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London Round Up: The Innovative

TranslationJOHN SALT RATING: 4/5 In London restaurant scene, chef Ben Spalding has become synonymous with “young” and “talented” and holds an extensive CV that contains many internationally renowned kitchens. In 2011-2012 Ben won himself critical acclaims as head chef of Roganic and from stints at The Loft and Stripped Back, and his new 6-month residency …

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Cassis Bistro: Funky Italian Settles on Brompton Road

TranslationRelocation, 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 …

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Il Ristorante @ Bvlgari Hotel: Italian Ducasse del Knightsbridge

TranslationSomething very, very Ducasse-ian Knightsbridge has recently seen erected another luxury hotel Bvlgari (nearly opposite the pomp that is One Hyde Park) within which an Italian restaurant is contained. Its name “Il Ristorante” couldn’t have been simpler and more Italian. Its gastronomic offerings, interestingly enough, couldn’t have been more Ducasse-ian. First, the dining room is …

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Briciole: Too Cheap Italian For Its Own Good

TranslationGoing budget.. Briciole (meaning breadcrumbs in Italian) was roughly sectioned into the cafe bar (where you could swing by for proper-looking Italian sandwiches, delicacies and espresso) or the restaurant (where you could book and, well, relax over Italian dishes). And truly there were a few niceties about the place – a neighbourhood bustle, a bright, …

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Soho Lunch to Walk – Pizza Pilgrims, Bahn Mi 11, Yoobi + Golden Gate Cake Shop

TranslationPIZZA PILGRIMS Rating: 3.5/5 Three boys with a piping hot hole-in-a-truck available all-day on Berwick Street. They did not happen to be “models” (or pimps) but a fine purveyor of Neapolitan pizza called Pizza Pilgrims. The “Pilgrims” are Thom, Jamie and Louis. English. They has, recently, scoured Italy in search of the perfect pizza and …