I would go there again.

Restaurant

Christopher’s
Thistle Victoria
Buckingham Palace Road
Victoria
London

Phone:- 0207 976 5522

Website www.christophersgrill.com

Overview

Christopher’s is an independently operated American grill restaurant situated in the Thistle Hotel Victoria station.

Eva, Victoria (Eva’s niece) and myself, had a jolly Sunday evening there.

Ambience

The restaurant is stylish, and is set in a splendid high ceilinged room interspersed with pillars decorated in the manner of an ancient Egyptian palace. In addition to the main dining room, Christopher’s sports a trendy cocktail bar which is sleek and comfortable; ideal for pre or post dinner “quaffing”.

Menu

The restaurant’s theme is that of an American grill, as such there is a good selection of grilled meats on offer. In keeping with the American theme, the menu also includes American inspired dishes such as; pumpkin soup, crab cakes and pecan pie.

Service

The service was attentive and efficient, our pre dinner cocktails were swiftly despatched; enabling us to stimulate our appetites whilst perusing the menus.

Fresh baked bread was offered twice; before the meal, and with the starters.

Food

I started with fettuccine which was combined with meatballs, Chorizo and spinach. In my opinion the meatballs, although firm in texture, lacked any discernible taste. I would recommend that the chef adjusts the seasoning accordingly; basil, garlic and black pepper should do the trick.

As a main course I had a 10oz new York strip, rare, with French fries and bernaise sauce. This was succulent and tender; seared on the outside, to seal in the flavour, red and juicy on the inside. The fries were tasty, and the portion generous. The Bernaise sauce, served in a bowl, complimented the steak.

I finished the meal with a couple of Irish coffees, which were very well constructed; the cream being decorated with coffee beans.

Victoria started with pumpkin soup, which was spicy and flavoursome. I regretted not choosing this myself.

Eva had the crab cakes and rocket salad for her starter. The cakes were moist and had a well balanced seasoning.

The ladies both opted for corn fed chicken breast with mashed potato, they were pleased with their choice.

Victoria finished her meal with the satsuma terrine, which bore a passing resemblance to a thick slice of smoked salmon. However, I am happy to say it did not taste like salmon! This served as a refreshing and tangy closing dish to the meal.

Eva finished with the pecan pie, which she thoroughly enjoyed.

The overall meal, which included a bottle of Chablis, a bottle of water, champagne cocktails and Irish coffees, came to £174 including a £20 service charge.

Overall Opinion

We enjoyed our evening, and will return again at some point in the future.

Restaurant

Chateau Napoleon
Coombe Lane
Croydon

Phone:- 0208 686 1244

Overview

Eva and I spent a very pleasant evening at The Chateau last night.

The Chateau is based in a former country house, and offers high quality continental cuisine in a resplendent oak panelled room; set against the background of Coombe Wood Gardens.

Ambience

The Chateau, in addition to the main dining room, has a separate bar with ample seating and private dining rooms. As it is set in a former country house the rooms are decorated with oak panelling, red velvet seating and a cosy inglenook fireplace in the bar.

Diners are offered their menus in the bar from where the orders are taken. This ensures that you are only taken to your table in the dining room when all is ready.

The restaurant was packed, and you are advised to book.

Menu

The restaurant offers a set menu, a la carte and specials listed on a blackboard. The dishes include lobster with linguine, lobster thermidor, duck breast, smoked salmon with crab and quails eggs and a fully stocked dessert trolley.

Service

We started our evening sitting in the bar, sipping a couple of Kir Royales, whilst perusing the menus.

The service both in the bar, and dining room was friendly. However, as the dining room was full, and there was a private party, the staff were a little overstretched. As such, we were left to our own devices to pour the wine. Additionally, we had a to request a finger bowl (which should have been offered automatically) for Eva’s prawn starter, and parmesan cheese for my starter (which again should have been offered automatically).

Food

I started with the linguine with lobster. This consisted of a very generous portion of linguine in a rich creamy sauce, interspersed with chunks of lobster. I would venture to suggest that the lobster was a little rubber like in consistency.

As a main course I had fillet of steak in a red wine sauce. This was a beautifully tender fillet cooked rare, as requested, in a rich tasty red wine and mushroom sauce.

