I was asked recently by local and twitter buddy Maradoll for some good Mexican food recommendations, after she was given a quesadilla that was called a burrito, in a local eaterie. Now, my own experience of Mexican food is mostly of eating bad food at Cafe Pacifico's in Langley St, after a lot of tequila - in the days when I and my friends thought that was cool, so not exactly up to date...
As Maradoll is a San Fran foodie, who knows her stuff, the pressure was on and I knew I'd have to call in some help on this one. The cavalry arrived in the shape of my Latino ex-pat friend Jason, who carefully wrote me a list of Mexican eateries that live up to his expectations in London. It's a very short list, and untested by me - but I trust Jason, knowing his good taste. As always, if you have any suggestions to add - please do.
Benito's Hat (Must be good with a name like this): One branch in Goodge St and looks tasty - Burritos are the recommendation here: http://www.benitos-hat.com/
Tortilla : Two branches - one in Angel, one is Southwark. Again, Jason recommends the burritos: http://www.tortilla.co.uk/
Mestizo: This is Jason's recommendation for the full meal deal...it's not cheap, but Jason says it is good. It's day of the dead celebrations here from the 27th Nov until the 2nd of Nov, so could be a good time to visit. http://www.mestizomx.com/
Wahaca: This recommendation comes from Liberty London Girl - who has such impeccable taste in all things, that I'd be mad not to add it. Plus, Tomasina Meirs who set this small chain up, is an ex winner of Masterchef - and I think you all know about my obsession with that! Http://www.wahaca.co.uk/
And as for the tequila...all I can recommend for that is don't drink a whole bottle in a night.
Askhat xx
Showing posts with label london. Show all posts
Showing posts with label london. Show all posts
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Friday, 6 March 2009
Partisan London delights part 1
Dear Askhat.com,
I want to check out London--any suggestions on where to go or not to go?
Yours,
Karen, San Francisco
Dear Karen,
Blimey! Now this is a bit of a wide open question on first glance, but I do know you are a writer, so I'll try and get some literary delights in, but frankly this is a perfect chance to list some of my favorite London things! In fact, I'll have to split this post otherwise I'll give away all my favorite places in one go. So I'll start with food/drink and entertainment - culture, shopping and oddities as well as places to avoid to will follow soon...
Food:
Canteen (any branch) http://www.canteen.co.uk/
I love this modern british all day restaurant. Friendly staff, lovely designed spaces and the simple but wide ranging choices make this a winner for me. Pop in for a bacon sarnie in the morning, or a pie of the day at lunchtime or a toasted muffin and pot of tea tea for teatime!
Morgan M: http://www.morganm.com/
This is my very, very favorite and extremely special restaurant. The chef used to work at Admiralty at Somerset House, which I have a soft spot for on account of it being where I met the husband, on an ice rink. Anyway we had such an extraordinary meal at Admiralty that when I heard the chef had moved, I stalked him. Obviously. So when he opened his own place, in Islington, we went there for the husband's birthday. It was fantastic - each course a delight, the matched wines just right and the ambience and service incredibly special. If you're in the mood for a wondrous splurge then this is the place.
Patisserie Valerie and Konditor and Cook :
http://www.patisserie-valerie.co.uk/
http://www.konditorandcook.com/
Pat Val is a Soho stalwart - windows of elegantly tiered cakes to ooh and ahh over and the home of many a gossip filled, calorie laden half hour. Pat Val wins on the proper French pastries and old fashioned waitresses. I personally prefer the cake from Konditor and Cook (it's the only place I've bought a cake for a family birthday if I didn't have time to make my own) but there aren't so many sit down versions of K and C...
