At the weekend, I was asked what my favourite cuisine and my favourite restaurant is. I thought about it for a few moments and said "Can I get back to you on that?" I have my favourites, but it is horses for courses. I would choose a different restaurant and cuisine for a romantic dinner with my wonderful wife, to a night out with the boys. So here are my choices.
1. Romantic dinner with Clare
My go to place of choice would have to be The Bleeding Heart near Farringdon. Not cheap, but the food and wine are excellent and it is somewhere you can relax and have a nice evening. The restaurant changes and there are cheaper set meal options, which you generally have to ask for. We've probably been going for the best part of 20 years and never been disappointed. Sadly it's mostly birthdays and anniversaries. As I've not won the lottery yet!
2. Dinner with friends which won't break the bank
If we want something nice, but not overly expensive, we go to the Wet Fish cafe in West Hampstead. It is only ten minutes down the Thameslink line. They have very reasonable early bird deals. Check for the details as it does change. As the name implies, they are very good at fish and the meals are well cooked and the contents fresh.
3. Lunch on my own.
I love a nice Pie and Mash. I am making my way around London trying to visit as many as possible, when I have spare time. Sadly I am not making the progress I hoped. I've blogged about my love of a greta pie and mash. My personal favourite is Castle's in Camden and that isn't just loyalty to North London. Pie and mash is very niche, it ain't posh. I like places where you can pretend the last 40 years never happened, if only for five minutes. Be warned, they only take cash.
4. Dinner out with my mates.
This will surprise no one. It has to be The Mill Hill Tandoori. It isn't posh, there are better Indian dining experiences, but it is unsurpassed for a night out with your mates for beer and curry. If you are a bit noisy, no one gives you a skunk eye. And a few of the dishes are actually as good as you'll have anywhere, notably, the Tandoori Salmon and the Tarka Dal. The Naan's are pretty good as well.
5. Family meal out with the kids.
This has to be The Good Earth in Mill Hill. It is expensive, but the food is as good as anything I've had. It is one of the few restaurants that always seems to be busy. I love their duck and the Kung Po Prawns. It has been the restaurant of choice since the 1980's for family do's. The old boss witnessed my Dad being robbed at Lloyds Bank in Mill Hill in 1984. His testamony saw the assailants arrested and sent to prison. Sadly, him, Dad and Lloyds are all long gone!
6. Breakfast.
I love a good full English. Sadly many of my favourite cafe's have gone. I will actually give you two as I can't make mind up. Until recently I'd have just said "Cafe Anglais in Colindale". There's not much to say about a proper full English and they do it! Recently, I've also had a few tasty breakfasts at The Little Portland Cafe, on Little Portland St. Again it's excellent. A word of advice, if you buy a cheaper breakfast and add items it can work out better value. Most enjoyable.
7. Great value Italian.
I'd thoroughly recommend Rosella in Kentish Town. It is just down the road from my favourite pub, The Southampton Arms. The food is fresh and reasonably priced.
All this talk of grub has made me feel hungry!
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