I’ve not shared this with many people just yet, but in March I started taking violin lessons. I’m keeping it under wraps because I’m not sure how naturally I’m going to take to it, and a part of me fears failure, I guess. But, I am lucky in that of the UK’s best violinists has…
The Trading House for a uniquely British experience
While out on New Year’s Eve, I was talking with a friend about how it’s always on me to plan things like restaurant reservations, parties, and social arrangements – and sometimes I wish someone else would take over so that I could enjoy an evening care-free for once. His response? I don’t actually want that:…
Millie’s Lounge: glamour among the suits
Having wanted to try Millie’s Lounge for some time now (friends have gone and all have come back with positive experiences), I seized the opportunity when a friend of mine asked me to stick around the Bank area in case her date goes sour. Millie’s Lounge is one of several restaurants at The Ned, all…
Due Veneti for modern Venetian dining
It’s always fun to return to a restaurant you haven’t been to in a while to see what, if anything, has changed. Due Veneti (Two Venetians, translated into English) used to be a regular spot for me about a decade ago, when I would come multiple times a month with my Venetian friends and then-boyfriend…
Delightful surprises at Texture
It feels like I’ve been playing it a little too mainstream with my food choices lately; I’ve been craving something refreshing and original to shake things up from the Italian, French and British cuisine I’ve been predominantly experiencing. After running a few errands in Central London, I happened to walk right into Texture. At this…
Gloria…revisited
In an effort to give a newly opened restaurant a fair and accurate assessment, I decided to give Ristorante Gloria one more try. After all, at lunch it wasn’t likely to be as dark, given the abundance of windows, and I was very curious to try that Carbonara which seemed promising! So, off I went…
Newly opened Ristorante Gloria finding its feet…
Let me start by saying that I absolutely wanted to love Ristorante Gloria. I had long been awaiting their opening on the 22nd of February: I walk by the premises on a daily basis and realised they were opening there in January. I practically kept a countdown. So I was over the moon when I…
Belgravia’s special jewel: La Poule au Pot
Every now and then, you stumble upon a restaurant so special that it’s an emotional experience you take with you and enjoy long after you’ve left. La Poule au Pot is one such rare treasure. The restaurant was recommended by one of my dear French friends who had heard great things, so we decided to…
I expected more from L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon
When you know you’re going to a Michelin-starred restaurant, it’s only natural that your expectations for a great experience are as high as you expect the bill will be. Perhaps that’s why when you walk away from a lackluster experience it feels all the more disappointing. On a mid-week evening one of my best friends…
‘Fast Food’ redefined Galvin HOP
Finding myself in the City by Spitalfields Market before a client meeting with about 35 minutes before I was due to arrive, I popped into Galvin HOP with a challenge: can you serve a two-course lunch within a window of 20-25 minutes? I was surprised, delighted and a little incredulous when they said yes. I…
The Discerning Epicure 