Archive for category restaurant review
Hidden Treasures London
Posted by Volker in personal, restaurant review on June 2, 2009
A dirty Martini, or as Hawkeye in Mash says, a dry Martini that can be declared as a disaster zone is the perfect way forward. I did not know that Cocktails and Cocktail bars originated in the US, see blog about Dirty Martinis. The Savoy seems to be a very popular destination for that.
Now, last week I have been to a place that is known as “The Duke“. A gem in London, even the Times Online wrote about it. That is the bar, the famous one, where Ian Fleming got his inspiration for James Bond having his Vodka Martini – shaken, not stirred. I prefer Gin Martinis myself though 
Going there with a few (male) friends is an amazing way of relaxing after a hard day’s work. The friendly waiters with experience of handling and making great Martinis make you feel welcome. A discrete atmosphere, similar to a Gentlemen’s Club where you only want to take your best friends. Not any friends, just the best, the ones that truly deserve your company and the company of the Duke.
I mean, even Wikipedia refers to St. James as the area of Gentlemen Clubs. Not surprising as you find Jermyn Street close by with its fine suits, shirts and shoes, toiletries and of course pipes, cigars and other things for the pleasure of a real gentleman. Also, the Ritz and Buckingham Palace are close by, so you are in best company.
London – what a beautiful city. Every district has its own charm. You walk from Kings Cross down to Holborn and you think you are going from one town to another. From Covent Garden to Hammersmith, from Paddington to Victoria. Yes, I truly love London and its hidden treasures!
PS: for the world’s best bars, visit the website Worldsbestbars.com!
Sunday Column (12)
Posted by Volker in food & drink, personal, restaurant review, Sunday Column on May 17, 2009
Time seems to fly quicker and quicker. It has been a few weeks now that I know about finding a new job and the input I am getting from conversations is good. But, so far I have nothing to report…..to the public anyway. But I keep you posted once there are new developments and progress. I have a couple more meetings next week, so keep your fingers and toes crossed.
This week was all about Social Media and Search Marketing. You read about my Inbound Marketing strategy and about the Social Media Summit. Next week I am going to review Viadeo and hopefully find time to write more about personal development and coaching. Also, I give you my views on telemarketing.
On Monday I went to York for some meetings. Tuesday I was booked all day with further conversations, meetings and discussions about my future. See above, I let you know if there is anything to report.
Wednesday I met a friend after work who I haven’t seen for a while. He was in London for an interview and although I only saw him for about 20 minutes before he had to catch his plane, it was so nice to see him. It so makes a difference to see people face to face! The night ended in a work night out before the summit with a few pints too many for a school night – at least for my liking.
The summit, see above, went well and finished with a great networking amongst the speakers in the Albannach in London. Not only do they have a fantastic Whisky collection, they also know how to make a very dry Martini, using Beefeater 24 
As Hawkeye in M*A*S*H used to say “I’d like a dry martini, Mr. Quoc, a very dry martini. A very dry, arid, barren, desiccated, veritable dustbowl of a Martini. I want a Martini that could be declared a disaster area. Mix me just such a Martini.”
On Friday I had some meetings with my staff in London before enjoying a well deserved weekend. Starting with the finale of the season of NCIS. A sad and interesting end that will give hope for a “new beginning”. I guess it is another 6 months until the next season comes out.
I also updated my CV to find the right Business Development position in London – so if you hear anything, please let me know. I think a start up or a branch of an existing company that opens an office in London and looks for someone to build their sales and marketing team is what I would truly enjoy. Check out my Linkedin Profile for references!
Also, we went baby sitting with our neighbours, I had a great back massage and good food all weekend. Fingers crossed the weather is nicer next week so that I can do some stuff in the garden. Rainy, cold and windy it was. However, after watching the new episodes of NCIS on Sky, I am tempted to get Sky now too…..it saves me waiting for 6 months ;-( (see above).
Let’s hope for a successful week, hopefully more face to face interviews – partly with some bigger companies that offer interesting opportunities. Maybe, it won’t be a start up after all…more soon.
Night out in London town
Posted by Volker in food & drink, health, personal, restaurant review, wine on March 25, 2009
I know, whilst I am more the “settled down” type, who isn’t really in heading out in London, a good friend of mine and fellow MBA graduate likes to show me around in London now and again to point out new places.
Here we go: Banburi – a nice little Thai restaurant that reminded me of Wagamama a bit. More the atmosphere than the food, because the food at Banburi was great. The calamari as a side dish and the monk fish green curry was excellent. Summa summarum only £35 for 2, including a glass of wine
Afterwards I could be convinced – ok it didn’t take much – to go for a glass of wine. As you know, I am familiar with wine bars in London, and just off Oxford Circus you can find one of the Davy’s places called Chopper Lump.
