RESTAURANT REVIEW

August 5, 2023 by: Sunny London

Galvin Bistrot and Bar Review

If you’re a London foodie, you know the name Galvin. The Michelin starred Galvin brothers Chris and Jeff hit the London food scene in 2005. Since then, their restaurant group has made a significant contribution to food in London. This is why Mr Sunny and I were beyond excited to receive the invitation to visit Galvin Bistrot and Bar.

Galvin Bistrot and Bar Review: The Food

My mission for the visit was to enjoy the Taste of Summer menu. It was easy to accomplish!

We decided that Mr Sunny should have different items so we could maximise the experience and have more images to share with you.

The first entrée on the Taste of Summer menu is the Andalusian Gazpacho, shown above. It’s the second time in my life that I’ve had Gazpacho because the first wasn’t too impressive. I understand now that if it’s done right, this soup can be spectacular. It’s a great start to a menu based on sipping on sunshine in the summer.

Mr Sunny had the Mushroom Croquettes with Pickled Walnut. The consistency was soft and moist. The flavour equally as rich. I certainly stole a few bites.

For the sake of being able to write a solid restaurant review, of course! 😉

Next, the Fish Course on the Taste of Summer menu includes Grilled Mackerel, Apple, Radish and Kohlarbi Salad. Again the presentation, texture and flavour hit all high the marks on this dish.

As you can see, it is plated beautifully along with the stunning prawns that Mr Sunny chose.

For the Meat Course, the Confit Pays de Basque Chicken, Stewed Peppers and Onions is served. And be ready to just watch the chicken fall from the bone as you tap it lightly with a fork.

Mr Sunny picked the Gloucester Old Spot Pork Ribeye, Mushroom Velouté, Tarragon. Both of us remarked how delicately the hint of tarragon accented the dish without overpowering the other ingredients.

Finally, the last course we consumed is the dessert. While all dishes were equally as impressive, the dessert serves as a delicious bow of sugar wrapping this menu together.

The Taste of Summer Menu includes Buttermilk Pannacotta, Oakland Farm Strawberries and Pistachio. And Mr Sunny chose (because I strongly suggested it would be great for sharing) the Valhrona Chocolate Mousse, Raspberries and Hazelnuts.

Galvin Bistrot and Bar Review: The Service

All food and wine as exquisite as we had anticipated. Our service was also five stars. Gwen suggested the most beautiful wine pairings to all of Mr Sunny’s courses. Her knowledge and attention to detail fit what one expects at a Galvin restaurant. However, her humour, energy and approachable attitude made the meal even more memorable.

We probably stayed longer than they had planned for us to be at Galvin Bistrot & Bar, especially since we were one of the last tables to arrive for lunch service. But between our lovely chats with Gwen and taking our time to savour each bite of the chef’s carefully prepared dishes, we just couldn’t bring ourselves to leave.

Galvin Bistrot and Bar Review: The Location

If you are in the Spitafields area of London, Galvin Bistrot and Bar should be somewhere you visit for lunch at least once. I hear their dinner service is equally as enjoyable and know people who have experienced it.

Galvin Bistrot and Bar is also the perfect place for a business lunch, should you work in that area. But, I’m guessing if that’s you- this isn’t new information.

Galvin Bistrot and Bar Review: Final Thoughts

We had our lunch outside. Once our meal was complete, Gwen gave me a quick tour of Galvin Bistrot and Bar’s interior.

The enormous space inside leads me to believe this London restaurant does quite well during the holidays too, so it’s something to consider booking far enough in advance for a Christmas work do.

Mr Sunny and I feel this lunch is easily one of the best we’ve had in London. We can’t wait to try the other three Galvin restaurants in London. And knowing our love of pubs, we’ll probably venture out to their Essex pub location too.

If you’d like to see this London restaurant through a video, you can watch our TikTok video sharing the experience.

February 27, 2022 by: Sunny London

Issho-Ni Bottomless Brunch Review

You would think that every restaurant in London has jumped on the bottomless brunch trend that has exploded here over the past few years. However, at this time, of all the Japanese restaurants- only one offers it. For this fun and delicious experience, you need to visit Issho-Ni, a Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar just outside the Shoreditch area.

