YUMMEI

Big Easy - BBQ & Whisky Master Class - Covent Garden - London *

Man Vs. Food was and still is one of my FAVOURITE shows of all time.

Who doesn't envy Adam Richman, travelling all over America feasting on that fine ass BBQ.

Whilst we sit there salivating. Wishing we were thousands of miles across the Atlantic, getting our hands dirty eating that true American BBQ too.

If only there was some way we could get our hands on it?

Oh wait...

There is!

Since the Big Easy expanded their empire to Covent Garden, in London.

Making it that much easier to have a taste of that all American BBQ from the comfort of your backyard.

It's time to play catch up. Adam can't have all the fun.

Sushi Hiroba - Holborn - London

I hate first dates.

It's always abit awkward.

Choosing the right location that will impress her without trying too hard can be a difficult affair.

Fellas' I feel your pain.

This is a crisis that I normally help tackle for my friends, I would get the usual pained messages throughout the week and typically it's along the lines of:

"Amy, I need your help. I have a date and I have no idea where to take her. Somewhere that looks awesome but doesn't look like I'm trying too hard. Catch my drift? P.s. I don't want to queue - I know how much you like that."

Guys, you have come to the right fairy godmother.

I have just the place in mind, Sushi Hiroba in Holborn.

Why? Because:

A) It's a stunning restaurant, but is totally unpretentious.

B) You don't need to have that awkward silent moment gawping at the menu, thinking "What do I order? What do I order?? There's so much choice Ahhhh...." Here you just sit around the conveyer belt and casually choose whatever dish you fancy. Easy.

C) You can share ;] Ice-breaker bonus!

Koba - Fitzrovia - London

This has been the worst Summer so far.

Normally by now I'm frolicking around half naked and attending more barbecues than I can count.

It's now mid-June and I have barely gone to one.

This is an outrage on so many levels.

Luckily for you, I've got many alternatives; so we can have gourmet BBQ's together :P

One of my go-to favourite Korean BBQ Restaurant's is Koba.

He's located in Fitzrovia, hidden just off Tottenham Court Road.

Koba, isn't the largest restaurant but the high ceilings give it an airy/relaxing atmosphere.

So you can gaze up to the sky and shake your fist at the rain clouds.

Sushinho - Liverpool Street - London

I shudder when I see the words 'fusion' and 'Asian' used together in the same sentence.

Normally the outcome is rather...alien.

So, when Sushinho opened up another branch in Liverpool Street, London. (The original restaurant is in Kings Road, London)

I was apprehensive at first.

Brazilian/Japanese sushi...

Hmmm could it work? Or will it force me to have a tantrum?

When it comes what I put in my mouth... I'm normally a traditionalist. ;]

Gallipoli Bazaar - Angel - London

An empire of Gallipoli restaurants line up along Upper Street, in Angel; London.

It's a pretty bold statement to have THREE of the same restaurants all perched proudly on the same road.

There's Cafe Gallipoli, Gallipoli Bazaar and Gallipoli Again; in that very order.

We decided to go to the one in the middle; Gallipoli Bazaar purely because the interior was the most lavish, dark and cosy.

The deep crimson walls, decadent silk sofas, flickering candle light, and dim Moroccan lamps created that lazy, border line seductive atmosphere.

Honest Burger - Soho - London

Summer is coming.

This means everyone is hitting the gym that bit harder to get those steel abs.

Everyone except me [despite the fact that I should really be training for the British 10k].

So, what do I do instead?

Go hunting for burgers...

I found Honest Burger's second branch hidden away in the side streets of Soho, the original Honest Burger joint is in Brixton.

You know if a restaurant is located opposite flats harbouring signs like this... you have totally hit the jackpot.

Scandalous.

[I jest, I jest] :P

Taro - Soho - London

I have a confession...

I've been totally holding out on you.

Sometimes, I just don't like to share.

I know, I know... shame on me.

No hard feelings, riiight?

So... I normally go to Taro when the hippo inside of me bears the same resemblance as Taro's iconic logo.

Princi - Soho - London

I have a love/hate relationship with Princi.

I love the casual/slightly chaotic atmosphere, but I hate how there is no real system and how you really do have to hustle in there for a seat on the communal counters plus it is always busy.