I had a nice French wine (I know, hard to admit ), a mixture of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tannat. Not exactly sure what it was called but it is their weekly offer, “Pelleut” or something similar.
Overall, a very nice evening. Thank you L. and hopefully see you soon.
Any recommendations for good food places are always appreciated
Volker
Wine Bars London
Posted by Volker in health, personal, restaurant review, wine on March 17, 2009
I was reading my Decanter wine magazine about wine bars in London. Not long ago I was looking for some and couldn’t find any. Thinking of Heidelberg and nice cellars with huge kegs and nice food – but not in London.
As you might have noticed I write a bit about wine, my favourite ones are red. Just earlier on I ordered Yalumba, The Menzies, Coonawarra, Cabernet Sauvignon 2004. The 2005 was recommended by Decanter but I couldn’t find it 
£25/bottle.
Anyhow, the 2 recommended places are:
Vinoteca – 7 St. John Street, London, EC1M 4AA.
Looking at their wine list, it seems to be definitely worthwhile a trip over there.
The 2nd one is Terroirs at Trafalgar Square, 5 William IV Street, WC2N 4DW.
Jamie wrote about it in his blog about wine.
Nothing of course can compare to the oldest wine bar in London, Gordon’s wine bar at Charing Cross. Unfortunately too many tourists and always busy but definitely worth a trip if you have not been.
And, Ebury Wine Bar also serves excellent French food! Roasted Garlic with Pitta Bread and a nice wine list. Not far from Victoria a nice place to take your wife for diner!
Catering for all occasions: Davy’s Winebars. The one at London Bridge, Skinkers, is the one I most often visited.
There is another one just off Leicster Square, downstairs. Unfortunately I don’t remember the name but I am sure it is Cork and Bottle. They have most of the Yalumba selection there to try.
Just off the Strand is another place. Between a bistro, wine bar and gastropub. However, I really don’t remember the name for that one.
As you can see, over the last few years I came across a few good places to drink wine – even or particularly in London. It is one of those cities, where it takes time to find the hidden treasures.
Jazz, Cigars and a nice Steak
Posted by Volker in food & drink, personal, restaurant review on March 6, 2009
Hello,
I was confident I have mentioned the Boisdale before in my restaurant reviews for London. But could not find it. So here we go, we have been for the 3rd time last weekend:
The Boisdale in Belgravia, established as a cigar and food place – and drinks of course – still has a terrace where you can smoke fine cigars.
I guess the “gentleman’s club” atmosphere combined with Jazz, an extensive and expensive selection of whiskys from around the world plus a fine selection of cigars make this place just special.
And, if you have a look at their food menu, this Scottish Cuisine restaurant serves an amazing selection of good food, nice fish and my favourite: plain steak!
So there is not much more to say. Amazing, highly recommended restaurant. If you go for steak and a nice bottle of wine, e.g. the Tannat grape from Uruguay, then make sure you take enough money. For the food itself it is not a bargain place but the atmosphere really does pay off!
Enjoy.
Happy New Year!
Posted by Volker in family, food & drink, health, personal, restaurant review on January 1, 2009
Happy New Year to all readers.
Let’s start this year’s blogging with last year’s “final supper”
I treated my wife and myself to a nice French restaurant trip, Chez Bruce. A nice little place just off Wandsworth Common Train station. We only got to know it as we have been to its sister restaurant La Trompette a couple of times. The latter serves amazing food in a very posh atmosphere.
Chez Bruce is similar. The atmosphere, maybe because it was NYE, was not as posh but quite relaxed. My wife was sure that the person on the next table was an actor from a soap opera, however I was astonished by really really good food and drink.
Since Jenny did not drink, I tried Canadian but Bordeaux style red wine and a Shiraz Viognier from Australia. Both wines were excellent.
Starters were Artichoke soup for Jenny and Salmon parcel for myself. Followed by goats cheese mousse and white sausage (German style Weisswurst).
The 3rd course was sea bass for me which was excellent, whilst my wife prefered the beef which was absolutely astonishingly in taste, and since she could not eat so much, I finished it off. Awesome!
We finished with a chocolate tart and a fruit cocktail respectively.
You find a sample menu here.
From the Glasshouse Partnership there is still The Glasshouse restaurant we have not visited. I guess we work towards that after Jenny had the baby. So she can eat her loved foie gras.
Happy New Year everyone, enjoy your food and wine!
Indian Tapas – Spanish Tapas
Posted by Volker in food & drink, health, personal, restaurant review on November 14, 2008
Just to add to my restaurant review.
