Canadians visiting London

I would miss Randall and Aubin. I mean the food is competent enough (nothing special)....but it is one of the least comfortable places I have eaten. Crappy wicker stools that dig into your butt....jammed in with other diners and little elbow room....not for me! :)

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Highlands Tour

Thanks for the update jfish....sounds like you had a nice break!

Excellent choice doing a bit of home cooking in St.Andrews. Used to love Kerarchers for fish....superb stuff right off the boats. It irks me no end though, that not only does the Auld Grey Toon have Mellis the cheesemonger....they also now have The Guid Cheese Shop....neither of which were there in my student days....boo!

Do you recall what butchers you went to?....would be good to know. There used to be a fantastic butchers there - Murray Mitchell's....a real old fashioned place with carcasses and haggis hung in the window. Sadly he had to retire and close through ill health...but believe the family now run Mitchell's Deli there.

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Highlands Tour

Is your daughter at St.Andrews Uni....all the best folk go there! ;) ;)

If time permits, definitely take a drive round the East Neuk of Fife...lots of nice red-roofed little fishing villages. At the very least, drive along to sample the great fish and chips in Anstruther across from the harbour. Be prepared to queue....but it is worthwhile. The fish goes from boat to restaurant....and is fried in a light crispy batter.

Like others mention, House of Bruar is well worth a stop...especially if you are after some food-curios to take home.

Inverness:

I am a bit non-plussed about The Mustard Seed in Inverness...always felt it was a bit "meh" in a chain restaurant kind of way.

Harters seems to have had less than great experience in Contract Brasserie....but while we lived there we had good times in the more formal Abstract @ Glenmoriston Town House. Not cheap, but we always found it exceptional. I do akcnowledge that reports from both seems to go up and down with time.

I would heartily recommend The Joy of Taste in Inverness. It is a newish restaurant run by volunteers....with the emphasis on good vfm and a warm/friendly experience. I love the service in here....very informal....staff love their job - for many it is their chance to socialise and get out of the house etc. The food isn't really high end....but I have never had a bad dish...solid cooking with good ingredients at a reasonable price. http://www.thejoyoftaste.co.uk

I have never actually been, but my wife is on Inverness on business weekly....and she really enjoys Cafe1 - http://www.cafe1.net . Seems like a nice little setup, home growing/rearing and sourcing locally where possible. As with Joy of Taste....reservations are recommended.

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Request: London rec for tonight....

Thanks astereilla....she managed to get in at the Anchor and Hope. She toddled along at 6.30pm but it was heaving....but she managed to peg a table for later that night at 9pm. Said she has a very nice whiteknuckle pork Tuscan style.

Thanks again.

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Request: London rec for tonight....

Hi there, my wife is in the city again tonight and is looking for somewhere nice to dine.

Requirements are that it is relaxed/casual and bookings not req. She is staying near Southwark tube station and is happy to take a few stops for somewhere nice....but she has a gammy leg just now and can't walk too far - so it would need to be quite close to a stop.

That's it...anything else goes! I know there is the Anchor and Hope just along from Southwark tube station....but I'm not sure if it will be reservation only even on a Tue night? What else is a fave or getting rave reviews nearby?

Thanks again! :)

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Most notables near London Victoria? (and also Trafalgar Sq.).... [London]

Thanks everyone! She had what she described as a very nice meal/drinks in the Pheonix (thx Trixibelle!)....and was very enthused by the friendliness of the staff. I tried to get her to also checkout Les Deux Salons....but she had some shopping to do in Selfridges so slunk into MeatLiquor for a Dead Hippie! Tsk tsk....and without her darling husband too! ;)

Thank again all....

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Most notables near London Victoria? (and also Trafalgar Sq.).... [London]

Hey all....my better half is off to the city on business the next few days, and wondered if I could get a few recs for near her hotel at Thistle Westminster. I have rec'd her Quilon....but that's all I know about in the area. Restaurants are the main need....but any foodie stops at all in the area would be good to know about.

Also, she will be having a few meetings near Traf. Sq....so a good place to get a bite there would be most welcome also.

Thanks again!

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Question about Scotch

I would throw my hat in the ring for Royal Mile Whiskies....great selection - and staff that have regular tastings are well placed to help you pick out something special.

Having a budget in mind will help if going into a specialist store. Like others have said, an indication of the kind of thing he likes may also help....but providing he is not staunchly against anything (such as heavily peated malts) he will likely love the opportunity to try any whisky curio.

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London Trip Report – 18-22nd Dec 2011

A bit of a mixed bag this year for our Dec trip.

