The Scribbler

Tapas fest

2011-04-15T08:14:00.000-07:00

El Pirata de Tapas on Westbourne Grove.

Excellent Spanish fare and extremely good value. I'd recommend one of the tasting menus £21 / £25. Wines are available by the carafe. Highlights included pigs cheeks with fig, squid with paprika and some divine scallops with cauliflower purée.

http://www.elpiratadetapas.co.uk/

Tonight I will be sampling Capote y Toros the new sherry and ham venture from the Cambio de Tercio team.

Dorset- a foodie's haven

2010-11-22T06:20:00.000-08:00

I wrote effusively about the Wild Garlic in Beaminster back in July- below are detailed three other absolute stonkers in the local area. If you haven't been to Hive Beach Cafe it is one of the most idyllic and romantic eateries you will ere encounter- set amidst the soaring cliffs of the Jurassic Coast it is MAGNIFICENT.

Hive Beach Cafe

Hive Beach Cafe has one many awards including Coast magazine's 2009 award for best coastal cafe, pub or restaurant. Enjoy delicious freshly caught fish on their balcony overlooking the beach.

Tel: 01308 897 070

» www.hivebeachcafe.co.uk

Hix Oyster & Fish House

Cobb Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3JP. A special treat also only a few miles from the woodland workshop. The name says it all; chef Mark Hix has recently opened this fantastic fish restaurant that overlooks the cobb in lyme regis.

Tel: 01297 446 910

» www.hixoysterandfishhouse.co.uk

River Cottage Canteen

The River Cottage local produce canteen, Trinity Square, Axminster, Devon, EX13 5AN. As you would expect, Hugh Fernleigh Whitingstall's new canteen is all about great local food. Whether dining or buying, it is well worth a visit.

Tel: 01297 631862

» www.rivercottage.net

The Wild Garlic Restaurant

The Wild Garlic Restaurant in Beaminster is run by 'Masterchef' Mat Follas.

Tel: 01308 861 446

» www.thewildgarlic.co.uk

Terroirs

2010-11-12T08:54:00.000-08:00

http://www.terroirswinebar.com/

What Terroirs says:

Terroirs is a wine bar and restaurant situated in the heart of the London’s West End, a stone’s throw from Trafalgar Square and adjacent to Charing Cross station.

The wine bar seats 45 covers with a further 12 seats at the zinc top bar (which are non bookable). Open from 12pm till 11pm Monday to Saturday serving Charcuterie, Cheese, Bar Snacks, Small Plates and Plat du Jour. A reduced menu is served between 3pm and 5.45pm. The full menu is then available from 5.45pm until 11pm.

The concept derives from the Parisian natural wine bars with their emphasis on superb, rarely-seen wines, informal yet informed service, and excellent, hearty food.

What I say:

Cracking spot in an otherwise touristy area. The excellent wines by the carafe wonderfully presented and successfully emulate the Parisian vibe they are aiming for (indeed at times Terroirs reminded me greatly of L'Ecluse http://www.lecluse-restaurant-paris.com/).

The charcuterie hit the spot perfectly for two- generous portions of cured pork, terrine and a coarser pate served up with cornichons and crusty bread would certainly make for an excellent pre/post theatre repast.

For the main event we opted for two french brasserie mainstays, bavette du boeuf and corn fed chicken with lentils and lardons- both were exemplary. The bavette was served simply seared and sliced, the chicken, a dish which can be as inspid as an evening with Ed Miliband, lent its rich and salty stock to the puy lentils and had a beautifully golden crispy skin.

Such was the generosity of the portions that the dessert escaped appraisal- however if a passing creme brulee tasted as good as it wafted then I would not hesitate to rubber stamp the Terroirs experience.

