Viva la food

赤福, Ise Japan

2009-04-06T07:56:00.000-07:00

One of the most famous sweet from Ise - 赤福

It's made by rice (mochi) coated by red bean paste. It's rather sweet hence goes very well with green tea (mocha).

This is 2 sets - one with sweet red bean soup and mochi.

Must try it when you visit Ise.

The shop is located in the main shopping street close to the Ise inner shrine. You won't miss the shop, cos there is always long queue outside the shop!

Nagatokan 長門館, Toba Japan

2009-04-06T07:43:00.000-07:00

Discovered this restaurant by chance when I was wondering in a small seaside town - Toba

Toba is famous for it's pearl industry as well as for it's seafood. We ordered to grilled oysters. They are rather big and very juicy and sweet. Love it! It's so simple and straight forward.

I had oysters cooked with miso source. Have never had so many oysters once in my life. I can't remember the price now but it's not expensive at all from the quality of the food! yum!

website: www. nagatokan.co.jp

address: 517-0011三重縣鳥羽市鳥羽 1-10-45

ps. This restaurant close at 19:00.

Yabaton, Nagoya Japan

2009-04-06T07:23:00.000-07:00

The most famous fried pork rice in Nagoya - Yabaton

It has 60 years history and probably the best fried pork I have ever had. The fried pork is so crispy and top with Nagoya special dark colour and sweet miso source. It tastes even better with loads cabbage salad topping!

It's a must when you visit Nagoya.

The restaurant's official website: www.yabaton.com

The address of the first opening restaurant: 名古屋市中区大須 3-6-18 (close on Sunday)

However, to avoid queue there are many branches: www.yabaton.com/modules/shop/

京煎堂, Gion Kyoto

2009-03-05T17:25:00.000-08:00

Walked pass by this place and saw the display by the window couldn't resist it!

Order this set with rice cake in red been sweet soup and a huge green tea ice cream sundae. It was sooooo good!

Price - 1350 yen (9 pounds)

Add: 京都市山東區四条通花見小路東入紙園盯南側565-1

天周, Kyoto Japan

2009-02-28T07:52:00.001-08:00

This small restaurant is from outside is nothing. I walked right pass it, when I visited Kyoto last time. Thank a colleague who knows Kyoto fairly well, who brought me to this famous eel tempura place.

Their menu is simple and straight forward - only 4 choices. We all went for the famous eel tempura with rice. It's soooooo nice! And the price is rather fair - 1100 yen (6 pounds)!

The only thing is you have to queue for this restaurant, however the queue moves quite fast! Also, you smells like tempura after coming out from the restaurant! Despite all these, I love this restaurant and will definetly pay my visit again!

Opening time: 11am-2pm, 5pm-9pm

add:京都市東區四条繩手東入北側

Gorakadan, Hakone Japan

2008-11-14T22:53:00.000-08:00

Visit this traditional Ryokan at Hakone with a friend. Here are the pictures of the dinner.

Starter....

2nd starter - sushi

I guess this one is fried..

Soup

Sashimi

Grilled

Sliced beef with asparagus

V interesting - green tea sald!

Poached peach with chestuts. It's really nice!

It's a really nice Ryokan and it 'was' a really nice meal apart from the ending is not always happy ever after.

Ekibeto, Kyoto - Nagoya Japan

2008-10-11T05:58:00.001-07:00

Had this lovely Ekibeto on the train back from Kyoto to Nagoya. It's really quite good.
Each sushi is covered by leaves.

Will definitly have this again.

Kasagi-ya, Kyoto Japan

2008-10-11T05:46:00.000-07:00

Read this traditional sweet shop on a book. Luckily walked pass it.

We orderd O-hagi which is recommended by the book. O-hagi is made with sticky rice centre and a coating of sweet red azuki beans. It's quite interesting.

Also we had this....ice red azuki beans with white machi

This shop is so small and cute. Love it!!!

Add: 349 Masuta-cho, Kodai-ji, Higashiyama-ku

Yoshi-ima Ryokan, Kyoto Japan

2008-10-11T05:15:00.000-07:00

Visited Kyoto for a long weekend. My first time in Kyoto, love it!!!

Stayed at this traditional Japanese hotel (Ryokan) for 2 nights. They serve breakfast and dinner in our room, v cool.

The first night we were served Kaizeki style dinner.

Starter....

Grilled salmon

Tempura.....

simmered....

The second night, we were served sukiyaki....ymmm.....

The process of cooking it.....

And the breakfast..... t's such a lovely Ryokan. Definitly recommend this ryokan if you happen to travel to Kyoto.

Weblink: http://www.yoshi-ima.co.jp/en/index.html

Goitori, Nagoya Japan

2008-10-11T04:48:00.000-07:00

Found this restaurant randomly, they serve local Nagoya food and much better than the famous local restaurant Yamachan.

The famous local chichen wings.
The pork stewered with Nagoya miso sauce.
And chicken stewered.Weblink: taste-net.com

Soba noddle 惠比壽, Takayama Japan

2008-10-11T04:43:00.000-07:00

Takayama is also famous for handmade soba noddle. Found this restaurant which i sone of the oldest and most famous in the town.

The set is 1380 Yen and it's soooo nice!

In addition, they also have English menu.

Add: 高山市神明盯

Hida beef, Takayama Japan

2008-10-11T04:35:00.000-07:00

Went to Takayama for a short break. Takayama is famous for the local Hida beef. Found a small restaurant for Hida beef.

A closer shot.....

The whole set was only 2500 Yen (12.5 pounds) and it was really really nice!

Will definitly go back to Takayama to have Hida beef again!

Gordon Ramsay at Conrad Tokyo, Japan

2008-10-11T04:19:00.000-07:00

Did not have chance to visit Gordon's restaurant while I was in London. So decided to book Gordon Ramsay at Conrad Tokyo for my birthday this year.

We didn't go for set menu cos none of like what we see on the set menu (rather boring). I had the roast duck, quite nice. But I wouldn't say it's the best roast duck I have ever had.

The waiter kind of pushing us for the set menu, which was quite annoying. Also righ after we decided our orders, he even pushed us to order dessert. According to him, there is one dessert (Apple tart) on the menu which takes 1 hour to prepare. So I thought I had to order it, to see how amazing it is!!!!

And here you are.......it looks a bit like...hmmm.....

We also ordered some cheese from the trolly. The collection is rather good, esp. the local cheese.

We did had a good time there. However, if you as me whether or not the food is good enough for me to re-visit it again. I would tell you - NO!

Weblink: http://conradhotels1.hilton.com/en/ch/hotels/dining.do?ctyhocn=tyocici&id=DIN2

Tiger Cafe, Nagoya Japan

2008-10-11T04:11:00.001-07:00

This restaurant is v close to where I work and it reminds me a lot about London, due to its decor and ambiance.

They serve French good, which is rather nice for me to have a break with Japanese food. The price is quite ok. My usual meal at this restaurant are French onion soup (700y yen) with salad Nicoise (750 yen).

The service is ok. The good news is that they have English menu, however their waiting staff cannot really understand English (niether French).

Add: 1-8-26 Nishiki, Naka-ku, Nagoya

Chez Shibata, Nagoya Japan

2008-10-11T04:02:00.000-07:00

Randomly walked pass by this shop and went in with a friend.

I fig pie...it's rather nice, not too sweet!

Weblink: http://www.chez-shibata.com/

八代, Nagoya Japan

2008-07-18T05:14:00.000-07:00

My very first 'okonomiyaki' experience. It's savoury pancake and have to be made by yourself i.e. DIY.

It was soooo much fun! This is the picture 'before'

This is the 'after' picture.

And we also have another kind of savour pancake called 'monjayaki'. This is the picture before again....

And this is the picture 'after'

With monjayaki you have to each with the little 'shovel'. It was so muh fun!!!

