Baity Kitchen

I know I haven't updated my blog for a while but I had a very good reason..The opening of my first eatery, along business partner and friend, chef Joudie Kalla. Baity Kitchen is our cosy deli restaurant situated on Walton Street, Chelsea. The concept behind it  was to serve high quality food inspired by our Greek and Palestinian backgrounds without any of your typical Chelsea frills. The atmosphere is always relaxed, our staff extra friendly and the food reminds you of mum's kitchen (Baity also means "home" in Arabic).Open seven days a week, our menu changes on a daily basis according to seasonal ingredients and the chefs' inspiration. Among favourites, you will find Sayadieh (yummy marinated cod with cumin rice and a yogurt-tahini dressing), Pastitsio (Greeks' answer to Lasagna), White truffle macaroni and cheese, Gemista (peppers, tomatoes and aubergines stuffed with rice in a rich tomato sauce), Mjadarra (puy lentil with basmati rice, caramelised onions, pomegranate and rocket) and the list goes on...Not to mention the signature choc chip scones, the brownies, the choc cookies and the lemon meringue tarts. I look forward to seeing you all there!

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Mandarin Kitchen

The reason that God created lobster..is non other than Mandarin Kitchen's lobster noodle. An all time classic, this place never disappoints me. Specialising in seafood, there is a great range of spectacular dishes to chose from, but obviously the lobster noodle is the jewel of the crown. Whether you go for garlic and spring onion, ginger and spring onion (highly recommend it), or black bean sauce and chillies...You are going to leave the restaurant craving for some more. Don't expect too much from the decor and be put off by the Queensway location. Mandarin Kitchen is every hip Londoner's seafood destination and with Tatler, Zagat and Taschen on their guards, who can deny it? Once you are done with your lobster, no matter how full you are, you also have to try the toffee bananas. Enjoy!

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Vinoteca

A dear friend of mine, relatively new in London, had been going on and on about how great a little wine bar and restaurant in Farringdon was. It took us a while, but when we finally visited Vinoteca together, I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised. Small and cosy, wooden tables, candlelit and an impressive wine list from around the world. Moreover, the food is excellent. Head Chef John Murray has joined the Vinoteca team from some of London's top kitchens such as St John Bread & Wine, Petrus, L’Autre Pied and Yauatcha. His style of cooking is inspired by the produce and culinary traditions of Europe’s wine producing regions and with his team creates dishes which perfectly complement the diverse range of wine styles. Simple, hearty dishes made from the highest quality ingredients; the bread is baked freshly on the premises twice a day and the meat comes directly from local Smithfield Market. Make sure you arrive early, as no reservations can be made at dinner time. And this place is always packed.

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The Pantechnicon

Situated in Motcomb Street, one of the cutest streets in Belgravia, the Pantechnicon is one my favourite gastropubs in London. Whether it is a comfort meal, Sunday lunch or a just drinks with your friends, this place will definitely leave you satisfied. The  venue is split into two levels, a less formal dining room downstairs (Public House as they call it) and a more formal Dining Room upstairs. Everything on the menu is great but make sure you try their burgers. The meat is excellent and some friends have even claimed that Pantechnicon burgers are the best they ever had.

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The Phene

While I was away on holiday earlier this month, some of my biggest followers and personal friends, went out on scouting for new places to write about in my blog. One of them, came from my fellow Greek friend Alex, who visited The Phene on Phene Str, SW3. All credits to him then.
What used to be legendary footballer's George Best favorite pub, has gone under a complete makeover and now has a deli in the back, towering vases of lilies on the bar and a women’s fashion label (Lily London) upstairs. Moreover there is a heated terrace outside which makes it great for the summer and smokers all year round. The food menu is diverse offering your typical gastropub food with a twist. From feeling salads, to sea bass, burghers, steaks, all day breakfast and delicious desserts it can cover all tastes. There is also a very good wine list, nice cocktails and beer! Esquire magazine recently described The Phene as the place where men can "watch sport, drink beer and keep your girlfriend happy". I couldn't agree more!