SeVen restaurant in East Sheen- Great story even better food

2010-08-07T07:35:00.000-07:00

Dear readers-
I would like to put my absolute stamp of approval to a restaurant local to my parents in leafy East Sheen.

http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/local/richmondnews/4422539.Seven_brothers__one_restaurant/

Go there go there now and tell your friends- this fusion of Afghan, Lebanese and Turkish food prepared, served and cleared away by a team of seven Afghan brothers is a real find and should be mentioned in the same breath amongst the established middle eastern outlets in Knightsbridge, Mayfair and even Edgeware road.

Bravo and I wish them every success

The Scribbler likes

2010-07-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

Wild Garlic
Beaminster
Dorset
http://www.thewildgarlic.co.uk/

Mat Follas's first restaurant following his impressive run on Master Chef. Simple modern farmhouse decor a reassuringly short menu which in July featured venison, brill, local crab and ceviche as well as the dorset escargots. All expertly executed in a fashion that many London restaurants could learn a lot from. Follas takes care to walk the floor and meet his customers- apparently he has lost count of the times he has been asked how the "smoked" mash is made. A dedicated forager he garnishes his dishes with edible flowers and is booked up for the forseeable future on his guided foraging tours of the local area.

I wish Mr Follas the very best of the luck- he deserves every success.

With a view

2010-07-30T13:13:00.000-07:00

A quick foray into suggested eating and drinking spots with a view.

Aqua Nueva- the London cousin of the Hong Kong establishment. Splendid cocktails and a fabulous view over Regent Street and beyond. http://www.aqua.com.hk/ also worth sampling the full menu for inventive Japanese or Spanish fare.

Trafalgar Hotel terrace miniature and intimate perfect for a mid-week glass of champagne stunning views of the west end rooftops. www.Hilton.co.uk/Trafalgar

Coq d'Argent a perennial favourite in the heart of the city that surely needs no introduction- steadfastly reliable on the scran and quenchers. www.coqdargent.co.uk/

Shoreditch House members only readers so latch onto your voguest companero/paramore and pack your bathing garments to take advantage of the LA style pool. Sister establishment Soho House also has a terrace overlooking Greek Street but the it is a testament to Shoreditch's credentials that the chici cognoscenti still throng its levels. http://www.shoreditchhouse.com/

I left my heart in California

2010-07-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

Dear readers,

I cannot deny that I am ostensibly a bird, bred of blighty stock and hold the hills, valleys and concrete forests of our noble land in deepest affection. The tapas bar, taverna and trattoria will at times seduce me from the clutches of my english pub like an exotic mistress for a tawdry two week fling, however at the last there is nothing that can tear me away from the amorous embrace of my local.

This is of course not to say I am an unadventurous and homesick traveller- I consider any self appointed cosmopolitan without a liberal smattering of pin pricks in the map to be "laying it on a bit thick". Travel they say broadens the mind and indeed, I have found, the mid-section.

With both said broadenings duly noted perhaps it is a crime and a traversty that I found myself re-visiting the west coast of america for the fourth time in three years. Surely I should be exploring territories and cultures new?

The truth is that I feel that far from having missed opportunities I feel extremely humbled to have experienced some of the greatest natural beauty I have seen and I have to be honest some gastronomic pinnacles:

Naturally beautiful;

Lake Tahoe: Winter- ski down from the top of Heavenly or Homewood and you see powdery snow, sparkling lake and scorching desert all in a glance.

In the Summer camp down in Emerald bay and take to the lake

Yosemite national park: Drive across the spectacular Tioga Pass and make the long winding journey down to the valley floor and stay at the The Ahwahnee. This hotel shines as Yosemite National Park’s distinctive Four-Diamond hotel. The Ahwahnee was specifically designed to highlight its natural surroundings, featuring Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Glacier Point. The destination of queens and presidents alike, The Ahwahnee offers a perfect balance of history, hospitality and elegance.
Big Sur: One of the must drive roads in the world. The Californian coast line at its most rugged and stunning

Eats and drinks:

California is a foodie's paradise- they take it extremely seriously. Personally I feel San Francisco and the bay area up to Sonoma and Napa has the edge- a stunning mix of artisan cheeses, fresh fish and of course the diversity of San Fran's community- hispanic, chinese, japanese all executed to a discernibly better standard than counterparts in LA. I can recommend a drink at Top of the Mark and The Big Four in San Francisco (mostly for the views). There are so many good eateries it's hard to pick a few out (particularly given the demise of the once definitive Rubicon) but Charles Phlan's beautifully crafted "ingredient driven" creations at Slanted Door have been deservedly exalted for a decade and the old school charm of the Swan Oyster Depot (lunch only) also get the nod .

