Soldato
Alinea. Was good
What Restaurant did you eat at last night?
- Thread starter physichull
- Start date
Pitt Cue, Soho.
Headed down there for my birthday last night with a couple of friends. I missed the van that they'd used for a couple of months last year, but had been eager to try this out. I've felt for a long time that Central London needs a really decent BBQ place and this is it! Forget Bodeans!
Very basic and simple menu. You can have one or two meats (beef ribs, pork ribs, pulled pork and brisket) and I went for the pulled pork with beef ribs - they also had a couple of separate specials available too. I did a four month trip around the US a few years back, and the main thing that impressed me whilst I was over there was how seriously they took their BBQ restaurants. Some of the most amazing food experiences I've had were US BBQ, and I was resigned to not experiencing anything like this when back in the UK... Pitt Cue totally fills that void. The pulled pork was spicey and rich, the ribs were massive and the beef just fell apart.
Along with this I had bone marrow gravy mash potato (heavenly) and the baked beans (damn good) - my mates had the slaw and salads which looked amazing.
Drinks were good - tasted two of their cocktails (both bourbon-based, and one had pickle juice as an ingredient
) and the beer was also well selected (Kernel Pale Ale and Moosehead Pale Ale, and their Whatever draft was decent too).
Service was brilliant - friendly, honest and lacked the pretentious attitude you get in similar restaurants (Meat Liquor comes to mind). There's no booking system, so you'll need to queue and upon the place opening at 6pm, there was already a queue about 40 people long. However, once the first lot of guests were seated this queue was swallowed up by the restaurant's bar upstairs.
Overall I'd give it a 9/10. Best BBQ experience I've had in the UK (better than most of the US places I visited), great attitude but I felt a bit more could be done on the cocktail front.
Three of us had:
- 2 meats each
- 2 sides each
- 6 cocktails between us
- 4 beers between us
- £133 inc service, £40 a head before tip, pricey but well worth it.
Headed down there for my birthday last night with a couple of friends. I missed the van that they'd used for a couple of months last year, but had been eager to try this out. I've felt for a long time that Central London needs a really decent BBQ place and this is it! Forget Bodeans!
Very basic and simple menu. You can have one or two meats (beef ribs, pork ribs, pulled pork and brisket) and I went for the pulled pork with beef ribs - they also had a couple of separate specials available too. I did a four month trip around the US a few years back, and the main thing that impressed me whilst I was over there was how seriously they took their BBQ restaurants. Some of the most amazing food experiences I've had were US BBQ, and I was resigned to not experiencing anything like this when back in the UK... Pitt Cue totally fills that void. The pulled pork was spicey and rich, the ribs were massive and the beef just fell apart.
Along with this I had bone marrow gravy mash potato (heavenly) and the baked beans (damn good) - my mates had the slaw and salads which looked amazing.
Drinks were good - tasted two of their cocktails (both bourbon-based, and one had pickle juice as an ingredient
) and the beer was also well selected (Kernel Pale Ale and Moosehead Pale Ale, and their Whatever draft was decent too).Service was brilliant - friendly, honest and lacked the pretentious attitude you get in similar restaurants (Meat Liquor comes to mind). There's no booking system, so you'll need to queue and upon the place opening at 6pm, there was already a queue about 40 people long. However, once the first lot of guests were seated this queue was swallowed up by the restaurant's bar upstairs.
Overall I'd give it a 9/10. Best BBQ experience I've had in the UK (better than most of the US places I visited), great attitude but I felt a bit more could be done on the cocktail front.
Three of us had:
- 2 meats each
- 2 sides each
- 6 cocktails between us
- 4 beers between us
- £133 inc service, £40 a head before tip, pricey but well worth it.
Not last night but have to recommend the best meal of my trip to Shanghai the other week:
El Willy - Now located on the Bund.
Fun, funky Tapas food which tastes simply amazing. Never have I tasted soo much depth in tapas, plus it wasn't greasy at all. Fairly expensive but well worth it and always busy!
Hai by Goga - French Concession.
Another place from the main guy at Goga (Brad) who actually greeted as we emerged from the lift on the 7th floor of this weird buliding and looked completely lost. The only way of knowing something was up there was the plaque in reception saying (tea room).
Great small plates of food bursting with flavour, especially the mini burgers and croquettes. The Manhatten cocktail with pinapple infused alcohol was epic and the service was just soo friendly. It's a tiny place with only a few groups of tables and a massive blcony area looking over the french concession.