Eva started with the king prawns, in a hot butter and garlic sauce, which were spicy and succulent.

Her main course was the lamb en croute, tender and flavoursome; although the pastry was a little bland.

The main courses came with a generous medley of vegetables and roast potatoes.

Eva finished her meal with a tangy refreshing summer pudding.

We adjourned to the bar for Irish coffees and brandy.

The overall meal, which included a bottle of Chablis, four Kir Royales, several brandies and Irish coffees (I lost count!), came to £132 including 10% service; maybe a little pricey.

Overall Opinion

We like this place; but would suggest they need to attend to the small, but annoying, idiosyncrasies with respect to the finishing touches such as finger bowls etc.

Restaurant

Tower Restaurant
Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street
Edinburgh
EH1 1JF

Phone:- 0131 225 3003

Website www.tower-restaurant.com

Overview

The Tower sits on top of the Museum of Scotland and offers an exceptional view of the castle and skyline of Edinburgh. It specialises in Scottish produce, including steaks and shellfish. The restaurant comprises an indoor rooftop (seating around 100) and outdoor terrace (seating around 70); the restaurant is very popular and you are advised to book (we were told that some people had booked their New Year tables one year ago).

Eva and I, spending Hogmanay in Edinburgh, went there on New Year’s eve. Our booking was for 10:30PM, so we were able to watch the spectacular New Year firework display.

Ambience

The restaurant is elegant and sleek, it eschews the traditional tartan and stuffed animal trophy decorative style favoured by some other Scottish restaurants. Instead the décor is bright, airy and tasteful; polished wooden floors complimenting the lightly stained wooden table tops. A floor to ceiling window runs the full length of one side of the restaurant, so if you are fortunate enough to have a window seat you have an unparalleled view of the castle. However, should you have one of the other tables you will still be able to view the skyline. We were fortunate enough to have a window seat, I am pleased to say the that the double glazing and heating was efficient enough to ensure that we did not feel cold.

When we arrived at the Museum of Scotland we were greeted by a uniformed commissionaire, who ticked our name on a list and showed us to an elevator. This took us to the fifth floor where we were greeted by the Head Waiter, who had been telephoned by the commissionaire; to let him know we were on our way up.

Rather impressively, despite being New Year’s Eve (with all the potential for people delaying their departure); our table was ready, and we were seated immediately.

The restaurant was full, but close to midnight all the diners and staff put their coats on and stood out on the terrace to watch the fireworks, we were lazy and decided to stay in the warm; but we still had a splendid view. I am rather relieved that unlike other restaurants, at New Year, there was no enforced communal singing or hugging; save for handshakes and “happy New Year” from the staff.

Menu

The restaurant offers a variety of traditional Scottish food (prepared with imagination) including; steaks, lamb shank, oysters, crab, liver, roast roots and fish. Even the bread was a special mustard based recipe!

The wine list is extensive and rather sensibly, in my view, is divided into sub sections offering diners a choice of price brackets.

Service

The service was attentive, very friendly and efficient. Our Kir Royales and menus arrived within a matter of minutes of us being seated.

There were a good number of staff on duty who, even though they were working on New Year’s eve, ensured that orders were promptly and efficiently despatched. Half an hour before midnight we were asked if we would like to order a drink to toast in the New Year; that afforded them a well deserved break, so that they could watch the fireworks with everyone else.

Food

I started with the lentil and ham soup, warm rich yellow (evocative of the season) complimented by thin slices of ham placed in the centre; full marks.

As a main course I had a 12oz fillet steak, rare. This was succulent and tender; seared on the outside, to seal in the flavour, red and juicy on the inside. The steak was served with onion rings, hand cut potato wedges and roasted root vegetables; an excellent choice.

I finished with an orange sorbet, smooth and creamy, which was a little more than I could handle.

Eva started with duck parfait, a very generous rich and succulent portion served with toast. She was very pleased with it.

As a main course Eva had the lamb shank which, in keeping with the imaginative style of cuisine, was served with a portion of lam cutlet and loin of lamb. The shank had been braised to perfection so that the meat literally fell of the bone. The dish came with creamy mashed potatoes. Eva thoroughly enjoyed it.

The overall meal, which included a bottle of Chablis, a bottle of water and two glasses of champagne, came to £121 before tip; exceptional value.