Issho-Ni Bottomless Brunch Review- Atmosphere

Not too far from Brick Lane you’ll find Issho-Ni which bills itself as a ‘friendly neighbourhood’ restaurant in London. After spending 90 minutes in this food and drink venue, we can say it honestly lives up to this tagline. And we weren’t just influenced by the gorgeous sunny weather on the Saturday we visited.

Issho-Ni-Bottomless-Brunch-Review-London-Japanese-Restaurant-1

Located on 185 Bethnal Green Road, it is easy to find. Once inside, you will find colourful decor and loads of natural light, which makes blowing up your Insta with their food super easy.

Tables are a nice distance from each other and the overall vibe matches the trendy, hipster expectations one has of the Shoreditch scene.

We paid careful attention to the activities of the tables around us, and other guests seem to be enjoying their experience as much as we were. Perhaps that flowing Prosecco had a little to do with it?

Issho-Ni Bottomless Brunch Review- Service

As part of the Issho-Ni Bottomless Brunch offer you can have Prosecco and/or a Bloody Mary for your drink. We both chose the Prosecco, as we’ve never been fans of the later.

You need to know that there was never a minute that our glasses weren’t topped up with more bubbles once their quantity reached less than half full. We never had to ask, and the tables around us experienced the same activity.

As a London food blogger receiving complimentary meals, I have to be careful to make sure my published food review matches what anyone can expect if they choose to follow my recommendation. Therefore, I can say in my opinion, it appeared that everyone visiting on the Saturday afternoon between 12pm-2pm was just as pleased as we were. Their service was equally as swift and as efficient as ours.

As noted, the Issho-Ni staff was incredibly attentive to fulfilling the ‘Bottomless Brunch’ concept in terms of drinks. And they were equally as enthusiastic about meeting this expectation with their food too.

Issho-Ni-Bottomless-Brunch-Review-London-Japanese-Restaurant — Maki Rolls

After quickly being seated, the process for how the offer works was clearly explained to us. We were able to have as many sharing plates as we wanted from the ‘Snacks and Sushi’ starters section of the menu and allowed one main course each. The main course had to be ordered at the start of our experience, which was set to last 90 minutes. And, just as scheduled, we were notified when our last top up happened.

Issho-Ni seems to have a solid operational process for delivering what they promise. However, they never crossed the line of appearing to be ‘militant’ in their affect and attitude. Every encounter was indeed friendly and bubbly. Our time there was enjoyable and the food was lovely.

Issho-Ni Bottomless Brunch Review- Food

Our Edamame, Chuka Seaweed, Kimchi and Wasabi Peas hit the table not long after we submitted our order. Additionally, the Sashimi and Maki Rolls arrive promptly.

My Sunny took the Edamame and Wasabi Peas for himself to enjoy, and I grabbed the Chuka Seaweed and Kimchi. We didn’t share because of our personal taste preferences. I actually have never had Kimchi before this, so I have nothing to offer in terms of a comparison. But, I thoroughly enjoyed my first time consuming this very popular and healthy dish.

The seaweed was simply divine. I could eat it several times a week, if given the opportunity.

We found the sashimi fresh and enjoyed all of the Maki Rolls. We had the chance to reorder, literally seconds after our sharing plate was empty. Mr Sunny and I opted for one row of the Salmon Avocado and one row of Prawn Tempura, even though we could have had two rows of each.

With all the flowing Prosecco and anticipation of the main courses, we wanted to make sure we weren’t wasteful. It proved to be a good move. We chose these two because we just aren’t huge vegetarian dish fans and I tend to avoid food with too much spice. Please know I’m a complete lightweight when it comes to flavours with a real kick, so there wasn’t anything wrong with the Spicy Salmon they gave us.

While Mr Sunny’s Chicken Katsu Curry wasn’t winning any ‘Most Photogenic Food’ awards, he felt it was utterly delicious. My Salmon Teriyaki was cooked perfectly and had excellent flavour. I wouldn’t change a thing with it and would happily have it again soon.

