Saturday 30 June 2012

Today Kate Likes...

Maggie's - Henley Regatta
The 80's themed bar has temporarily set up shop at the 3/4mile mark on the river bank at Henley
Get yourself down there.



Friday 29 June 2012

Thursday 28 June 2012

La Bodega Negra

La Bodega Negra has been talked about continuously since is opening and so it was about time I got myself together and booked a table. From the moment you walk through the 'sex shop' entrance you feel like your in for a treat and that is exactly what you get.

The dark, mysterious basement restaurant doesn't lend itself to big groups and it is hard to have a conversation without shouting at each other over the table however with our waitress's infectious enthusiasm for the menu this was quickly forgotten.

In a group of 4, we decided to share one large main and 4/5 smaller dishes and sides. The Pork Belly (main), served with white beans and salsa verde melted in our mouths and was complemented well with our side of Potatoes and Mole Negro (a favourite among my friends). Note that it is far too large for one person to eat to themselves and I can guarantee food envy would have set in as soon as other peoples dishes arrive. The Prawn Jicama and Chorizo and Roast Squash Taco's came next, which when ordering make sure you decide on more than 1 each as we did, they will devoured in one, very large, mouthful which is just not enough.

Then came the Salmon Ceviche which felt, didn't contribute too to our meal however my companions strongly disagreed. This may have been however because my attention had been turn to the two unexpected triumphs of the evening that had just arrived on our table; The grilled corn coated with chipotle sauce and cheese, and the Guadalajara salad with caramelised pecans, pines nuts and pomegranate seeds. These two dishes would compliment any combination of choices from the menu and simultaneously cool (the salad) and spice up (the corn) your taste buds.



With never ending rounds of delicious Hibiscus Margaritas coming to our table, maybe Tuesday night wasn't the night to go; however you are guaranteed fantastic food and an electric atmosphere any night of the week. There is no question as to why La Bodega Negra has become so popular.

9, Old Compton Street London, W1D 6JF
http://labodeganegra.com
Booking is essential.

Today Kate Likes...

A Walk On Part - The Fall of New Labour
The Arts Theatre, London
'Exhilarating.... excellently performed' Guardian



Wednesday 27 June 2012

Tuesday 26 June 2012

Duck and Waffle

So the end of last week came the announcement of a new 24 hour eatery, that will join (just above) Sushisamba up The Heron Tower .

They will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with an eclectic mix of food depending on what time you are there. Breakfast will be served for the early birds in the city to include: Foie Gras 'All Day Breakfast' with homemade nutella and jam, fresh brioche, pork dust and rice crispies and their namesake Duck and Waffle with fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup.

However if you bright eyed and bushy tailed between 2am and 6am, the menu will include dishes such as Roasted Galloway veal Marrow Bones with ox Cheek Marmalade, picked girolles and parsley.

Do not fear though, an All Day Menu will be served EVERY HOUR of EVERY DAY too.



Opening August
Reservations from 22nd June
40th Floor, Heron Tower, 110 Bishopgate, London, EC2N 4AY
Twitter: @duckandwaffle
http://duckandwaffle.com/

Today Kate Likes...

That with in a delivery from Monsoon Fushion, you get a free copy of Grazia. 
Makes online shopping, oh so much sweeter!

Monday 25 June 2012

Bubbledogs

With the growing pursuit for simplicity husband and wife team, James Knappett (Noma, Ledbury) and wife Sandia Chang (The Berkeley, Noma) have hit the nail on the head.

Bubbledogs is the perfect marriage between casual dining and sophisticated drinking. They will only be serving a menu of 10 hotdogs and grower Champagne. Hotdogs include the BLT dog, wrapped in bacon and served with truffle mayonnaise and the Jose dog with guacamole, salsa, sour cream and jalapenos.

The Fitzrovia restaurant will also feature a Kitchen table, which will seat a maximum of 19 people, with a contemporary European menu, set course from £25.

Opening date, TBC, but looking likely to be the end part of July 2012.

I for 1, can't wait.


70, Charlotte Street, London, W1T 4QG
http://www.bubbledogs.co.uk/

Today Kate Likes...