Drinks and Dancing
Claridges Bar. (Bond St tube) http://www.claridges.co.uk/
Now this I love, partly because the staff are SO charming, and partly because the glorious art deco toilets are marvellous. I began a rather elegant hen night for a friend, at the bar here, and by the time we left the delightful bar man had given us all one of the Claridges velvety red roses and fended off the overexcited hotel guest who'd tried to give us his room number. The drinks are good too, but that's not the main reason for going there for me. Wear your best "oh this old thing" understanded glamour, grab a table and watch the eurotrash and mayfair locals while drinking a perfect champagne cocktail.
Also does a great afternoon tea
Gordon's wine bar (Charing Cross) http://www.gordonswinebar.com
Whatever your intentions are, I've never ever left here and not been roaring drunk. Great fun in summer and winter and unlike anywhere else.
"Ain't nothing but the blues" Kingly Street, W1B (nearest tube Oxford Circus)
Don't go here if you want to stay sober, avoid strangers or have an aversion to standing so close to strangers that you can smell the soap powder they use on their underwear. Do go here if you like live blues music, enjoy meeting new people and discovering the special time shift which a good night has - of turning 10 pm into 3 am in a mere nano second.
Rivoli Ballroom:
This is a place rather than a night and with it's red and gold decor, properly sprung dance floor and ladies powder rooms you'll feel like you're in a film. And the Rivoli has been on screen more often that most - music videos, films, photoshoots and tv series have all used the Rivoli's athmospheric glamour as a backdrop.Nights include swing dancing, salsa and all kinds of dressed up, super ott nights which are great for imagining yourself in a different era.
Classic Pub:
I like a pub with a fire. I like anywhere with a fire really but for a classic pub I think you need one. Also wood panelling and slightly ropy looking bar stools and an old man and a dog in a corner. Now most god pubs have become gastro pubs, which are nice, but not the same, so trying to give you a classic pub is hard. So here are two good options - and dear readers , do please add your own suggestions.
The Angel, Rotherhithe. http://www.pubs.com/pub_details.cfm?ID=263
A pub with a view over the river thames, in a slightly unsalubrious part of London and a whole heap of history (the mayflower left from hereabouts) has got to be a london classic. Fire? Check. Wood Panelling? Check. Tiny rooms, tiny balcony over river and large beer garden on the riverside? Double checked...
The Coach and Horses, Greek St:
This is a true Soho pub - a mix of anyones, no-ones and well knowns all squashed in together to have a drink. The fun is in the crowd - don't expect bar snack, or great drinks but enjoy the people watching.
I know there are lots more that I'll remember as soon as I've posted, but hopefully these will do for now.
Yours in Londonness,
AskHat
I want to check out London--any suggestions on where to go or not to go?
Yours,
Karen, San Francisco
Dear Karen,
Blimey! Now this is a bit of a wide open question on first glance, but I do know you are a writer, so I'll try and get some literary delights in, but frankly this is a perfect chance to list some of my favorite London things! In fact, I'll have to split this post otherwise I'll give away all my favorite places in one go. So I'll start with food/drink and entertainment - culture, shopping and oddities as well as places to avoid to will follow soon...
Food:
Canteen (any branch) http://www.canteen.co.uk/
I love this modern british all day restaurant. Friendly staff, lovely designed spaces and the simple but wide ranging choices make this a winner for me. Pop in for a bacon sarnie in the morning, or a pie of the day at lunchtime or a toasted muffin and pot of tea tea for teatime!
Morgan M: http://www.morganm.com/
This is my very, very favorite and extremely special restaurant. The chef used to work at Admiralty at Somerset House, which I have a soft spot for on account of it being where I met the husband, on an ice rink. Anyway we had such an extraordinary meal at Admiralty that when I heard the chef had moved, I stalked him. Obviously. So when he opened his own place, in Islington, we went there for the husband's birthday. It was fantastic - each course a delight, the matched wines just right and the ambience and service incredibly special. If you're in the mood for a wondrous splurge then this is the place.