Also a quick note on picture perfect Santa Barbara where Galanga Thai rocked our taste buds and we queued 35 minutes for one of the best ice creams I've ever encountered at Cold Stone Creamery.

I could write reams on the glories of California- the fish and meat in San Diego, the straight roads of the desert, the shopping in Santa Monica but I suggest dear reader you set your affairs in order and go and discover them for yourself...at once.

A bite to eat around Marble Arch

2010-01-11T04:20:00.000-08:00

The Scribbler was recently approached to recommend a few west end eateries for a colleague.

There are of course several that need no introduction in the vicinity the most prominent being Galvin at windows (I also highly commend the Galvin brothers new venue) and the increasingly footballery but reliably sumptuous Nobu. In addition Maze and Maze grill is a carnivorous delight - not perhaps the definitive steak in London (see next blog) but an excellent example and very good value for the onglet at £10.

These were my other recommendations in the Marble Arch and Mayfair area.

Corrigans
http://www.squaremeal.co.uk/restaurants/london/view/101319/Corrigan

Scott’s
http://www.squaremeal.co.uk/restaurants/london/view/81184/Scott

L’Autre Pied
http://www.squaremeal.co.uk/restaurants/london/view/84702/L

Kiku (Japanese)

http://www.squaremeal.co.uk/restaurants/london/view/80783/Kiku

The wild card for informal but good food

The only running footman:
http://www.squaremeal.co.uk/restaurants/london/view/84681/The_Only_Running_Footman

Favourite places

2010-01-08T01:44:00.000-08:00

Two new eateries the scribbler heartily endorses following a most enjoyable December jaunt to St Ives in Cornwall.

Cornwall is developing into a british California with a plethora of local produce including artisan cheese, ham, smoked fish and even tea!

The scribbler revelled in an exemplary bouillabaisse at the Alba (lovely quayside views) and a selection of fresh mezze and seafood at the Porthminster cafe (quite literally on the beach).

www.thealbarestaurant.com
www.porthminstercafe.co.uk

Breakfast and rooms at the chic green boutique Primrose Valley hotel also come highly recommended www.primroseonline.co.uk/ although the views from the newly refurbished Porthminster hotel are hard to beat www.porthminster-hotel.co.uk .

The last stop before the stunning train journey between St Ives and St Erth (where we join the main line to Paddington) was of course the Tate gallery. Quite simply a brilliant space and their current Dark Monarch exhibition is something else www.tate.org.uk/stives

The Scribbler likes 1#

2009-11-05T08:41:00.000-08:00

A series of things and places which cheer your scribbler and warm the very cockles of his heart.
Predictably they are mostly food and drink based but there is a nod to my other passions en route.

Old Hat

Old Hat in Fulham is where Jeeves would encourage Betram Wooster to shop if he were not "rolling in the stuff". A shop for those that favour their vintage 'tailored-elegant' rather than 'retro-scruffy'. Inside awaits an incredible array of tailored Saville Row suits (£150 each for a suit which would have cost ten times that originally), tweeds, smoking jackets, waist coats, moleskins and evening wear.

Durham Cathedral and Palace Green

Sunday evensong in the quire of Durham Cathedral listening to one of the best choirs in the land is an oasis of beauty and calm in an otherwise vibrant student town. Palace Green sits loftily atop the bailey peninsular between the cathedral, Durham Castle, the university library and the debating chambers.

To declare my interest I am perhaps less than objective on this as I spent three years in the shadow of Durham cathedral as a student of St Chad's College (Durham University).

