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Reviews and Comments of 'Tom Cole, MyVillage' (41)
Harry Morgan's is a renowned institution amongst North London folk. With a cross section of clients from the St. John's Wood Jewish community hankering for some Jewish style grub, to the local labourers stocking up on coffee and sandwiches, to any passer-by inclined for a little nibble post-shopping. It is also notable in its reputation for their long serving staff, with some waitresses having worked there longer than my life span.
As I arrived, still unused to the quick setting of the sun, I was indeed in the mood for something hearty and comforting, which is what Harry's is allegedly all about. With the prestige of being voted 'The best chicken soup in London' and such an established reputation I was eager to dive in and brush off the inkiness that is get-dark-early October.
Slinking onto one comfy black leather bench I find Harry's has a surprisingly new and polished feel to it, considering its old-school reputation. I opted for the chicken soup whilst my friend goes for a plate of the salt beef & tongue. Now for me this is a bit of an introduction to the New York/Jewish deli approach but I found the soup very tasty. In particular I was a fan of, what I now know to be, Matzah balls. These little dumpling style things where a great addition for me and the stodginess complimented the subtle extract of the soup very well. I also had a nibble on the salt beef and, inadvertently I hasten to add, the tongue from my friends plate. The salt beef was great but yet again my inexperience with this sort of cuisine leaves me little to compare it to. The tongue however definitely did not float my boat, most likely because I am somewhat of a philistine in what parts of animals I like to eat but also as for me the texture of tongue is akin to chewing on what I imagine soft leather to be like.
We ended our mains and hit the dessert list with a self assured calm. If there is one thing I now about deli style it is cheesecake. However deciding to be adventurous I ordered the home made Lokshen Pudding. It was a fantastic dessert with a great balance of creaminess and gelatinous texture with the addition of the broad noodles giving it some wallop. A spot on sweet treat!
For me Harry Morgan's was in interesting eat outside of my usual fare and a very enjoyable location. The staff were pleasant and the service inviting, as is the venue itself. I imagine it is an ideal lunchtime destination and a quick evening bite spot, but with their menu consisting largely of offal it is a slight minefield for me to navigate through, however with the success of the soup and the dessert alone it is a definitely worth a visit, especially if like me you know little to next to nothing about this sort of culinary style.
As I arrived, still unused to the quick setting of the sun, I was indeed in the mood for something hearty and comforting, which is what Harry's is allegedly all about. With the prestige of being voted 'The best chicken soup in London' and such an established reputation I was eager to dive in and brush off the inkiness that is get-dark-early October.
Slinking onto one comfy black leather bench I find Harry's has a surprisingly new and polished feel to it, considering its old-school reputation. I opted for the chicken soup whilst my friend goes for a plate of the salt beef & tongue. Now for me this is a bit of an introduction to the New York/Jewish deli approach but I found the soup very tasty. In particular I was a fan of, what I now know to be, Matzah balls. These little dumpling style things where a great addition for me and the stodginess complimented the subtle extract of the soup very well. I also had a nibble on the salt beef and, inadvertently I hasten to add, the tongue from my friends plate. The salt beef was great but yet again my inexperience with this sort of cuisine leaves me little to compare it to. The tongue however definitely did not float my boat, most likely because I am somewhat of a philistine in what parts of animals I like to eat but also as for me the texture of tongue is akin to chewing on what I imagine soft leather to be like.
We ended our mains and hit the dessert list with a self assured calm. If there is one thing I now about deli style it is cheesecake. However deciding to be adventurous I ordered the home made Lokshen Pudding. It was a fantastic dessert with a great balance of creaminess and gelatinous texture with the addition of the broad noodles giving it some wallop. A spot on sweet treat!
For me Harry Morgan's was in interesting eat outside of my usual fare and a very enjoyable location. The staff were pleasant and the service inviting, as is the venue itself. I imagine it is an ideal lunchtime destination and a quick evening bite spot, but with their menu consisting largely of offal it is a slight minefield for me to navigate through, however with the success of the soup and the dessert alone it is a definitely worth a visit, especially if like me you know little to next to nothing about this sort of culinary style.