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Osteria Basilico in Notting Hill

I know this one is an absolute classic, and the hip crowd is already familiar with it, but a dinner last night with my friends reminded of how good the food is and I felt the urge to write about it. 
Located in Kensington Park Road, one of the cutest streets in Notting Hill, Osteria Basilico is ideal for a romantic first date or any other occasion actually. You can seat outside during the summer - watching Sienna Miller pass by- or indoors during the winter enjoying the warm, rustic typical trattoria environment. But let's face it, it is the great food that will attract you the most. From the mouthwatering antipasti, to the delicious pasta, main courses, proper Italian pizzas and finger licking desserts...It is always a pleasure dinning here. My personal favorite is the "Veal Ossobuco served with Saffron and Parmesan Risotto". Just yummy!

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Town Hall Hotel

The latest hotel opening from Design Hotels, is the Town Hall Hotel in Patriot Square, one of London's up and coming most energetic neighborhoods.
Set within the impressive surrounds of Bethnal Green’s Town Hall, the 98-room Town Hall Hotel has been designed by entrepreneur and hotelier Peng Loh, while the Edwardian building itself has been brought back to life by French architecture team, Rare.
The most interesting element of the new residence however –aside from the fact that star chef Nuno Mendes opened his much lauded eatery Viajante here earlier in the summer – is the series of artworks that will populate the corridors and public spaces.
Town Hall Hotel is a true design gem and I highly recommend a visit.

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Proper Hamburgers at Byron

I have to admit that I love my burgers! And in search of London's best burger place, my personal favourite is Byron. I remember when Byron first opened in High Street Kensington in 2008. It started as a common secret and two years onwards it has become a huge success with restaurants all around London. However, food is still as great as the first day, not falling into the usual "chain" restaurant trap. They have the best buns ever! Burgers are juicy, mayo is handmade and do I need to mention the Oreo cookie milkshake? So if you are a fan of straightforward, delicious, fresh and unpretentious food this is your place. And it won't break the bank either!

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Frank's Cafe and Campari Bar

Another great place to visit in London during the warm summer days is Frank's Cafe and Campari Bar.
Frank's Cafe and Campari Bar was designed by Practice Architecture's Lettice Drake and Paloma Gormley and built over three weeks with a team of volunteers! Part of the BOLD TENDENCIES SCULPTURE PROJECT in Peckham, an annual sculpture exhibition initiated by Hannah Barry Gallery is held on the top four floors of the disused car park at Cerise Road. The brainchild of Frank Boxer and head chef Michael Davies – both of whom cut their teeth at Southwark institution, The Anchor & Hope – Frank’s will serve up a range of fairly priced seasonal dishes including cured salmon with dill & soda bread and braised cuttlefish with tomatoes, all washed down by bucket loads of Campari.
Both “Bold Tendencies” and Frank’s will be open from Thursday to Sunday throughout the summer. Admission is free, though be sure to carry plenty of cash as Frank’s, rather irritatingly, doesn’t accept cards.

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Atari- Ya Sushi

I know my friend Joudie (who told me all about Atari-Ya) is going to hate me for sharing her secret with the  rest of you, but Atari-Ya sushi is so good I just have to write about it. Located as centrally as James Street right behind Selfridges, most of you (like me) have passed by so many times without paying any attention to this place, as it literally looks like a "whole in the wall". However, don't judge by appearances as the food is AMAZING and apparently this is a common secret among London's sushi lovers. If you take a better look at Atari-ya you will notice that the crowd going in and out of this sushi bar and takeaway is really hip and if you give the food a chance, you will never want to eat takeaway sushi from anywhere else. Especially considering the value for money. OK, it looks like a Japanese canteen, but at the end of the day it is all about the food and this one is fantastic! 

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Circus

For a different night out, you have to visit this innovative combination of West End cocktail bar and London cabaret restaurant set in vibrant Covent Garden. This London performance restaurant boasts a stylish surrealist interior created by iconic British designer Tom Dixon, which transports you into a decadent world of glamour and escapism from the moment you enter. As day turns into night this Covent Garden cabaret restaurant really comes to life and the spectacle begins as diners sip exotic punches and cocktails. After dinner, the adventures continue with the distinction between performer and audience blurring as the stage opens to the brave. The friendly staff will encourage you to dance on a large communal table or try your luck at pole dancing. Circus the late night cabaret bar means diners and drinkers alike can relax for an entire evening, with a seamless transitions from bar to dining room to dance-floor. Best time to visit Circus...Friday night! Hope you enjoy!

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