El Willy - Now located on the Bund.
Fun, funky Tapas food which tastes simply amazing. Never have I tasted soo much depth in tapas, plus it wasn't greasy at all. Fairly expensive but well worth it and always busy!
Hai by Goga - French Concession.
Another place from the main guy at Goga (Brad) who actually greeted as we emerged from the lift on the 7th floor of this weird buliding and looked completely lost. The only way of knowing something was up there was the plaque in reception saying (tea room).
Great small plates of food bursting with flavour, especially the mini burgers and croquettes. The Manhatten cocktail with pinapple infused alcohol was epic and the service was just soo friendly. It's a tiny place with only a few groups of tables and a massive blcony area looking over the french concession.
Had dinner at Tony Romas at Xscape in Braehead after seeing Avengers at the IMAX.
starter - a spicy shrimp cocktail with mixed leaves. Very tasty and the spicyness didnt detract from the flavour at all
main - A pulled pork BBQ sandwhich served with fries and a side order of bacon macaroni and cheese.
All in all a very satisfying meal.
starter - a spicy shrimp cocktail with mixed leaves. Very tasty and the spicyness didnt detract from the flavour at all
main - A pulled pork BBQ sandwhich served with fries and a side order of bacon macaroni and cheese.
All in all a very satisfying meal.
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Associate
This was last week but went to the Oxford Brassie in Southampton http://www.theoxfordbrasserie.co.uk/
Starter smoked duck salad
Main Rib eye steak
Dessert Hot fruit crumble
Really nice atmosphere great service and a really enjoyable meal
Starter smoked duck salad
Main Rib eye steak
Dessert Hot fruit crumble
Really nice atmosphere great service and a really enjoyable meal
Thanks to your picture, we're now taking a detour to Leeds on the way back from our trip to York this weekend to try this place!
Gamba.
I've been twice before, but this was the first time that I've eaten from the pre theatre menu which had a choice of 4/5 (I can't remember exactly) starters, 4 mains and 4 deserts. Plus a glass (125ml) of house wine.
Service is impeccable, easily the best in Glasgow that I've experienced.
We didn't have reservations, but turned up at around 5.45 and quickly seated but we were asked to vacate by 7. I think we left at around 7.20, by our own accord.
I had fish soup (mainly crab) followed by Sole with a thermidor sauce, and we shared a frozen caramel and chantilly/pistachio desert. She had chicken, asparagus and blue cheese terrine followed by sea bass on a ceasar salad.
My soup was fantastic. Her terrine was also very good. Not entirely sure why she selected it, saying we were at a fish restaurant but it was very tasty. My main was a bit boring, but for the price it was pretty faultless. Her seabass was very tasty though and the salad superbly fresh. Desert was fantastic, as was the coffee and complimentary tablet.
I also ordered a half dozen oysters to have before the starter, and they were fabulously fresh and lovely. I had 4, she had 2.
Let's speak about money. 3 courses, £19.95. The cheapest main on the a la carte is around that price, so once you factor the free glass of wine with the pretheatre menu it is fabulous value. Plus, the portion sizes don't seem any smaller as they can often be with a pre theatre.
The half dozen oysters were £14.50, which is steep but it's an expensive restaurant. I also bought a bottle of Muscadet (not my usual choice, but fancied a bit of a change). Very nice, and great value at £26 (the £99 Chablis Grand Cru tempted me, but I was wise).
We had a G&T each. They charged us £6.50 for the gin (Bombay) and a further £2.50 for a bottle of tonic (Schweppes) each. Outrageous, in my eyes but so be it. I didn't order water for us, and based on the price of a G&T I'm glad that I did.
We were also given an amuse bouche when we sat down. It was fantastic, a fish mousse of some description. There was also a selection of breads - I went for the chilli & wholemeal roll which was very nice.
As I said, I've been twice before. It's a restaurant which is very easy to spend a huge amount (as happened before), but the food is very good and the service is impeccable.
I've been twice before, but this was the first time that I've eaten from the pre theatre menu which had a choice of 4/5 (I can't remember exactly) starters, 4 mains and 4 deserts. Plus a glass (125ml) of house wine.
Service is impeccable, easily the best in Glasgow that I've experienced.