Princi is a Milanese bakery chain, and is great for breakfast/lunch or dinner.

3 in 1 baby.

Princi serve up a huge selection of cakes, pastries, bread; there is a selection of hot foods such as lasagne, aubergine parmigana etc, slices of pizza, filled focaccia, and salads.

Here it is self service, and if you want anything from the different sections you would normally have to rejoin the queue for each.

However you can opt to the left of Princi and dine in their pizzeria, which offers table service and whisks you away to a more calmer side of Princi.

Akari - Islington - London

Based in an old Victorian pub is Akari, an authentic Japanese Izakaya style restaurant and bar.

It looks like a pub but... is a Japanese restaurant.

My mind is completely blown.

It's dark and mysterious interior with the mismatched dark mahogany chairs and scuffed up tables only add to it's charm.

I came here during the end of Saturday lunchtime, there were Asian families dotted around; and one of the waitresses was happily cradling the baby of one of them while the parent's gladly ate in peace.

The atmosphere here is so relaxed it's almost lethargic, which is what I really liked about it.

No pretense, no formality, just what you need for a lazy Saturday afternoon.

Flat Iron Steak - Soho - London

The first rule of Flat Iron is that there is only one choice.

The second rule: there is only one cut.

The final rule: there is only one steak.

The Flat Iron Steak.

After a series of successful pop-ups during the summer last year, Flat Iron have finally set up a permanent home in Beak Street just off Carnaby Street.

I've always been a sucker for dark, intimate spaces; and Flat Iron doesn't disappoint with it's exposed brick walls, soft candle-light and limited seating.

Shoryu - St. James - Regent Street - London

I've been patiently waiting for a new ramen bar to open in London for some time, and when it does- 3 appear around the same time.

The rivalry between Bone Daddies, Tonkotsu and Shoryu is FIERCE.

Don't worry - I've got you covered.

It just means I have to go to all 3.

For research obviously, intense scientific experimentation ;]

I went to Shoryu first.

Shoryu is brought to you by the same people who run the Japan Centre.

But Shoryu is in a league of it's own.

It specialises in Hakata Tonkotsu ramen noodles, and their head chef is born and raised from the Hakata district in Japan.

It's so authentic it hurts.

Viet Grill - Shoreditch- London

Everyone knows that Kingsland Road is THE place to go if you want some Vietnamese food.

It's not called Pho Mile for nothing.

Viet Grill is a part of the growing empire that also encompasses the two Cay Tre restaurants, and Keu café.

Step inside and you are welcomed into the Jungle Book courtesy of all the banana tree leaves painted on the walls, and the oak wood furnishings.

In comparison to the other Vietnamese restaurant's further down the road that all seem to have a 'canteen' vibe; VG is pretty swish.

The tables are situated considerably close to one another. This makes peeping over at what everyone else is eating that much easier. Everyone does this. I know you do too ;]

Patty & Bun - Bond Street - London

Holy mother of cheese.

Mark my words you will be screaming those exact same words.

How do I know this?

Because that was my reaction when I took my first bite of what-so-far is the mother of all burgers that has hit London.

Along St. Jame's Street just off Bond Street is Patty and Bun.

London's worst kept secret.

With burgers named like The Ari Gold (those who watch Entourage will understand), and The Lambshank Redemption; you really cannot walk by without stopping just to stare.

There are only 6 burgers on the menu.

Each one a character in their own right. (And rightfully named.)

Choose wisely.

We went for The Lambshank Redemption, The Jose Jose, and The Smokey Robinson.

Soho Joe - Soho - London

I don't normally tell people these things, but...I have a new lover.

Want to meet him?

Say heyyyy to Soho Joe.

I was warmly welcomed into the arms of Soho Joe after ambling around Dean Street; the seduction of the candle light illuminating from within was just too much to resist.

Dark, warm, and sensuous.

That's my Soho Joe.

Yalla Yalla - Lebanese - Oxford Street - London

Nothing get's me out of the house faster than a dinner date with friends.

Or in other words....okay the ONE word; food.

J. & W. had a burning desire for some Lebanese.

Normally I would head to Maroush, but I wanted to try something different, and heard that Yalla Yalla's second, and more spacious branch had recently opened in Oxford Street.

Amidst all the shops and offices in Oxford Circus stands Yalla Yalla.

