Comptoir Libanais

I've said it before but I'm happy to say it again after lunch with Natalie on Sunday at the South Ken branch of Comptoir Libanais: it's one of the best cheap eats in town. For £10 I had a very tasty chicken and salad wrap and a large apple, mint and ginger homemade lemonade.

It's a fun, bright place for a pit stop.

Pizarro

A trend you'll notice if you read any of this blog is of no reservation policies, queues and waiting for tables, which is why I've still not been to Jose Pizarro's first solo venture on Bermondsey Street, Jose, where the stories of squeezing into the bar or even the pavement outside would try Mother Theresa's patience.

Despite this, Kris and I decided to try our luck last night at his second place on the same street, Pizarro. For a Saturday night in London that's a foolish feat; last Saturday I waited with Laleh for an hour and a half at Polpo before we were seated (we drank a carafe of red at the bar downstairs so it passed pretty quickly).

But it seems I'm on a lucky streak (note to self: buy a lotto ticket), because for the second night in a row I haven't had to wait (20-30 mins doesn't count) for a table. I had a glass of cava while I took in the atmosphere. All timber and soft lighting with cool modern light fittings. The staff were friendly and ready to help with the food and wine menu.

We ordered a bottle of Spanish white (a Chardonnay & Macabeo blend) to go with our squid and blood orange salad, pumpkin & blue cheese salad, artichoke and lentils, croquetas, and roast lamb. The lentils were a bit garlicky for me but the rest of the dishes were delicious. For dessert I had vanilla ice cream, moscatel grapes and PX which was very good although it didn't pack as much punch as Morito's version.

I would have said the wait was worth it, but I don't need to!

10 Greek Street

Last night Laura and I had dinner at 10 Greek Street in Soho. It opened on Monday so it was their first Friday night service. We were both impressed with the staff and the slick operation of the place. And surprised that even though there is a no reservation policy, and it's brand new, we didn't have to queue!

At the back of the restaurant is a small bar area which opens directly onto the kitchen so you can see all the action and actually feel as if you're in someone's kitchen. The barman was really friendly, and while we had a drink waiting for our table we were given a small plate of the wild mushroom risotto with truffle oil to try.

From the chalk board menus we chose to share a starter of crumbed rabbit, and both had the sea bream with romanesco, raisins and pine nuts for main which was really good. For dessert I had a clementine brûlée which had just a hint of citrus.

With such friendly staff, a lovely cosy atmosphere, and 3 courses of great food including a bottle of wine for £40 I'd say it's an absolute find!

Laura sampling the risotto

The very tasty sea bream

Pitt Cue & Co

After a short wait outside in the queue, Jaimee and I managed to squeeze our way into this new, only 30 seat, resto for dinner last night. Their bent is 'bourbon, BBQ and beer' and from my seat the concept is working very well.

It certainly evokes a cool Americana vibe and it has a lot more charm than I expect it had in its former life as a (very successful) food truck.

We were both tempted by the pulled pork although the other meats were equally appealing and we ordered the burnt end mash as a side. It was still too soon to order the sprouts! The meat was served with the house pickles (cucumber and onion) in an old camping style white enamel dish with a blue rim. The meat was absolutely delicious and it was a very tasty meal.

The drinks menu has a long list of bourbons and rye whiskys and the cocktails are interesting. We started with a Hard Lemonade, and moved on to a New York Sour. Both good.

But it doesn't stop there. Jaimee had a Bourbon Sticky Pudding with juicy liquor-soaked raisins for dessert. And I had a Snickers Mess which I can assure you won't feature in any detox.

Definitely worth another visit but timing is everything. The now very common 'no reservation' policy means it's first in, first served, so you either need to eat at the same time as your grandparents or the Spanish if you want to avoid the wait.

Cocktails with the Playboy Bunnies

To top and tail our dinner at Nobu, we had drinks at The Playboy Club. Yes, of Hugh Hefner, Playboy Mansion and bunny fame!

The private members club is owned by the client so they were keen to go, and it's next door to Nobu so quite handy. It's also within walking distance of wealthy Knightsbridge and Mayfair should the local Russian or Arab prince want to pop by, although the club will send a car for you if you're a big enough player!


We had a tour of the club and it's very tastefully styled. It has a few different bar areas and, of course, the casino area. The iconic bunny motif is subtly woven into the carpet and the odd patterned wall tile.

The real Playboy Bunnies, all very pretty, buxom, leggy ladies, are waitressing, dancing or dealing cards. Surprisingly it doesn't feel tacky, just a bit of fun. I almost forgot my cocktail was brought to my by someone wearing bunny ears and a cottontail!

Which brings me on to the highlight. Salvatore Calabrese, The Maestro, is one of the most highly regarded bartenders in the world, and it's his bar in the Club, simply called Salvatore. The cocktail menu is extensive starting at £16 and going up to a cool £2,000 if you want yours poured with a vintage liquid.


I had a breakfast martini - a now modern classic - created by Salvatore in the 90s. The orange marmalade mixed with gin and cointreau gives it its unique twist. And a Spicy Fifty - vodka, elderflower, lime & honey with a great after kick of chilli.

After dinner I stuck with vodka and apple juice, albeit the vodka was actor Dan Akroyd's Canadian Crystal Head poured from a distinctive clear glass skull bottle.

Nobu

This week I was lucky enough to go to Nobu albeit taking clients with work. Being both a very famous restaurant, and Japanese (with a Peruvian slant), I'd been hoping to make it there one day. And all the better when is someone else is paying!  I can report that it lives up its reputation (and 1 Michelin star).

Our client, who has eaten at Nobu worldwide, expertly ordered for the table. I tried pretty much everything but was full by the time the pork belly and beef arrived. The yellowtail and salmon were the stand outs for me.


- yellowtail sashimi with jalepenos
- black cod
- anti-cucho peruvian style spicy salmon skewer
- softshell crab harumaki with creamy wasabi
- spicy tuna sushi
- tuna on crispy rice squares (not called this on the menu!)

For dessert I had 'Macana' which was a white chocolate mousse, pistachio charged sponge, mango cream and kalamanzi (citrus) sorbet.

The interior is contemporary and pared-back. We sat at a large table away from the windows but I expect the views over Hyde Park would be nice. Good service too but they are very strict with the seating time so don't be leave, and do be prepared to be moved along after your allotted two hours.

(photo nicked from Nobu website)

The Lady Ottoline

I agree with the folk at The Lady Ottoline; this is the best Sunday roast in Bloomsbury. I’d be tempted to go further and say London.

David, Laura and I enjoyed a very hearty roast there on New Year’s Day. I started with a flavoursome, hearty scotch broth with horseradish dumplings. We then had the choice of several roasts – pork, turkey, beef, chicken to share, or even a mix of three! All served with excellent veg, and a Yorkshire pud. I can report back that the aged sirloin beef was perfect. And the rhubarb crumble was a nice finish to the meal.

The pub itself has a lovely Victorian feel with dark timber, and well decorated with fir wreaths for Christmas (no tinsel in sight), and was buzzing and full at 3pm. The service was good (and knowledgeable on the menu and wine) and the prices were very reasonable for the quality of food.

I intend to while away many more Sunday afternoons there. Or even pop in for a mid-week drink.