In the words of Bill Bryson

"Durham, I think, as anybody who has ever stepped out of the railway station and looked across the valley will appreciate, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

"The view of the cathedral is just absolutely stunning. I will never forget my first moment 30 years ago seeing it and it has been almost as exciting every time since.

"So there is all of that, a huge amount of history, a huge amount of beauty and a great deal of friendliness.

"If you have never been to Durham, go there at once. Take my car. It's wonderful."

Tipples of the week

2009-10-09T04:26:00.000-07:00

This week the Scribbler has mostly been enjoying:

Beer of the week: Young's Kew

Tasting note: The aroma has spicy hops, a light herbal note and gently-toasted malt. Tart citrus fruit, juicy malt and hop resins vie for attention in the mouth while the superb, quenching finish has rich malt, peppery hops and tangy fruit. A vaguely summery/ mild autumn beer before we can move onto the winter warmer/

Chosen venue: The Coach & Horses, Barnes Village

Scotch of the week: The Singleton of Dufftown 12 years old

Tasting note:
Waters from Jock’s Well in the Conval Hills. Nose: Dry, aromatic.Palate: heavy, syrupy, malty.Finish: Medium oily finish.

Chosen venue: The American Bar, East India Club, St James'

Tipples of the week

2009-10-01T09:08:00.000-07:00

This week the Scribbler has mostly been enjoying:

Beer of the week: Doombar

Tasting note: Named after an infamous sandbank at the mouth of the Camel Estuary in north Cornwall- quickly acquiring a cult following. A balance of spicy resinous hop, sweet malty and delicate roasted notes. A nice balance and complex blend of succulent dried fruit, lightly roasted malty notes and a subtle yet assertive bitterness.

Chosen venue: The Paris Hotel, Coverack, Cornwall or The Coat & Badge, Putney

Scotch of the week: The Glenlivet 15 year old French oak reserve

Tasting note: Infinitely quaffable but pricey not my normal taste at all...less peaty or smoky more smooth and nutty- a grower

Chosen venue: The Admiral Coderington, Chelsea

Riverside Watering holes

2009-10-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

The Scribbler's top 10 Thames side watering holes:

10: The Dove, Chiswick
9: The Boathouse, Putney Wharf
8: The Ship, Wandsworth
7 The Angel, Henley-on-Thames
6 The Trout, Oxfordshire
5 The Duke's Head, Putney Embankment
4 The Founder's Arms, South Bank
3 The Rutland, Hammersmith
2 The White Cross Richmond
1 Ye White Hart, Mortlake

Top 10 Hidden Travel Gems

2009-07-27T08:04:00.000-07:00

Dear reader,
I ,like so many other discerning travellers, am an absolute slave to Trip Advisor. Why should I make a mistake in my arrangements when somebody else has made it for me?

Imagine my excitment when I discovered that Trip Advisor have published a series of top 10s.

It is with a sense of improper self satisfaction that I can personally endorse several of the following. I intend to blog on the best and visit the others!

Trip Advisor Awards

1.Anastasis Apartments
Imerovigli, Greece

2. Riad Zolah
Marrakech, Morroco

3. Golden Well (U Zlate Studne)
Prague, Czech Republic

4. Derwent House Boutique Hotel
Cape Town, South Africa

5. Hotel Vecchio Asilo
San Gimignano, Italy

6. Hotel Casa do Amarelindo
Salvador, Brazil

7. La Villa Marbella - Charming Hotel
Marbella, Spain

8. Loch Lein Country House
Killarney, Ireland

9. Killeen House
Killarney, Ireland

10. Arcadia Residence
Prague, Czech Republic

Recessionista chic: it's time to re-interpret our identity and get creative...

2009-07-20T01:21:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to my dear friend Miss Antonia Pearce for her sage words of sartorial wisdom. Antonia is a lifestyle and travel writer- formerly of Elite Life and Travel she now edits Project Travel and acts as freelance media consultant to a range of London based and international clients...She has a contact book as extensive as the Reims caves and twice as many bubbles- She also has a rather amusing story about Mario Testino but I will leave her to tell you that...