3 person, plus 4 beers and 2 glass of plum wine the bill was only about 2000 Yen (10 pounds) .

website: r.gnavi.co.jp/n233400

せんりゅう旬彩, Nagoya Japan

2008-07-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

My HR manager took us (Saturday worker) to this lovely little restaurant. The chief was one of our previous chiefs. He just opened his first restaurant.

To start with, we had sea urchin on top of tofu. Urchin is really sweet and the tofu is so smooth, v fresh taste

Second starter....

3rd course is salad. The source has sesame flavour - v nice

4th course is tuna and sea bream sashimi, v beautifully done.

A closer shot -

5th course is backed small lobster with miso souce - delicious

6th course is radish with roast duck - soooo nice! (forgot to take a picutre before eating...so it looks a bit messy)

Then it's sushi time....freshly made by the chief. I think this one is sea bream with plum source.

Then it's tuna (maguri).

Then it's mackerel (saba) with little bit miso on top

Then it's shrimp (ebi)

Then some strange seafood.

Then the last one.....sea urchin(uni), soooooo sweet!!!

To finish with, we had red bean with mochi - hmmmmm yummmmm......

Don't know how much it was, cos my manager paid for the bill - in return I had to work the whole afternoon.

Tel:052 6273418

Add: Nagoya Naka-ku 1-12-23 460002

Bleeding Heart Bristro, London

2008-05-22T01:46:00.000-07:00

Friends highly recommanded this place. Finally got chance to visit. Apparently it is said to be the most romatic place to din in London.

Oh yes, the decor is rather cute and nice.

However, was rather full and tired when I arrive. So I ordered the special of the day - tuna ( can't remember the exact name). It's cooked with tomato souce and peppers, really really nice. And the best thing, the price is decent - 11.95 pounds.

Website: http://www.bleedingheart.co.uk/bistro/index.php

The Parlour, London

2008-05-22T01:33:00.000-07:00

Was shopping around the area and dying for something refresh. The only place I could think of was the cafe at the 1st floor of Fortun & Mason.

It's rather quiet for the busy area in London - exactly what I needed.

We had smooth (4 pounds) first. Then we saw someone had huge ice cream sundae so we followed. This is what we had....Dusty Road (9 pounds)

We finished it and felt so guilty afterwords!

Nice place to chill out! and good service.

Randall & Aubin, London UK

2008-05-21T02:18:00.000-07:00

My parents came to London for a week. My father told me that he would like to try the most famous British dish - fish and chips. I had a bit difficulty to think of a nice one in central London. This seafood restaurant suddently popped into my mind.

I have walked pass this restaurant thousand times and had always wanted to visit.

It's got rather charming interior design and v frech looking seafood lay out next to the window. The only setback is, the seats are not for people who want to stay in the restaurant for long.

Of course, we all had fish and chips. The fish is rather small but it's really good - good quality and fresh fried. However, it's a bit expensive - 10.50 pounds.

Oh, one more thing, their home-made tartar souce is soooo good!

The restaurant is situated right in the heart of Soho.

Address: 16 Brewer Street, Soho, London W1F 0SQ

Website: http://www.randallandaubin.com/soho/default.asp

Smooth Sensations, Bath UK

2008-05-21T02:05:00.000-07:00

Had a day tour to Windsor castle, Bath and Stonehenge with my parents.

Had a bit time to woder in Bath city centre and came across this little shop in the coverted market. It has all kinds of smooth and milk shake. I had milk shake that is mixed with chocolate cookies etc. It was seriously good!

They also do so many different kinds of mixed e.g. Aeor mint, Kit Kat, Cream Egg etc.

Here is there menu http://www.smoothsensations.co.uk/menu/

Add: Avon BA1 5AP Bath

Busaba Eathai Thai restaurant, London

2008-03-22T07:56:00.001-07:00

Last lunch in London, went to this restaurant with a friend of mine. Both of us were super hungry. Thanks god the service is quite quick and there is no queue.

We ordered our favourit - Phad thai (6.80 poudns). It's nice!

We also had coconut king prawn (7 pounds). It's rather sweet.

We thought we needed some health food hence ordered Tofu & spinach (6.80 pounds). I'm not too keen on this one, but really need some veg.

Then we had Lemograss tea which came with biscuit and honey (to add in the tea). Love it!

The bill was 27.10 pounds for two and they don't charge for service charge. I must say, it's not the best thai food I havd ever had, but it's rather nice and quick. The serivce is quite nice. The only thing is you have to share a table with others. However, we found it was ok. Will probably re-visit it again if happen to be around the area and there is no queue.

Add: 8-13 Birth Street W1U 1BU

Pearl Liang, London

2008-03-02T10:07:00.000-08:00

The restaurant locate in a rather bizarre place. Although it's right next to Paddington station but really it's not that easy to find. If not because a friend of mine live around there and brought me to the restaurant, I'd never find it.

I love this chinese restaurant for a number of reasons;

- the environment is v nice unlike most of the chinese restaurants in town.

- they won't kick you out as soon as you finish your meal

- the service is really friendly in contrast to the horrify service you would get in most of the chinese restaurants in town.

And the most important thing, the food is v nice here.

They do dim sum for lunch hour and I think it's as good as Royal China (if not better) and it's cheaper!! and you don't have to queue.

I returned to this restaurant for the 3rd time within 3 weeks (I think the manager knows to be by now). This time we had the lobster noodle. The lobster is really good but the noodle is a bit soggy. However, we were told that we can change to crispy noodle next time if we like.

The lobster noodle is 28 pounds but it's enough for 3 people, a rather reasonable price!

Add: 8 Sheldon Square Paddingdon Centre, London W2 6EZ

Phone:020 7289 7000

Website: http://www.pearlliang.co.uk/

Afternoon tea at The Grand Cafe, Oxford

2008-02-17T13:33:00.001-08:00

Escapted to Oxford for the weekend. Arrived just for the right time for afternoon tea. Lisa brought me to this cafe - The Grand Cafe.

It's looks lovely outsite and the decor inside is also quite lovely.

According to the print around the tea cup, this cafe was the side of the first coffee house in England!
We ordered cream tea which came with 2 rather big scons (still warm) - yammy!

We also ordered our favourite cake - carrots cakes. The icing on the top is sensational!!!

All together (plus another extra tea) it was only around 16 pounds! Rather cheap considering the quality of the food, the place and the service. Oh ya...the service was really good. The same waiter who first received us at the door also followed us to the door in the end and said goodbye to us.

Will definely re-visit this place again.

Add: 84 Hight Street Oxford, OX1 4BG

Telephone: 01865204463

Afternoon tea AT Castle Hotel Windsor

2008-01-12T10:29:00.000-08:00

My flatmate's birthday, arranged to visit Windsor Castle for and then afternoon - a rather classy day trip. We were super lucky that weather was sunny after a very wet week. The castle is beautiful and rather big. We spent a decent 2 hsr wondering around the castle.

Booked this hotel for afternoon tea simply it is recommended on the website which sales package tours.

It's oook. Not v impressed. I think I'm spoiled by the afternoon tea at the Doncester Hotel.

Price: 12 pounds per person (min 2 person)

Castel Hotel Windsor: 18 High Street http://www.mercure.com/mercure/fichehotel/gb/mer/6618/fiche_hotel.shtml

Afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason

2008-01-09T12:03:00.000-08:00

Have never actually dine at Fortnum & Mason. Had a afternoon free and proposed to a friend that we can pop in to F&M and have afteroon tea. How classy is that!

We choose the ground floor restaurant. The service is rather nice. The tea is ok.

The scones are rather nice but rather small. The cream and jam are v nice!

Tea is 4 pounds I think.

Scones are 5 something I think.

Ayoush, London

2007-12-07T01:09:00.000-08:00

Met girls for dinner since only - a small reunion for us. Booked this restuarant.

To be honest I really don't keen on Morrocan, Turkish, Greek etc. food. Not a big fan of their style. Got there, the music is sooo loud that you can't talk properly.

And then we were told that they only have x'mas manu for now...er....rather expansive. Worst, champagne was horrible!!! probably some cheap stuff. Excuse me, if your restaurant is located in prime location in London, please at least serve some okish chmpagne!!! Didn't touch that glass fo chanpagne at all.