Overall Opinion

I have absolutely no hesitation at all in recommending this restaurant; definitely a cut above some of the other restaurants who offer “traditional Scottish fayre”. We will be dining there again when we return to Edinburgh.

Maggie Jones's

Maggie Jones’s 

6 Old Court Place 

Kensington Church Street 

London W8 4PL 

 Phone:- 0207 937 6462  

 

Overview 

It is a sad fact of life that some restaurants can be variable, offering a great time one evening and a disappointment another. I have been frequenting Maggie Jones’s for over ten years now, and can honestly say that I have never had a disappointing meal there. Eva, I and Kajsa (Eva’s daughter) visited it last Sunday, and I am happy to report another enjoyable experience. It comprises a rustic style English restaurant on three floors.  

Ambience 

The restaurant is decorated in a traditional English rustic style, furnished to evoke the atmosphere of a cosy farmhouse; with wooden tables, chairs, benches and intimate booths set against a backdrop of dried straw and grass sheaths, antique farm equipment and other “nic nacks” hanging from the ceiling and placed on shelves around the rooms. 

You can easily forget that you are in London. The atmosphere suits all types of occasions from romantic dinners, business meals to larger gatherings. The restaurant is always busy and you should book; be warned that if you are late you may well loose your reservation. 

Should you wish to sit on a particular floor, or reserve a booth, then mention this when booking; the staff will try to accommodate you. The tables are decorated with potted plants and candles in wine bottles. One nice touch is that the salt and pepper are in small bowls, enabling you to take a pinch and sprinkle it over your food. When we arrived we were greeted in a professional and courteous manner by one of the many staff, and promptly shown to our table. 

The restaurant, as expected, was busy and it had been wise to make a reservation.  

Menu 

The restaurant offers an extensive selection of traditional English food including, but most certainly not limited to: quiche, home-made soup, stuffed roast chicken, roast pork, rabbit, venison, steak, steak pie, sausages, game, bread and butter pudding. Specials are shown on the blackboards dotted around the restaurant.  

Service 

The service is attentive, courteous and professional. 

On being seated we were promptly offered our menus, bread and a small dish of carrots and cucumber in a vinaigrette dressing.  

 Food 

 I started with salmon parcels stuffed with crab. This consisted of two good sized parcels of smoked salmon generously stuffed with fresh crab; very tasty and moist with a good texture. They were placed on a bed of rocket leaves, with a quarter of fresh lemon, and made an ideal starter. 

 I tried the saddle of lamb, from the “specials”, for my main course. I was offered a choice of garlic or rosemary (I chose both) as a flavour enhancer, and also asked how I would like it done, a good sign that it is freshly cooked; I chose medium. 

The lamb was a generous cut (taken at 90 degrees to the back bone) from the saddle and was cooked to my specification. The rosemary and garlic added flavour, but did not overpower it. The lamb was tender and succulent, a very good choice; I used my hands and teeth to take the final vestiges of meat from the back bone. 

I rounded off the meal with a Remy Martin, no room for the dessert. 

 Eva started with potted shrimps, presented without the ramekin in which they were made, served with a very large portion of hot toast and butter. She was pleased with her choice. 

Her main course was a grilled salmon steak, very large, succulent and served with a side dish of hollandaise sauce. The latter was so good that she asked for second dish of sauce, no problem at all. Eva had no room for a dessert either! 

Kajsa decided to take it easy and not have starter. She chose the rack of lamb for a main course; again she was, quite correctly, asked how she wanted it cooked. The lamb was a good sized portion of four ribs cooked well done, as requested, yet succulent and tasty. It was evident that she enjoyed it as she employed her fingers towards the end; and picked the ribs up to clean the meat from them. 

Kajsa had an apple crumble with custard for dessert; hot, sweet and sticky. We shared a selection of vegetables which consisted of a large bowl of sauté potatoes (cut thin yet moist), boiled new potatoes in their skins firm but properly cooked (the best way to enjoy them) and cauliflower baked in a rich (but not overpowering) cheese sauce. 

The overall meal, which included one bottle of Malbec and one bottle of Malvern water, came to £113 including the suggested 12.5% service charge (which I felt had been earned by the staff).  

Overall Opinion Definitely one of London’s better restaurants, one that I rely on to entertain friends and visitors alike.