Bill's | London

Photo via Bill's

Photo via Bill's

Photo via Bill's

The first time I came across Bill's was when I visited a friend in Oxford. We had brunch there and was impressed by the concept of the restaurant and quality of the food. Just this week, P and I was heading towards Kingsland Road for some Vietnamese but ended up at Bill's in Hoxton Square. It was the terrace that attracted us since it was a rather sunny day. We have learnt to soak up as much Vitamins D as possible while in London as you never know what the weather's installed for us the next day.

We started from the terrace and later moved indoors as it became chilly. That did not stop us from enjoying the evening of well cooked food with quality ingredients. Kale chips was a good healthy start to snack on while our hungry tummy waited for the rest of the food. The pork ribs was tender and succulent with chips that's crisp and fluffy. The coleslaw could have been more moist. It was on the dry side. The fish and chips was good though could have more crisp on the batter. Our happiest moment was when we had our dessert alongside a glass of port. The eton mess was refreshing and not too sweet but the warm treacle tart with honeycomb ice cream was star of the evening! The tart itself was enough to make me return for more.

Bill's is worth visiting especially for a cosy and casual dine out plus a little romance. The staff was a joy, very friendly and nice. They were still very nice when I accidentally knock off the glass on the table behind me while I was wearing my jacket. I'm still not sure whether it was the port's fault or just my pure clumsiness.

Bill's Restaurant - Hoxton Square

1 Hoxtp Square
N1 6NULondon,UK
Tel: +44 (0)20 739 7689

Continue

Victoria Sandwich with a Twist | Raspberry and Cream Brown Sugar Victoria Sandwich

One happy and sunny Tuesday, I decided to make a cake to celebrate! Something simple that is yummy and effortless. I have to say it was a little experimental, as with most of my cooking.

On my way home, I bought some double cream and fresh raspberries, not knowing exactly what I was going to make. I flipped through fancy cookbooks, with cake or biscuit bases of genoise, sable and even dacquoise.

I finally settled on the simple and straightforward Victoria Sponge recipe by Mary Berry. I have adapted her recipe, swapping with a few ingredients. See below for the recipe.

Brown Sugar Victoria Sandwich Recipe

Recipe adapted from Mary Berry's Perfect Victoria Sandwich

Ingredients:

• 4 free range eggs,
• 225g dark brown sugar
• 225g plain flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp bicarbonate soda
• 225g soft butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Please click here for methods of making the sponge cake.

Raspberry and Cream Recipe:

• Raspberry jam
• 400g Fresh raspberries

• 300ml double cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 tbsp icing sugar

Method:

1.  Make the 2 layers of sponge cake as instructed in the link above.
2.  Mix double cream, vanilla extract and icing sugar and whip until soft peak. Set aside.

3.  Spread a generous amount of raspberry jam and whipped cream then arrange a layer of fresh raspberries on a layer of the cooled sponge cake.
4.  Cover the cake with the remaining whipped cream.
5.  Decorate with some fresh raspberries, mint leaves and chocolate.

Continue

Smack Deli

To all LOBSTER LOVERS,

Burger and Lobster opened a sister restaurant not long ago. The best part is, it is now cheaper to eat lobster! The concept is all about lobster roll served as fast food. You will have to order at the till and collect your order, like you would at Starbucks or McDonalds. The only difference is that the quality is far higher than any fast food place I know. 

“Lobster roll is the new burger!”

£7 for a lobster roll to go and £9 to eat in. That’s pretty cheap for some quality lobster. I have to say, the portion is pretty generous. The lobster chowder, I suppose was made from the lobster cooking liquid plus all the shells. Though nice, it lacked a little acidic punch and depth in flavour. The courgette fries were the star and a must have. It was very crispy and so much lighter than a standard potato fries, it worked really well with the lobsters too. The one pound lobster which is served cold is really good too with lemon mayonnaise.

Ambience in there was trendy, casual and relaxed. Lobster without the fancy pants. Liking it!

Smack Deli

26 Binney Street
W1K 5BN London,UK

Continue

The Winter Garden at Landmark Hotel | London

I have always wanted to visit Winter Garden for afternoon tea, but never did. I am glad we finally made it for dinner instead. It is a delight to walk in to the Landmark Hotel and be welcomed with the most charming arched entrance, lit up very warmly. The most enchanting view was the tall palm trees and very high ceiling, almost like a very large green house but prettier.