Issho-Ni Bottomless Brunch Review- Final Thoughts

I would be excited to return to Isshho-Ni, which means ‘together with’ in Japanese. Their Bottomless Brunch offer is £36 per person. You add another £17 to take advantage of the unlimited drinks element. We felt the Prosecco seemed to be what you would find in a supermarket for around £7 a bottle. It’s not what we would buy ourselves, but it makes perfect sense for a bottomless offer in terms of restaurant efficiency and price mark up to maintain profit. We felt the overall price of Issho-Ni Bottomless Brunch is fair, even though ours was gifted.

We arrived right around when they opened at 12pm. There were three other tables seated at the time. However, just like the flow of the Prosecco, the other tables filled quickly around us. Should you choose to pop in for the Issho-Ni Bottomless Brunch experience, you would be smart to book a table in advance.

The crowd demographics was a nice mix of girlfriends having a Saturday brunch catch up and couples like us. I don’t think this is the place you should pick for a family get together with young children or babies. But, you probably already sussed that if you had common sense about what a ‘Bottomless Brunch’ involves.

We recommend the Issho-Ni Bottomless Brunch experience without a doubt! If you go, let us know your thoughts below. If you have other brunch recommendations around London- add those too!

August 28, 2021 by: Sunny London

La Lluna Spanish Tapas Whetsone Review London

Why is this the trickiest restaurant review I have ever written for you? It’s not because Mr Sunny and I had a bad evening at La Lluna Spanish Tapas restaurant in Whetstone, London. Because that’s hardly the case.

In fact- it’s quite the opposite. The evening was really very exciting. And our food was fantastic.

I’m a little nervous about writing a review for the Whetstone restaurant because we literally were the first official customers to walk through the door! We’ve never had that opportunity in our seven years of blogging (yes, Sunny in London turns seven years old in the autumn!)

The blog has given us opportunities to eat at food trucks to restaurants with Michelin stars- but never was the honour more impressive than being the FIRST paying diners to hit the seats of a new venue. So, I guess the best question is- can you really judge a restaurant on its opening night?

I will humbly try and look forward to your feedback.

La Lluna Spanish Tapas Whetstone Review- The Location

Pre-Covid it looked like Pizza Express was closing its doors in Whetstone. And all through lockdown we were curious what would next occupy the space. Mr Sunny was ecstatic the day he discovered that a Spanish Tapas restaurant was hitting our high street. One of our favourite trips was our Fly Drive to Spain with British Airways. Our stay at the Sercotel Villa De LaGuardia Spa and Hotel was flawless and our time in the world’s food capital San Sebastián was equally as fantastic.

With the addition of several food venues on the Whetstone high street since the start of 2021, there is certainly competition for customers’ attention, especially for those with an international palette. At the time of this post, there are plenty of coffee shops to choose from and several Italian and Indian restaurants. The French Market was perhaps one of our favourite new foodie shops introduced this year. We are literally there at least once a week for wine, cheese and croissants.

However, of all the new places, I am most intrigued by the amount of space available within La Lluna and what the owner has done with it. It’s especially impressive in times of socially distanced dining.

Since I indicated I was a food blogger fairly early upon our arrival, I was treated to a special, exclusive tour of La Lluna.

La-Lluna-Spanish-Tapas-Whetstone-London-Review

This is the view from our table, which was located next to the ground floor window. Although we were given the opportunity to choose wherever we wanted to sit, it made sense that they encourage us to be by the window so it would look like La Lluna was already buzzing as soon as its doors opened on Day 1.

There are so many rooms throughout the restaurant. I think it’s quickly going to be a popular place for birthdays, anniversaries and other special celebrations. Al Fresco and Cocorico- be advised!

And the outdoor area is really stunning. I published a quick video on my Instagram reels to show off many of the different places to eat within La Lluna. The outside tables looked particularly fun and already had the space heaters ready to go for those who aren’t counting on flamenco dancing to keep them warm in the winter.

La Lluna Spanish Tapas Whetstone Review- The Food

This is probably the part you’ve been waiting to read about in the restaurant review- so let’s show you some of what we enjoyed.

