You guys. Apologies for the radio silence on the blog these past couple of weeks.
If you follow my #feedfeed, you won’t doubt me when I say that it’sĀ been more than just a little busy recently, as I’ve had legions of friends and family from India visiting. And yes, it is a standingĀ joke that I see themĀ more frequently here than I do when I’m back in Bombay!
Of course, it inevitably fell upon me to make sure thatĀ they had as tasty aĀ tripĀ as possible…
But, first.
A spot of sightseeing.
Albeit from a distance…
Inspired by my heady experience sipping cocktails in the cloud at GÅNGĀ earlier this year, we sprung a spontaneous flight upĀ the Shard, this time to the Shangri-La’s capacious restaurant/ lounge, Ting.Ā The hotel’s affable staff wereĀ quite quick toĀ welcome my three-year old nephew too, with a comfortingly richĀ hot chocolate and generous refills of the scrummiest petit-fours!
We had a wander around Borough Market as well,Ā with Padella our first port of call for pici cacio – plump hand-rolled strands of pasta, coated in an exquisitely simple Ā but sharp combination of pecorino cheese and butterĀ with a kick ofĀ cracked black pepper.
Much to my brother-in-law’s chagrin,Ā Kappacasein was closed and soĀ we were unable to continue the carbĀ fest with their much feted melted cheese toasties and racelette… but we did lay our hands on devilishly deep-fried empanadas, pumpkin pie and *those* donuts from Bread Ahead!
Heaps of scrummy treats were also enjoyed over afternoon tea.Ā When in England…
Although on this occasion (timedĀ inĀ between a shopping expedition toĀ Harrods), the age-old tradition was served up with aĀ deliciously chocolatey twist.
Chocolate-chip scones with chocolate cremeux anyone?
A tea-time visit to Dominique Ansel’s new bakery in nearby Belgravia was in order too, where we got a bit carried away, going forĀ one (or two) of everything including his signature s’mores, cookie shots,Ā Welsh Rarebit croissants and the uncompromisingly-sweet DKA… (to name just half of what we had!)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLZCEDRBuaA/?taken-by=the_foodiediaries
In keeping up with the latest and greatest eats in town, we also braved the mammoth wait at the BarbaryĀ – the 24 seater restaurant in Neal’s Yard arranged around a highly-charged open kitchen.
This was actually my fourth visit to the thrilling new venture from the folks behind theĀ Palomar,Ā and theĀ Berber-inspired riot of flavours consistently hit all the right notes yet again!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLjp3phhsfI/
But we made time for old classics too, like my cosy local Italian.
And the pizzeria at Harrods, a rather convenientĀ pit-stop during yet another afternoon blissfully lost in the myriad of corridors and halls making up my favourite department store.
And then there was dinner at Kai, for it’s meaty take on veggie food.
Think wasabi chai (mock prawns); three chilli chai (mock chicken) and even beancurd-based mock-duck rolls.
Probably the closest this party of vegetarians willĀ come to eating the real thing.
And the ever-so-trendy Roka Mayfair, an all-time favourite for Japanese fareĀ not to mention their formidable cocktails and matcha fondant…
It’s not everyday that I see this particular set of cousins and so lots of reunion drinks were also on the cards.
I know, I know.
Any excuse really.
Looking back, it almost seems as thoughĀ I was on a holiday myself!
For more tips on where to eat and drink in London, have a read of my previous guide here.
Do you have any favourite spots for entertaining friends and family when they visit?
Mmmmm that pasta at Padella sounds amazing. I think the creation of DAB in London could be the end of me – already wondering if I can make it a weekly tradition to go! š
That sounds like a weekly tradition I could definitely get on board with! DAB have a lovely matcha latte too btw, if a bit on the sweeter side… xx
cookies shots?:)
Must be done!
Nailed it with these suggestions – that matcha dessert at Roka is just incredible!
Elle Bloggs
Thank you! I’m craving another for breakfast right about now š x
Bread ahead doughnuts are the best!! I can’t get enough of them.
Me neither, and luckily for me they have opened another outpost fairly close to my place of work š x
I’m due to try The Barbary next week.
Ooh I can’t wait to compare notes š xx