The food is soso. One of the water can't understand English...er......

Sigh....anyway, will never visit this restaurant AGAIN! They really have to sort their small and 'ill' toilet out soon as well! OMG!

Address 58 James Street London WAU 1HG

Addies Thai, London

2007-10-18T01:41:00.000-07:00

Ish's 23 birthday!!! She didn't plan much since she only just started her new job. So I suggested to meet up at my local Thai restaurant for dinner.

According to my Thai friends, this Thai restaurant is the best in London. Only visited this restaurant after living in the area for almost an year, and since then I have been converted into a regular! love it! the food, the price, the atmosphere and the service.

We ordered the green papaya spicy salad for starter. I love it but it's a bit tooo spicy this time!

Then we ordered...the 'must have' pad thai. It's the BEST pad thai!!! love it!

Then pomfret fish with gralic source. This fish is so typical at home, but rare here. Haven't had it for AGES....missed it badly!

Ramdon 2 people see next us and ordered something that looks very good. After they left, we were having trouble to decide which dish we wanted, I called the waiter over the asked what the dish was next table. Was told the dish was buttered chicken....so we said we would have it as well!! (it's really not the best represented picture! I was too hungry!)

They are all very good...love this place!

Addies Thai

www.addiesthai.co.uk

Tel 02072592629

Add 121 Earl's Court Road. SW5 9RL

Nadia's Patisserie, Cambridge

2007-08-14T13:04:00.000-07:00

Went to Cambridge for a day to get away from London for a bit.

The weather was amzingly hot and nice. We went on the punt with a glass of pimms. Nice and chill. There are several different companies operate on the river Cam. One hires topless guys. ohoh! Will definitely buy tickets from that company next time!

My friend's friend who went to Cambridge uni recommended us this place and said the carrot cake is the best in the miles. Ya....it's really quite good, esp. the icing on top...yum.

Love Cambridge and will definitely go back and visit it soon.

Add: 16 Silver Street

Candy Cakes - Best muffin place in London!

2007-08-06T12:55:00.000-07:00

Have walked past by this place couple times. Always attracted by the window display - mountain of muffine with colourful icing on the top.

Finally made my way to it. I think I arrived there around 6ish and probably it is because they were about to close, so the guy in the counter told me if I buy 2, I will get 1 for FREE! Great news for my ever increasing weight! But of course I couldn't resist the temptation!!

The muffins are the best so far I have ever had! the size is huge, very filling and quite spongy! LOVE LOVE IT!!!

I think I will become one of their regular!

A must go place!

Add: 36 Monmouth Street Covent Garden WC2H 9HB
Tel: 0207 497 8979

www.candycakes.eu

Belgo, Covent Garden London

2007-08-06T12:43:00.000-07:00

One of my favourit restaurants in London.

Unpretentious, great food, unexpensive price with lovely flavour beers range from chocolate, mango, honey etc. etc.(mango is the best!) and what they famous for - mussel!!!

The best mussel ever - Green Thai mussel comes with great chips if you order 1 kilogram pot. The best part is to deep the chips to the green Thai source..hmmm...yum....

They don't accept booking but they do have a small bar that you can have couple beers while waiting.

ps. the main courses are rather nice as well! Have never tried their dessert - have never mad my way to that far!

http://www.belgo-restaurants.co.uk/

Churchill Arms, London

2007-08-06T12:27:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine kept mentioning about pub which has great and cheap Thai food on Kensington Church Street. Finally got chance to visit it.

It's rather unique, the restaurant is part of a very traditional English pub but located behind it. The pub itself is rather small but cosy. The decor od the restaurant is quite cute with green leaves drop from the ceiling.

I ordered number 7 (red curry with duck) which comes with rice. It's ONLY 6 POUNDS!!! Actually everything on the menu is 6 pounds including VAT and service charge!!! UBELIEVABLE price for west London.

Althought the price is cheap the food still test nice. I wouldn't say it's the best Thai food I have never had, but for the price, location and the service. I don't think I have anything to complain about it.

Love love it and will definetly go back again SOON!

Add: 119 Kensington Church Street W8 7LN

Tel: 02077274242

ps. booking is essential even for the week days and punctuality is also required!!

my souvenirs from France

2007-07-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

This is all I bought from France.

Pate au Foir de canard (20% foire cras de canard) 6.95 euros, Terrine de canard aux oranges 4.40 euros, the lobster soup and Viviane bow with the typical Britanny drawing and s pack of Craqelines!

Don't really like the soup!

Creperie du Marche, France Saint Malo

2007-07-10T06:52:00.000-07:00

Can't say goodbye to France without having crepe!

Last day, I was taken to Saint Malo, a very nice and charming seaside. The weather was so lovely so we found a creperie and sat outsite. There were free live jazz peformance.

Life is sooo wonderful like this!

Had ham and cheese crepe and it's only 4.5 euro!

Anne's Wedding, France

2007-07-10T06:14:00.000-07:00

For the wedding reception, we had so many different kinds of canape. This is the most impressive one

Starter...white fish (Le filet de lieu jaune au arc de raisin). Not my favourit one!

Main- lamb steak (La meisette d'agneau en croute d'herbes franiches et ses legumes de saison). Cooked just right - perfect!

My favourite dish of the night! Brie and blue cheeses half melted on top of Craqelines! Really really nice. I am not a big fan of neither of the cheese...but I love this dish!

Had a dessert buffet again! and everything was soooo good!!

The french wedding is extremely long. The dinner itself was long as well. Started at 8pm and finished around 1 in the morning! and the party finished around 4 am!

L'escale, France St. Lo

2007-07-10T06:04:00.000-07:00

The 2nd day in France. Dinned out in the local restaurant with friends who I stay with.

Had the typical french cusine confit canard - not too bad!

Had dessert buffet...okish!

However, the dinning out it's much cheaper than London. Main plus dessert plus wine came for only 18.50 euros.

Golden Kiwi!!!

2007-06-24T11:42:00.000-07:00

Have been searching 'Golden Kiwi' since got addicted to it one summer when I return back home. Couldn't find in at Tesco, M&S and local market until the best food shop open in London - Whole Food Store.

Golden Kiwi test much much better than the normal 'green kiwi'. It's sweeter but still keeps it sourness. It's just so good and you can't know how good it is until you try it!

Ya...they are a bit expensive...0.59 pounds per golden kiwi, but it's definitely worth the price!

Goldmine, London

2007-06-16T04:01:00.000-07:00

This restaurant has become one of my favourit restaurants recently.

The duck is amazingly good. I brought some of my former colleagues for dinner all of them amazed by the duck!!! 6 of us had a whole duck and it disappeared within less than 10 mins!!!!

Also, this dish - morning glory, has always been my favourit vag. However, it's so hard to get here, even in most of the chinese restaurants.

6 of us had 5 dishes and bill came for 58 pounds - fairly cheap.

Location: 102 Queensway Bayswater W2 SRR

Bayswater/Quess' way Tub station (exit Bayswater station, cross the road and turn left, walk about less than 3 mins)

Tel: 020 7792 8331

du Parc des Eaux-Vives, Geneva Switzerland

2007-04-01T08:42:00.000-07:00

This restaurant is very very very nice. The food, the serive, the atmosphere are amazing. The best, the view is amazin - overlooking the lake.

Was taken to there for a business dinner, could not take any pictures of the food. But it's definitely worth to visit and I'll definitely return to the restaurant if I have chance to visit Geneva again.

Apparently it's very popular, went there on a Tues nite and it was fully booked.

Add: 82, quai Gustave-Ador CH-1211

Web: www.parcdeseauxvives.ch

Hotel Les Armures, Geneva, Switzerland

2007-04-01T08:29:00.000-07:00

Was taken to this place which President Clinton visited with his familly and we were taken to the seat where he sat (not the one in the pic cos unfortunately it was a business dinner and it would be improper for me to take pic).

