Claridge's Bakery (NEW OPENING)

Claridge's Bakery has just opened offering English classics just like Anya Hindmarch cafe.
TAKE MY MONEY.
Led by internationally acclaimed chef and baker Richard Hart joining as Executive Baker & Creative Director, alongside Head Baker Frederic Doncel‑Latorre.
I visited as soon as it opened to get my beloved iced buns, cherry bakewell tart and malted milk tart.
The damage, almost 20 quid but it was worth it.

Some may say its expensive but if you go to Gails, ole steen etc, you are paying that price anyway but this is English.
English bakeries are disappearing every second where you have to travel out to find the odd ones in the outskirts of London like Romford, Elmers End etc.

Bakewell Tart:
The taste leaned more on cherry and you get a layer of cherries at the bottom.

Appearance was more on the cherry and less of the white icing like and the tart base looked modern like those French Tart short crust pre made bases.

Overall it was nice.

Iced Fingers:

These were labelled as Iced Fingers but I felt that it should have been more descriptive because the pink icing has a sharp rasberry taste.

The white icing had a faint lemony taste so as a consumer the description would help me decide but traditonally the white is my pick because I like them original.

The bun is a little different, the finishing of the bun base looks like it was baked on a greased pan to give it that browning and slight pan fried look.

Again, who doesn't love an iced finger.

Malted milk tart:

Wow, you could really smell that malted milk and I loved the layer of malty creme on top and then you have this possibly caramel layer on the bottom garnished with chocolate shavings.

Definitely a must try as well.

Will return for more but I fear there will be queue next time!

Claridge's Bakery location is at Brook's Mews in Mayfair, next to Claridge's ArtSpace Cafe

Insane sandos at Secret Sandwich Shop, Harvey Nichols

I've always wanted to visit but Nottinghill is a bit difficult as it needs effort as they close at 3ish.
The place is small so would need plan B to find somewhere to eat if it was full.
I seized the chance as they are now at Harvey Nicols with plenty of seating area. They close at 5pm which is a 2 hour bonus.
Tbh, I was meant to try Atlelier Frites that day but the fryer took off so I headed here Asap!! [in a way I was happy]
Decisions were difficult but luckily they had pictures with annotations.
Hidden on the corner was the fish sando which I would have been gutted if I didn't see it.
So my choices were now reduced to McLovin, Egg and the Fish finger.
I've already had egg elsewhere so got McLovin, it was so good I got the fish finger sando as well.
Ate half of each so the two remaining halves would fit well in the box to go for my next meal.
Anyway. Both sandwiches were heaven in different ways.
The McLovin with sausage patty is a bit like sausage muffin but higher quality.
You also get thick cut cola bacon which is meaty and the cola marinade is nothing like the weird ones in Asia.
It would be good if it was English Bacon or crispy bacon sprinkles which they use on salad.
The fish finger sando was seriously good especially the shaved purple onions that give it flavour but it wasn't a pile like the product shot. The next star was the red Leicester, two slices melted on either side of the bread where you get the lovely saltiness and cheesiness like the filet o fish.
Basically dreams come true.
The wrapping was another important factor that held the sandwich together when you ate it.
Overall, love the branding as they really stand out especially the cheeky michelin inspired logo and their branded Japanese inspired sweatshirts.
It's all about Kewpie mayo which they use and it really tastes different as it has that umami thick and creamy kick.

Frites Ateliers now in London

The famous Frites Atelier is now in London and how aptly located on FRITE STREET LOL.
I attempted to dine there on the 16th Dec but they were Thankfully closed due to some technical fault.
I also knew they were doing free fries on the 20th but couldn't be bothered so went on the 19th a day before.
Anyway had to give it a try, it's a bit expensive £14.50 for a portion of fries I thought but you also see many other gimmicky lame foods for that price for example Thai instant mama noodles and Birria nong shin cup noodles which is not as good as this in my opinion.
Also, if you go to any food hall, a main dish will cost you at least £14.
When I got there, I noticed the menu was a bit different and slightly tweaked.
The fries are slightly cheaper and the Flemish stew is now called signature beef stew price at £13.50, previously £14.50.
The parmesan fries now £9.50, previously £12.95.
Plain fries with two sauces are now £6.75, previously £8.95.
some subtle name and price changes if you compare carefully.
My beef stew reminded me of poutine minus the cheese curds.
It was a really nice beefy clear gravy with some lean pulled beef possibly brisket.
I dare say, it was good but was very generic in taste like some pre made stew.
It was garnished with mustard seeds that gave it a caviar look, also had my favourite cress which no one uses anymore and some chopped parsley.
Overall, it was really nice and I didn't expect the small portion to be filling.