First night we arrived in later than planned, so being in close proximity to Tayyabs we just nipped there for a late meal. It was overall good enough, but the lustre has definitely worn away. The sizzling platters no longer zing with the same fresh spice....the lamb chops tougher and drier...the meat curry served colder than it should have been. I had vowed not to be back last time....and I really mean it this time!  As ever, I enjoyed the jug of mango lassi. We were going to try Needoo around the corner, but the apparent lack of any patrons made us wary!

Enjoyed some of the usual fare the next morning at Borough Mkt. The ever awesome Kappacasein toastie, Monmouth coffee....some seasonal mulled cider etc. Bought some amazing Italian olive oil....deep green and grassy – can’t wait to get back home and use it.

A bit late (!) to the party I know, but that evening we finally had our first experience of St John at the Bread and Wine location. We were pretty stuffed by this point, so only shared a few dishes and glasses of vino. All were just superb....the lovely ham and duck egg...a finger-lickingly succulent quail....beautiful tasting bread. Inspired, we found room for pudding - an Eccles cake with Lancashire cheddar for me and some bread pudding and butterscotch sauce for my dearie. We also took some lovely madeleines away with us. Always been a bit of a Fergus fan....and was very impressed by my visit. Will defo be back for more. Later on we nipped across from our hotel to the Draft House at its tower bridge location to enjoy some lovely beers in 1/3pint flights. Pretty expensive beer....but worthwhile and enjoyable tasting session.

Next day was mainly about exploring Brixton Village. First up was the major disappointment that was Honest Burger. The best I could say was that I enjoyed the fries. The burger, cooked a perfect medium, had all the taste of the bottom of a flipflop. A severe lack of seasoning, juice....and any notion of deep beefy flavour. Pallid, too finely ground and slightly porky tasting beef from the Ginger Pig featured....and left us way underwhelmed. (I noticed that there was some conversation recently about the Ginger Pig beef. The only yardstick I have is the similarly sourced Hawksmoor burger that I loved....go figure). Overheard a conversation from the Honest Burgerer’s that seemed to indicate that they are looking for the right premises with which to expand outwith Brixton. Hmm.

Elephant Cafe provided us with a perfectly passable Lamb Thali that proved a perfect antidote to the manky weather outside and the pale burger we had earlier suffered through. No socks blown off or the like...just a very reasonable and perfectly nice lunch/snack spot.

We had a very nice cap. from Federation Coffee....but the star of the Brixton show for us was the loaf from Wild Caper Deli, baked from a Naples sourdough starter reputed to have a traceable provenance of 500 years back. This loaf blew us away....and squirreled away back in our hotel room, topped with a little Rodda’s Cornish butter, we agreed that it was probably the best thing we ate in London on this trip. Amazing.

Later on we ventured to Blackfriars for a pint before bed. Nice, apparently well-kept ales....absolutely freaking disgusting toilet that wafts its ill-kept effluent smell up the stairs to the otherwise pleasant and historic little pub. :\

Next morning we were off bright and early for breakfast at Peter Gordon’s Kopapa at Covent Garden. I enjoyed some fantastic Turkish Eggs (two poached eggs atop whipped seasoned yoghurt...all drowned in some decadent hot chilli butter)....and my dearie had the very pleasant chorizo hash. Took a while to convince someone to bring me the bill  but had an enjoyable brekkie here and am intrigued to try PG’s places in the future.

Dropped by the Ice Creamists around the corner for a cone to share. Gave the “Baby GooGoo” a bodyswerve :OS and opted for a slightly chewy yet tasty combo , the best of which by far was the pistachio. Doubt I would go back as I prefer gelato to these heavier chewy creams, but it was certainly respectable.

Made it to Jose for a late lunch...and were blessed by a couple of seats opening up as we arrived. Absolutely loved most everything we had here....padrons, chilli/garlic prawns, beautiful jamon etc...by far the star was the unctuous oft-blogged-about pork cheeks that proved the ultimate antidote to the drizzle running down the outside of our window. A couple of decent glasses of Manzanilla and we happily passed an hour blethering and watching life pass by from our counter. What a truly lovely little place....no wonder it is permanently hoaching!

Understandably stuffed to the gills.....we resolved to spend the remainder of our trip walking it all off. Only a late bout of peckishness saw us nip into Randall and Aubin for a snackette. The cooking was really my kind of thing...a well executed steak frites and some mustardy-honeyed sausages between us. Seemed very popular indeed....the vibe was kind of weird to me though and the stools left me more uncomfortable than I can remember ever being in a restaurant. Nice to see Mr Baines breezing in and out of the kitchen often during our visit...albeit looking a bit rougher than his tv persona....(and still looking like Jamie Oliver’s big brother! ;)

The only thing left to mention was the several attempts we made to sample the much hyped MeatLiquor. Twice we joined a shortish queue for about 20-30minutes before a group of smokers came along and lit up beside us....making us opt to move on. Whaddyagonnado.