Had salad for breakfast. The salad is quite special, which topped with peach and mozzarella cheese (the strongest mozzarella cheese I have never had). I didn't actaully like that much.

Have to have cheese fondue since it was my last dinner in Geneva. It's ok.

The bill was paid but I don't think the restaurant is expensive. Compaire to the price in the UK. It's nothing. Everything is roughly half of the British price and the food is much much better....of course!!

Add: 1, Rue de Puits St. Pierre 1204 Geneva

Web: www.hotel-les-armures.ch

Moevenpic Hotel, Lausanne Switzerland

2007-04-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

Didn't know that Moevenpic has it's own hotel and the restaurant serves so many different kinds of ice cream. Love it!!

The weather is bloody hot so I decided to order summer special - yogurt delighted (2 scopes of yogurt ice cream with berries sauce). It's soooo nice and it's only 8 CHF (4 pounds!!!)

Add: La Terrasse

St. Pierre Creperie, Geneva Switzerland

2007-04-01T08:02:00.000-07:00

Randomly noticed this place and decided to have a try.

It's amazing nice. A very little and charming restaurant and the price is quite reasonable.

Went back again at my last day in Geneva and brough Fang-Yi with me. We first had salad for starter and we each ordered one crepe and shared them. They are all amazing nice.

Add: 6, Place de la Taconnerie (in the corner of the St. Pierre Cathedral)

The Gore, London

2007-03-15T17:59:00.000-07:00

Randomly walked pass by this restaurant and thought it would be a perfect venue for a girlfriend's bithday dinner.

The restaurant is inside a rather characteristic hotel.

The menu looks a bit pricy, but the a la carte is quite reasonable 19.95 for 2 course and 29.95 for 3 courses.

I ordered salmon with rocket salad for starter.

For main, I chose pork chop with mashed potato. The pork is sooo tender, v well cooked!

Have you ever heard of risotto cake??? here you are! it's quite unique and rather nice!

Didn't need to order pudding cos the restaurant kindly offered the birthday cake for FREE!!!(ha..the manager even offered a free drink if I visit their bar next door!?!) And it's not a crapy cake but a v nice yummy chocolate cake.

Had the most perfect cappuccino ever!!! LOVE IT!!!

The bill came in the end 31 pounds each (we had a bottle of white plus 12.5 % service charge) v reasonable price!! And the service is LOVELY! If my bag hadn't got stolen, I'd tip 20 pounds!

Menu: http://gorehotel.co.uk/bistrot/index.cfm?section=1&pageid=2

Royal China, London

2007-02-18T02:33:00.000-08:00

Have had dim sum for 1 yr and have been moaning about going to Royal China (apparently the best place for dim sum in London) since I moved down to London.

Finally, went with couple girlfriends.

scallop Har Kau..........(transparent scallop dumplings)

Shrimp Noodle Rolls (translucent with shrimp filling)

Char Siu Bun - my childhood favourite

My favourite dim sum - Sui Main (Steamed with pork and shrimp filling)

Egg tart....haven't had this for at least 10 yrs since I got to know how to bake them and how fatty they are!

We actually ordered much more than these, however, I was to busy to eat and can't be bother to take pictures of all of them! The bill came for 8 pounds for each of us - far enough.

HOWEVER, the service is terrible!!! the waitress are extremely rude and moody (almost want to say fuck you to one of the waitress!)

Will I go again? er...maybe....even I love dim sum, but I hate the service sooo much.

For more information about the restaurant...google it!

Gilgamesh, Camdem Town, London

2007-01-19T15:45:00.000-08:00

Post-exam, a close girlfriend suggested to have a girls' night out and chose this fab restaurant in Camden Town. Hese is an escalator to take you from Camden Town street direct to the entance of the restaurant, how cool is that!

The decor of the restaurant is unique and impeccable. I think I read about this restaurant on a newspaper review which mentioned about the ridiculous amount of money the owner of this restaurant spent on the decor - quite true!

The style of the of food is fusion, which also means that the restaurant is not specialise is any kind of food - so don't expect to have authentic dim sum or sushi etc.

We just ordered what we like from the menu. It's vegatable sushi.This one is quite special, can't remember what's called but it definitely contains roast duck strips.

Spider rolls rather nice!

Order scallop Siu Mai but the waitress stupidly brought Prawn Har Gau. It's nice, but Siu Mai is still my favourite dim sum.

Ordered smoked monkfish, spicy broth, choi sum, holy basil with steamed jasmine rice for main. It's quite Thai style but....er....none of us actually like it.

For dessert, we had chocolate fondant and mango mousse. Chocolate fondant came with v nice Japanese green tea ice cream and mango flavor sorbet came with mango mousse. The decoration of the dessert is rather creative.

We also had a bottle of white win plus cocktail each with dessert. The bill came for 138 included 12.5% service charge, not exactly that expensive but I wouldn't say it's cheap as well.

Went to the bar had another bottle of wine. aha!

Love the atmosphere, quite chill and the service is rather nice. Would like to return for drink but probably not for the food. However, the only problem for is that the restaurant is too far for me - I'm a west girl!

http://www.gilgameshbar.com/

Tel: 02074825757

Add: The Stables Market, Chalk Farm Rd Camdem

Chez Gerard, Covent Garden

2007-01-19T13:15:00.000-08:00

Had a pre-theatre dinner before going to Royal Opera House for the x'mas special production - Nutcracker. Chose Chez Garard mainly because it's location. It locates right opposite Royal Opera House and a French frind strongly recommanded me this one. Since it's a French restaurant and is recommanded by a Frech, I thought I wouldn't go too wrong.

I was hangover from the night before and was starving and order my usual Confit de canard. It's not the best one I have had and it's not the worse I have had.

My friend ordered Boeuf Bourgulgnon another typical one. We are such in a rush, didn't really have time to order dessert, plus the ice cream from Royal Opera House is a must have. Dessert skipped.

The restaurant has a very nice terrace, so guess we will go back to visit it again when the weather is nice enough to allow us to sit outside and we will definitly make sure that next time we will have enough time to properly enough the pre-theatre supper.

Here is the bonus picture. It was a magical and it was probably the best ballet I have seen so far in my life!

Website: http://www.santeonline.co.uk/

Kluklu sushi bar, South Ken London

2006-12-28T02:43:00.000-08:00

Kluklu sushi bar - 5 mins walk from uni, has become our canteen. We go there every monday for dinner and at least 2 times a week.

The manager knows us by now and we always joke to him that we should get store loyal card.

It's a quite easy and lay back place to go. Love it so much.

They have other 2 restaurants locate in Soho and Govern Garden.

Tas, London

2006-12-28T02:24:00.000-08:00

Went to this restaurant for the office x'mas dinner.
It's a turkish restaurant located not too far from the British museum.
We ordered the set menu which has quite a good mixture of different type of Turkish dishes.

First time tired humus...really not my type of food.

It's aurbergine...really nice one.

No idea what it is....it's okish.

Deep fried squid. This one is nice.

It's deep fried mussels. It's really really nice

We had dessert and 2 bottles of wine and it was 20 pounds for each person in the end. It's rather ok price. However, I'm still not persuaded by turkish food. Probably will not try it again.

A very secret Russian restaurant, London

2006-11-30T13:28:00.000-08:00

Maria - my Russian friend took me to a very secret Russian restaurant. I don't even know the name of the restaurant. It's located some where in Lancaster Gate and in a basement of a hotel called London Guard Hotel.

Since we (me plus other friends) have absolutely no idea about Russian food, Maria was in charged of ordering. She ordered 2 starters and soup. This is the first starter... (Cold starter)

The soup....it's cooked with many different kind of veg and beef with sour cream. It's sooo nice. Love it!

The 2nd starter...it's like a cheese paincake. V yummy!

For main, I had veal cooked with sour cream with rice. Very very nice. Love it. A bit heavy, but I didn't really eat anything during the day.

One of my friend had this. It's made by cabbage leave stuffy with minced meat, serves with tomato source and sour cream. Tried a bit, it's quite nice too and apparently it's v Russian.

