Tag Archives: Soho

Rudy’s Soho – Proper Pizza and Proper Good Times

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Freedom is finally here and what better way to celebrate then Pizza and Spritz. 

We’re here to remind you:  there’s no need to get holiday fomo as we have the taste of Naples slap bang in Soho. Whilst Soho has been known as the place to be to keep spirits high, the arrival of Rudy’s, voted the 5th Best Pizzeria in EUROPE!!! has been bellissima indeed. With a successful string of restaurants in Manchester it was about time Rudy’s paid London a visit and trust us, we will all be welcoming you with open arms. 

Rudy’s serves up real good Neapolitan Pizzas – no fancy base, stuffed crust, gold leaf pretentiousness necessary. This is proper honest pizza. The dough is made with Caputo ’00’ Flour which is made daily and left to ferment for 24 hrs then topped with a San Marzano tomato base typical of an original Neapolitan Pizza. Then finally a quick blast in the wood fired pizza oven and presto – happiness bite after bite. 

We rocked up on a Tuesday night and the atmosphere was buzzing, full of the best kind of vibes. The place is super relaxed and has a real ‘holiday feel’ to it bustling with groups of friends, lovers, families and all. The decor is industrial chic – completely open plan so you can see your dinner straight outta the oven. But for me the winning factor is that this isn’t the kind of place to kick you out before you’ve even sat down, which i’m finding has started to be the norm here in London. I’m a big fan of a long, slow dinner and we did not feel rushed at all. That is all down to the incredibly welcoming and attentive staff. This particular branch has 140 covers which is a lot of space but still, after so long of not being able to socialise I really got the sense of being welcome here without a time limit. The time flew by whilst we enjoyed many a spritz over long overdue catch ups and a good deal of people watching. 

The starters are exactly what you would hope for from a proper Italian pizzeria with a selection of olives, breads, meats and of course a big sexy Burrata, this whets your appetite nicely for the main event. We took our time and savoured the experience just like the Italians do and of course, we enjoyed their Campana board, a mixed platter of breads, salamis and cheese with some tasty spritz cocktails. The above also came in a veggie version too. I thoroughly recommend taking your time to look through the drinks list as there are a lot of solid favourites to make your way through including Espresso Martinis and Aperol Spritz to name but a few but honestly their signature cocktails hit the spot nicely. We recommend the “Sospiri” to kick off your evening. 

When it came to the mains… a pizza which is relatively simple and a tried and tested favourite internationally has little margin for error. Trust me when I say I have done the leg work in pizza tasting and Rudy’s by far exceeds any i’ve tried in the UK and is much deserving of one of the best pizza joints in Europe accolade. The menu selection has all the best varieties, from the humble Margherita to the more elegant white base pizzas. We went for the “Cinghiale” which is basically a spicy, sexy pizza of deliciousness with wild boar salami. Definitely a solid 4 stars. I went for the “Portobello” and it had to be on white base. For those of you who haven’t ventured into the foray of white base pizzas, they’re made with olive, garlic, cheese and salt instead of a tomato base so for any garlic lovers out there this one was absolutely heavenly. The flavours were perfectly balanced and not too heavy or creamy which was actually pretty impressive for me as I easily demolished the whole one and didn’t feel like a big ball of dough afterwards something i’m quickly finding is an important factor when reviewing a pizza ;-) 

Let’s face it, it’s not a decent Italian unless there’s Tiramisu on the menu and as much as I was looking forward to the pizza i’ve gotta admit that the Tiramisu was the star of my show. Again, the portion was just the right size and the coffee:booze:spongefinger:cream ratio was bang on. We also got the affogato which was delish but I recommend not sharing the Tiramisu. Get one for yourself. Treat yourself. Oh and while you’re at it, don’t forget to end your meal with a nice shot of Rudy’s very own Blood Orange Orangecello and if you’re not leaving the place recreating the street scene of ‘Call me by your name’ you should probably consider having another one because, well hey, anything goes in Soho especially Rudy’s.