Oh....and an honourable mention for worst possible attitude to customers go the barstaff at the Ad Cod. Twice when failing to understand my wife’s (Scottish accented) enquiry about what food they were serving, they just pulled a face, grunted and walked off to serve someone else. Yup...the current best burgers in London are apparently hard to get a hold of! :) We thought a double insult was more than enough....and promptly left never to return.

Thanks again for all your recs and advice....despite some setbacks, London continues to give us great and memorable food moments that keep us coming back for more. Happy NY to you all when it comes. Slainte Mhath!

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Where to eat on Islay (Scotland) between drams of whisky?

We haven't been back to Islay for years now....but we really enjoyed the food we had at the Old Kiln Cafe at Ardbeg Distillery.

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What's the point of Borough Market? [London]

I agree....Christmas is the only time I get to see Borough....and I must confess to love spending an hour or so there soaking up the atmosphere with some hot mulled cider or whatnot. I never really take much home with me...save for some Stichelton from Neals Yd and some L'artisan misshapes....but enjoy grazing my way round.

So glad to hear that Kappacasein are back in time for this years visit! :)

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Your Current London Faves....

Oh Zuriga...if only you knew how long I have drooled over that list! ;)

Thanks for posting.

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Your Current London Faves....

Many thanks ct, some really useful info. With regard to the Southbank Food Festival, we will be there outwith the normal Fri - Sun openings. I see on the website that they are doing a 'Real Food Christmas Market' from the 16th to the 23rd Dec. Would you happen to know if the Christmas version is the same sort of deal (ie. not turning to Christmas chintz!)?

Thanks for the heads up on the deli near FM. I remember reading something about it a while back....do they bake the buns for Honest Burgers or something? Regardless, finding some top bread is definitely on the agenda, so will definitely look in.

Thanks again.

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Your Current London Faves....

Thanks gg...some fantastic rec's there - and right up our street. I think maybe more than one session in BV shall be required! :)

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Your Current London Faves....

Thanks Damien. I had been wondering about Eat St....and it's great to have some stall rec's to take with me.

MEATliquor is already on the agenda....along with possibly Admiral Codrington and/or Honest Burger. There seem to be just so many great burgers now. While that is great news, the missus informs me that it is unreasonable to try them all in 4 days! ;) I have had the pleasure of the Hawksmoor burger last year - which I thought was amazing. Looking forward to seeing how some others stack up.

We managed Gelupo last time....which was great, but I had a personal preference for Oddono's. Have you frequented either The Icecreamists or Chin Chin Labs? Any comments?

Thanks for your help and suggestions. Much appreciated.

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Hawksmoor
157 Commercial St, Poplar, Greater London E1 6, GB

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Your Current London Faves....

We will be heading to the city on the approach to Christmas for our annual 4 day food extravaganza, fully equipped with trousers featuring elasticated waist. :)

This is a very general post...and I know they are frowned upon...but I will give it a go anyway. I would love to hear about your fave current London spots. We have an extensive list of brekkie, burger/dog/lunchie and coffee type places. What we are after is some great “drive-bys”...places we can nip into and spend 20mins....or grab something to take on the run. For example, last year we enjoyed places such as Nordic Bakery, Oddono’s, Franco Manca, Yalla Yalla....that type of thing. Bakeries would be great....your fave markets (we tried in vain to find London Fields in the snow last year :)...anything *at all* that you love.....food curios...we want to hear.

Also, we usually enjoy a trip to Tayyabs one night. Would love to hear some suggestions for alternates. Have previously been to Indian Zing, but together they form the culmination of my Indian food experience in the capital.

We want to try and spend a few hours in Brixton, as I have read it is a burgeoning food destination. We have Franco Manca, Federation Coffee, Honest Burgers and Cornercopia as possible destinations here. Any you can add?

Finally, any grocery type places you like....like the big dept. store foodhalls/wholefoods /ethic (sorry!) supermarkets etc.

Thanks very much in advance.

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Jose (London)

Thanks both for the speedy replies. Really looking forward to Jose....and will build your info into our schedule.

Cheers.

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Jose (London)

We will be in London from the 18th - 21st Dec and were hoping to visit Jose at some point during our 4 days. I read that it is pretty small, so gets cramped at the best of times....so I was wondering if anyone knew when the best time to try a visit would be. We can fit it into our schedule anytime Mon, Tue or Wed.

Many thanks.

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Admiral Codrington (London)

As the new wave of decent burger joints jostle for position with the chowhound burgerati...I feel I must make it my mission to sample some more of the current best-in-show on my December jaunt to the city.