It's hard to miss the black and yellow exterior of Yalla Yalla, nor the buzzing young crowd of people normally queuing out the door.

The interior is cosy, and is set out in a cafe style, with long high tables.

Ideal for groups, but sitting on the stools at the high tables can feel abit uncomfortable if you're 5ft 3 like me, but after a few cocktails and good company you won't really care. (Just be careful not to lean back, lose your balance and fall head first on the floor.)

Burger and Lobster - Farringdon - London

If you live in London, I'm sure you would have heard of Burger and Lobster.

Since it first opened last December in Mayfair, B&L has been creating heatwaves in the atmosphere.

So hot that it was necessary to open branches in Soho, and most recently in Farringdon both in the same year.

The concept is simple:

3 Choices:

Beef Burger (Beef burger, with optional bacon and cheese)

Lobster (You know just a huge, stonking lobster with a jug of garlic and lemon butter)

Or

Lobster Roll (Cold lobster served on toasted brioche with a dash of wasabi mayo or lemon and garlic dressing)

All served with salad and chips.

Priced at £20 each.

B&L have recently introduced sharing lobster options, which is basically a bigger, and more badass lobster weighing up to ~10bl for £150 with unlimited salad and chips (Prices start from £60 onwards; for the sharing lobsters depending on size).

Anyway for £20, for a whole lobster? Sweet Mother may I?!?!

Shiro - Faux Japanese Restaurant

Having spent aeons of time in Asia, you'd think I'd tire of Oriental food by now.

Passing by the newly refurbished restaurant, Shiro, (formerly known as Niko Niko) just off Tottenham Court Road; I was summoned inside by the simple and minimalist decor AND my craving for anything teriyaki.

It was empty at the time S. and I strolled in.

Ishtar - Turkish Restaurant and Bar - Baker Steet - London

My love affair with Ishtar began yesterday when I stumbled across her whilst I was wandering aimlessly around Marylebone/Baker Street; after an intense shopping trip in Bicester Village.

Shhh... please don't tell my boyfriend; Tas, in Bloomsbury.

Ishtar stole my heart.

It was love at first bite.

Let me show you how she swept me off my feet.

Eat Tokyo - Charing Cross - London

After gorging myself to death in Marrakesh on tagines, I swore if I saw another one I was going to go break something.

I needed another cuisine, you know something more close to home.

Besides after a holiday, it is almost certain that I was going to have absolutely no food except for that dusty old pot of ramen noodles in my cupboard, so locating a delicious yet cheap restaurant is a must.

It's time to whip out another one of my emergency local cheap-eats.

So hello Eat Tokyo.

Madd - Mango Desserts - Soho - Central London

As you all should know by now is that I have a bit of a sweet tooth. So when a friend suggested that we go to MADD Soho, I jumped at the idea.

They pride themselves on being an exotic mango heaven, with the dessert menu consisting of mango-based desserts ranging from fruit tarts, to mousses, cheesecakes, fools and crème brûlée; all reasonably priced from £4.50 - £6.00.

YUMMEI

03/11/2014

Big Easy - BBQ & Whisky Master Class - Covent Garden - London *

18/08/2013

Sushi Hiroba - Holborn - London

19/06/2013

Koba - Fitzrovia - London

20/05/2013

Sushinho - Liverpool Street - London

09/05/2013

Gallipoli Bazaar - Angel - London

23/04/2013

Honest Burger - Soho - London

15/04/2013

Taro - Soho - London

08/04/2013

Princi - Soho - London

03/04/2013

Akari - Islington - London

26/03/2013

Flat Iron Steak - Soho - London

20/03/2013

Shoryu - St. James - Regent Street - London

12/03/2013

Viet Grill - Shoreditch- London

04/03/2013

Patty & Bun - Bond Street - London

20/02/2013

Soho Joe - Soho - London

02/02/2013

Yalla Yalla - Lebanese - Oxford Street - London

30/12/2012

Burger and Lobster - Farringdon - London

01/11/2012

Shiro - Faux Japanese Restaurant

15/07/2012

Ishtar - Turkish Restaurant and Bar - Baker Steet - London

25/06/2012

Eat Tokyo - Charing Cross - London

30/05/2012

Madd - Mango Desserts - Soho - Central London