Busaba Eathai - Covent Garden has joined Taste Card
50% off (except Friday or Saturday)




Sunday 24 June 2012

Today Kate Likes...

White Zara Cardigan/Summer Jacket
It smartens up any outfit, am  waiting for them to bring it out in other colours


http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/uk/en/zara-S2012/189502/825261/FRAYED%2BCARDIGAN

Saturday 23 June 2012

Upstairs at The Ten Bells Re-opens

It is  music to our ears to hear that former Ledbury Chef, Issac McHale will not be immediately leaving the space above The Ten Bells pub in Spitalfields, as the Young Turks collective comes to an end.

Alongside Chef Giorgio Ravelli and Jarrod Cooker, McHale has relaunched the restaurant as Upstairs at The Ten Bells. The midrange, reasonably priced menu will have an al a carte menu with particular focus on value for money.

They opened again for business last night, Friday 22nd June.
Open Wednesday - Sunday evening and Sunday lunch.

Ten Bells Pub, Commercial Road, E1


Today Kate Likes...

Clare Vivier
Such Beautiful Clutches
http://seevivier.com/



Friday 22 June 2012

Today Kate Likes...

CANTINA
This is a must see, you will be left speechless.
Until 30th September at the Priceless Underground, Southbank.


Brasserie Zedel Opens

Corbin and Kings (Delaunay and The Wolelsey) next venture will be opening this weekend for business. This much anticipated eatery is located just off Piccadilly, will seat just over 240. I imagine their very reasonably priced menu (main courses from £7.50) will mean we will all be fighting for a seat.

The huge space will also feature a Bar American,  Live Music and Cabaret Space (The Crazy Coqs), Wine Bar and the ZL Cafe.

Soft Launch: Friday 22nd June until Sunday 24th June
25% off menu prices
Please note: Friday dinner reservations have already closed


20 Sherwood Street, off Piccadilly Circus, London W1F 7ED
www.brasseriezedel.com

Thursday 21 June 2012

Today Kate Likes...

Well actually LOVES, Schmidt. 
Cannot wait till the second part of New Girl comes back to Channel 4.


The Old Red Cow

When my parents visit I always try to take them somewhere new to eat or drink. Fathers day was no exception. I booked us a table at The Old Red Cow, it ticked every (there were only two) box -it had to have large selection of beers and serve a mean roast. Set next to Smithfield market, the quiet unassuming pub didn't disappoint.


We shared a smoked salmon with Horseradish starter and ham hock terrine which were glorious; we could have all eaten them alone and had seconds. We then all went for the beef roast, served with roast spuds, green beans and bacon, Yorkshire pudding and the most exceptional cauliflower cheese that could have been served as its own dish. The meat was slightly bloody and melted in your mouth, my only criticism was that the spuds were slightly dry.

Throughout the meal, we made our way through the extensive beer list, which alone is worth a visit, helped along by the very knowledgable staff.

After settling our very reasonable bill and we walked off our food around Smithfield and its beautiful surroundings.


The food and drink could be without fault, staff were incredibly helpful, and atmosphere relaxed. They just need to work out how to open the windows on the second floor.

Sunday Lunch for 2 with drinks approx. £50
71-72 Long Lane, Smithfield, EC1A 9EJ
www.theoldredcow.com



Wednesday 20 June 2012

Wahaca Southbank Experiment

As of the first week in July, Wahaca will be opening a new restaurant to their chain, attached to the Southbank centre. The same location that Dishoom popped up last year.

They will be transforming this space into a 130 seat restaurant, bar terrace and outdoor seating area built from 8 recycled Shipping containers over 2 storeys.


As the title suggests, this venue will remain very much an experiment, from the decor ( Designed by Trsitan Manco) down to the chefs and their ingredients. It is unknown how long it will stay at the site, as The Southbank Centre are yet to allocate this space after its 3 month original installation period.

Fingers crossed we will be able to fill our selves with their mouth-watering mexican street food for months to come, bring on the Tequila!

www.wahaca.co.uk

Today Kate Likes...

The Summer Solstice.
Can't wait to enjoy the sun on the longest day of the year, get out there kids!