I’m positive once you’ve been there this will be your next solid go to. Overall the entire experience was exceptional and the quality you get for the price you pay just goes to show you don’t need to break the bank to have a decent meal in Central London. Rudy’s isn’t just another fancy pizza chain, they are standout for both the quality of the food and the quality of your experience. 

For more info and Ressy’s

Rudy’s

Last Chance for Fiz in Soho…

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We all dread the toll of the bell when “Last Orders” are up, but we’re here to give you plenty of notice to try out Fizbar in Soho for one last time before they close there doors this Saturday. London’s first sparkling wine bar opened it’s doors 9 weeks ago for a 10 week residency at iconic London haunt, Lights of Soho. Started by three friends, their quest was to bring a hint of Barcelona’s backstreet Cava bars to London. With a playful and eclectic list of international fizz, the aim was to take a step away from the pretentious wine bars and over-priced, bourgeois culture associated with drinking sparkles in the Capital. As well as a damn good list of drinks to make your way through, the food here is also well curated and carefully selected to pair with your drinks. The atmosphere here is like no other, you can enjoy your bubbles whilst watching the Chef’s cook your food to order right at the bar.

Just to give you an example of how eclectic this wine list was, we made our way from House Fiz which was a crisp Cava at £4.5 a glass all the way to the unusual ‘Black Queen’. Hailing from Barossa Valley Australia, Black Queen is a red fizz with hints of dark cherry and fruit. Not for the faint hearted, this was described by one of the owners as the Marmite of Fiz. There are of course a few Proseccos that feature on the menu but our stand out fizz by far was a lot closer to home, all the way from Kent. Balfour Estate by Hush Heath winery in Kent was an example of something very elegant, dry and sophisticated. The production of this fizz is very similar to Champagne and is unsurprisingly award-winning. If an adventurous journey through fizz is more of what you’re after, there is something for everyone at Fiz, alongside the sparkling red, there is an Italian Sparkling wine with notes of lemon and lime and also something from Brazil too. The wines on the list go from £4.5-£10 a glass to give you an idea of how casual and affordable this joint is. The food offerings include a cheese board, a meat board and a selection of sliders to name a few, we recommend the Pastrami which we are told is made on site. As well as a bottomless brunch available on the weekend. We really enjoyed the little quirks and added extras to the place including a couple of alcoholic ice pops to choose from and of course the striking backdrop that is Lights of Soho featuring many neon light designs.

We highly recommend you checking out Fiz before they close there doors this Saturday before they move on to their next location so stay tuned for more info…

https://www.fizbar.com

La Maison Rémy Martin returns to Soho with a Stellar Line-Up

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Last Summer we had the pleasure of spending the evening with some of Britain’s finest Olympians in the luxurious surroundings of the Rumpus Room, courtesy of La Maison Rémy Martin. This month, the members-only club will be opening their doors once again with a jam-packed, spectacularly curated list of talent designed to inspire, entertain and dazzle you in true Rémy style.

Launch of La Maison Rémy Martin pop-up private members' club at La Maison Rémy Martin, London, Britain on 2 Nov 2015.

La Maison Rémy Martin are set on being the hosts with the most once more, boasting one of The World’s finest Cognac from Fine Champagne, they are set on expanding their brand through their members club with a programme of events and workshops designed to offer their customer a little more of the savoir faire approach they enjoy so much. La Maison Rémy Martin, was borne out of the brands ethos to honour craftsmanship and embrace the luxury of time. With that being said, members are being treated to a line-up of special events, talks and workshops that are being led by some of London’s most talented craftsmen.

Set over two floors of their new Wardour Street home, members can expect to be transported into the iconic world of Rémy Martin. The space will be split into the Boutique, which for the first time will also be open to the public, and The Gallery, where members can enjoy their evenings workshops alongside light-bites paired with Rémy expressions and expertly crafted
Rémy cocktails.

