BAO LONDON RATING: 4/5 Bao London stands for the new breed of quality “street food” in London, serving up “xiao chi” (小吃), traditional Chinese street snacks found at market stalls. The fare here is Taiwanese; the bites are small; the team – comprising Shing, Ting & Er – is currently mobile. (I caught them at …
City, culture(s) and HKK Despite my being harsh – you will see – I actually like HKK very much. I am talking a new concept modern Chinese restaurant in the City by Hakkasan Group that, contrary to Hakkasan, runs only a tasting menu. There is also no swanky bar featuring demure lighting. There is a bar, …
The blend of two cultures Lima is a cheerfully casual restaurant that emulates the fun and pride of South America. The cuisine is playful, beautiful and, to a great number of Londoners, exotic. Virgilio Martinez, the patron chef of Lima, was a law student, who with a change of heart, has turned chef. Virgilio headed …
Enter the new chain.. Collaboration usually brings about awesomeness and when I heard of highly acclaimed restaurateur Alan Yau’s recent partnering with internationally lauded Thai chef David Thompson I couldn’t have been more excited. The lovechild is Naamya Cafe – a large-scale, well-funky and tactically conceived *urban Thai restaurant* in Islington. Its menu, featuring a …
The reclaimed retro Electric Diner is an appendix to Electric Cinema – one of London’s most *vintage* cinema – and Electric House – a swanky private club by Soho House Group. This, by itself, is a breakfast-till-supper, no-reservation diner with lush red leather booths, exposed brick walls and an open-plan kitchen. Cool. Hip. Happening. Whatever …
Relocation, relocation!! Cassis Bistro was meant to be firmly French when it was launched. But, with the recent appointment of chef Massimiliano Blasone (long name innit?), formerly of Michelin-starred Aspley’s at The Lanesborough Hotel, the cuisine has moved a little eastward, along the Mediterranean coast, to Italy. While there wasn’t much to write home about …