Dinner By Heston or Pollen Street Social - Strong Feelings [London]

They are both very different - very good restaurants. I've been to dinner 3 times, PSS 4.

Dinner has slightly more amazing food, esp given the historical context. However PSS make for a more enjoyable evening out, has great cocktails and a great vibe.

Also - the PSS house white is quite amazing.
301 Pollen Street Social Selection, Anjou, Clos de l’Elu 2009 33.50

olly78 in U.K./Ireland

Dabbous, London

I may be the only one in this town who doesnt "get it". The food was very good (not stellar or mind blowing if you have been to similar restaurants (eg pollen street social). But the room and noise from the bar downstairs make the experience much less pleasant than it otherwise would have been.
Good pricing though and I wish them well.

olly78 in U.K./Ireland

Chefs Table Reservation

Hi
Sorry - just want to be clear, I dont think they have an official walk in policy. I'm just saying that I know some people did not show for their meals. If you walk in then you may get lucky (of course they may just say that they need to keep the seats open, in case they come late, though the meal doesnt really lend itself to that).

Yes they had wine! A lot of German, Austrian, and, naturally white. There wasnt a huge amount from France, or new world (that I remember).

Cant remember when I started calling - sorry. However I think I only got through later. I meant to write that I got a table for 10pm. Its not as painful as it sounds....

Sorry again for the confusion, its been a long day...

Just an fyi. I also went to Per Se and Le Bernardin my long weekend (and was full at the end). For my money Le Bernardin was the better experience, in terms of food and room and service. The room just buzzes there!

olly78 in Outer Boroughs

Chefs Table Reservation

Hi
Yes I was able to get a table, at 10am. My recommendation is to try calling early and to just keep calling until you get through to someone. I would also recommend going on the wait list, a few people there managed to get reservations that way.
Finally, and unbelievably, they have a number of no shows. If all else fails, and if you really want to go you could just try walking in an talking to them and getting a beer near by.

The experience is good and memorable, but its not a 3* star experience. Some of the fish was a little tasteless. With that said it is a memorable experience, and some of the dishes were a direct hit.

Another thing to note - I direct know it but it is really a fish restaurant - there were around 12 courses of sashimi - just note if that is your thing.

olly78 in Outer Boroughs

Christmas Eve - Maltby Street and St Pauls [London]

Hi
Does anyone know if Maltby Street is open on Christmas eve.

I was hoping to go to midnight mass as St Pauls. Could anyone recommend a place to get (a little) mulled wine or a drink beforehand.

Thanks!

olly78 in U.K./Ireland

London in February

2nd scrapping Bumpkin. Really nothing special.

No attempts to get to Dinner by Heston or The Fat Duck?

olly78 in U.K./Ireland

What's a cheap cut of meat just now?

I actually went in to get some brisket, but they didnt have any. So got the short ribs instead.

Brisket would also fall into this category.

I guess, by and large anything thats good to bbq tends to be cheap.

olly78 in U.K./Ireland

What's a cheap cut of meat just now?

I bought some shortribs from the ginger pig and cooked them sous vide for 72hrs. Possibly the best bit of beef I have ever eaten, and they were only 3 pounds each.

olly78 in U.K./Ireland

Chefs Table Reservation

Thanks - yes I did call and you are right boredough. Wish me luck for next week.

olly78 in Outer Boroughs

Chefs Table Reservation

Hi
Feeling really stupid but I cant figure out the Chefs Table Reservations. If I want to try and book for Jan 20 or Jan 21, when do I need to call.

Thanks!

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Brooklyn Fare
200 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

olly78 in Outer Boroughs

The Shard [London]

Thanks. I knew about Roka, Hakassan is new. It’s definitely a step up from Collichios and Pizza Express (which I’m guessing with have eateries in the ground floor or mall.

