Thursday, 31 January 2013

Gilgamesh- Camden, London

The Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8AH
http://www.gilgameshbar.com

Gilgamesh is a renowned pan-Asian restaurant in the middle of Camden's Stables Market. Inspired by the Babylonian era, the decor is grand, colourful and exotic. We sat in wooden chairs as big as thrones and enjoyed a delicious set menu from beginning to end. We tucked into scallop tempura with orange ponzu, volcano sushi rolls and fillet of beef salad with hot and sour sauce to start. The main was a choice of green Thai chicken curry or grilled lemon sole with black bean & sake sauce; both with spice roasted squash and egg fried rice on the side. We finished with an indulgent chocolate and lemon grass brûlée. The extensive cocktail menu includes concoctions like apple and fig martinis and 'caipirinhas on fire'...yum!

Sunday, 27 January 2013

Duck and Waffle- Bishopsgate, London

Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY

Step into the lift at the ground floor of the Heron Tower and zoom 40 floors up (in what feels like milliseconds) to a fabulous restaurant and bar with stunning panoramic views of the capital. This 24 hour hot spot has only been open for 6 months but has already established itself as a big name.

The cocktail bar has been beautifully designed with a blue mosaic floor and colourful, illuminated jars of stones as light features. Ornate chandeliers and strings of beads frame a breathtaking view of the Gherkin. Further through, the restaurant is bright and elegant with griege booths and large orchid filled vases. A bright yellow curved ceiling adds a modern twist.

We all tried the signature dish, the 'Duck and Waffle' which was an unusual but delicious combination of crispy confit duck, fried egg, waffle and mustard maple syrup. For dessert, the warm chocolate brownie with peanut butter ice cream and honey comb was heavenly. Our long and lazy lunch lasted 3 hours and allowed us beautiful views of London as the sun set and the lights started to twinkle across the city.


















Sunday, 20 January 2013

Antico- Bermondsey, London

214 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3TQ
http://www.antico-london.co.uk

Antico is one of the newest additions to an existing string of excellent Bermondsey Street restaurants. Serving beautiful rustic Italian food in a relaxed yet stylish setting, it keeps the standard high. Our mains ranged from a succulent tuna steak salad to a creamy tomato and mascarpone risotto. On the starters menu you'll find dishes such as burrata with marinated peppers, halibut fritti with fresh chilli and caper oil or a classic antipasti board. Mains fall under either the fresh pasta & risotto plates or fish & meat from the oven & grill . With its brunch friendly cocktail menu including passion fruit bellinis and prosecco fizz (elderflower liquor, prosecco and lemon) it's no surprise it's busy all weekend. The cosy downstairs bar with its exposed brick walls and leather stools is worth a visit too.





Wednesday, 9 January 2013

Crazy Bear- Fitzrovia, London

26- 28 Whitfield Street, W1T 2RG
http://www.crazybeargroup.co.uk/fitzrovia/

This sophisticated South-East Asian restaurant is worth a visit if only for its exquisite food. Team that with an intimate bar boasting three awards and you could easily spend the whole night here. The 'Stir Fried Crustacea' was a beautiful medley of all my favourite seafood (tiger prawns, mussles, queen scallops, squid) in a simple yet delicious spring onion & garlic sauce. The mouth-watering black cod I tried was cooked to perfection.  There is an incredibly sexy and glamourous feel to this restaurant with its leather seats, bronzed ceiling, low lighting, black, gold & cream panelled walls, mushroom table lamps and ruby-carpeted stairs decending to the basement cocktail bar. Visiting the extravagant bathroom is a must; the optical illusion of its mirrored interior is bound to play tricks on you ;)