Arriving at Eight Club on a horrifically rainy summers evening I am already feeling put out by this sudden bout of bad weather. Fortunately things were about to take a turn for the better….
The Eight Club Moorgate is the new sister project of the Eight Club located in Bank. Brand new and with the success of its sibling to live up to this smart members club boasts a new Modern European restaurant that has a lot of people in the City talking. Keen to find out if it’s all ‘City Boy’ hype the wife and I arrive from West London, arriving at the reception of the Eight Club resembling drowned rats. The front of house are welcoming and in no time we are feeling much better as we are given a whizz-round tour of the venue.
Eight is host to a members lounge, a restaurant, a library, an individual meeting room, a private dining room and a bespoke tailors all encased in a glass structure with impressive terraces giving you a fantastic panoramic of the city. By nightfall the views are terrific.
As we saunter through the members bar our host points out a large wine cabinet. He explains that members are free to store their own selection of wine or premium spirits, whilst he does assure me this is not because the selection at Eight is limited, rather it is a privilege that comes with membership. Definitely a nice touch.
Once seated in the dining room we were served some great bread with full, rich butter. The dining room at Eight has a understated feel to it and in some way its uncomplicated approach to decor really draw you into the great views outside and also the service going on around you.
We got to ordering with the wife going for the lobster and salmon tortellini with sauteed spinach & shellfish sauce and I ordered the seared scallops on Clonakility black pudding with baby leaf salad. As always I was utterly jealous once the starters arrived, not because my scallops weren’t perfectly cooked, which they were and not because the odd mix of seafood and blood sausage didn’t work, which of course it did. No, I was jealous because although mine was great everything about hers, including probably the fact that it was hers, came together so excellently it was almost sublime. The slightly al dente tortellini with its soft and rich contents married with the spinach was, simply, too good. I ate my fantastic scallops in silence watching her plate with slightly excessive attention.
For our mains I had the char grilled Scottish rib eye steak with béarnaise sauce and Safia went for the newest edition to the menu, the duck confit. We shared a side of broccoli. The steak was faultless, cooked precisely and with its juices sealed in by its quick searing. The duck also was perfect with the meat falling of the bone and with a complex taste of sweet and salty magnifying its texture. Another huge success from Eight. On another note the broccoli, something usually of little interest to me other than its health properties, were cooked to a naturalistic crunch and left me gauging my own culinary skills, unable to work out how my attempts never come out as such.
When it came to desert the choices were so hedonistic we thought we would go all the way and do a selection of them all. Although they were all delicious the stand out for me was the chocolate torte with salted caramel ice cream and the elderflower jelly with melon sorbet, all be it slightly summery for the occasion. This is the first time I have tried salty ice cream and again the dark richness of the torte was complimented, albeit unusually, by the offset of the salt and caramel. The jelly was just superbly subtle and wholly refreshing. The display of these deserts is also worth mentioning as they really were beautiful.
For me the Eight Club has everything that a top end establishment should offer. You are looked after unequivocally, it’s comfortable, the service and food are at the highest echelon, and you have a degree of privacy. It is not a place to dine if you are looking for something vibrant and theatrical, as I said it has a restrained atmosphere in the dining room but for me this added to the appreciation of the surroundings and food. I will definitely be looking forward to returning next time.
The Eight Club Moorgate is the new sister project of the Eight Club located in Bank. Brand new and with the success of its sibling to live up to this smart members club boasts a new Modern European restaurant that has a lot of people in the City talking. Keen to find out if it’s all ‘City Boy’ hype the wife and I arrive from West London, arriving at the reception of the Eight Club resembling drowned rats. The front of house are welcoming and in no time we are feeling much better as we are given a whizz-round tour of the venue.
