Hookers, Chicken and The Blues

Snow day in Guernsey. Nope, I didn't believe it possible either, but it's happening. I'm here in the spare room watching the snow swirl around outside, glad of the fact I'm not sitting in a car or walking home any more. I have just about gotten over our trip to London a few weeks ago. Perhaps not financially (that may take a few months), but emotionally and gastronomically, pretty much. There were so many highlights: Seeing my wonderful family and friends, listening to 'Anna Kounikova' sang live in The Blues Kitchen in Camden on my actual birthday, and of course the eating (and drinking). One of the meals will get a post of its own because it utterly deserves it, but this is the best of the rest:

Zuma (Knightsbridge)

http://www.zumarestaurant.com/zuma-landing/london/en/welcome

Highlights: A very, very, very cool bar and restaurant, and my first ever visit. We went on a Friday lunchtime and there was a real buzz about the place. It was packed out, and everything we ate and drank was delicious, from the glass of champagne we had on arrival, to the chilled Sake, to the miso soup served with the Wagyu beef. Sashimi was spectacular (especially the mackerel, which is the best fish in my opinion to eat raw), the sushi was also spot on, the Wagyu beef was, well, Wagyu beef, so it was of course rich and buttery. And the decadent glass of Tokaji (2003) that I sneakily ordered while Diesel was in the bathroom was the icing on the cake. All in all, a very extravagant lunch for a Friday. The other highlight was that we didn't have to go Dutch as it was my birthday. Thank Goodness too, as I did see the bill, and it was eye watering. The photo below is of some prawns wrapped in something I don't remember and deep fried, served with a dashi based dipping sauce. Is there anyone who doesn't like deep fried prawns??

Lowlights: We didn't have the best table, a lot of the courses were brought out at the same time, and we weren't always told what we were being served, which was disappointing. If I go for a pizza I don't expect to be told in Detail what I've just been given, but when you're spending the best part of a ton each on a tasting menu, before drinks and service, for which you aren't given a menu on the table to refer to, a bit of conversation would have been appreciated. Also, it did feel a bit rushed. Minor complaints though because the food and drink were delicious. We didn't spot any Kardashians which wasn't exactly disappointing, but there were lots of impossibly beautiful young Russian models with short, old, balding, unattractive men. From the look of boredom on the ladies faces, I don't think they were there for the sparkling wit and conversation. It's not that I mind being surrounded by hookers when eating expensive raw fish, it's just that it feels a bit unusual. Or maybe that's just me. Anyway...

Chicken Shop (Highgate)

http://www.chickenshop.com/

Highlights: Pretty much everything. The menu couldn't be more simple (Spit roasted chicken, either whole, half or quarter, four side dishes to choose from, three desserts, and red or white wine in three price brackets. That's literally it.) The service was warm and friendly, attentive, quick, just generally exactly what you wish it was every time you go out to eat. We went without a booking, with two toddlers under four, and five adults, and everyone (from the under twos to the over sixtys) couldn't get over how good the food was. Chicken and chips is one of my favourite things anyway, as it reminds me of some of our first visits to Spain, where I had garlic chicken and chips together for the same time (to a five year old from the Midlands on holiday in Spain at the end of the 80's, that seemed pretty fucking exotic, believe me). I can still taste it now. Sides: Corn on the cob came slathered in butter, avocado and bib lettuce salad offered a necessary bit of greenery (I am still in the throes of a protracted love affair with avocado). Coleslaw was fresh and not drowned in mayonnaise, chips were hot and crispy and seasoned perfectly, and the hot sauce (blow your nuts off) and chipotle hot sauce (deeply smoky) went perfectly. The absolute highlight was the family sized apple pie that was brought straight out to us from the kitchen, straight from the oven, and served at the table to us individually, with one of those huge spoons more commonly found in school canteens. All puddings (the apple pie, the lemon cheese cake and hot chocolate brownie) come with vanilla ice cream and an enormous jug of double cream (yes, we tried them all). I am not joking when I say that this is the best apple pie I have EVER EATEN. There are no photo's of it because it was eaten far too quickly. Nursery food at its absolute best. Next time I go to London, I am going to get here at lunchtime, eat all afternoon, drink lots of wine, and roll out just in time for bed. If you take anything I say seriously,  please visit this place. Cheers.



Lowlights: Really struggling here...the wine was served in a white jug into tumblers, which I know is all the rage and that but it's just not my sort of thing. That's probably about it, and that isn't really a complaint. It was a bit of a bastard to find (there isn't exactly a name above the door) which was frustrating because we were hungry and hung-over, but I suppose that's not really a problem because it makes it feel all the more like some sort of secret club. Let's be honest, this place won't win any Michelin stars, but that's not the point of chicken and chips. The only other lowlight I can really think of is that it's so far away from Guernsey.

Hong Kong Diner (Soho)

http://hkdinerlondon.com/

Highlights: Roasted crispy belly pork with crackling as thin as glass, stir fried pak choi with garlic and ginger, soft shell crab and hot and sour soup.

Lowlights: The goyza were a bit disappointing, the service is...interesting, and it certainly isn't a glamorous place to eat. This was my second trip to this restaurant, my first with a hangover and my first with someone who doesn't really like Chinese food. I had to do all the ordering (which was in itself a bit stressful), but I somehow managed to order the right amount of food (a revelation), nothing came in a thick and gloopy sauce, and although you're in the heart of China town, sitting in one of the booths felt like a little retreat from the madness of Soho, and the food was just as good as I remembered it. Double thumbs up.

The Blues Kitchen Camden (Camden)

http://www.theblueskitchen.com/

Highlights: Chicken wings that tasted as good as the ones we had every day in California, a HUGE portion of beef ribs for £10 (Monday nights are rib nights), having dinner with Chris, Caz and Dave, and seeing a school friend (http://www.oliverdarling.com/) play the guitar and sing for a few hours. It really was the perfect way to spend a birthday. All rounded off by late night mojitos in a dodgy bar in Camden. Now that's what I call turning 28 2013!



Lowlights: The service was disorganised, but very friendly, and there was a huge group in for a works party who made more noise than I think I have ever heard any group make, ever. Other than that, no complaints at all.

Dinner Chez Faulkner (Finchley, it's not easy to get a table here though I'm afraid)

Highlights: Watching Romaine teach my four year old niece how to plait hair, watching my nephew take his first unaided steps, eating a wonderful chilli made by my fabulous brother (made with shin of beef, slow cooked for three days, pinto beans, can of larger, amazing), guacamole made by Romaine, chocolate cake, seeing my Mum, staying up late drinking red wine.



Lowlights: Don't be ridiculous.