The desire for bespoke products is set to continue in spite of ‘boom and bust.’ With evidence of the bespoke everywhere from the i-pod to the couture dress. In times of surplus, those that could seized the opportunity to act out their whimsical fantasies through patronage. With people from London’s Belgravia to New York City's Upper East Side taking on the guise of a latter day Catherine the Great; such was their extraordinary energy to consume and spend. Whether commissioning a pair of beaded couture boots from Jimmy Choo, a perfume by Fredrick Malle or a genetically engineered blue-eyed baby; the demand for bespoke goods rarely faltered.

In the ‘boom’ phase bespoke was a byword for luxury and prestige. However, more often than not, the creative process was delegated to somebody else; the concierge or our own personal shopper. In the process we fooled our inner artist into believing that we had played an integral part in the bespoke journey. We looked good but dangerously and increasingly uniform.

Now that things have gone ‘bust’ the trend for bespoke continues to live on and with a rather advantageous shift in emphasis. Rather than commission others, we now have the opportunity to take on the bespoke ambition for ourselves. It is time to re-interpret our identity and get creative. In 2009 there is now a sense of ‘mend and make do.’ So for a quick bespoke fashion-pick-me-up all we need do is scoop up and rummage through buttons, beads and lace and pin them to old coats and cardigans in a brave attempt to re-invigorate and inspire. Alternatively, why not take old shoes to the cobbler and enjoy the magic of being reunited with a trustworthy friend; shoes that give you a confident swagger rather than the blistering pain of the new.

That is not to say that we should abandon shop - far from it! However, a bespoke product implies thought. It is the antithesis of mass production and the endless display of colorful tank-tops and Pokka-dot bikinis that line our high street floors like candy. If we start demanding bespoke items now - it could be a powerful display of rebellion against targeted advertising; forcing us to think about what we really want.

Moreover, if we are going to spend then we need to start demanding value and worth from our acquisitions. It was for this reason that Coco Chanel launched her bespoke jewellery line during the Great Depression of the 1930s. She understood that during hard times people desire the real and the magnificent. New visionaries in 2009, such as the designer Jessica McCormack, advocate diamonds that are all about wear-ability. She welcomes everyone, from the woman who wants to create an heirloom to a young man with only one hundred pounds to spend. A recession has always been a dazzlingly creative period. Newfangled pop bands and designers rose to great heights during the recession of the 1970’s. Vivienne Westwood’s punk garments and the extraordinary talent that blossomed from there on in: is just one testament to the impetus of hardship.

It’s a horrible economy out there; but there is a world of opportunity to fight for. So go forth and commission or create something bespoke. But remember: keep up appearances no matter what the FSA ordains.

2009-07-14T03:21:00.001-07:00

Following much cajoling and various waving of blunt instruments- It was decided amongst the great and good that this chap should shuffle off the papyrus coil, expand his horizons and stride manfully into the digital space.

So here I am.

Welcome one and all to your guide to the glorious, the inglorious, the mouth-watering, the insipid, the luscious and the atrocious. Over the coming minutes, weeks and eons I intend to take you, gentle reader, by the hand and share with you what our fair city has to offer discerning gentlefolk regardless of means or standing.

I will dare to endure, seek to embrace and endeavour to empart my toings and my froings with customary blithe and brutal honesty.

As always I am ruled by my readers and I welcome your news, views and gentle reproachments. I claim neither to be infallible or objective in my judgements or commentary- my only claim is a lifetime in the eye of London's social whirlwind a resultant taste for the better things in life, their true value and a knowledge of where to find them .

I will from time to time be joined by guest bloggers and I look forward to introducing them in due course.

Upcoming features will include:

Summer attire
Nightcaps- what, where and why?
Riverside watering holes
Country retreats and the British staycation
Society pages
Cuba's Finest- Cigars, Rums and communism