A Coffee Presentation.

In desperate need of a coffee fix whilst in Galeries Lafayette in Paris i visited the food hall and stopped at the tapas bar for a coffee. Please note the heart sugar. I was mystified by the slit in the heart but was soon made aware that this rested nicely on the edge of the cup!!!
Galeries Lafayette Gourmand.Paris.

It had to be done!

Chocolate Profiteroles with hot chocolate sauce.
Chez Georges.Paris.

Lamb and Haricots.

Not much to say about this sometimes it just about the simple things in life.
Chez Georges.

A simple lentil Salad

Lentil salad with a mustard dressing which i need to work out a way to get the recipe for.
How can lentils taste so delicious?
Chez Georges.Paris.

Champignons.

Mixed Mushrooms with shallots or should i say champignons sounds so much better.
Chez georges.

When In paris.

Why not visit Chez Georges? I have not been for approximately 15 years but for some reason it was much much better than i remembered and the waitresses and maitre d were positively charming. Only negative comment is tables too close together which is fine until you have a drunk couple sitting next to you who are talking at top volume. I really had to restrain myself. Is there such a thing as restaurant rage?
Chez georges.1 Rue du Mail.75002 paris. Tel 3314260 0711

Red Onion Gravy.

Perfect with Sausages and Mash.
Cut the red onions in half then slice finely.
Cook in olive oil till they just start to turn a light brown.
Add some red wine,a little vegetable stock, balsamic vinegar and a spoonful of cranberry sauce if you have it.
Simmer until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Put your sausages ontop of the mash and spoon over the sweet onions.

Nigel Slater.

I met him today and I got his autograph.
Not for me of course but for my loyal followers!!!

Cornelias Cup Cake.

A Red Velvet cupcake just put on my desk by lovely Cornelia. She is a new girl at our office I hope she stays !!!

Perfect Pasta.

So happy that my friend has become hooked by the spaghetti bolognese at Da Paolo. Today I had penne with tomato chili and aubergine. It was too perfect for a miserable Monday lunchtime.
Da Paolo.3 Charlotte Place,London W1S 1SD.

Eggs Up North.

I know there is nothing exciting about 2 eggs and 2 pieces of german rye bread but....I love this picture and i love my new egg cups and sometimes the simplest things in life are the best.

Dressed Crab at the Ivy

I am so so lucky. With an hour to kill last Monday night i got invited to the Ivy for a snack and a cocktail. I opted for the Dressed crab and a chilled glass of crisp white wine. I love the way that all the food is positioned on the plates with the Ivy Logo centre top. There is nothing like attention to detail.
The Ivy.1 West Street,London WC2H 9NQ. Tel No 0207 836 4751.

A quick Fish Dish.

Roast red pepper and tomatoes with olive oil and salt.
When brown and soft put a filet of smoked haddock ontop drizzle with olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Roast for another 15 minutes.
In another pan steam some spinach.
Put the spinach on a plate and spoon over the fish and roasted vegetables.

A Mini Pot of Something Good.

At Hassop house last Sunday I had a delectable pot of Chicken Liver and Brandy Pate. It was served with warm toast fingers beautifully wrapped and warm in a white starched napkin. You need to book at least 6 weeks in advance for Sunday Lunch but its well worth the wait.
Hassop Hall Hotel,Hassop,Nr Bakewell,Derbyshire DE45 1NS.

Sea Bass with Fennel and Rosemary.
Whitstable Oyster Fishery.

Razor Clams.
Whitstable Oyster Fishery.

Whitstable Oyster Fishery.

First Visit to Whitstable. Dump bags and straight out for oysters.
A selection of Local Rocks and Local Natives. Thank you Steve for the introduction.
Whistable Oyster Fishery Co. 01227 276 856.

Karelian Pie.
Rye crusted savoury snack with rice or potato mash filling.
The Nordic Bakery.

Gravadlax on Rye.
The Nordic Bakery.

Coffee and Cinnamon Roll.
The Nordic Bakery.

Great News.

The Nordic bakery has opened near my office. Or maybe its not such great news as the fayre on offer is hardly the healthy option but its about living in the moment and a little bit of what you fancy. Isn't it ???
Nordic bakery,37b New Cavendish Street,London W1G 8JR.

NICE NICOISE

I have not visited cafe Marly for a long long time but I found myself on the dot of 1pm standing outside with lovely Stephanie with an hour to kill. "Why not" we said and it was perfect.Added bonus the sun was shining over the spectacular view of the Louvre.
Cafe Marly,93 Rue de Rivoli,Paris 1er.

The Three Roofs Cafe.

Yes it is another Cream Tea. This one was taken at the three roofs Cafe under the new management of Lee and Karl. Thank you for a couple of what i can only describe as "Award Winning Scones".
The Three Roofs cafe.Castleton.Derbeyshire.

I loved the Plate. Not much else to say.
Ace Cafe.

The Ace Cafe.

So many of us have driven past the Ace Cafe or have heard about it so I decided to check it out on behalf of all of you. Well its quite interesting to see if you are into motor bikes or car meets.
Its such a shame that i cannot say go and have a fantastic fry up or mug of everlasting coffee because the food is really not that great. It is an experience...so if you are passing.
The Ace Cafe.Ace Corner,North Circular Road,NW10 7UD.

The Season of the Soup.