Eight is host to a members lounge, a restaurant, a library, an individual meeting room, a private dining room and a bespoke tailors all encased in a glass structure with impressive terraces giving you a fantastic panoramic of the city. By nightfall the views are terrific.
As we saunter through the members bar our host points out a large wine cabinet. He explains that members are free to store their own selection of wine or premium spirits, whilst he does assure me this is not because the selection at Eight is limited, rather it is a privilege that comes with membership. Definitely a nice touch.
Once seated in the dining room we were served some great bread with full, rich butter. The dining room at Eight has a understated feel to it and in some way its uncomplicated approach to decor really draw you into the great views outside and also the service going on around you.
We got to ordering with the wife going for the lobster and salmon tortellini with sauteed spinach & shellfish sauce and I ordered the seared scallops on Clonakility black pudding with baby leaf salad. As always I was utterly jealous once the starters arrived, not because my scallops weren’t perfectly cooked, which they were and not because the odd mix of seafood and blood sausage didn’t work, which of course it did. No, I was jealous because although mine was great everything about hers, including probably the fact that it was hers, came together so excellently it was almost sublime. The slightly al dente tortellini with its soft and rich contents married with the spinach was, simply, too good. I ate my fantastic scallops in silence watching her plate with slightly excessive attention.
For our mains I had the char grilled Scottish rib eye steak with béarnaise sauce and Safia went for the newest edition to the menu, the duck confit. We shared a side of broccoli. The steak was faultless, cooked precisely and with its juices sealed in by its quick searing. The duck also was perfect with the meat falling of the bone and with a complex taste of sweet and salty magnifying its texture. Another huge success from Eight. On another note the broccoli, something usually of little interest to me other than its health properties, were cooked to a naturalistic crunch and left me gauging my own culinary skills, unable to work out how my attempts never come out as such.
When it came to desert the choices were so hedonistic we thought we would go all the way and do a selection of them all. Although they were all delicious the stand out for me was the chocolate torte with salted caramel ice cream and the elderflower jelly with melon sorbet, all be it slightly summery for the occasion. This is the first time I have tried salty ice cream and again the dark richness of the torte was complimented, albeit unusually, by the offset of the salt and caramel. The jelly was just superbly subtle and wholly refreshing. The display of these deserts is also worth mentioning as they really were beautiful.
For me the Eight Club has everything that a top end establishment should offer. You are looked after unequivocally, it’s comfortable, the service and food are at the highest echelon, and you have a degree of privacy. It is not a place to dine if you are looking for something vibrant and theatrical, as I said it has a restrained atmosphere in the dining room but for me this added to the appreciation of the surroundings and food. I will definitely be looking forward to returning next time.
Searcy's Champagne Bar is the cure for any shopaholic whom, midway through a tough purchase decision, needs a little time to rest their feet and have some sophisticated nibbles along with a glass of the bubbly stuff.
Located in the chicer than chic part of Westfield, The Village, and nestled between two high-end designer stores Searcy's is eye-catching immediately for its unique and sleek design and its imposing ornate chandelier. Hopping onto one of the leather and nickel stools, we scour the wine list and discover that the range of champagne is absolutely vast, 8 of which are served by the glass. We decide to go for a glass of the Lanson Brut Rose and a glass of Pommery. When the flutes arrive we are pretty impressed as they are the classiest glasses i have come across. The service also was very personable with the waiter going through all the correct motions of pouring etc. without being too stuffy about it. Always a bonus.
We shared a little pot of strawberries and cream which had a little meringue added for good measure, giving it a the added va va voom in the texture department and complimenting the champagne perfectly. Leaving a little giddier than we arrived we went out to brave Shepherds Bush making note to put Searcy's on the mental map of where to go in Westfield.
Located in the chicer than chic part of Westfield, The Village, and nestled between two high-end designer stores Searcy's is eye-catching immediately for its unique and sleek design and its imposing ornate chandelier. Hopping onto one of the leather and nickel stools, we scour the wine list and discover that the range of champagne is absolutely vast, 8 of which are served by the glass. We decide to go for a glass of the Lanson Brut Rose and a glass of Pommery. When the flutes arrive we are pretty impressed as they are the classiest glasses i have come across. The service also was very personable with the waiter going through all the correct motions of pouring etc. without being too stuffy about it. Always a bonus.
