Food and Wine Reviews for Feburary 2012

Turkish Eggs @ Kopapa

Kopapa <FAVORITES>  Have been meaning to try this place for ages and finally managed (It takes almost a week advance reservation for weekends) on a chilly Feb Sunday afternoon! But the wait was well worth it. On the corner of the hip Seven Dial block, this place is perfect for Sunday brunch on a cold day. The Turkish Eggs were definitely a standout and my Bloody Mary didn't disappoint at all.

Tayyabs <FAVORITES>  This is the "Indian" food that London is famous for. Brick Lane rules but Indian food elsewhere in London disappoints! The Lassi, Lamb Seekh Kebab and Dry Meat are heavenly. I'll be going here many more times!

 

Cha Cha Moon -  Tucked away in one of the corners of the popular Carnaby Street and Kingly Street, Cha Cha Moon is  an interesting place to get some good Singaporean street food. It's always packed. But the service is quick & good so you hopefully wouldn't have to wait for long.

Food and Wine Reviews for January 2012

My Old Dutch Pancake House <FAVORITES> Gem in the Chelsea area on Kings Road between South Ken and Sloane Square. If you are craving pancakes on a Sunday morning, do check out this place!

Giraffe- <FAVORITES> Walked into this place waiting for table at the more popular Barafina across the road. It turned out to be a fantastic find for a casual night out. Go there on a Friday/Saturday night to have a relax comfortable dinner on the ground floor or have a chill evening with your friends in the bar lounge on the first floor.

NOPI - Popular restaurant off the Regent Street. Needs reservations well ahead off time.

Saigon Saigon - In an attempt to try something offbeat, I walked into Saigon Saigon near Ravenscourt Park Station with a friend. For a quite and low-key (may I say a bit rundown) market, it is a ,surprisingly, popular restaurant with a busy Tuesday night. From what I found out, it has decent food, big menu but am sure London serves better Vietnamese food.

Bird Thai (Amsterdam) <FAVORITES> I had no idea that Dutch have a Thai history. The fact that the most popular restaurant mentioned in the city's tourism guide is Thai restaurant says it all. But having said Bird doesn't disappoint. Tucked away in the Red Light District (isn't everything in Amserdam ?) it serves world-class Thai food. Definite must when you visiting Amsterdam!

Food and Wine Reviews for April - December 2011

Thanks to my move to London, I was not able to write and post a monthly review for this section. But luckily I was able to visit and dine at multiple places during my 9-month stay in London. Below are reviews of some of the places I've been to in London since March 2011.

Megan's Cafe, Kings Road, London

 

Vagabond Wines - <FAVORITES> Local wine haunt. Lovely hosts serving a wide variety of grapes and massive selection of wines. With wine dispensing machines in place, you can taste samples of multiple wines or have a glass (or bottle) full of your favorite wine. Also, the special events are always a blast with like-minded wine enthusiasts, who want a mid-week night out, make for a fun night with great wines and charcuterie.

Del'Aziz - <FAVORITES> Love this place! Awesome food and great Moroccan Mint Team. Have already been here twice in first 3 days in London. Big help during my property search due to wi-fi connection. Actually sitting at Del Aziz and writing this review!

Megan's - <FAVORITES> Cosy eatery in the Fulham and Chelsea neighborhood. Go there for brunch on a weekend and if available, head downstairs to the garden sitting.

 

Altitude 360 - Definitely have great 360 degree views of London but the brunch buffet is nothing to write home about. Not worth the full price of £107+

Brumus - Really nice bar and restaurant for an elegant evening at Haymarket Hotel.

LVPO - <FAVORITES> Great find in Soho. It's really popular and has line around the corner on weekend nights so get there early. Multi-level bar/club/lounge to get lost and party!

Vinopolis - <FAVORITES> A wine museum!!! Great place to go spend an evening exploring the world of wine. Highly recommended if you have time and are a wine enthusiast. Located in a very busy and chic Borough Market neighborhood.

 

Dishoom - Went there for the Restaurant festival week but was an okay visit. Perhaps will make another visit giving it a benefit of doubt of having an off day since I have heard so much good reviews about it!

Morito - <FAVORITES> Great tapas place in casual setting (very Barcelona like) in the hip Exmouth Market. Reservation is highly recommended.

Planet of the Grapes-  Lovely wine bar tucked away in Bow street near Bank and Mansion House. It boasts of huge and impressive list of wines to purchase (and to drink for an additional surcharge of £10). Basement sitting area makes for cosy evening. The food menu leaves much to be desired. But if you are just looking to have and purchase some wine, it's definitely recommended.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland -  <FAVORITES> Hyde Park hosts Annual Winter Wonderland in the heart of the City and brings the warm festive glow to London. It's perfect oasis just off the madness of Knightsbridge to capture the the mood of season in the month of December. With German market, Skating Rink, Circus and plenty of amusement rides, it has something for everyone !!!

Food and Wine Reviews for March 2011

Starting this month, I am adding a new section to my blog where I would post reviews of the restaurants/places I’ve visited over the last month. These will obviously go on the google maps but this a way to consolidate all the reviews for every month.

Bar Boulud, New York City

Bar Boulud - <FAVORITES> Casual bistro by Michelin 3-star restaurateur Daniel Boulud lives up to its name and quality. Par excellence service, fantastic wine selection and amazing French food.

Eataly - <FAVORITES> If you love cheese, if you love bread, if you love chocolates, if you love meat, if you love wine; In short, if you love Italy, this is the place for you! My only regret is that I found it right at fag end of my New York stay. Thanks Richa Di for the farewell dinner and introducing me to this gem :) And they are adding a new rooftop beer garden this summer!!!

Cacio e Vino - If you are searching for lost Sicilian flavor, you will definitely find it here. Another gem to try exotic grapes from Southern Italy. Try the Cerasuolo di Vittoria doc '07 and Tancredi '05.

Birch Coffee - Another addition to ever-growing list of niche coffee shops in NY. Also, has wine, beer and small snacks on its menu.

Caracas Arepa Bar - <FAVORITES> The best Arepas in the city. The Reina Pepiada arepa and Cachapa are the best things on the menu. If not having wine or beer, Papelón con limón is a must drink with the food.

Cafe Mogador - <FAVORITES> Fantastic place for wknd brunch. Really popular and gets busy. Got to have the lamb chops!!! Visited again for dinner this month and got equally fabulous food. Great wine selection, love the merguez and the Moroccan Mint Tea is heavenly!!