New Kids On The Block in London – News for Bon Vivants!
London never has a shortage of innovative dishes and settings, which is why some call it the food capital of the world. It has come a long way from having a terrible reputation for English cuisine. It’s not the 50s anymore!
BLANCHETTE
Blanchette, a quaint French bistro just opened in Soho. The owners believe that cooking is not only about eating, but also about pleasure, freshness and hospitality. This is manifested through the magnificent menu and the atmosphere of the bistro.
The idea is to serve simple, traditional and inventive little French family dishes based on the ‘tapas style’ by sharing plates with charcuterie dishes, homemade terrines, oysters, cheese, roasted whole chicken and apple pie featured on the menu. This goes perfectly with their selection of French wines and organic cider.
The bar really catches your eye, gleaming chalice enshrined with many bottles of wine, elegant tableware, beautiful hand painted tiles and a candlelit atmosphere makes it very cozy and welcoming.
9 D’Arblay Street, Soho, W1F 8DR
BOOM BURGER
A self-confessed ‘burger nut’ started in an old military shop experimenting with distinctive flavors of Jamaica. You won’t be surprised to see a shredded jerk chicken topped with mango sauce and accompanied by banana fries. There are also vegetarian treats for all herbivores with roasted sweet potatoes and chili marmalade. Personally, I’d like to dip my fangs into the Boom Burger with Beef Cheese and Bacon Jelly.
From a pop-up kitchen in a pub in Westbourne Park, to their stint at The Earl of Portobello, they have found permanent home at 272 Portobello Road which now opens on February 18. Whoopie! Be sure to find this hidden gem in London’s burger scene
55-59 Old Compton Street, London W1D 6HR
HO HOUSE
For me, Vietnamese food, like other Southeast Asian cuisines, is about yin and yang. Well balanced spicy and refreshing, sweet and sour (or salty) and the dominant fish sauce! I love it! Bobby Chin brings his international twist to traditional Vietnamese specialties. Nestled in the heart of bustling Soho, it seems like a fitting place to give the atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh. This is the third restaurant under Bobby Chin’s belt with an incredible effort in the East-West vibe. I can absolutely vouch for the seafood ceviche, under its light & raw section, smoked pork belly with apple and braised cabbage and finish the saga with the melted Marou chocolate cake. Last but not least, you have to try their delicious cocktails for that extra touch. The cocktail of the month was the ‘Ho’ rny Devil. Lots of vodka (love!) Infused with lemongrass and chili with coconut water and lemongrass syrup.
57-59 Old Compton St, Soho, London W1D 6HP
STEAM AND RYE
The 1940s, America’s golden age of flamboyance, glamor, and romanticism, an era in which I would like to be born again. The era produced some of the best singers like Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. Escapism has gone so well! Steam and Rye epitomizes America’s golden age of flamboyance, glamor, and romance. In fact, what used to be the old New York bank has been built. This place is fascinatingly ‘The Great Gatsby’ and the ‘Wild West’ (cocktails served with cowboy boots). The Main Hall and Station Gardens are inspired by New York’s Grand Central Station with a choo choo dining carriage (steam train!), A stage for live performances, an incredibly carved bar, and a living clock. This was enough to start a test and it was worth it! They serve classic dishes like BBQ ribs and clam chowder, enjoy! Oh and the best part is open Monday through Saturday from 4pm to 3am
147 Leadenhall Street, London, EC3V 4QT