We didn't have reservations, but turned up at around 5.45 and quickly seated but we were asked to vacate by 7. I think we left at around 7.20, by our own accord.
I had fish soup (mainly crab) followed by Sole with a thermidor sauce, and we shared a frozen caramel and chantilly/pistachio desert. She had chicken, asparagus and blue cheese terrine followed by sea bass on a ceasar salad.
My soup was fantastic. Her terrine was also very good. Not entirely sure why she selected it, saying we were at a fish restaurant but it was very tasty. My main was a bit boring, but for the price it was pretty faultless. Her seabass was very tasty though and the salad superbly fresh. Desert was fantastic, as was the coffee and complimentary tablet.
I also ordered a half dozen oysters to have before the starter, and they were fabulously fresh and lovely. I had 4, she had 2.
Let's speak about money. 3 courses, £19.95. The cheapest main on the a la carte is around that price, so once you factor the free glass of wine with the pretheatre menu it is fabulous value. Plus, the portion sizes don't seem any smaller as they can often be with a pre theatre.
The half dozen oysters were £14.50, which is steep but it's an expensive restaurant. I also bought a bottle of Muscadet (not my usual choice, but fancied a bit of a change). Very nice, and great value at £26 (the £99 Chablis Grand Cru tempted me, but I was wise).
We had a G&T each. They charged us £6.50 for the gin (Bombay) and a further £2.50 for a bottle of tonic (Schweppes) each. Outrageous, in my eyes but so be it. I didn't order water for us, and based on the price of a G&T I'm glad that I did.
We were also given an amuse bouche when we sat down. It was fantastic, a fish mousse of some description. There was also a selection of breads - I went for the chilli & wholemeal roll which was very nice.
As I said, I've been twice before. It's a restaurant which is very easy to spend a huge amount (as happened before), but the food is very good and the service is impeccable.
Soldato
Did Alyn Williams at The Westbury on Monday night.
Was a really nice meal, some good dishes. I would say the food was good, but not "blow your socks off memorable". Service was very good, wine wasn't too bad. (44quid for my Sancerre I think it was.)
Total for the 2 tasting menus, bottle of wine, coffees, water and added cheese course, plus service was about 225quid.
Worth it? Hmmm it was nice, all the food was, didn't question any of the combinations but again, didn't blow me away. A couple were fantastic, other just nice.
Pics:
Sorry about the poor phone pics. Putting them up actually reminded me; the best part of the meal for me was probably the 2 desserts. The first pre dessert was a cheesecake mix, passion fruit granita and honeycomb, which was probably a couple of spoons worth, but it all came together really well as one.
The second dessert was a braised apples with hazelnut ice cream and a rolo. It was like a homemade rolo with caramel on the inside, wrapped in chocolate, but the way it was all done, when you combined it on a fork or spoon it was just like a tarte tatin. It was very nice.
Was a really nice meal, some good dishes. I would say the food was good, but not "blow your socks off memorable". Service was very good, wine wasn't too bad. (44quid for my Sancerre I think it was.)
Total for the 2 tasting menus, bottle of wine, coffees, water and added cheese course, plus service was about 225quid.
Worth it? Hmmm it was nice, all the food was, didn't question any of the combinations but again, didn't blow me away. A couple were fantastic, other just nice.
Pics:
Sorry about the poor phone pics. Putting them up actually reminded me; the best part of the meal for me was probably the 2 desserts. The first pre dessert was a cheesecake mix, passion fruit granita and honeycomb, which was probably a couple of spoons worth, but it all came together really well as one.
The second dessert was a braised apples with hazelnut ice cream and a rolo. It was like a homemade rolo with caramel on the inside, wrapped in chocolate, but the way it was all done, when you combined it on a fork or spoon it was just like a tarte tatin. It was very nice.
Soldato
Did Galvin La Chapelle on Wednesday night.
This is my first trip to Galvin La Chapelle but I have been to both Bistro de Luxe and to Windows, so I'm a fan of what they do.
The place is great as well. Located just behind RBS near Spitalfields, it's exactly what it says. It's a chapel, or was. Great building with high vaulted, exposed beam ceilings and nice ambient lighting.
I was welcomed to the restaurant by everyone that I passed, which I, at first thought was a bit much and that it could be one of those places that everyone is always going too far to make you feel at ease, but it turned out not to be the case.
