I’m a planner. A list-maker. Post-it notes are my friends. So it is more than time to start planning out 2008, although I seem to have forgotten to compile a to-do list for 2007 until October. So here’s my previous to-do list, plus some, and a little better organized. Got any other London restaurant recommendations?
Italian Restaurants
Locanda Locatelli, Seymour Street, Mayfair
The River Cafe, Rainville Road, Hammersmith
Zefferano, Lowndes Street, Knightsbridge
French RestaurantsThe Ledbury, Ledbury Road, Notting Hill *Complete*
La Petite Maison, Mayfair
Chinese RestaurantsSnazz Sichuan, Euston Complete April 2008
Gourmet San, Bethnal Green Road
Old China Hand, Roseberry Avenue, Farringdon
Shanghai, Kingsland Road (Weekend Happy Hour Dim Sum from 3 to 5 p.m.)
Japanese Restaurants
Sushi HIro, Station Parade, Ealing
Cafe Japan, Finchley Road, Golders Green
Dinings, Marylebone
Gastropubs
Empress of India, Victoria Park, Hackney
Random Places to Eat in London
Master’s Super Fish, Waterloo Road, Waterloo
The Crepe Cart, Hampstead
Wahaca, Mexican in Covent Garden
Greater London Neighborhoods to Eat In
Southall
Crouch End
New Malden
Related London Dining Resolutions
No bottled water except at the gym.
No cabs to/from dinner unless I’m in a bad part of town and/or it’s after 11 p.m. (Spending on cabs was way too high in 2007. 2008 is the Year of The Bus.)
Take my writing more seriously. I can do better.
I quadrupled visitors between Dec 2006 and 2007. I’d like to do the same this year.
Use TopTable.co.uk and TasteLondon more often. Document annual savings.
Take the 2nd half of December off again. Maybe some time in August too.
Get crackin’ on that Google Map.
Wish List for Dining Out in London
More half bottles on wine menus.
Cheapy-cheap pre-starters. I would love to see most restaurants have a £2 or £3 option…akin to olives or the roasted tomatoes at Pizza Express.
Wine lists with descriptions.
Super-clean loos.
May the explorations begin!
Sometimes you need a stock photo. This one is by Ladyheart at Morguefile.
6 comments
Happy New Year, Krista. Good eating in 2008!
Southall, New Malden and Crouch End?
Better start saving for those cab fares!
Wishing you a very happy 2008.
Hey Krista, have been meaning to comment on this one for a few weeks but have been on the road including 17 days in Japan, pretty sensational on the eating front.
For your Japanese yens (nice pun eh?), I would place them in the following order 1. Dinings 2. Cafe Japan 3. Hiro. Dinings is slightly more towards the modern Japanese style but everything I’ve eaten (and drunk) there has impressed me and they have lots of good specials. Sushi chef is a nice chap and speaks good English so perch at the counter, check out the fish display and interact. I seem to remember a great dessert (rarity for a Japanese restaurant), some kind of black sesame creme brule concoction. Cafe Japan is close to my NW3 home and a firm favourite over the years, just a really good neighbourhood place and more traditional style sushi bar. I know you crave rolls and you’ll find some very good ones here especially their deep fried yellowtail, tuna or salmon ones. Their nigiri ain’t too bad either. Always a nice vibe and friendly staff+service. Btw both Dinings and Cafe Japan have lots of king crab specials, appears that London sushi chefs are impressed with the crabs coming from Cornish waters, same goes for the mackerels, sardines etc as you know. Hiro I like too but seemingly not as much as everyone else. Absolutely nothing wrong with the place but nothing particularly right with it either.
I have many thoughts and questions on your other 2008 London culinary plans, we should try and get that lunch rendez-vous off the ground!!
Hi, only just found this blog through Chowhound and it’s great!
Now, places to add to your list of French (apologies if you’ve already been to these and I’m just clogging the comments section):
– La Trompette, The Glasshouse and Chez Bruce. All lovely, all good-value set menus, all places I would love to eat every night if (1) I could afford it and (2) they weren’t so far from the centre.
– Pied a Terre. One of the 3 or 4 best meals I’ve ever eaten.
– Hibiscus. Visited in Ludlow and thought it was amazing. Haven’t made it to the new London place but will do as soon as I can find some people to drag there (and, ideally, subsidise it!)…
– Galvin Bistrot de Luxe and Chez Kristof. The latter will press your “more options than a whole bottle of wine” buttons.
– Le Cafe du Marche. A personal favourite, especially because of the fun pianist.
Hello, in New Malden you should go to a cheap and really good Japanese restaurant called KJ – new malden high street, just close to the train station (their bento box is great!). I noticed you have been to several italian places in Angel, I have two suggestions: Cucina Italia off Upper street and La Saponara deli for saturday breakfast or lunch.
Ciao
Federica
Hi Krista! Absolutely love your blog!
For your to do list on French places (not sure if you’ve been).
I agree with previous comment on Pied a Terre. It is brilliant. The tasting menu + wine flights will leave you happy (if not too full). It is one of the best French experiences I had in London. Also L’Atelier de Joel Rebuchon. The upstairs bar is great for a drink in front of the fireplace to put you in mood for a very inventive meal (although one of the best things is their decadent mash!). On a more relaxed vibe worth trying Le Trois Garcon, great ambience (great stuff hanging everywhere, from game trophies to vintage purses, so interestintg) and good food, go for a drink first at the loungelover at the corner while you wait for your table.
It was great to see you yesterday.
Hope to see you soon again!
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