The entrance / exit

Warm bread with butter and sea salt; complimentary champagne cocktails

Macakarel Tartare with avocado, preserved lemon & dill

Very light and elegant flavours. I thought the preserved lemons and the wavy crisp gave it that extra something.

Pan seared livers with spiced lentils & chorizo

Normally not a fan of livers, this was fabulous. P liked it so much, he wanted to order a second plate! 

Roasted Pollock with Jersey royal potatoes, braised fennel & citrus vinaigrette

Chargrilled Bavette Beef Steak with vine tomatoes, chunky chips and Béarnaise sauce 

The fish was beautifully presented, crispy skin, fresh and well seasoned. Steak was cooked well with absolutely good chunky chips and Bernaise sauce.

Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce & Vanilla Cream

I am quite a sticky toffee pudding fan and if I say this is comparable to one of the best ones I have had so far, it must be really indulgent. The cheesecake on the other hand was a fresher dessert and equally tasty, I thought the piped apricot, white chocolate and something else on the right had really interesting flavours.

 Vanilla Cheesecake with Apricots & White Chocolate

Remember to wander around the 100 years old hotel after dinner. This beautiful surroundings is not to  be missed.

Dinner at Winter Garden will normally set you off at an average of £25 for one main course, So with the 3 course menu at £35 inclusive of a champagne cocktail, I thought it was of great value. Definitely worth a visit. London Restaurant Festival is ending on the 27th October so hurry before this fantastic value is gone. 

Smile..

Beautiful, elegant and romantic ambience in the 100 year old building. Food was glorious and staff were very kind and friendly which makes it a very pleasant evening. 

Frown..

Why frown when all's wonderful?! Just smiles were intact when we left.

Will I return?

Yes, and next time will definitely be for Afternoon Tea.

Winter Garden at Landmark Hotel

222 Marylebone Road
NW1 6JQ London,UK
Tel: +44 (0)20 7631 8000

  

Continue

Bistrotheque, the hidden restaurant | London

Bistrotheque was absolutely buzzing on a Sunday afternoon. For a pretty hidden restaurant in a converted warehouse with no sign or whatsoever on the entrance, it has definitely done something right to be so busy. The first time I was here long time ago, I remember walking up and down the street not knowing where the entrance was. Even after asking the very few people who walked pass, no one knew until I somehow followed my gut to find my way up. 

 

The lively restaurant has an open kitchen, a bar with seating surrounding it and a spacious dining area with hanging lights. 

It was nice that there was a grand piano in the dining area and the beautiful tunes the pianist played throughout the day, filled the room with grace. It certainly enhanced the dining experience. 

 

The menu

Even though we did not make any reservation and the restaurant was fully booked, we were swiftly showed to be seated by the bar which we did not mind at all. I actually liked it, as we get to see what goes on behind the scene and had direct view of the open kitchen. I have to report back that no apparent kitchen chaos has been spotted.

The Bloody Mary here was good and had a real kick with enough spice, unlike the killer Nasty Mary I had in Mumbai

Mini Cheeseburger

Believe it or not, both my male dining companions ordered the mini burger with chips on the side for brunch while I ordered a main of steak tartar with chips and salad! Men these days must be feeling the dieting pressure as well it seems. 

 Steak tartar with chips and salad

I was well pleased with my steak tartar which I was told is one of the most popular dish of the restaurant. Although I really enjoyed it, I thought it was quite a large portion for me as it got cloying after getting through about half of the plate. 

The Open Kitchen

After a few pleasant experience here, I am looking forward to their new restaurant, Hoi Polloi at Ace Hotel in Shoreditch.

Smile..

I recommend their fixed price menu for early dinner as it is of good value. The live piano tunes really enhanced the Sunday lunch experience.

Frown..

My salad which was supposed to be served with the main course came 10 minutes later.

Will I return?

Well, I have.

Bistrotheque

23-27 Wadeson Street
E2 9DR London, UK

Tel: +44 (0) 20 8983 7900

Closest station: Bethnal Green / Cambridge Heath

  

Continue