The waiters were fantastic, and would stay and chat if you initiated but not in your face at all, the sommelier was great, I picked the first bottle, but he recommended a dessert wine for us, and it was absolutely spot on and matched our desserts perfectly.
They all knew about the dishes which was reassuring, but also nice if you quizzed them a bit.
Again went for the taster menu, cocktails, bottle of wine, couple of glasses of dessert wine and coffees.
The food was really nice. Some great dishes for me in there. Notable ones for me were the crab lasagna, the harissa pigeon (it was like a Moroccan pigeon, fantastic!) and the tarte tatin. All fantastic dishes. The others were good, but nothing that that next level.
The bill was about 250 I think inc service, which I don't think was bad, the drinks were better value here, as were things like the coffee and that too. The staff were very nice and were talking to me at the end and having a good old chat.
I'd go back. Probably not for a while, but that's only due to the amount of other places I'd like to try too, but I would recommend it.
Pics:
Best cosmo.
Was a replacement for Foie dish, a quail breast on peas and lardons etc.
This is my first trip to Galvin La Chapelle but I have been to both Bistro de Luxe and to Windows, so I'm a fan of what they do.
The place is great as well. Located just behind RBS near Spitalfields, it's exactly what it says. It's a chapel, or was. Great building with high vaulted, exposed beam ceilings and nice ambient lighting.
I was welcomed to the restaurant by everyone that I passed, which I, at first thought was a bit much and that it could be one of those places that everyone is always going too far to make you feel at ease, but it turned out not to be the case.
The waiters were fantastic, and would stay and chat if you initiated but not in your face at all, the sommelier was great, I picked the first bottle, but he recommended a dessert wine for us, and it was absolutely spot on and matched our desserts perfectly.
They all knew about the dishes which was reassuring, but also nice if you quizzed them a bit.
Again went for the taster menu, cocktails, bottle of wine, couple of glasses of dessert wine and coffees.
The food was really nice. Some great dishes for me in there. Notable ones for me were the crab lasagna, the harissa pigeon (it was like a Moroccan pigeon, fantastic!) and the tarte tatin. All fantastic dishes. The others were good, but nothing that that next level.
The bill was about 250 I think inc service, which I don't think was bad, the drinks were better value here, as were things like the coffee and that too. The staff were very nice and were talking to me at the end and having a good old chat.
I'd go back. Probably not for a while, but that's only due to the amount of other places I'd like to try too, but I would recommend it.
Pics:
Best cosmo.
Was a replacement for Foie dish, a quail breast on peas and lardons etc.
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Gamba is all of 20 yards from my office so always a favourite.
Agreed about it being a "little" on the pricey side but the quality, quantity and service are unbeatable.
I've been to three 1 star Michelin restaurants in the last 2 weeks which has been very nice. The first two were The Glasshouse in Kew and Chez Bruce by Wandsworth Common. Both owned by the same company, and both produced some nice food but nothing outstanding or exciting. I've been to Chez Bruce before and was slightly underwhelmed then, this time it was better. It was sort of what I was expecting though; good food and good service.
Chez Bruce: makeral to start (nice), pigeon for main (nice) and chocolate and coffee pot with milk ice cream for dessert (the coffee ruined it - over roasted and burnt).
The Glasshouse: asparagus and prosciutto salad to start (dull), sea bream for main (nice) and the dessert was so exciting I can't remember what it was.
Both were 3 course set menus for about £35 per person excluding wine (which was expensive). Both a decent 5/10.
The third restaurant was The Pony and Trap near Bristol, but in the middle of nowhere really. It is a pub that has had 1 star since 2011. This put the previous two to shame with regards the food. I started with duck liver pâté with caramelised red onion, tiny cubes of redcurrent jelly and toast; a great combination and very satisfying to eat. Main course was lamb fillet (with a lovely streak of juicy fat), liver, cheek and crispy sweetbreads, with a side of truffle mash. Beautiful flavour from all 4 cuts of lamb and all cooked perfectly. Dessert was a crime brûlée with granola, and apple sorbet. Another great course! The creme brulee was as good as your likely to get and the apple sorbet was crisp clean and refreshing. The granola came in a little pot with some cooked but cold apple pieces (sort of like apple crumble filling) underneath. It was fantastically sharp, and could have been a great dessert on its own. The presentation of all 3 courses were stunning.
With wine, it was just under £40 per person which is superb value for the food we had. A solid 7/10.