Swiftly after sitting in my chair when my restaurant tour was complete, I had a glass of the Altún Crianza 2017, Tempranillo swirling in my hand. We ordered the bottle and it had the oak, elegant and leathery long finish as promised on the menu. Again, the initial taste and pour are on my Reels.

Above, you can see the Young Manchego, which was my pick from the Charcuteria menu. It was nice, but in comparison to what I have had in Rioja, the quince jelly was substantial. There was also a generous splash of oil that might be too such for some people. However, my Italian blood bonded well with this part of the dish.

Mr Sunny chose the Gambas Al Ajillo and Chipirones on the Tapas De Pascado menu and liked them both.

My delight was the Arroz Negro. Now, if you are neither familiar with nor a fan of squid ink, you might not think the picture below is appetising. But, by the end of our meal, this black ink risotto with squid, parmesan and ali oli was my top choice. However, I have been eating food flavoured and coloured with squid ink since I was in my teens. It’s not a staple of Florida cuisine, it just happens to be a dish that has landed on many menus I’ve encountered.

Here it goes…

What do you think?

I had several short videos of it ready to put on my social media accounts, but I just didn’t want to take the chance of putting anyone off. The squid ink undeniably gives it a greater visual appeal than just bland beige rice shaped pasta. But… I’ve traditionally had it with linguine. There is something about the rice shape that I’m not sure works with the black colour.

Regardless, if you get past colour and texture- you could love eating the Arroz Negro as much as I do. My thoughts are there is smoked mozzarella incorporated in it too. That’s not one of my preferred flavours, but it really works with this dish.

Mr Sunny’s favourite was the Croquetas De Jamón Serrano. They were lovely and crispy on the outside and warm and soft on the inside. If you’re desperate to see a photo, let me know. But, since they aren’t the most photogenic of foods, I’m leaving them out. Instead, I will share a shot of the Bombas below.

These deep-fried potato balls filled with beef mince, onion, garlic chilli and fresh herbs served with ali oli and brava sauce are home runs. If you aren’t familiar with baseball, I will translate the analogy quickly to- a huge score.

I picked the metaphoric language intentionally because we felt they were the size of baseballs. Aside from being quite good, they really exceeded our expectations due to their obvious gigantic size. Again, I can only reflect on my Italian heritage and compare them to the size of meatballs. So, this is why the big disco ball looking ‘bombs’ are so striking to me.

If you are more familiar with regional Spanish cuisine or have made these yourself, maybe you can help me understand if La Lluna is just really kind with their serving size or if these are the traditional ball dimensions?

Also as part of my Spanish Tapas experience, I had the Tortilla De Jamón Serrano. I fell in love with this when in Bilbao, and this one did not disappoint.

Finally, we had Montaditos con Salchichon Ibérico mixed in with all of these. It was nice but I don’t think it stood a big chance of being a star against all the other food we ordered. There’s really only so much you can do with salami and bread in terms of presentation and taste.

La Lluna Spanish Tapas Whetstone Review- The Service

This is the category that drove me to write a restaurant review for La Lluna the most. Mr Sunny and I mostly popped in because we were curious and hopeful. However, we felt we should be cautious with judgement due to it being the grand opening.

It didn’t take long for us to shake these inhibitions. There was an abundance of staff eager to help, do a great job and provide memorable service. Everyone we encountered knew the menu well and our food arrived very quickly.

Stereotypically, one would expect a restaurant’s opening night to be a bit chaotic. Had there not been the obvious fiesta energy due to the high of opening the doors, you would not have known that it was the first official night of business. Everything operated smoothly.

Mr Sunny had researched the restaurant prior to us going and informed me that the Muswell Hill location does quite well. They’ve obviously incorporated their system and staff in to the new location so the second restaurant maintains La Lluna’s stellar reputation in Whetstone.

La Lluna Spanish Tapas Whetstone Review- Final Thoughts

We’ll definitely be excited to return to La Lluna Spanish Tapas in Whetstone. The menu has many items that we want to explore. In fact, we were a bit too ambitious on our first visit and really struggled to finish everything. In hindsight, we probably could’ve been just as satisfied ordering 2 tapas each and will remember that in the future.

In terms of pricing, La Lluna is very reasonable, especially given how hard it has been for restaurants to source ingredients and even stay open recently.