After taking a sneak peek of the new programme, we’re excited to share with you our top masterclass picks…

Michelin Star Chef; Jun Tanaka

Master Chocolatier; Paul A Young

Sports commentator – Tom Gaymor
F1 Driver- Max Chilton

Cellar Master for Rémy himself; Baptiste Loiseau

…to name but a few

RemyMondrian00123

The evenings are every bit evocative of the luxury and ‘suaveness’ that Rémy Martin possess and they are keen to share it with whoever appreciates good craft. So, to learn more and to apply to be a member of La Maison Rémy Martin please visit;

lamaison.remymartin.com.

La Maison Rémy Martin will be open Thursday 16th February to Saturday 4th March 2017 excluding Sundays.

La Maison Rémy Martin
147 Wardour Street, London,
W1F 8WD


Follow us on
@RemyMartinUK
#LaMaisonRemyMartin #LMRM

Wong Kei – the most famous Chinese restaurant in London!

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Wongkei restaurant in Wardour Street Soho

My friend Roy at the Wongkei, which has been frequenting since 1979

I was having a chat with my friend Roy, when I mentioned that I’d never actually been to Wong Kei Chinese restaurant. He was astounded. After all, Wong Kei is hugely famous. It serves incredibly cheap food, but has a reputation for having rude waiters and for not accepting any kind of credit cards – cash only! It is in the lower end of Wardour Street, in the heart of London’s China Town and seems to have existed forever.

It has entered London folklore. Many people will tell stories of having arguments with the waiters there. And I remember at one poetry performance, a woman reading a poem about the drunks who used to come to Wong Kei late at night.

Because it is such an institution, I suggested that Roy and I should go there for lunch. Roy is a regular at the restaurant – he first visited in 1979 – and he says it has hardly changed in all that time. When we visited it was mid-day and at that time of day the restaurant seems to operate as a sort of cheap canteen for the local Chinese community.

It is absolutely basic in its décor. Lines of Formica tables, sturdy restaurant chairs, no table cloths and a pot of chilli sauce on every table. As soon as we arrived someone brought a pot of tea – which is free.

Roy admits to being a creature of habit and generally has beef with fried noodles. I had roast duck with soup noodles, which is my favourite Chinese lunch.

The food arrived fairly promptly and it was very pleasant. I felt that the duck was slightly overcooked and I’ve had better noodles- these lacked the sort of bite that I enjoy. The broth was rich and tasty and there was plenty of chilli sauce to spice things up.

Wong Kei in Wardour Street Soho

Wong Kei at lunchtime – serving seriously cheap Chinese food

Likewise Roy’s beef was perfectly nice. I found it a bit blander than I’m used to.. Again the noodles weren’t as crisply as I’d have liked. But the point of the restaurant comes when you ask for the bill. The price for two meals was £10.50. In the West End of London, it’s probably the cheapest meal you can find.

It is busy, it is bustling, the waiters put food on the table and take it away. The food isn’t top class, but it is ridiculously cheap. It’s not a place for a romantic meal, but as an alternative to a lunchtime sandwich it makes a nice change.

Kettner’s: Quintessentially British Dining and Drinking in the heart of Soho

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Kettners-0Amongst the hustle and bustle of our amazing capital London, lies the iconic Kettner’s. Elegant, glamorous and classy, Kettner’s stands out from the frenzy of the quirky, hip, pop up joints and offers customers everything which is quintessentially British.

Originally opened in 1867 by the Chef of Napolean III, the Grade II listed Georgian building stands proudly in Soho boasting a brasserie, Champagne Bar and eight private functions rooms. If you’re looking for somewhere with a little history and old school glamour look no further. As well as the cocktail menu being rather impressive with a host of Champagne Cocktails, they have a clientele list to match. So if you’re looking to dine somewhere up to the standards of Oscar Wilde, Agatha Christie and Bing Crosby look no further.

Kettner's Bar

 

There really is an enchanting feeling when you walk through the door of Kettner’s. It’s everything that’s glamorous, traditional and old school without feeling stuffy and pretentious and with a price list that doesn’t leave you feeling bankrupt after a cocktail, this is the perfect place to come and admire the stunning decor, have afternoon tea or indeed enjoy a date here.

