Photo of The Connaught Bar used with permission obtained by Emyr Thomas.
While I take a little holiday from London,
restaurants, and blogging, here are some profiles of other bloggers you
should get to know! (London and elsewhere.) I'll be back in June.
Your name and location?
Emyr. London!
Your blog?
Bon Vivant Living
What was your last meal out? How was it?
My last dinner was at Bistrot Bruno Loubet. I had expected great things from all the positive reviews, but it didn't quite meet my expectations. The restaurant was a little too packed with tables almost on top of each other and the food, although certainly good, was by no means great for me. I guess it's one of the perils of building something up too much before trying it for yourself!
What's been your worst meal ever?
I can remember my father, who was not often seen in a kitchen, making
me an omelette from any ingredient he could find in the fridge, which
was, to this day, the worst thing I've ever eaten – the taste, look and
texture! I was very thankful to find a packet of Monster Munch crisps
in my school bag!
The most commented post was my list of London's most romantic restaurants. Firstly, I think everyone has a different opinion of what constitutes romance, which then translates into differing opinions on what makes a restaurant romantic. I also think that any top 10 list is bound to cause slight controversy as everyone has, and is entitled to, their own opinion on what's best. The magic of a blog is that a list is one person's view, but others can comment and leave their views.
Got any restaurant pet peeves? Things you really wish restaurants would/wouldn't do?
There are quite a few things that I wish restaurant wouldn't do! One of the most annoying concerns the wine list – I am all for having expensive wines on the list because if someone is lucky enough to be able to afford a Petrus, then they should be able to order it. However, all wine lists should have a selection of good, affordable wines as well as there's nothing worse than having to scan a list to find the only one under £30.
I also think that having a water menu is just ridiculous – One restaurant I have visited had a separate menu for the water with the cheapest one being 8 Euro for a bottle!
When and why did you start your blog?
I run a London based concierge and lifestyle management service called Bon Vivant, and I recently launched a new blog featuring food, travel and luxury related reviews and recommendations, as well a fortnightly newsletter containing information on the latest openings, trends and special offers.
I also write articles on various lifestyle topics, including a recent review of Mayfair and many best of and top 10 lists for London, and every Monday, I post an article summarising the restaurant reviews from the national and London newspapers.
The blog was started as a sideline to Bon Vivant, to help share my knowledge of London and its best places. It is also a very convenient way to share and explore ideas and to enable others to comment and add their own suggestions.
Any food trends you're seeing that we should be aware of?
There are many continuing trends from 2009, such as the pop-up and underground restaurant, but I think 2010 is the year of the big hitters, as you have Heston, Boulud and Koffman all opening new restaurants with the likes of Polpo and Hawksmoor also looking to open new sites. In fact, I wrote a blog post on the developing trends of London's restaurant scene over here.