Guyanese Pepperpot at Krazy Kravings, Post Market Balham

It's Christmas which calls for a Guyanese Pepperpot, a rich, dark, slow-cooked meat stew, considered Guyana's national dish, famous for Christmas.It has a unique savory-sweet flavor from cassareep (cassava extract), cinnamon, cloves, and hot peppers (like wiri wiri or scotch bonnet).
Served with plaited bread.
It was my first pepperpot and as expected I knew I would love it.
I feel that this dish should be called Christmas Pot because the name pepper pot doesn't do it justice nor reflect whats in it.
You would guess black pepper, white pepper or bell peppers but its none of that.
The taste of this stew has so much going on especially the flavours, you got umami, sweetness, cinnamon and orange as well as being rich in collagen.
This is where that plait bread is a must to soak it up.
No other bread can do a better job because you seriously need a huge big chunk of soft bread.
I thought half a loaf was too much but seriously a whole loaf is needed.
The ox tail meat is simply lush, soft gelatinous and delicate and you have some jiggly cow skin bits which are delicious.
So glad I tried, will try to get another one to compare.

Krazy Kravings, Post Market Balham

Kiosk 8, Garden Terrace, Post Market, 92A Balham High Rd, London SW12 9AF

Subway's New Ultimate Festive Sandwich

Paid a visit to Subway because they had the New Ultimate Festive Sandwich which is Stuffing topped bread filled with pulled chicken, cheese, sage and onion stuff and cranberry sauce.
It is also available for the jacket potato.

I love stuffing so this sandwich was made for me however I customized it a little, I skipped the cheese and lettuce and added some purple onions and mayo and the result was delicious.

I also paid 60p extra for extra stuffing.

They also have new festive double chocolate and orange cookies.

According to Subways instagram post, they had a festive paper wrap for this sandwich but was given the usual wrap.

#ssgsubway 

Comforting dinner at Oslo Court

This has been on my list, despite being two stops away from Bond Street it's still quite far because of the walk from the station.
Finally made it one Tuesday night. The station I exited was promising as it was old.
Walking there was depressing as it just felt strange even though they had branded High Street shops and independent shops along the way
Anyway, arrived at Oslo court which felt like a scene from the movie walking into a residential building that houses a 1970s restaurant.
Entering the restaurant you are greeted with folded pink cloth napkins and lots of pink!!
When you sit down, a plate of crudites with garlic mayo is placed on your table.
The starters and mains were endless but in a good way as everything was an option.
I was clear I wanted the crab a la rochelle and the steak mignon.
Dessert was a bonus because I didn't know it was included along with the chocolates and tea.
Somehow dining for one is a better experience as you don't have to share it.
The first course, crab a la rochelle was a beauty, soft silky crabmeat wrapped in light flaky filo style pastry visually like an empanada.
The crabmeat was so fresh it didn't need black pepper to mask anything.
They definitely didn't skimp on the crabmeat.
Also it is tasty without the brandy sauce where you can appreciate the creamy crab and mushroom flavours.
The brandy sauce was nostalgic, the same taste as the prawn cocktail ones.
The mains, you get a choice of three vegs so I chose latke, steamed spinach and petit pois.
Will get roast potatoes next time.
Take note of the fork and spoon Silver service when the sides are served.
Something truly vanished in this day and age.
The steak was neatly cut from a sharp knife which you can see.
It was soft and tender.
Overall, it was good the latke was delicious and you can tell they were made in house.
The petit pois is uniquely different because it is truly petit like the size of trout caviar.
Dessert was heaven, I had rice pudding and creme caramel.
Both traditional and good in their own ways.
Last but not least is the plate of Leonardas chocolates and tea.
A final surprise before you to leave.

Early Christmas pizza at Prezzo for 99p!

Even though I had some Christmas previews June, I won't resist any more.
Definitely worth the experience especially if you have never tried Prezzo before so a reason to dine there.
A lovely festive CHRISTMAS PIZZA with Turkey, brie, crispy stuffing, pigs in blankets on a rich tomato base and topped with cranberry ketchup.
The Turkey was still tender and moist coming from the fiery pizza oven.
Well done Prezzo.