Babbo - London, definitely not New York

How the people behind Babbo got away with taking the name of one of the most famous Italian restaurants in NYC's name, I don't know. All I know is that ever since it opened, its been on my list, just like the one in NYC. Deep in the heart of Mayfair, the crowd is surprisingly un-scene - a mix of business people, and older couples - not a flash of a red sole in sight. As per usual, I was optimistic about Babbo, mainly because of a) the name b) this interview here, in which the chef states his favourite restaurant is La Petite Maison. As we already agree on what a good dining experience is - this was clearly going to be the place for me. Sadly, fate just didn't want me and Babbo to have that special connection. Our experience was one of the most disappointing I've had in a while.

Automat -

The Boyfriend and I have a bit of a tradition, its a relatively new tradition tradition but still , of getting a long drawn out boozy lunch on New Year's Eve. Over Bob Bob Ricard, last year's location, we were in search of some other relaxed, moderately priced, cool restaurant.  This year it was Automat an upmarket diner in the heart of Mayfair - a restaurant that has been on my eat list ever since I heard about their Truffle Mac and Cheese and the invite only club downstairs. 

Nizuni

22 Charlotte Street is  an unfortunate address for a sushi restaurant, opposite Roka, the constantly packed and incredibly scene Japanese restaurant. It's a bit like being a normal person forced to stand next to a supermodel in a group picture. In this case the normal person was actually rather good-looking. 

Cecconi's - Brunch

Despite having found a pretty perfect Brunch spot in the form of Dean Street Townhouse, The Boyfriend and I decided to check out a similar place on the other side of Regent Street - Cecconi's. We had tested Cecconi's, earlier in the year, for dinner and had come away rather unimpressed, but the breakfast menu looked so appealing we decided to give it another shot.

Pollen Street Social

This is approximately the third time, I've written down my feelings about Pollen Street Social. The first time, my blackberry deleted what I wrote and the second time blogger did. Clearly, this is a sign from God telling me I should not be writing about my wonderful experience. Oh well, as long as the next sign isn't in the form of being smashed by a bus, I'm going to give it a go anyway and avoid any bus routes for the next week or so.

Sumosan -

About a month ago, I went through a stage where I failed to book any restaurants due to not knowing where The Boyfriend or I were going to be. Now we are paying for it.That is how we ended up at Sumosan, the only sushi restaurant we wanted to try that had availability last minute on a Friday night.


I had heard about Sumosan via A Small World, so assumed it would be another Zuma/Nobu carbon copy. It certainly didn't look it. The décor was pretty boring. The bare purple walls and tables that clash with the chairs didn't really do it for me. It was like they hadn't quite finished decorating yet. If it wasn't for the Balenciaga to the left of me and the Celine to the right, it wouldn't have been obvious that this was an upmarket restaurant.

Le Caprice -

Like my Amaranto review, I went to Le Caprice sometime in mid-February, but didnt finish writing till now. Most of the details, like names I got right here though  - 

Le Caprice is one of the most popular restaurants in London and yet, I found I didn’t truly love any part of it. The Boyfriend and I left thinking “ we just don’t get it”.

Amaranto -

Please note:  I visited Amaranto at the beginning of February before my blog took a vacation therefore, I'm a little hazy on names, which I didn't write down at the time! Regardless, I can still remember how fabulous the octopus was. Anyway, so here it goes. 

Amaranto is the newly opened Italian restaurant in the newly refurbished Four Seasons. Which must be one of the world’s longest refurbishments. Really, who even remembered we still had a Four Seasons on Park Lane? Anyway, it opened, so The Boyfriend, two sets of siblings, and I all went to check it out.

La Petite Maison -

Valentine’s day. Two words that strike fear into the heart of every male in a relationship and every relationship-less female. Even as a girl in a relationship I think it’s the most pointless of holidays. No one sums up my dislike of the holiday then my friend Tracy in a very entertaining article you should all read here. As much as we want to, The Boyfriend and I have not been able to escape the pressure forcing us to celebrate. The furthest we have managed to is going out for dinner on the 15th rather than the 14th. Some rebellion, eh? But, at least it is easier to get a dinner reservation and romantic themed set menus aren't involved.

Cecconi's - One For Ciccone

I love Urban Spoon. It keeps life simple. Given the number of restaurants I try, and the number of restaurants I want to try, Urban Spoon keeps things organised. However, one of the unintended consequences of my Urban Spoon Wish List is its effect on my dining patterns due to its alphabetical nature. More than 50% of my reviews to date, are about restaurants starting with the letters B and C. I am not convinced so far that this is a new trend by restauranteurs who believe that proximity to the start of the alphabet will increase business (although, clearly it does in my case!) instead when I flick on to my wish list I see the restaurant at the top of the list and think, why not? In fact, I was forced to stop myself when trying to book dinner for tonight Bar Trattoria Semplice deciding instead to book Terroirs to buck the trend.I realised this today, which meant last week I ended up at Cecconi's, with The Boyfriend, to celebrate one year of dating.

Bob Bob Ricard - A little bit too much

Logically, BBR should be my perfect restaurant. The restaurant itself is beautiful and the attention to detail outstanding. The layout and the booths make the place feel intimate and cosy but at same time the place seems lively. Even better its open all day so if you feel like having lunch at 4 because you woke up at midday - why not! It serves popcorn in boxes that match the plates and the menu, and the waiters dress in adorable outfits with the boys in pink blazers. And thats all before mentioning the now infamous Push For Champagne button next to every table. There really seems to be nothing that this place has failed to pay attention to except oddly, the food.

Il Baretto

Il Baretto has long been my favourite italian in London. However, this isnt to say the food is mind blowingly good. In fact, its just good. The real thing is that I have yet to find a  better alternative for Italian food. Locatelli is of the same quality but more expensive and I found the atmosphere a bit stiff. Cipriani the food terrible and more expensive. The River Cafe, I had a bad experience both food and service wise which was especially disappointing after the long trek to Hammersmith. Bocca Di Lupo I liked but not enough to book six weeks in advance again.  Tinello, was easily the worst food I've had in a while and was easily " the Biggest let down of 2010."

Brasserie Roux – Perfect for the price

Brasserie Roux is, according to the website, “Inspired by Albert Roux”. I dont know if that means Monsieur Roux had/has any role in the running of the restaurant or if they just persuaded him to let them use the name but either way I enjoyed this experience much more than my previous Roux excursion at Le Gavroche.

Chisou - What a let down.

Chisou apparently means in Japanese either -


a) 'a treat'
b) 'a dinner'
c) 'delicious food' 


In our case it was one of these - dinner and not a very good one at that.

Le Gavroche - A trip to 1967?

I wasn't going to write about my trip to Le Gavroche. Instead, I was going to relax and enjoy the experience, which is why I failed to take photos. That was until they annoyed me.