Patisserie Valerie and Konditor and Cook :
http://www.patisserie-valerie.co.uk/
http://www.konditorandcook.com/
Pat Val is a Soho stalwart - windows of elegantly tiered cakes to ooh and ahh over and the home of many a gossip filled, calorie laden half hour. Pat Val wins on the proper French pastries and old fashioned waitresses. I personally prefer the cake from Konditor and Cook (it's the only place I've bought a cake for a family birthday if I didn't have time to make my own) but there aren't so many sit down versions of K and C...
Drinks and Dancing
Claridges Bar. (Bond St tube) http://www.claridges.co.uk/
Now this I love, partly because the staff are SO charming, and partly because the glorious art deco toilets are marvellous. I began a rather elegant hen night for a friend, at the bar here, and by the time we left the delightful bar man had given us all one of the Claridges velvety red roses and fended off the overexcited hotel guest who'd tried to give us his room number. The drinks are good too, but that's not the main reason for going there for me. Wear your best "oh this old thing" understanded glamour, grab a table and watch the eurotrash and mayfair locals while drinking a perfect champagne cocktail.
Also does a great afternoon tea
Gordon's wine bar (Charing Cross) http://www.gordonswinebar.com
Whatever your intentions are, I've never ever left here and not been roaring drunk. Great fun in summer and winter and unlike anywhere else.
"Ain't nothing but the blues" Kingly Street, W1B (nearest tube Oxford Circus)
Don't go here if you want to stay sober, avoid strangers or have an aversion to standing so close to strangers that you can smell the soap powder they use on their underwear. Do go here if you like live blues music, enjoy meeting new people and discovering the special time shift which a good night has - of turning 10 pm into 3 am in a mere nano second.
Rivoli Ballroom:
This is a place rather than a night and with it's red and gold decor, properly sprung dance floor and ladies powder rooms you'll feel like you're in a film. And the Rivoli has been on screen more often that most - music videos, films, photoshoots and tv series have all used the Rivoli's athmospheric glamour as a backdrop.Nights include swing dancing, salsa and all kinds of dressed up, super ott nights which are great for imagining yourself in a different era.
Classic Pub:
I like a pub with a fire. I like anywhere with a fire really but for a classic pub I think you need one. Also wood panelling and slightly ropy looking bar stools and an old man and a dog in a corner. Now most god pubs have become gastro pubs, which are nice, but not the same, so trying to give you a classic pub is hard. So here are two good options - and dear readers , do please add your own suggestions.
The Angel, Rotherhithe. http://www.pubs.com/pub_details.cfm?ID=263
A pub with a view over the river thames, in a slightly unsalubrious part of London and a whole heap of history (the mayflower left from hereabouts) has got to be a london classic. Fire? Check. Wood Panelling? Check. Tiny rooms, tiny balcony over river and large beer garden on the riverside? Double checked...
The Coach and Horses, Greek St:
This is a true Soho pub - a mix of anyones, no-ones and well knowns all squashed in together to have a drink. The fun is in the crowd - don't expect bar snack, or great drinks but enjoy the people watching.
I know there are lots more that I'll remember as soon as I've posted, but hopefully these will do for now.
Yours in Londonness,
AskHat
Wednesday, 27 August 2008
Shopping for dirty stop outs
In my misspent past, I might have occasionally spent the night somewhere that wasn't home...and then had to go to work the next day. Despite working in Soho (home of the walk of shame surely) it was very difficult to find anywhere that opened before 10am to buy something to wear to the office - where I was expected at 9.30am! In those days, Topshop (ever after known as slapper shop)was the only option, but here's a list of weekday opening and closing times for various useful shops that can save your blushes. After all, if the evening's going well, why not pop into one of them on the way home - and give yourself a few more hungover minutes in bed in the morning!