We shared a little pot of strawberries and cream which had a little meringue added for good measure, giving it a the added va va voom in the texture department and complimenting the champagne perfectly. Leaving a little giddier than we arrived we went out to brave Shepherds Bush making note to put Searcy's on the mental map of where to go in Westfield.
We had a little bit of a job finding Bureau which is, i imagine, exactly the desired effect. A boutique members bar Bureau is indeed a sophisticated find. In order to access this subtle entrance one must first use the membership card to 'swipe' in, avoiding any unnecessary bun fights with security and also adding a seductive thrill into the admission. Once inside Bureau oozes a understated opulence with distressed walls paired with plush mirrors, glamorous 30's furniture and dotted with numerous Swarovski crystal chandeliers. Impressed we saunter up to the bar to see if the drinks can match the venue. Going for a 'Lady Martini' a rose flavored variation on the Martini, i was gladdened by it's delicate taste, excellent texture but saddened how i felt like a big girls blouse ordering such a girly named drink. By the time i had drained my glass i was no longer obsessing over my girly ties and i was ready for some finger food, clearly invigorated by this Lady Martini knocking my socks off.
We ordered some Asian inspired mixed nibbles consisting of chicken satay, Thai fish cakes and other various goodness. Absolutely delicious and somewhat unexpected as i have often found that clubs offering such good cocktails often falter when it comes to the food menu. By this point our group was told that as a member you are able to store any bespoke drink you fancy onto your members card which then show up for the cocktail team every time you enter.
For me little things like having your own personal cocktail list stored on you membership card really convey that this is venue where you are constantly the focus of the team, which in order to make me part with my cash to become a member is a necessity. I loved the sort of prohibition/ speak-easy feel to the place which feels miles away from the fake in-your-face glamour of certain West End clubs. Bureau for me is definitely on to a winner.
We ordered some Asian inspired mixed nibbles consisting of chicken satay, Thai fish cakes and other various goodness. Absolutely delicious and somewhat unexpected as i have often found that clubs offering such good cocktails often falter when it comes to the food menu. By this point our group was told that as a member you are able to store any bespoke drink you fancy onto your members card which then show up for the cocktail team every time you enter.
For me little things like having your own personal cocktail list stored on you membership card really convey that this is venue where you are constantly the focus of the team, which in order to make me part with my cash to become a member is a necessity. I loved the sort of prohibition/ speak-easy feel to the place which feels miles away from the fake in-your-face glamour of certain West End clubs. Bureau for me is definitely on to a winner.
After only six months of being open Madsen has just been awarded with its first AA rosette.
Definitely one to check out....
Definitely one to check out....
Came here over the weekend. A nice venue that is much larger than expected, cool front of house staff and friendly security, definitely a laid back yet fun place for when you are out East.
This new edition to Portobello is a welcome one. El Camino has the feel of a trendy beach spot somewhere exotic, with a smokey atmosphere of chicken and meat grilling and interesting eclectic decor it all feels very bohemian. The choice on offer consists of the usual Mexican fare; Burritos, Tacos, Nachos and Quesadillas.
My usual is the Minced Beef Burrito which to put it mildly is, fantastic. The spinach Quesadilla is also mouth wateringly good. I have good vibes for this place especially for the summer as its unpretentious and has no illusions about what people want from it. Definitely worth a gander.
My usual is the Minced Beef Burrito which to put it mildly is, fantastic. The spinach Quesadilla is also mouth wateringly good. I have good vibes for this place especially for the summer as its unpretentious and has no illusions about what people want from it. Definitely worth a gander.