I went back to this Indian Tapas bar in Soho, Imli, again.
Needless to say that it was good, again, and that I recommend it. However, things I did notice:
- the chicken meat seems to be from the bone rather than fillet chicken
- water glasses from Ikea
- wine glasses weren’t really wine glasses, more of a water glass, e.g. does not help the aroma at all
Your chance to try some Indian food with little effort, e.g. just order it like tapas, share it with some friends and see how it goes. You like it, order more, you don’t like it, don’t order it again. Tapas principle, isn’t it?
Btw, if you are in Soho, London, there is allegedly the best Spanish Tapas Bar outside Spain there too: Cafe Espana. I did not feel well after eating there although the food was good.
Nepalese cuisine
Posted by Volker in food & drink, health, personal, restaurant review on November 13, 2008
I went with a friend of mine to a Nepalese restaurant in London, close to Euston Station.
Nepal is not the biggest country, however seems to be really nice. My friend visited it and people seem to be really nice. Definitely a country that is on my list, as it is so close to Tibet, maybe I can combine the two?
Anyhow, I have to say that the starter, Momo, a dumpling filled with minced meat, reminded me of a Chinese starter. The main course, garlic chili chicken with naan bread, reminded me more of the Indian/Bangladeshi kitchen.
It tasted fabulous and the wine on offer was better than at my local Indian. Definitely a plus. Also, it might be to note that the food seems lighter, e.g. not as heavy as a classic Indian dish.
Very friendly service and definitely recommended.
Friday Night Pizza?
Posted by Volker in food & drink, health, personal, restaurant review on September 20, 2008
You all know that feeling. Friday night. Just home from work and you think – I can’t be bothered cooking, let’s get a take away.
For the past 4 years living in Beckenham, there is one pizza place I always recommend: Rocket Pizza!
The guys are amazing. Not only do they live down the road from us and the pizza is piping hot when it arrives, but also it is good value for money.
Jen’s favourite one is the BBQ Chicken without peppers whilst I prefer the Four Season if I do not create my own:
- mushrooms
- olives
- artichokes
- garlic (sometimes double garlic)
- Ham
- Tandoori chicken
- double cheese
And yesterday, they added tuna to that. Aaargh, just does not mix right. I got a fresh new one delivered (free of charge of course) but would loved to speak to the cook. Mixing tuna with the above is just not right. As I said to my wife, they should have known me by now and asked whether I was sure to have tuna on there.
Never mind – I still rate them one of the best pizza take away/home delivery services in SE London.
Restaurant Review – Mello
Posted by Volker in food & drink, health, personal, restaurant review on August 10, 2008
I wanted to add some more restaurant reviews.
This one is for Mello, a restaurant in Beckenham.
We went there last night, four of us, and I have to say, this award winning place is amazing. The interior is not as posh as you would expect it to be. Too much pink for my liking with some nice warm coloured pictures/decoration to brighten it up. The setting is great with crystal glasses.
The service is friendly and attentive as well as knowledgeable about the wine. Since the four of us could not decide which wine to choose, we just got 2 bottles, 2 for 2.
The Chianti Classico was medium dry (as suggested) and less typical of a Chianti Classico. The Echeverria Merlot was just perfect for a Chilean Merlot; I am quite curious to try the Echeverria Cabernet Sauvignon which I bought in Harrods yesterday. Harrods has a fabulous wine selection, however, for my liking, too much on the Bordeaux/French side of things.
So much about the wine. The pre-starter was a mushroom soup, homemade of course, and absolutely delicious, very creamy.
As chosen starters we had:
- Poached pear & blue cheese salad with rocket leaves & walnut dressing
- Pressed chicken & foie gras terrine with crushed apple & toasted brioche
- Shiitake mushroom & broad beans salad with pan fried quail egg & mushroom dressing
- Tian of Cornish crab, Morecambe bay shrimp with sweet pepper puree, crushed avocado & toasted rye bread
Main courses consisted of:
- Assiette of pork with creamed cabbage, apple puree, prune & Calvados jus
- Pan roast fillet of English beef with creamed spinach, potato rosti & oxtail croquettes
- Pan roast rump of lamb with braised Puy lentils, caramelized onion wild mushroom, aubergine caviar & red wine jus
Absolutely great. The oxtail croquettes were special, something I have never tried before. Then, the lamb was a little bit stringy, so not as tender as suggested. However, the beef and pork were amazing. Nothing to compare it to and nothing else to say but absolutely stunning!
So, overall, an amazing place to take people, to go yourself and treat yourself.
Mello also offers gourmet nights, something surely worthwhile doing.
Average price I would suggest around £50 per person including wine.
Enjoy and let me know if you liked it.
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