The nearest equilivant I can think of is the times warner center in New York, however I also keep thinking of some of the sky scrapers in Tokyo, that have quite small operations at quite a high height. I guess the owners want established operators.
Just for fun I took look at the 2/3 stars from square meal (note: not Michelin) and here’s who I think would be a good fit, given that criteria (ie its unlikely that they will rent out to the hog roast guys at the good food festival – though that would be very very cool). Note : these are not my favorite restaurants, just who I think could fir
Wild Honey – would be great for more intimate dinners
Ceccoinis – glamour in the sky
Conran / D&D – skylon MK II
The Ivy – or something similar
Gary Rhodes – isnt it mandatory that he open up in every sky scraper?

I think that the Shangri La have missed an opportunity to get a named chef in there. The likes of Daniel Boloud or Jean-George seem to prefer to operate in hotels outside their home country.

If they were importing them in (I worked in New York for 5 years, so its kinda NYC heavy)
Momofuku – a noodle bar is both special, and low key
Thomas Keller – I’m not that keen on Bouchon, but Per Se Ldn or Ad Hoc Ldn would be nice
April Bloomfield
The Dutch – Ldn. Seriously. Possibly the best restaurant in New York at the moment.

olly78 in U.K./Ireland

The Shard [London]

Hi
I was wondering if anyone knew which restaurants were going to be included in the shard.

Thanks.

olly78 in U.K./Ireland

Crudo / April Bloomfield

Hi
I’m a huge fan of April Bloomfield in general, but especially love her crudo at the John Dory / Ace Hotel. I was wondering where to get the best crudo in London (ideally in a setting where you can just walk in).

On a similar note – does anyone have any info on the restaurant she is meant to be opening here. I notice that her memories are out in April (in the states) – maybe that will free up some time….

olly78 in U.K./Ireland

Marcus Wareing

Hi
Just wandering if any one has been since his menu was retooled - in particular how is the new tasting menu?

Contender for 3 stars next year?

olly78 in U.K./Ireland

Zucca, Bermondsey, London

At a Zucca for the first time last night. I think that it’s a great neighbourhood Italian, and their prices make it noteworthy, but there is still work to be done.
Bread – the Focaccia was the stand out for me. Deliciously salty.
Seabass carpaccio – this was strangely lacking in flavor, though it was deliciously smooth and silky. Good portion to share.
Zucca fritti – a plate of fried pumpkin (squash?) – we ordered because of their name and I think that this is a good dish to share between four, so that you can take a couple of bites. The fried basil was awesome.
Gorgenzola pasta – really really tasty. Lots of flavor and pasta was nicely cooked.
Veal pasta – again – lots of flavors and looking at the ragu you can see why, there is a lot going on there. My one comment is that this dish needed some more seasoning, luckily they put salt on the table.

olly78 in U.K./Ireland

Sous vide equipment

Hi
Just want to thank everyone for their feedback and guidance. I received my sous vide supreme a couple of weeks ago and have used it 3 times now – it seems to be producing amazing results. We have only tried with vegetables to date, but each time we end up asking ourselves “is this what an aubergine / courgette / onion really tastes like”. It seems like sous vide distills the food to the very core of its flavor. There isn’t anything to distract it (such as searing) unless you introduce it.
It’s a technique that I look forward to using much more in the weeks / months / years to come.

olly78 in Cookware

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

I went to Borough week before last for the first time in about six months. I used to go every weekend around 10 years ago, but then fell out of love with it (plus I moved to New York). I got there around 9 and I have to say that there was a really pleasant vibe, it was busy but not too busy. I went to Monmouth and didn’t have to wait more than 5 mins, then had a walk round the stalls, no pushing or shoving.
Going at that hour means that you can avoid the masses, but it also heightens the pleasure that the food and stalls provide. I walked away thinking that some of the produce is amazing and that we are very lucky to have it (and that the breakfast bap I ate from Roast was tooo big).

My recommendation would be, if you want to go, go early.

Does anyone know if they have considered on opening on a Sunday also – there is clearly demand for it.