Nothing could be finer that a bowl of hearty squash soup with a pesto oil served at La Fromagerie
off marylebone High Street. Do not think just cheese they have so many other dishes and a beautiful breakfast too.
La Fromagerie. 2/6 Moxton Street,London W1U 4EW.

This has to be my favourite lunch ever.Tempura Soba with some dried chili flakes. I have been out of london for a while hence no blogging and I have to say I am craving this dish so much it might be a must stop when i get back into London.
Sakura.

Sakura Sakura.

I would have to give Sakura a 10 out of 10 for one of the best reasonably priced Japanese restaurants in London and its delicious and you do not feel that the quality of the ingredients is poor because of the price.This is my favourite salad cucumber and seaweed in a vinegar dressing.
Sakura. 23 Conduit Street,London W1S 1YF.

Inn For All Seasons.

On the way to cheltenham starving I did a quick pit stop at the Inn for All Seasons on the A40.
Now you can go wrong with Fish and Chips but you wont here. The fish was fried in breadcrumbs and very very fresh with a huge pot of tartare sauce. Please ignore the Tomato Ketchup but sometimes its a must.
The Inn for All Seasons.The Barringtons,Nr Burford,Oxfordshire.

Lowry and Turner.

Poached Eggs on muffins with Smoked Salmon, Rocket and Hollandaise.
Lowry and Baker.

Lowry and Baker.

Thank you Cathy for suggesting Lowry and Turner. I love it because its exactly the kind of place that i could see myself running. Small, personnel, simple delicious menu, all homemade in front of you in fact its like sitting in your friends kitchen while they are cooking for you. Please go and support it. The coffee is excellent too.
Lowry and Baker. 339 Portobello Road,London W10 5SA.

My Own collaboration suggestion. Chocolate Nemesis and caramel ice cream.
The River Cafe.

Wild Roasted Sea Bass and roast potatoes with capers and anchovies.
The River Cafe.

Crab and Tomato Bruschetta. I am not going into any other detail as i think the photo says it all.
The River Cafe.

Decadence Prevailed.

It would be rude not to order a Lampone (Prosecco and fresh raspberry Juice) when it was on the menu especially on a balmy Saturday evening in October!!!.
The River Cafe.Thames Wharf,Rainville Road,London W6 9HA.
Tel No 0207 386 4200

Abu Zaad.

Smiling Waiters, Busy Buzzy Atmosphere, Wonderful Fresh Juices, Fresh Produce, Delicious Dishes.
Abu Zaad is a Syrian restaurant and is a must when visiting the bush for approx £12 ahead you really cannot go wrong.
Abu Zaad.29 Uxbridge Road,London W12.

Sublime Continued.

Rice Pudding and Grilled Figs.
Hereford Road.

Sublime Continued

Pan Fried Slip Souls with Cauliflower and capers.
Hereford Road.

Sublime.

Not wishing this to occur but Hereford Road is a restaurant that should be booked for two weeks in advance at least. The food is faultless not only because of the freshest ingredients but also the love and passion that goes into every dish. Yes this is just an artichoke but the vinegaigrette was no ordinary vinaigrette any left overs were spread onto the delicious bread.
Hereford Road,3 Hereford Road,London W2 4AB. Tel No 207 727 1144.

My favourite.

Green tea Ice Cream with Red Bean Sauce.
Chisou.

Chisou

Super Super Fresh mixed Sashimi.
Chisou.

Chisou

The Perfect Salad. Spinach with spicy Prawns.
Next time i visit i shall ask them if i can watch how long this dish takes to prepare. 10 out of 10 for presentation.
Chisou,4 Princes Street,London W1B 2LE. tel No 207 629 3931.

Bernices Chicken Soup.

I could eat this every night and with the onset of a cold it was a dream come true.
1 small free range chicken.
2 Carrots.
2 Leeks.
2 cloves of garlic.
1 onion
2 Parsnips
2 teaspoons bouillon.
Put all ingredients in a pan and cover with water.
Simmer on a low light for 3 hours.
After 2 and a half hours add some pearl barley.
Take the meat of the chicken bone discarding bones and put flesh back into soup.
Serve infront of favourite TV programme with blanket draped over shoulders.

I did not have Kentish Plum Pie and Custard.
The Rivington Grill.

And I had Fish and Chips.
Rivington Grill.

Off the train from Paris in a bit of a misty haze jumped on the tube to Old Street where i had a meeting at the Rivington Grill. Here we have a Barnsley lamb chop with Bubble and Squeak. Just noticed whilst checking address they now have one in Dubai !!!
The Rivington Grill,28/30 Rivington Street,London EC2A 3DZ. Tel No 0207 729 7053.

Rose Again.

Whilst my head was round the door taking pictures i had to take the cakes and stewed fruits of the day too.
Rose Bakery.

Rose Again.

How could i not put my head round the door and take a picture of the Salads and Quiches of the day on offer.
Rose Bakery,Rue De Martyrs,75009 Paris.France.

Alberts Choice.

Once a year i seem to get a Pizza Craving and this time it happened to happen in Paris. Difficult as Paris is not the home of the Pizza. Fortunately i was with my friend Albert who insisted on taking me to La Pizzetta. So we settled into a bottle of delicious red wine from Puglia and a truffle with black crust Pizza (the secret ingredient was squid ink). I could not think of a more perfect way to spend a rainy sunday night.
La Pizzetta,22 Avenue Trudaine,75009.

Creme Brulee.

Apart from this being my favourite photograph i have ever blogged. Here are two creme brulees
Rottisserie Beaujolais.