After it, none of us had any space for dessert.

The bill was 86 for 4 of us. It's ok.

Yoshino, London

2006-10-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

Yoshino is located off Picaddily Str.

Okish. The food is good and the dining place is quite nice. However, it's a bit pricy for the amount of food you can get.

Still prefer Sakura.

The restaurant official website: http://www.yoshino.net/

The People's Cafe, Taipei Taiwan

2006-09-24T01:39:00.000-07:00

It's a celebration of me getting old and actually mainly an excuse to see a lot of friends who I met while I was at Warwick and who I haven't seen for 1 or 2 years.

The main reason that I chose this restaurant is because the restaurant has a VIP room which can accommodate up to 14 people. Also, if it's your birthday month, you can order wine for 15% off and upgrade the dessert!

The restaurant it not extensively big but the decoration is stylish and the VIP room is quite cosy.

There is a buffet, a little one but all of the choices are carefully cooked not like the usual 'common buffet'.

Specially recommand the mussel which are baked in a very unique source. Love it! However, I was too busy at talking, didn't have the second chance to take more.

Start with the soup, I chose Cream Tuna Soup. OK.

For the main course I couldn't make my decison for a while between Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Groose Liver or Peach Marinated Lamb Chop with Red Wine Sause. In the end, Groose Liver won the Lamb Chop!

It's really really nice. Attacked friend's lamb chop, it's also v. nice!!!

Forgot to take the picture of the cake. The restaurant was v sweet, put a candle on the cake for my birthday and my friends song happy birthday song in Chinese, English, Japanese and Korean!!!

All set menu comes with soup, main, dissert and unlimited coffee, tea or soft drinks. The prince is from 400 NT to 800 NT plus 10% service charge.

Will definitly recommand this restaurant, the price is v reasonable and the food and service are fantastic.

website:http://www.peoples.com.tw/

The Real Greek Restaurant, London

2006-09-24T01:04:00.000-07:00

Before leaving London for a short break at home. I met Camille for a nice dinner to cheer a nice ending of my summer in London.

I was told that this restaurant is quite nice, plus I like the location. The location of one of the branchs is alone the riverside of the south of the river Thames, which you can spot St. Paul Church and the City.

We arrive rather late and the restaurant was quite busy but we still managed to get a table outsite. It's rather nice atmosphere but the food.......

We had Grilled octopus (5.50)

and Salt cod (5.95) = Greet version of ship and chips (without chips)

and Melitzanosalata (4.20)...smoked aubergine, tomato spring onion and coriarder.

and Little dolmades (3.50)....we dislike this one

and Greek flat bread (1.75)

I'll NEVER EVER order wine in a Greek restaurant again. Cos...it's so weird. It tastes funny and comes in a funny pot.

The portion is too small. Therefore after emptied everything (not because they are tastful but because I was starving) I had to have dessert.

We ordered Dessert sharer (7.25) which is a bit of everything, Kataifi + Baklava + Greek yoghurt + Greek delights and the best Chocolate cake. It's okish!

The total was 34.60 but weHAD to pay for 'optional service charge', so the bill was 38.93 in the end.

Apart from the location, it was a totally dissapointment. Will never visit this restaurant.

Terrible! can't even bother to put on the weblink of the restaurant. Anyway, you can find anything by googling.

The Troubadour Cafe, London

2006-09-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

Lisa came to London to visit me. By accident we fond this cafe not too far from my place which mentioned by her sister. We thought we might give it a try.

The cafe doesn't look anything special from outsite, but once we opened the door I immediately fell in love with the place.

The decor is very unique, a mixture of antish stuff with pop style painting. A very interesting but surprising harmonious combination. I love it! Also, the place is quite cosy, provides fresh daily newspapers - a great place to sit, read an enjoy being alone.

I orderd Ldy Muck's breakfast (6.50), it's rather nice but the portion is undoubtely too small for guys. However, we peeked someone else's order, the burgers they serve looks really really good and huge and price is of course more expensive too (around 10 pounds).

The service is great. I asked for a 'huge' glass of water and the waiter brought me a kattle of water with 2 glasses.....no kidding...it was really a kattle of water.

Love this place and will definitly visit it often.

Add: 265 Old Broptom Road (nearest tube station: Earl's Court)

website: www.troubadour.co.uk

Misato Japanese Restaurant London

2006-07-04T03:54:00.000-07:00

Have beening this restaurant so many times. This is the first Japanese restaurant that I visited while London was still a rather new territory for me.

Visited again with my colleague after watching the foodball game in the afternoon, we were so hungry and this restaurant made the best choice for at at the moment due the portion and the price.

The portion is v big and the price is relatively cheap. I had curry pork with rice which is only 6.90.

Advices for visiting this restaurant, only order their rice or noodle dishes. Their sushi is not v good. Arrive around 12 or 6, otherwise you will definitly have to queu for a while.

Add: 11 Wardour Street London W1D 6PG

nearest tub station : Leicester Square

Final Fling

2006-06-16T15:56:00.000-07:00

To be honest....I'd rather spend the 20 pounds (the ticket without dinner is 20 less) on a nice decent restaurant.

But...it's the whole Final Fling package that you have to do once in you lifetime.

The starter....Tomoto tart...it's okish.

The main course...god...terrible...it's the driest chicken I have never had and the potato and vegs tasted v weird.

Ok....at least the dessert is v nice...love it!!!

However, for 20 pounds, we were expecting to get at least a bottle of wine per table...but nothing...nothing...not even a single glass of whatsoever kind of beverage!

Instead we got useless sweet and balloons on our tables. For god sake, we are not 6 yrs old kids anymore!

BBQ

2006-06-10T02:21:00.000-07:00

At last, the idea of having a BBQ party were put into practice.

Lisa and I spent the whole afternoon shopping for food and the whole evening and morning at preparing.

We had ...of course...suasage, chichen shewer and burger (Vivian's home madeburger!).

Also I found a recipe from Delia - A terrine of summer fruit, Lisa made it and it is serious good!!!

The omelette I made also received v. high recommendation!

Learn one lession from the BBQ party, never again hold a BBQ party at lunch time when the weather is about 30 degree. I was cooked before the meat all cooked!!

salmon & mushroom risotto with rocket leaf

2006-06-06T17:41:00.000-07:00

Since I am going to move to London, I have to be a bit more careful about my spending. Cooking will definitly be much cheaper than dinning out.

So, to be a good girl and dutyful daughter, I cooked tonight!

Since I still have quite a lot salmon in my fridge and risotto rice, Lisa and I made this v. nice risotto.

Fry onion until it's soft(onion = chopped in little dice), add rice and fry it for a bit. Add water gradually (would be much better to use stock, but I forgot to buy it) and salmon (cutted into small size). Keep stir it and add water gradually until the rice is cooked. Then add salt and cream cheese (well mix them).

Dress the plate with rocket leaf then pour cooked risotto on the leaf.

Adde a bit lemon juice. That's it! simple and easy.

Harry Ramsden's Fish & Chips, Brighton UK

2006-06-05T15:55:00.000-07:00

When you come to Brighton, you can never miss the ritual - to have fish & chip and to sit in the peir and eat it.

We went to the most famous fish & chips shop in Brighton - Harry Ramsden's, which located directly opposite the peir. So you can't miss it.

It's has restaurant as well but the price is quite expensive for fish & chip (nearly 9 as I remember).

Anway, we got takeaway (4.95 for meal deal) and walked to the pier and sat there to have our last dinner at Brighton.

The portion is rather big.

I'd say it's the best fish I have never had, however the chips could be a bit nicer.

Love it and it's just one of the things you must do when you visit Brighton.

The Regency Restaurant (seafood), Brighton UK

2006-06-05T15:37:00.000-07:00

I received an email which informedthat I had been offered a summer internship in London. So we had to celebrate it. Also,Lisa and I missed the seafood we had while we visited Barcelona last year. We decided to go for this restaurant that I found on the internet.