I would agree with some reviewers that ordering Neds when you are expecting some Chinese can sometimes be disappointing but if i am strolling past feeling peckish then Neds does spring to mind for something simple, quick and supposedly healthy (Neds allegedly contains no MSG). Whilst there boxes can be somewhat overpriced, i usually go for the Malaysian Beef Kids Box and that is usually large enough to keep the wolf from the door and considerably cheaper than the adult's version. Also these guys sell ice cream cookies which is a huge bonus in my eyes as they are devil sweets, too tempting and desirable for their own good....... Anyhows fanttastic ice cream cookies aside, Neds is definitely not a bad place to get some nosh but i would recommend their kids boxes for value for money.
This Syrian restaurant is definitely always a busy affair. I very rarely see the place not heaving with people. Abu Zaad offers conventional Arabic food across the board from Middle Eastern to North African, at great prices. However I have been disappointed on a couple of occasions. The Malukhiyah was definitely not one of the best things on their menu, a very popular Syrian recipe and originally an Egyptian dish using Mallow Leaves as a thickening agent its preperation is meant to be some what of a long, arduous process. My Malukhiyah turned up as some chicken with some leaves floating in it. The flavours were, in all honesty watery at best. When i did tell the waiter that i was not really happy with my leafy chicken broth, he was somewhat aloof and the bill came as normal.
This time aside i am now more careful about my menu options and have become a man of habit, opting every time for the lamb cous-cous. The lamb is always fantastically tender, the vegetables juicy and well seasoned and the cous-cous: nice and buttery.
I would recommend Abu Zaad as a non expensive, friendly spot to get some good Arabic food. The Malukhiyah however i would give a miss.
This time aside i am now more careful about my menu options and have become a man of habit, opting every time for the lamb cous-cous. The lamb is always fantastically tender, the vegetables juicy and well seasoned and the cous-cous: nice and buttery.
I would recommend Abu Zaad as a non expensive, friendly spot to get some good Arabic food. The Malukhiyah however i would give a miss.
An interesting lunch at the Daylesford Organic. It seems to emulate silver service whilst at the same time being very much in keeping with a cafe style. All the staff are in pristine uniforms and your meal, from what i saw, is presented to you by the chef. It is very much a 'ladies who lunch' vibe.
The Sarro Chicken for a main was very nice and tender, definitely not too dry. However at £12.50 it is not in the Nandos price range or in many other ranges for that manner. It did make me wonder as to whether it is imperative now to pay top dollar for something that is a) organic b) well cooked. It does seem a shame that we can't imagine getting half a chicken, some broccoli with a little sauce for under a tenner.
Now obviously the Daylesford is not suffering from this perception as it was packed. To certain extents, despite recessions etc. people are very happy to pay for the little extras. My cappuccino arrived with a little shortbread heart, which i imagine is produced by a fair trade, organic wheat shortbread man with no environmental catastrophes or health reducing chemicals. However one wonder what the difference is between that and any other Scottish shortbread. All in all there is a interesting issue behind these health stores, and Daylesford Organic seems to be miles away from the funny smelling health stores of my younger years. I can only suggest you give it a go and see whether it is a question of the health bug gone berserk.
The Sarro Chicken for a main was very nice and tender, definitely not too dry. However at £12.50 it is not in the Nandos price range or in many other ranges for that manner. It did make me wonder as to whether it is imperative now to pay top dollar for something that is a) organic b) well cooked. It does seem a shame that we can't imagine getting half a chicken, some broccoli with a little sauce for under a tenner.
Now obviously the Daylesford is not suffering from this perception as it was packed. To certain extents, despite recessions etc. people are very happy to pay for the little extras. My cappuccino arrived with a little shortbread heart, which i imagine is produced by a fair trade, organic wheat shortbread man with no environmental catastrophes or health reducing chemicals. However one wonder what the difference is between that and any other Scottish shortbread. All in all there is a interesting issue behind these health stores, and Daylesford Organic seems to be miles away from the funny smelling health stores of my younger years. I can only suggest you give it a go and see whether it is a question of the health bug gone berserk.
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