Kettner’s can be found

29 ROMILLY ST. SOHO,
LONDON W1D 5HP

Yauatcha Restaurant Review | Celebrating 10 Years

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With a rainbow of macaron’s elegantly displayed in the restaurant window, Yauatcha immediately catches your eye and invites you in to sample the patisserie-come- Chinese dishes.

Yauatcha Yauatchamacaroons

We were led downstairs to the basement by a lady in red, where we were pleasantly surprised by the buzz of diners, faces lit by the centre-piece of the room – the horizontal fish tank running the length of the bar.

 

We were greeted by numerous servers and told that as part of Yauatcha’s 10th anniversary in Soho, we would be served secret off-menu items which would only be disclosed once the dishes came to our table.

 

The first dishes arrived in steaming bamboo baskets; a trilogy of dumplings and a prawn and bean curd cheung fun saddled our table too.

Yauatcha10anniversary Yauatchadimsum Yauatchareview

The wild fungus and pomegranate dumpling was squidgy and earthy and the fruit seed added a pleasant drop of sweetness to the palette.

 

Not being a huge fan of lychee, nonetheless, the flakes of the scallop puff oozed with freshness as the dry texture of pastry was drenched with the juices of the tropical grape-like fruit.

 

Unusually green, the seared spicy lamb and fig was the last dumpling to pass my lips. The meaty flavour of lamb was subtly mixed with the sweeter fig flavour, creating a unique explosion of flavours.

Yauatchadessert Yauatchareviewlondon Yauatchafood

But the real moment of heaven was with the prawn and bean curd cheung fun drizzled in soy sauce.

 

A firm favourite with Yauatcha diners, it’s easy to see why. Encased in a soft pasta-like shell (the bean curd), it protectively lined the plump, slightly salty prawns and contrasted with the crispy fragments separating the different textures.

 

For mains, we shared the Kung pao chicken with cashew nut and stir fry rib eye beef in black bean sauce.

 

The beef sauce gently pricked our throats with spice as we edged closer to the bottom of the plate. The peppers were crispy and charred with a smoky flavour and the chicken was tender with hints of garlic and onion.

 

For dessert, my partner opted for the cheesecake with lemon, blueberry and graham cracker which was impressively stacked and burst with zesty tangs of citrus.

Yauatchapatisserie Yauatchacocktails

I plumped for the apricot chocolate, jaconde sponge, curd, chocolate cremaux and chiboust. Again it was impeccably presented and the sweet chocolate and apricot was interspersed with spoonfuls of refreshing sour sorbet.

 

We spent a pleasant evening at Yauatcha, part of the Hakkasan group which includes HKK in Shoreditch, and I loved the unique way dishes were served. The waiting staff are composed of commis in black uniform and serving staff in white.

 

The commis carry the dishes to the table and the serving staff quickly appear by their side ready to present each plate with a complete description to the diner. To me, this seemed like an eloquent game of chess; each time black edged towards the target, the white pawn would quickly follow suit.

 

My only niggle is the seating; after a few hours sitting on the uber-funky but backless sofa, I did feel like I needed a bit more support, but overall, a fantastic experience.

 

Next time we’ll be nipping in for macarons and a cocktail, turning the Chinese dining experience into a modern European affair in Soho.

 

15-17 Broadwick Street, London, W1F 0DL. Email reservations@yauatcha.com

 

 

Clearspring Japanese food

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With a brand name inviting thoughts of fresh and healthy ingredients, it was no surprise to learn the Japanese Clearspring food range is 100% organic and all vegan.

 

Now, I’m just going to come out with it – I have a love hate relationship with Japanese food.

 

I love sushi, noodles and tempura batter, but I’m afraid my palette isn’t quite accustomed to squidgy, spongy tofu or the sharp taste of Sake.

 

However, I was happy to take on another culinary experience at the Clearspring 20th anniversary event at Ice Tank, Soho, on Friday evening for the launch of Miso soup on the go and Matcha green tea powder.