The Regency Restaurant established in 1965 and has been visited by many famous people (check the photos on the wall on the way down to toilet).

The restaurant is located in front of the seafront. So, it would be very nice to sit outsite when the weather is hot (just like what we did in Barcelona!).

We sat outsite at first when it was still nice and warm.

We ordered grill fish medley (10.25) which is a selection of different fishes...
And deep fried seafood platter (6.75) to share.

It's was rather nice.

However, the service was a bit slow, the wine is quite expensive there and the dessert was such a disaster (didn't even bother to take a picture).

Marrocos home made ice cream, Brighton UK

2006-06-05T11:18:00.000-07:00

We were strolling alongside the beach the saw this ice cream shop.

Thee were people queuing outsite and people who drove to there and get off the buy the ice cream. So it has to be good.
We went for it.

2 scoops only2.20, and it's really really nice.

Mint Restaurant, Brighton UK

2006-06-05T03:19:00.000-07:00

I found some information about this restaurant on internet, decided to visit at the second day in Brighton for Lunch.

This restaurant is located in 'Lane', which is a very complicated area, therefore I spent nearly 20 mins to find this place. The decoration of the restaurant is quite different but a bit disorganised.

Lisa had Chef's Sandwich (5.95)...
and I had Lamb Kofte plus Mint Yogurt (5.25) Lisa also had strawberry milk shake which is only 2.50 and it's v nice.

I like this restaurant and would like to visit it again.

website: www.littlefish.ltd.uk

Momma Cherri's Soul Food Shack, Brighton UK

2006-06-04T19:41:00.000-07:00

THE MUST VISIT restaurant at Brighton - Momma Cherri's Soul Food Shake!

If you don't know why it is famous for...well, it appeared at Gordon Ramsay's tv show.

It's extremely popular, so I'd advise to check the availability on their website. You can also book the tables on the website.

It's the picture of their old restaurant. We, of course, the most famous Soul Bowl (15 per person)which is a selection of Momma Cherr's special. After having it, we were absolutely full. We actually had difficulty to finish it and it said on the menu that if you don't feel full after finishing it, pls do tell them...I suppose they will provide you more!

However, we could not resist but ordered key lime pie (4.5) for dessert to share. The portion of the pie is unbelievable huge (as you can see from the picture). The funny canadian waiter even comment on it and asked us 'did you bribed someone?!' Overall, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!! it's such a uniqu experience, the food, the atmosphere of the restaurant....however, the price is not cheap!!!

Would love to visit this place again.

Pancake...Breakfast

2006-05-29T03:43:00.000-07:00

Don't know why, I had craving for self-made pancake lately. Bought this Japanese package pancake mixture while I was in London. Today, bank holiday....have nothing planned and woke up rather late...decided to have a huge brunch. According to the instruction half package should yield 4 pancake. However, I ended up with 6 huge pancake. So stuff!

Wasabi, Victorian Station, London

2006-05-26T15:41:00.000-07:00

Bought something quick at the station. This place is rather new (at least I didn't see it when I went to London 2 months ago).

The price is rather cheap for London standard, 2 for 1 pounds or 1.5 pounds.

They also do bento.

It's located in front of Tony and Guy.

www.wasabi.co.uk

Taro Sushi Noodle Bar, London

2006-05-26T15:32:00.000-07:00

Went to London right after finishing my last exam.

Met up a friend who I haven't seen for almost an year.

Decided to go for lunch around 2pm which was quite late...so didn't have many choices....

Went for this one in SOHO
It's called ...can't remember the Japanese...anyway...it's eel on rice.

The price is rather decent 8 pounds something...and my friend paid for me! nice of him!

The restaurant is okish.

Add: 61 Brewer Street, London W1
Tel:020 7734 5826
www.tarorestaurants.co.uk

Sponge cake with raspberry & mascarpone cream

2006-05-20T14:48:00.000-07:00

This recipe is from Delia Smith
It's dead easy and v. nice!

(sponge)
175g self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
3 large eggs
175g caster sugar
175g butter
1/2 vanilla extra
(filling)
225g raspberries
3/4 tbsp raspberry jam
250g mascarpone
200g fromage frais
1 tbsp caster sugar 1 tsp vanilla

Method
Pre-heat oven 170 c, baking 50
Sieve flour & baking powder (hold high)
Add the rest of sponge ingredients (well mixed)
(filling)
mascarpone + fromage frais +sugar + vanilla
put jam over cake + half cream +raspberries + cream + jam

Carrot cake

2006-05-15T14:10:00.000-07:00

Unbelievable! got a text message around 4 from Paul, told me that Richard is asking me whether or not I'm baking today!?

Boys at my flat (and even one who is not actually living at my flat) started to take it for granted!

Anyway, it's the finishing product.....

Cake
8oz of self raising flour
5oz light muscovado sugar (or just brown sugar)
4oz grated carrot
2 ripe bananas mashed
2oz chopped walnuts
5fl oz sunflower oil
2tsp. baking powder
2 eggs

icing
6oz low fat soft cheese
2oz soft margarine
2oz sifted icing

ps. It would be nicer to add a bit lemon or passion fruit juice for the icing

Method

Pre heat oven 180 c
Grease the tin
Mix all the ingredients together to a smooth paste

Place in tin and cook in oven for 50-60 mins

Allow it to cool
Ice the cake and store it in a fridge

Lemon Meringue pie

2006-05-12T13:33:00.000-07:00

Really had nothing to do....so let's bake!

It turned out much easier then I think! and looks v impressive!

(filling)
200 g white sugar
15 g all-purpose flour
25 g corn flour
1/4 tsp salt
355 ml water
2 lemons, juiced and zested
30 g butter
4 egg yolks, beaten
(meringue)
4 egg whites
75 g white sugar
(pie crust)
155 g all-purpose flour
1/4 g salt
100 g shortening, chilled
45 ml ice water (cool for 30 mins, 200 c bake for 10 mins)

method

Preheat oven to 175 degrees C
Filling: In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1 cup sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt. Stir in water, lemon juice and lemon zest. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until mixture comes to a boil. Stir in butter. Place egg yolks in a small bowl and gradually whisk in 1/2 cup of hot sugar mixture. Whisk egg yolk mixture back into remaining sugar mixture. Bring to a boil and continue to cook while stirring constantly until thick. Remove from heat. Pour filling into baked pastry shell.
Meringue: In a large glass or metal bowl, whip egg whites until foamy. Add sugar gradually, and continue to whip until stiff peaks form. Spread meringue over pie, sealing the edges at the crust.
Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until meringue is golden brown.

Browines

2006-05-12T01:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon, have nothing to do....so I started to bake....

By the night, it was all gone!!!

115 g butter
200 sugar
2 eggs
60g flour
1tsp vanilla extra
30g unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 baking powder

(fosting)
3 tablespoon butter softened
3 tablespoon cocoa powder
1tsp honey
1tsp vanilla

Methods

Pre-heat over 175 c
Melt butter + sugar + eggs
Then + flour + and the rest ingredient (well mixed)
Bake 25-30 mins

Trifle

2006-05-06T01:03:00.000-07:00

Another of Lisa and my 'domesticising' project!

Ristorante Etna Coventry, UK

2006-05-01T00:57:00.000-07:00

Hardly know any nice restaurant at Coventry.

A friend suggested to go to this Italian restaurant. Myself would never go to this resataurant judge by the outlook of the restaurant.

The decoration of the restaurant is very tacky and the restaurant smell a bit unpleasent.

However, the food turns out to be surprisingly very good, quite authentic Italian taste and the price isn't expensive at all.

I had seafood risotto (11.90 pounds) which contained a lot mussel.

After the main course I had absolutely no space for desert but I did had a spoon of the dessert that my friend ordered - tiramisu. You definitly have to try the tiramisu at this restaurant. It's the nicest tiramisu I have ever had in the UK! highly recommend!!!

Oh! almost forget to say their wine is extremely cheap - 1.80 pounds for a small glass of wine! Also the service is very friendly.

