FOOD DRINKS – Page 13

February 5, 2014 by: Sunny London

Palm Court Brasserie- A Floridian’s French Feast

As I walked through Covent Garden trying to find a nice quiet space to sulk after my failed attempt to celebrate the Chinese New Year, I spotted the Palm Court Brasserie just off of the Piazza. How could this Florida girl not venture inside this tropical paradise to enjoy some liquid sunshine and French cuisine?

While I have to say, the “palm tree” in the entrance was a nice touch, it was actually the reasonably priced Sunday lunch options that reeled me in.

I immediately loved the beautiful 1920’s art nouveau atmosphere in this Parisian-style brasserie and appreciated the array of tables I could choose from at 2:30 in the afternoon.

The waiter quickly brought me a glass of Rioja Tempranillo and guided me through the menu. For £13.95, I could have a starter and main course. I chose the Smoked and Confit Salmon Roulade with Horseradish Crème Fraiche. When I asked his recommendation for the main course, his eyes ignited as he indicated the Wild Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Oil and Shaved Parmesan was unbeatable.

My first course was fabulous, but I have to admit, nothing compares to truffle oil. The entrée was mind blowing. Although, sometimes I think you could pour truffle oil on anything and still come out holding Michelin stars!

About half way through my meal, I heard the two girls seated next to me giggle excitedly as their afternoon tea sandwiches and sweets hit their table. What a carbalicious delight! Before they started their feast, they allowed me to grab a quick picture to share it with you.

I regret I didn’t try the Cocktail of the Day, the St Germain Royale, but it sure is an excellent reason to return.

Sunny friends, if you’re in the Covent Garden area, do a truffle shuffle on over to the Palm Court Brasserie for an afternoon tea or other tasty delight. I’m sure you’ll be just as pleased as me. Or even better, let me know when you’re going and I’ll meet you for a St Germain Royale!

January 28, 2014 by: Sunny London

La Tasca Spanish Tapas Restaurant is La-fan-tastic!

Recently, I spent an entire sunny afternoon wandering Trafalgar Square, the Strand and Covent Garden. By chance, I stumbled on La Tasca Spanish Tapas Bar and Restaurant and enjoyed a fantastic meal accompanied by outstanding service.

This restaurant features an excellent wine list and three stories, the top of which is available for large parties.

The staff who greeted me were very friendly and eager to seat me at exactly the table I preferred. Even better, once I got situated, they whisked over a smashing glass of Marques de Morano Tinto. If you’re a Sunny in London reader, you know that Rioja is my preferred “vintage grape juice.”

The authentic menu was impressive indeed, as there were clearly labeled vegetarian, gluten free and lower calorie options. But, let’s be honest, who’s thinking low calorie when facing an array of tapas dishes? 😉 Not any fun Sunny friend, for sure!

My server suggested three of the most popular menu options. I trusted her expertise, and it certainly was a great decision.

First, I had the Warm Winter Salad for £4.95

It’s a classic Spanish dish featuring broad beans and Serrano ham. It was yummy.

Next, I enjoyed the Gambras Al Ajillo (Andalucia) which was also £4.95. Feast your eyes on these succulent butterflied king prawns sautéed in a chilli and garlic infused oil.

These cooked crustaceans were amazing, and the chillis sure put a nice little AYE CARUMBA in my mouth. Beware to those who don’t fancy a dish with a hot, sexy kick!

I saved the most tempting dish for last. It’s the Pollo con Crema (Castilla) £5.25

It’s marinated chicken thighs with a creamy spinach and mustard sauce and was by far, my favourite. The chicken literally melted off of the bone. The toasted almonds really took the excellent flavor up another level. It was divine!

I learned two important things after I left.

One: La Tasca Spanish Tapas Bar and Restaurant is steps away from Porterhouse Brewing Co.

Sometimes on the small London streets I’m not always sure which direction I’m heading. So, I literally didn’t realise that I ended up the same place I was just a few days before when I went on my Covent Garden Pub Crawl.

Two: The La Tasca Spanish Tapas Bar and Restaurant has a Loyalty Card you can sign up for via their website. It indicates you can receive offers including: updates on the latest rewards, 20% off food from the main menu and a monthly treat, and member only offers & incentives.

I’ll definitely be back to try their “Famous Paellas.” It seems like it’ll be fairly easy to do since La Tasca Spanish Tapas has 40 locations throughout the UK and overseas! And, once I sign up for and receive this special card, they’ll certainly have a loyal tapas customer in me.

October 15, 2013 by: Sunny London

Icebar by Icehotel: A super chill venue

Would you ever believe that one of the best experiences this Florida girl has had so far in London involved paying to be in subzero temperatures for 40 minutes?

The ICEBAR BY ICEHOTEL offers a truly unique entertainment experience. Located on Heddon Street, one of Central London’s most vibrant side streets, the ICEBAR London is perfect for an exhilarating date night or a large party. We were lucky enough to know that it required an advance reservation and made it weeks ahead of time.

I was a bit nervous before the adventure, because I was not sure if I would enjoy being in a bar made of ice for 40 minutes.

A pre-game drink in the lounge to melt the jitters solved that problem!

As our reservation time got closer, we joined the queue of people who seemed equally as curious and excited about taking the plunge. Once we approached the entrance to the bar, I could see staff members quickly preparing each guest. When it was my turn, a friendly staff member threw a designer thermal cape with hood and attached gloves over me.

“Off you go!”

It was true. The walls, bar and tables were entirely made of pure ice.

After the initial shock of the temperature, we quickly ordered our first drink that, yes, came in a glass made of ice.

The bartender advised us to make sure we rotated the glass as we sipped. Within minutes, it was obvious why. The glasses began melting around the rims.

Next, all the people who received their drinks began going mad with photos, including me.

After a few minutes, we needed to put our gloves back on our freezing hands, so we decided it was time a great time to order a second round.

The bartender made excellent suggestions that were personalized for us both.

He also offered to take a few pictures for us so we could avoid those hideous misaligned selfies. His photographic savvy showed quickly when he suggested how we should stage ourselves and drinks for fabulous photos.

The 40 minutes zipped by, and despite the Arctic temperature, I was never too uncomfortable. Most likely, it was the dancing and excitement that made the frigid air warm and exhilarating.

On this busy, fully-booked Friday night, I also didn’t feel too crowded, because the establishment was keen to monitor the bookings and ensured the experience was top quality for everyone.