 Clearspring Japanese food Geisha green tea miso soup

Miso soup on the go comes in a handbag-friendly 8g sachet and you just need to pop it in a cup and add hot water.

 

It was surprisingly refreshing and filling (it had tofu pieces and I promise, I did try a few before fishing them out), but the best part is that it counts for a measly 29 calories of your daily allowance, perfect for a quick and light snack.

 

Now, the Matcha tea was the star from the evening. It’s unlike any tea I have ever seen or tasted. It’s green tea but in powder form – the tea leaves are grown in the Uji region of Kyoto, Japan, before they are finely milled to create a loose powder.

 

Just a quarter of a teaspoon whisked with hot water creates a revitalising and intense green tea flavour. Just don’t be put off by the pond-weed colour in your cup; it’s meant to boost energy levels and your metabolism rate and has been drunk by Buddhist monks for over 900 years during tea ceremonies and days of meditation.

 

Clearspring has a vast range of products which were showcased on the evening: fruit purees, Amazake sweet grain dessert, seasonings such as soya sauce, Teriyaki sauce and sesame oil; as well as sea vegetables including Kombu (good for soup stock), Wakame (good for Miso soup and salads) and Hijiki (black flavoursome strings).

 

Plus there’s also a good selection of rice and noodle dishes: Udon (thick and flat wheat noodles), wide Udon, brown rice Udon and Soba noodles (made with buckwheat and wheat flour giving a nutty taste).

 

It was a pleasant evening with cooking demonstrations and sushi tasting, and the traditional tea ceremony and Kimono dress-up area were also real hits complementing the authentic Japanese food products. 

 

Already stocked in major supermarkets, Clearspring has just launched their products for the online market. See www.clearspring.co.uk for more information.

Designing the Middle East: Part 1 at 19 Greek Street | Art

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Designing the Middle East Part 1:2‘Designing the Middle East: Part 1’ (28 March – 17 May 2013) is the first in a two-part exhibition series presented by Soho design gallery, 19 Greek Street. It will showcase, for the first time in the UK, the work of Tel Aviv designers Noam Dover and Michal Cederbaum, alongside their longterm collaborator, the London based Israeli designer Yoav Reches. The exhibition will also include several works by senior Israeli designers, invited by the exhibitors in order to foster an additional dialogue between the displayed works.
Curated by 19 Greek Street owner and creative director Marc Péridis, ‘Designing the Middle
East: Part 1’ acts as a tribute to the passion, courage and love that exist alongside the terrible
conflict that divides this area of the world.
The exhibition will explore how contemporary design can respond to a reality marked by
conflict and division. It will present an exploration of creative processes within a local context:
how do the characteristics of a place influence our use of tools and materials, and what visual
forms come out of these choices? This perspective demonstrates a unique link between design,
craft and production, formulating a distinctive nature of design and fabrication.
Works such as ‘Saj Tables,’ constructed from the spun steel domes used for making pita bread,
and ‘Concrete,’ vases that explore the relationship between fragility and mass fabricated from a
material not normally associated with craft, highlight this continued questioning of the creative
process and the materials used.
The work by Noam Dover and Michal Cederbaum can be seen to merge the traditions of
craftsmanship with technology, while frequently confusing this relationship. ‘Scan & Scale’
perfectly illustrates this by taking nature, in this case a pebble, as a starting point and recreating
it through computer-aided design via CNC technology. In doing so they seek to stretch the
boundaries of various technologies.
Yoav Reches’ ‘Composition of Air’ celebrates the diversity of and delicate composition of that
most everyday and omnipresent item that surrounds us, namely the air that we breathe. A
collection of ten glass vessels represent the ten most common gases found in the composition of
air and are colour coded according to their industrial charts.

Featuring Tel Aviv designers
Studio Noam Dover and Michal Cederbaum
in collaboration with Yoav Reches
28th March – 17th May 2013
www.19greekstreet.com