By the way – I share your love for Maltby Street and Bermondsey market. I’m looking to buy a property around there in part because of those places. I think that they are places to go everyweek, while Borough is the once a month for special items trip.

olly78 in U.K./Ireland

The Loft Project [London]

Great - thank you very much.

olly78 in U.K./Ireland

The Loft Project [London]

Hi
Can anyone share the password to book on the Loft Project - or do you need to be in a club?

olly78 in U.K./Ireland

Atherton is amazing

Just want to second this. PSS is my favorite restaurant right now. I think he's created someone very special - the food is of a fine dining standard (and then some) but the room and the vibe is very much fun. Its also a great place just to pop in for cocktails.

i would also say that its very reasonable - last time we spent 100pounds for dinner for 2 including 3 drinks, this compares very favorably with, say Jamie Italians, where we spent 70 last time we were there (albeit it it was a hard day at work and we had sliiiightly more to drink).

olly78 in U.K./Ireland

Fine British Cuisine without breaking the bank in London

St John has a bar area, which is really nice and fairly cheap with a great selection of eats.

olly78 in U.K./Ireland

Yarai Mixing Glass

Hi
Does anyone know where to buy a Yarai Mixing Glass in London, or on mail order in the uk?

Thanks.

olly78 in U.K./Ireland

Sous vide equipment

So just to keep everyone posted (boom boom) - I ordered the Sous Vide professional but as soon as I got it saw it wasn't going to meet my needs. Its surprisingly big (surprised me anyway) and it also looks a little delicate - at least for that amount of money I would likely keep it in the box. Given that it also needs a big pot as well I decided to send it back and get a SVS instead, even if it isn't as technically accurate hopefully it will fit my needs, and more importantly fit my kitchen. I'll let you know how it goes......

olly78 in Cookware

London - BBQ Recommendations

Hi all
Went to zoo later last night, in large part to try Anna Mae's. Sorry to report that the pulled pork was a big disappointment. There was no smokey or bbq flavour to speak of, it just tasted of, well roasted pork. Beans were decent and spicy but the slaw was a average - poor. Not much flavour or richness going on.

I think Bodeans remains the "go to", with Pitt Cue a firm favourite when I'm in the neighbourhood.

Has anyone been to Barbequoa (sp?) recently?

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Bodeans
Poland St, London, Greater London W1F 7, GB

olly78 in U.K./Ireland

London - BBQ Recommendations

Thanks babybat - it looks like yumbum is going to hit the spot. Now I just have to make my way to Broadway market. In NYC I lived in the East Village (basically next door to Momofuku) - now I'm south of the river.

olly78 in U.K./Ireland

Please help a NYC Hound again!

Hi
I've been to Vijante and Pollen street social. Both are amazing rooms and in both the food is amazing. I would recommend the latter only because there was more of a buzz in the room, and they have amazing cocktails (and we got a kitchen visit!)

What about Bisto Loubet at the Zetter also, though if you are off to France maybe not. I also prefer Wild Honey to Arbutus.

You can also get great value lunches as Dinner and Hibiscus.

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The Zetter
86-88 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1M 5RJ, GB

olly78 in U.K./Ireland

Cheap eats in London

I would recommend the bar at St John. Most of the items are around 8GB each (or so). I'm not a fan of the bread product but there are a lot of other great things to taste.
On a similar note - cheapish, the bar at Pollen Street Social. Amazing prawns.

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St Johns Restaurant
24 Sir Thomas Street, Liverpool L1 6JB, GB

olly78 in U.K./Ireland

Sous vide equipment

Hi - thanks everyone for their feedback. I think I'm going to go for the pro - the key drivers being that its easier to store, it circulates and that it can be used in different size pots (quite fancy trying the roast!

Follow up question - Im looking for a vacuum packer, really cant spend a fortune on it. Any options?

olly78 in Cookware

London - BBQ Recommendations

PittCue is very good, ,the only way to improve it would be to lower the cost of the pickleback shots (or do they include a beer aswell?)

olly78 in U.K./Ireland