Well, you can never judge a look by its cover and certainly you can't judge a restaurant by its outlook.

Will definitly visit this restaurant again!

Add: 55-57 Hertford Street

Tel: 02476223183

Apple pie

2006-04-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

Me and Lisa decided to 'domesticise' ourselves for our furture husband/lovers. So this is what we made.....

A friend of my flatmate gave us 15 out of 10!!!!

Apple pie
(filling)
Apple 750g
Lemon 1 juiced
Ground cinnamon 1 tsp
Sugar 100 white sugar

(pastry)
flour 250g
margarine 205g
water 120 ml
1 tsp salt
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in water until mixture forms a ball. Divide dough in half, and shape into balls. Wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.

Roll out dough on a floured counter. Don't over work it. Use as directed in pie recipe.

Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then lower oven temperature to 165 degrees C. Continue to bake for another 30 minutes or until apples are soft.

Brioche Doree, Birmingham

2006-04-14T01:34:00.000-07:00

Andy is leaving so I went to Bham to see him.

We ended up in Selfreidge and we had nothing to do. So we decided to find a place to sit for a bit.

This place in on the food floor of Selfridge. I know everything is a bit pricey there so had never had anything before. Well, but we had no place to go....so...

I had a passion fruit cake which was very nice.

Andy had chicken sandwish which came with quishe and salad. It looks very nice.

Will definitly recommend this pace but never go during the weekend. It's mad there at the weekend.

Cozleore Coffee, Leamington

2006-04-08T01:37:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine introduced me this small coffee shop off the main street.

The cafe has two level and serveral tables but during the lunch/afternoon tea time, it's quite busy. The decor of the cafe is simple but unique and has a feeling of an old cottage tea house.

I ordered apple, Sultanas cinnamon & maple syrup crepe (2.95). The waiter asked me whether or not I'd like to have either ice cream or fresh cream with crepe, I chose ice cream.

The shop owned the a very expensive expresso machine. The cappuccino is only 1.75 and I'd say it's the best in cappuccino you can find in the town.

The price is rather decent. They also serve verious filling of sandwich and panini (4.95).

A nice and cafe to visit for light lunch or afternoon tea. The only setback is the chairs are not that comfortable if you want to have a long chat with friends, but me and my friend still managed to stay for an hour!

Add: 108 Regent street

La Plaza, Oxford

2006-04-01T00:21:00.000-08:00

Me and Lisa missed the paella we had when we visited Barcelona last year. So we google paella and found this place nearby us - La Plaza.

Once we entered the restaurant, it feels quite Spanish.

We first had Calameares Romana which is actually a dish for tapas (deep fried squid 4.20 pounds) for starter. it's ok.

Then of course we ordered paella - paella marisco. Here you have to have at least 2 people to order paelle and it takes 30 minutes to cook (11.50 per person). The paella is quite nice, not as nice as 7 Portes but still, it's nice.

We didn't manage to have the space for dessert.

For lunch, they do a special menu, any 2 tapas with beer or wine only for 7.50 pounds. We said we will visit this restaurant again to try their tapas.

Overall, a nice and cosy place to visit.

Add: 10 Little Clarendon Street Oxford OX1 2HP
Tel:01865516688
Web: www.plazaoxford.co.uk

Green Man, Kenilworth, Coventry

2006-03-28T13:38:00.000-08:00

Green Man pub in Kenilworth. It's the place that I go with Lisa when we can't think a better place to go for dinner.

It's a family type of pub, they have great fire spaces. It's so nice to sit next to the fire place during the winter. They also have great place to sit outside to enjoy the sunshine when the weather is nice.

The food is decent and the price is cheap.

Rhubarb Rhubarb Leamington

2006-03-28T13:12:00.000-08:00

I was told it's the best restaurant at Leamington. Finally at 3rd year, I finally had chance to visit it. I chose the place for my birthday dinner.

The decor is so nice and unique, even their toilet is worth to pay a visit. The service is nice too.

I shared a starter, shrimps something (can't remember).

For main course I had roasted duck which as extremely tasty.

Lisa had seafood resotto.

And Ade had beefsteak

I loved it and visited the for the 2nd and 3rd time. However, there is one problem with, their menu is always the same sort of stuff. It got quite bored after a bit time. Also, I was 'asked' to pay for the tip. I don't mind to pay for the tip as long as I receive nice service. However, for the last time, I was only there for a quick dinner. They automatically add the service charge on your bill. It wasn't a very nice experience to be asked to pay for tip since they also put 'optional' on the bill, so they shouldn't had forced me to pay for it.

For this reason, I don't think I'll visit it again any soon. There are still a lot restaurant on my list that I haven't visit around the area.

Plus, it's a pricy restaurant.
Add: 50 Warwick Street
Tel:01926425005 (booking is necessary for Friday and Saturday night)

Leamington Bar and Grill.

2006-03-28T12:44:00.000-08:00

A rather new restaurant at Leamington.

Me and Lisa chose to go there for Ade's 21st birthday.

The restaurant is very nicely decorated with high celling. The service is extremely nice.

The bread was provided and was surprisingly nice for Brisith standrad (we actaully asked the waitress to give us more).

I ordered something that I can't remember what it exactly called, but it came to be the poshest fish and chips I have ever had. I can't really say it's nice or not. Cos I think I was already a bit tipsy at that time.

Obviously as it look, chicken on the top with potato cake underneath.

The prices are not expensive at all, and the best thing is they have a very nice bar that nice leather sofas. It's nice to move their after dinner or arrive earlier to have a bit to drink before dinner.

It's a nice place to have a low budget but posh night out.

Sakura, London

2006-03-28T12:32:00.000-08:00

The Japanese restaurant that I visit almost every time I go to London. It's located in Oxford circus, so a very feasible place to visit. Lunch sashumi set menu, with starter and fruit for dessert. 14 pounds as I remember. For Lodon, this price is acceptable.
Small sushi set 11 pounds and it's yum. Love it.

Lunch time esp. after 12:30 it's always busy. You probably have to queue for a bit.

Add: 9 Hanover St
Tel: 020 7629 2961

Elrey de la Gamba I Barcelona, Spain

2006-03-28T12:19:00.000-08:00

The owner of our hotel recommended us this place and this dish.

It's called parillada and it's for 2 person. It's actaully a starter but we had it as a main course. It's so huge that we couldn't finish it.

Every kind of seafood are so fresh; simply tried octopus and added with a bit butter on top, 2 slices of chunk fish fillet and many many shrimps and mussel.

It was so nice to sit outside, to enjoy the sunshin and wind.

The price is 36 euro, but definitly worth it!

Add: Paseo Juan De Borbon, 53
webside: www.elreydelagamba.com

7 Portes Barcelona, Spain

2006-03-28T11:51:00.000-08:00

7 Portes, it's so nice that me and Lisa visited 2 times while we were in Barcelona. They are famous for their pealla.

The restaurant looks posh but the waiters are not snobbish at all. Althought it's a posh restaurant, you can dress causally.

We ordered house cava....hmmmm....v. nice.

For paella I had 'black rice', which tasted very good but did make my tooth and lips looks very funny. If you are having a date, don't ever order this one.

Lisa had the typical paella which was yummy. The amount of paella was huge, we couldn't manage to finish, although we tried our best.

The bill came 41.62 in total. cheap for what we had and for the service we received.

For the second time we had other kind of main course which were ok. But this time we had space for dessert. so......

Cream brulee and it's the best I've ever had. I couldn't control myself and make a yum noise. 4 big guys sat next to our table weren't going to have dessert but after they saw my reaction they asked for the dessert menu. hahaha..

Lisa had lemon sorbet. It's so nice that I can't find a single world to describe it. A MUST VISIT PLACE!!!!

If you don't want to queue, reserve a table is necessary or to make sure you arrive at 6 pm.

website: www.7portes.com

Taller de Tapas

2006-03-28T11:16:00.000-08:00

We only visited this place for tapas while we were in Barcelona. I chose the place by the decoration.

It's deep fried baby squids. So yumm....