I hope it does well, since it offers lovely variety to the Whetstone high street’s culinary options.

So, is it fair to judge a restaurant on opening weekend? Let me know your experience and what you think in the comments below.

June 8, 2019 by: Sunny London

Carluccio’s Covent Garden, London Review

If you’re out and about exploring London in the Spring sunshine, it’s tough to miss Carluccio’s Covent Garden location on Garrick Street. If the weather is nice, you will find every outside table is full with people enjoying colourful cocktails.

But did you know the food inside is just as vibrant? The Summer Menu brings the seasonal flavours of the Mediterranean to the menu.

Recently, we enjoyed an opportunity to experience the new menu. If you are living in London or visiting London and want to learn more about our restaurant recommendations you can download our Local’s Pocket Restaurant Guide for free below.

carluccios-covent-garden-restaurant-review-summer-menu

Carluccio’s Covent Garden London Review- The Food

Mr. Sunny chose the Grandioso Sharing Board above, which he enjoyed. I had a few slices of Mortedella and it brought back lovely memories of our trip to Bologna in February. For my Starter, I chose the Burrata e Frittedda and loved it! As our server explained when I asked his opinion, Burrata just has a natural edge against a traditional Caprese salad. Face it- the Caprese Salad is everywhere. Burrata is bellisima! And this dish which features whole creamy burrata cheese from Puglia with marinated artichoke, soya beans, peas, spring onion and mint, finished with lemon dressing has a gorgeous combination of flavour and texture.

However, to be really honest, our favourite food of the evening is Carluccio’s balsamic vinegar. When we were in Bologna, we went to Eataly and spent time choosing several Modena balsamic vinegars as souvenirs from our trip. After all, we are foodie travellers!

During our dinner at Carluccio’s, we actually felt that in comparison, our winner in taste when it comes to balsamic vinegar is what this restaurant chain sells.

The new menu’s stand-out dishes include their new Langoustine Fettucce pasta with mussels and cherry tomatoes in a white wine, tomato and chilli sauce topped with pistachios and the Swordfish Muddica steak in herb and parmesan breadcrumbs with courgette, rocket and Parmigiano Reggiano. Mr Sunny had the Swordfish and enjoyed it.

I ordered the Lamb Gremolata. To be fair, this one was a disappointment. When they brought it to me, we felt it was very overcooked. Our server promptly recognised this and in not long at all returned with another Lamb Gremolata.

Finally, our desserts from the menu really lived up to the refreshing flavours we anticipated. Mr Sunny feasted on the Strawberry Cheesecake Coppa, which is vanilla and strawberry ice cream, fresh strawberries, strawberry coulis, meringue, ricotta-yoghurt and flaked almonds. I loved the Torta di Cioccolata. The flourless cake ended far too soon for me. I will likely dream about it for many summer nights.

Another refreshing ice cream on the menu is the Limoncello Coppa, with vanilla ice cream, candied lemon peel topped with limoncello syrup and amaretti biscuits.

Free Pocket Guide to London Restaurants

Subscribe to the Sunny in London weekly email and immediately get the ‘Local’s Pocket Restaurant Guide to London.’ It’s the ultimate free travel accessory for your London trip. The Guide has top recommended restaurants from a local, organised by neighbourhood. With it you can easily find a place to eat when you’re on a London street. Downloading the file to your phone means skipping Wi-fi and finding a fab foodie place- fast!

As part of the welcome, you will also receive several other free downloads that will guide you through trip planning, plus a weekly edition of the hottest happenings in London.

Carluccio’s Covent Garden- Masterclass

On 17th and 18th June, Campari’s brand ambassador, Paolo Tonellotto, will be sharing his tips on how to make the perfect Negroni at the Carluccio’s Covent Garden location on Garrick Street. Each 90-minute session costs £20 and includes two Negroni and antipasti and takes place at 18.30 and 20.30 on each evening.

In addition, visit any Carluccio’s across the country where three limited edition summer Negroni await – Negroni al Limone, a concoction of Campari, Cinzano 1757 Red Vermouth, and Malfy Gin (£8.50); Strawberry Negroni with Campari, