YUMMEI: February 2012

25/02/2012

Hakuba - Wasabi Mash? - Tottenham Court Road - London

UPDATED

Hakuba: ‘Japanese food with Californian influences...’

I'm going to leave you with that statement.

I know, I know, you’re all probably thinking - not another restaurant serving Asian food with ‘WESTERN’ influences!?

Countless times I've been left rather unimpressed with restaurants that deem to be able to ‘infuse’ Asian flavours with a ‘Western’ twist; and I usually try to avoid such places that claim they can inject the 'contemporary' into Asian food. Simply because, the food is often bland, over-cooked, and a Frankenstein of the original dish.

Labels: By Area - London, By Area - Tottenham Court Road, central london, cheap eats, cocktails, Food Critic, Hakuba, Japanese, London Food Blog, Restaurant, Restaurant Review, teriyaki chicken, Yummei Review

05/02/2012

Little Persia - Queensway - London

Lured by the sweet shisha smoke, underneath a heated theatrical tent is Little Persia's Shisha lounge, where you're welcomed to enjoy the Eastern waterpipes accompanied by a vast selection of cocktails. Perfect whatever the weather.

Little Persia instantly whisks you away to the Middle East.

Navigating through the shisha lounge you enter a cosy dining area where the dimmed romantic lighting, different coloured lanterns, plush velvet pillows, and mosaic-topped tables, creates a very laid-back exotic atmosphere.

Naan bread is freshly baked in a stone oven next to the entrance, as soon as you step through the door you are instantly greeted with the warming aroma of freshly baked bread. I felt very much at home as I lounged lazily amongst the pillows. Time felt very slow, so be very aware that you can spend long indulgent hours here, without even realising.

Labels: By Area - London, By Area - Queensway, cheap eats, Food Critic, Little Persia, London, London Food Blog, Mediterranean, Persian, Persian Food Review, Queensway, Restaurant Review, shisha, Turkish, Yummei Review