In order of earliest opening:
Primark:
mon - friday: 8.30 -9
Topshop:
mon -weds, friday: 9 -8
thurs 9 -9
H&M:
mon -weds, friday: 9 -8
thurs 9 - 8
John Lewis:
mon -weds, friday: 9.30 -8
thurs 9.30 -9
Selfridges:
mon - friday: 9.30 -9
Liberty:
mon -weds, friday: 10 -7
thurs 10 - 8
Reiss:
mon -weds, friday: 10 -7
thurs 10 - 8
Cos:
mon -weds, friday: 10 -8
thurs 10 - 9
Zara:
mon -weds, friday: 10 -7.30
thurs 10 - 8
Harvey Nichols:
mon-fri: 10-8
Any other clothes shops with particularly useful opening hours?
Other types of shops will follow...
askhat
In order of earliest opening:
Primark:
mon - friday: 8.30 -9
Topshop:
mon -weds, friday: 9 -8
thurs 9 -9
H&M:
mon -weds, friday: 9 -8
thurs 9 - 8
John Lewis:
mon -weds, friday: 9.30 -8
thurs 9.30 -9
Selfridges:
mon - friday: 9.30 -9
Liberty:
mon -weds, friday: 10 -7
thurs 10 - 8
Reiss:
mon -weds, friday: 10 -7
thurs 10 - 8
Cos:
mon -weds, friday: 10 -8
thurs 10 - 9
Zara:
mon -weds, friday: 10 -7.30
thurs 10 - 8
Harvey Nichols:
mon-fri: 10-8
Any other clothes shops with particularly useful opening hours?
Other types of shops will follow...
askhat
Monday, 25 August 2008
A reader asks...
Partying in 40's style...
Dear askhat,
I wanted to ask you if you could ever came across what would make a great location for a 40s theme party. Somewhere a bit homely / shabby / retro and not too expensive. I am trying to organise a party and struggling to find the perfect spot. I realise I might have to compromise as what I want probably doesn't exist but still... Wanted to have the party next month but at this rate it might have to be later in the year.
All suggestions welcome.
Love
K.
Dear K,
What about the Rivoli Ballroom, just opposite Crofton Park train station in SE4 - very cool, totally 40's/50's and I don't think it's horribly expensive. The main hall is very big, but apparently they have a half size one too at the back and the bar is fabulously well priced. Talk to Bill @ The Rivoli on 020 8692 5130. No website of it's own, but lots of pictures on other people's websites...
Hoxton hall is another possibility as well. It's got a range of rooms, again for hire and not fearfully expensive. The website is:
http://www.hoxtonhall.co.uk
For more tongue in cheek 40's - and not much work for you, try the Bloomsbury Bowling alley. It's not as shabby, or as realistically atmospheric, and it will probably be much more expensive by the time you factor in drinks etc. Their website is:
http://www.bloomsburybowling.com
I hope this helps - and if anyone else has any suggestions, please do add them.
askhat
Dear askhat,
I wanted to ask you if you could ever came across what would make a great location for a 40s theme party. Somewhere a bit homely / shabby / retro and not too expensive. I am trying to organise a party and struggling to find the perfect spot. I realise I might have to compromise as what I want probably doesn't exist but still... Wanted to have the party next month but at this rate it might have to be later in the year.
All suggestions welcome.
Love
K.
Dear K,
What about the Rivoli Ballroom, just opposite Crofton Park train station in SE4 - very cool, totally 40's/50's and I don't think it's horribly expensive. The main hall is very big, but apparently they have a half size one too at the back and the bar is fabulously well priced. Talk to Bill @ The Rivoli on 020 8692 5130. No website of it's own, but lots of pictures on other people's websites...
Hoxton hall is another possibility as well. It's got a range of rooms, again for hire and not fearfully expensive. The website is:
http://www.hoxtonhall.co.uk
For more tongue in cheek 40's - and not much work for you, try the Bloomsbury Bowling alley. It's not as shabby, or as realistically atmospheric, and it will probably be much more expensive by the time you factor in drinks etc. Their website is:
http://www.bloomsburybowling.com
I hope this helps - and if anyone else has any suggestions, please do add them.
askhat
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