London never has a shortage of scenes and innovative dishes, which is why some call it the world capital of food. It has come a long way since it has a dismal reputation for English cuisine. It’s not the 1950s anymore!
BLANKET
Blanchette, a quaint French bistro, has just opened in Soho. The owners believe that cooking is not just eating, but pleasure, freshness and hospitality. This emerges through the superb menu and the atmosphere of the bistro.
The idea is to serve simple, traditional and inventive little French family dishes based on ‘tapas-style’ sharing plates with charcuterie platters, homemade terrines, oysters, cheese, whole roast chicken and apple pie on the menu. This goes perfectly with their selection of French wines and organic cider.
The bar really catches the eye, the gleaming goblet enshrined with many bottles of wine, the elegant crockery, the beautiful hand-painted tiles and the candlelit atmosphere make it very cozy and comfortable.
9 D’Arblay Street, Soho, W1F 8DR
BOOM BURGER
A self-confessed “burger nut” started out in a former military store experimenting with distinctive Jamaican flavors. You won’t be surprised to see a shredded jerk chicken topped with mango sauce and served with fries. There’s also a vegetarian treat for all you herbivores with roasted sweet potatoes and chili jam. Personally, I would like to put my fangs into the boom burger with beef cheese and bacon jam.
From a pop-up kitchen in a pub in Westbourne Park, to their stint at The Earl of Portobello, they have found permanent housing at 272 Portobello Road, which now opens on February 18. Oh! Make sure you find this hidden treasure in the London burger scene.
55-59 Old Compton Street, London W1D 6HR
HO’S HOUSE
For me, Vietnamese food, like other Southeast Asian cuisines, is all about yin and yang. Hot and refreshing well balanced sweet and sour (or salty) and the dominant fish sauce. I’m lovin ‘it! Bobby Chin puts his international twist on traditional Vietnamese specialties. Nestled in the heart of bustling Soho, it seems like a fitting place to give the Ho Chi Minh vibe! This is the third restaurant under Bobby Chin’s belt with an incredible effort at East meets West vibe. You can absolutely vouch for the Seafood Ceviche, in its light & raw section, Apple Smoked Pork Belly and Cabbage Stew, and finish the saga with Marou Melted Chocolate Cake. Last but not least, you have to try their naughty cocktails for that extra touch. The cocktail of the month was the ‘Ho’rny Devil. Lots of vodka (love!) lemongrass-infused chili with coconut water and lemongrass syrup.
57-59 Old Compton St, Soho, London W1D 6HP
STEAM AND RYE
1940, the golden age of flamboyance, glamor and romance in America, an era in which I would like to be reborn. The era produced some of the best singers like Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. Escapism went so well! Steam and Rye epitomizes America’s golden age of whimsy, glamour, and romance. In fact, what used to be the old Bank of New York has been built. This place is seductively ‘The Great Gatsby’ meets ‘Wild West’ (cocktails served with cowboy boots). The station’s main hall and grounds are inspired by New York’s Grand Central Station with a choo choo (steam train!) dining car, a stage for live performances, an amazingly carved bar and a living clock. This was enough to cause a lawsuit and it was worth it! They serve classics like barbecue ribs and clam chowder, take advantage! Oh, and the best thing is that it is open from Monday to Saturday from 4:00 pm to 3:00 am
147 Leadenhall Street, London, EC3V 4QT