The only real burger I have managed to get a hold off in the past is the Hawksmoor offering....and it really blew my socks off. I was looking forward to a rerun this visit....but think I will have to venture further afield and see what's out there. The Admiral Codrington seems to be making the shortlist on all the burger blogs, so will likely get a try.

In addition to any burger reviews, I would love to know if anyone has tried their Mac Cheese? I saw a brief pic and review on a burger site....and it looks amazing. http://www.hamburger-me.com/2011/10/admiral-codrington-serves-up-stunning.html (towards bottom of page).

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Hawksmoor
157 Commercial Street, London E1 6BJ, GB

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Flying to London on BA ? about meals

,,,,orrrr like everyone else I know, you could just say "Yes please!"....and take the miniatures with you! ;)

Usually (not always) they have to crack the top....but you can just screw it back up and take it onward to your destination to help you sleep when the kids wake up in the middle of the night and want to jump on your bed. ;)

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Salzburg and Munich for a night each

Lee, if you are doing a Munich beer tour, I would urge you to include a quick weissbier at Weisses Brauhaus...kind of quintessential! :)

I would echo those that rec. Andechser Am Dom and Der Pschorr....both serve excellent beer and food. The former is a bit more traditional and cosy, the latter a more modern take on the beerhall with beautiful natural oak fixtures and fittings throughout. I love perching up by the kegging station and watching them hammer the tap into the new barrels every so often.

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Andechser Am Dom
Weinstraße 7, Munich, BY 80333, DE

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Babbo - quick!

Lol...you wag you! :)

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Dining along driving route

I would ward you off staying in Carlisle...unless of course there is a specific task you have in mind. Not (to my mind of course!) a pleasant stop along a journey. I would much prefer to spend a day in the beauty of rural Dumfries and Galloway.

Or perhaps if you just seek a stop not too far off your route, I would suggest the lovely town of Moffat for a relaxing start to your trip. Located just off the M74 (junction15), it is set adjacent to some lovely hill scenery and some great walks...and I would certainly recommend a trip 10 miles up to the Grey Mares Tail, a lovely 200ft waterfall in the hills. Perhaps follow that up with dinner at The Limetree Restaurant at Hartfells for some great local produce. Another great food curio here is the famous Moffat Toffee....more a boiled sweet with both toffee and twang....very moreish! Stash up on this and other sweet treats at the fab Moffat Toffee Shop.

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Per Se's Extended Tasting Menu Review + Photos

Lovely review PD, many thanks.

Your boyfriend must indeed be a gent....I would have had no problem reiterating my wine budget to the somm. - much to my wife's chagrin. ;)

I am seriously impressed with people that can drink so much wine with their food (and such a lot of food at that)....I love wine and love food, but just can't seem to mix them in any great quantity if I am going to make it through even the normal tasting menu. It was due to this that we opted to request a non-alcholic drink pairing with our meal at Per Se....and it turned out to be an inspired choice for us. The drinks they came up with were just so amazing...and matched the meal with so much finesse. And of course the Scot in me appreciated the cost too! ;)

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Per Se's Extended Tasting Menu Review + Photos

I'll second the compliment...beautiful pics! I wish but that I had such a lovely record of my only meal at Per Se.

As an aside, have you ever seen the Nordljus blog? Keiko's food pics also blow me away.... just thought it may be of interest. http://www.nordljus.co.uk

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Per Se
10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019

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What do Brits take home from NYC?

We always have a good suitcase of various goodies, but we never return to the UK without a huge stash of Hot Tamales (hot cinnamon jelly beans). Also Boylan's sodas have also found favour if we have excess baggage weight to fill.

Oh, also, this will depend how high their standards as a foodie are :) ....but my friend from NY got given a Magnolia Banana Pudding kit, comprising of the recipe printed out from the web and a few big boxes of Nilla Wafers and Jello vaniila pudding mix...both of which don't exist in the UK.

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Critique my selections please.

I third Chelsea Market. Love Amy's, Ronnybrook Milk bar and a slew of other places. Again, I'm an out of towner myself....and every foodie friend I have taken with me has loved it too.

Also, on my last visit, I recall that I had my best coffee in the city at Ninth St. Espresso.

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Ninth Street Espresso
75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Ronnybrook Milk Bar
75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011

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A week in St. Andrews

Not a restaurant, but if you fancy an ice cream during your holiday, swing by another St. Andrews institution - Jannettas on South Street.

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Covent Garden....

....in this city for only a day this time. Is there anything nibbly/lunch/dinner or goodies to take back north that I shouldn't miss?

I am aware that Hawksmoor Seven Dials is near by and also from a previous request that Hope and Greenwood sweet shop. Would appreciate any other pointers.

Thanks once more.

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Hawksmoor
157 Commercial Street, London E1 6BJ, GB

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