Chez Bruce: makeral to start (nice), pigeon for main (nice) and chocolate and coffee pot with milk ice cream for dessert (the coffee ruined it - over roasted and burnt).
The Glasshouse: asparagus and prosciutto salad to start (dull), sea bream for main (nice) and the dessert was so exciting I can't remember what it was.
Both were 3 course set menus for about £35 per person excluding wine (which was expensive). Both a decent 5/10.
The third restaurant was The Pony and Trap near Bristol, but in the middle of nowhere really. It is a pub that has had 1 star since 2011. This put the previous two to shame with regards the food. I started with duck liver pâté with caramelised red onion, tiny cubes of redcurrent jelly and toast; a great combination and very satisfying to eat. Main course was lamb fillet (with a lovely streak of juicy fat), liver, cheek and crispy sweetbreads, with a side of truffle mash. Beautiful flavour from all 4 cuts of lamb and all cooked perfectly. Dessert was a crime brûlée with granola, and apple sorbet. Another great course! The creme brulee was as good as your likely to get and the apple sorbet was crisp clean and refreshing. The granola came in a little pot with some cooked but cold apple pieces (sort of like apple crumble filling) underneath. It was fantastically sharp, and could have been a great dessert on its own. The presentation of all 3 courses were stunning.
With wine, it was just under £40 per person which is superb value for the food we had. A solid 7/10.
Soldato
Pony and Trap is supposed to be fantastic. It's near my nan's and I must arrange a trip that way so I can pop in.
Soldato
Right, I'll write up aqua sometime, but for now here's a trip to Pitt Cue Co tonight. I was quite hungry.
Rib Tips - nice
Deep fried picked shiitake - as good as last time
Pulled pork with beef ribs and bone marrow mash - epic. Dipping the beef ribs in the bone marrow mash
Pulled pork bun with beans - my mate had this, was basically like mine but in a bun. Awesome
Pain Perdu and salted caramel ice cream - nice
Really good value too, came to £60 inc 3 drinks and service. Amazing to think of those poor souls eating at the chain restaurants spending a load more on rubbish.
It's still ridiculously busy though. We got in OK arriving at 10 to 6 but people arriving at 6 had to wait and it was heaving when we left at 7.15!
Rib Tips - nice
Deep fried picked shiitake - as good as last time
Pulled pork with beef ribs and bone marrow mash - epic. Dipping the beef ribs in the bone marrow mash
Pulled pork bun with beans - my mate had this, was basically like mine but in a bun. Awesome
Pain Perdu and salted caramel ice cream - nice
Really good value too, came to £60 inc 3 drinks and service. Amazing to think of those poor souls eating at the chain restaurants spending a load more on rubbish.
It's still ridiculously busy though. We got in OK arriving at 10 to 6 but people arriving at 6 had to wait and it was heaving when we left at 7.15!
Ate lunch today at The Waterside in Seamill again. I swear its one of the only decent places left to eat in my area.
Started off with west coast scalops with ayrshire bacon, dressed in wasabi butter. These were delicious! Only my second time having scalops, but as far as I could tell they were well cooked.
Didnt get pics of the other courses, but main was sizzling chicken fajitas and dessert was lemon possett with homemade shortbread. My only complaint was that the tortilla's were a little on the small side, which made them folding them a little harder. But other than that it was a good meal. Even got a piece of cinder toffee cake to take home with me from their baking counter
Started off with west coast scalops with ayrshire bacon, dressed in wasabi butter. These were delicious! Only my second time having scalops, but as far as I could tell they were well cooked.
Didnt get pics of the other courses, but main was sizzling chicken fajitas and dessert was lemon possett with homemade shortbread. My only complaint was that the tortilla's were a little on the small side, which made them folding them a little harder. But other than that it was a good meal. Even got a piece of cinder toffee cake to take home with me from their baking counter
http://www.carnegiedeli.com/home.php
Had the "Ah, there'svthe Ruben"
A plate stacked high, deliciuse and polished it all off in 16mins. glaucus Vs Food. On way to Washington, see what delights I can sample there.
Had the "Ah, there'svthe Ruben"
A plate stacked high, deliciuse and polished it all off in 16mins. glaucus Vs Food. On way to Washington, see what delights I can sample there.
Looks like some massive sandwhiches. Was this place ever on Man V Food?