Rocket salad with parmmesan cheese and peanuts on top. It's good!

Fried 3 kind of different mashrooms. Again, it's so good.

Scrabble eggs with fried toast...yum.....

Overall, it was an extremely nice exprience. Love it and hope would have the chace to visit it again.

Add: C. de l'Argenteria, 51 (Santa Maria del Mar)

Website: www.tallerdetapas.com

Farggi Barcelona Spain

2006-03-28T11:05:00.000-08:00

Farggi ice cream is the best one after trying a lot of different ice cream shops in Barcelona.

It also has very nice place to sit for a bit rest and chat. The service is very good!

I paid second visit and this time I had waffle and ice cream, cream and caramel source on top. It's soooooo yummmmmm!!!

Try their cappuccino too. They are very cute and nice!

Christian Ercsika Patissenia Barcelona, Spain

2006-03-28T10:52:00.000-08:00

It's one of the cafe/cake shop that the travel guide book recommended.

It's quite small inside so it's not a nice place to stay for too long and chat. However, the cakes are sooo good, so the environment doesn't matter that much.

I visited this place 2 times while visiting Barcelona.

4 Cani della Citta Cologne Germany

2006-03-28T09:13:00.000-08:00

The best Italian restaurant I have ever been. Thanks Jack who introduced me this restaurant.

I actually visited this restaurant 2 times in 2 nights time, that is how good this restaurant is.

For the first time, we ordered Thai chicken salad for starter. It's huge and the source is just unbelievable!

After the saland I was actually full!

For the main course, we decided to have one pasta and one pizza and to share them. The pasta is called Angela hair (a kind of very thin spaghetti). Again the source is amazing and very unique. It's red source however, there has a bit pesto source on top. Surprisingly, the mixture was a perfect combination. I'm just loving it!!!!!

The pizza is nice too but to be honest, by the time I had chance to touch the pizza I was already full.

Well, I didn't have the space for dessert but I was told the dessert here is very good too.

The price is cheap for the amount of the food and the quality of the food we received. A must go restaurant when you visit Cologne.

Add: Benesisstr. 61

Heinemann Confiserie Duesseldorf Germany

2006-03-28T08:53:00.000-08:00

The last day in Duesseldorf a girl that I met at the trade show told me this place for cake, she knows I have sweet tooth!

It took me a bit time to find this place.

They have a strange system, you ordered the cakes you want downstairs and you would get a ticket. Then go upstairs to get a seat and waiter will come to collect you ticket and bring the cakes later.

I couldn't resist and ordered 2 cakes, well I think I deserved them since I had worked very hard for the pervious 4 days.

The coffee is good too.

It's not that pricy. It's a must go place!

Na Ni Wa Duesseldorf Germany

2006-03-28T08:35:00.000-08:00

Na Ni Wa the famous Japanese restaurant in Duesseldorf, so famous that is said there is queue outside the restaurant every night.

We went there for the last day of the trade show and expected there wouldn't be a long queue. We were wrong. We queued for quite a while but it was definitly wroth for waiting.

I remember the price of my noddle was 12.5 euro and it's huge and certainly very good!

However, the setback for this restaurant is because they don't separate the cooking area so in the end all my clothes and hair were smalled.

Love this place and would definitly recommended.

ps. I was told that don't go to the same restaurant opposite. Altought it's owned by the same owner but it's not as good as this one.

Add: Oststrasse 55
website: www.naniwa.de

Fuechschen Alt Duesseldorf Germany

2006-03-28T08:16:00.000-08:00

Visited Duesseldorf Germany last year in November for a trade show.

A local friend recommended us this restaurant for Schweinshaxe.

It's a very busy beer bar especially it was trade show period. We waited for a bit (not long) then were led to our table.

I wish I had take the picture of the restaurant. It has the feeling of an old traditional Germany beer bar.

Of course I ordered Schweinshaxe, I didn't have beer cos my boss's client are French so I drank wine with them. But I did had chance to taste a bit beer, it's nice ever for me who doesn't like beer.

The bill came surprisingly cheap 48 euro, considering we had 5 main course, 4 class of wine and many many pints of beer!

Would definetly recommand this place and will visit here again if I have chance to go to Duesseldorf again.

Add: Ratinger Str. 28
imfor. http://www.fuechschen.de/htmlGB/i-anfahrt.html

Boeucc Antic Ristorante Milano

2006-03-28T07:51:00.000-08:00

Angel suggested this restaurant which is awarded for 2 Michelin stars.

We went there first to reserve a table and checked the menu. The price is affordable.

While we arrived, we were sent to the cloak room. There was am old lady who was really nice and took our coats.

Then we were let to our table. The décor of the restaurant is very posh.

We sat and the waiter came and brought us some bread and 2 classes of champagne which was of course very nice.

We ordered a plate of seafood for starter (don't ask me to remember the name in Italian). It's nice and fresh.

I ordered risotto with veal which was recommended by the waiter and said it's a very Milanese dish. It's again a bit too salty but I guess Italian food are a bit too salty for me and I don't find the dish has anything special.

After the dinner the waiter push a 'trolly' of dessert that you can pick whatever you like!For the dessert I had the very typical Italian dessert ‘tiramisu’ which I wouldn't say it is the best I have ever had. It's ok, but for the price, it should have been much better.

Anyway, price is not always the guarantee!

With the dessert, it also came with 2 plates of assorted sweet (of course it is on our bill, there is no such thing as free lunch).

The bill came – 133 euro and of course at this kind of restaurant you have and are expected to pay tip.

It's not a cheap meal and I don't think I would visit this restaurant again. Nothing strike me.

N.B. They ONLY take American Express!!! (I don't get why)
Add: Piazza Belegioioso, 2
website: www.boeucc.com

Peck Milano

2006-03-28T06:34:00.000-08:00

Peck a very nice and posh food shop in Milan.

It would be a nice place to pay a visit just to looking around and feel it, even you don’t have the money to buy anything.

The ice cream there is great thought it's a bit expensive. One scope is 2.30 euro, nearly double of the normal price.

But it worth the price!

Oh! sorry didn't had a chance to take the picture of the ice cream, cos it's not allowed to take the picture inside the plce.

Add: Via Spadari

Zucca Milano

2006-03-28T05:52:00.000-08:00

Visited Zucca at the second day when I was in Milan.

It is situated in the entry of Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II. It's a nice place to take a seat and do people spotting.

The coffee is of course nice. I had a cup of cappuccino and a fruit tart. The bill comes with 11.30 euro…not too bad!

What you are paying is not the actual food but the atmosphere.

The service is okish….you know Italian.

Al Matarel Milano

2006-03-28T00:13:00.000-08:00

First night in Milan, me and Angel decided to go to this restaurant that my Japanese friend Hikaru recommended to me. He told me that every time he goes to Milan, he always visit this restaurant. Sounds very trustworthy, so we went.

The restaurant is not that difficult to find, it in the corner of Via L. S. Mantegazza and Corso Garibaldi. It doesn't looks very impressive from the outside.

We entered and the waiter took us to our seats. It's a rather family own style of restaurant. The night we went was quite empty. We ordered a bottle of water and wine.

For starter we ordered salami. It came really quick. However, the salami for starter is just a slice of salami!!! Quite shocking and for the price, it is definitely shocking.

Then comes to the main course, both of us ordered the 2nd main course. I had veal that is wrapped with cabbage leaf. The dish is rather salty.

Angel had a dessert which was something with cream and chocolate. I had half....it's....hmmm...nice very good.

Overall, I don't think I will ever visit this restaurant again.

It's rather expensive for the quality of the food.

And they don't accept credit card!!!

Address: Milano Via L. S. Mantegazza, 2 angolo Corso Garibaldi, 75
Tel: 02654204

A start

2006-03-27T02:27:00.000-08:00

Decided to start a blog that is wholly dedicated to the restaurant that I have visited.

Kind of regret that I haven’t start doing this earlier. I have been so many restaurants in so many places but didn’t make any record and memory of them.

So here I am going to make a start.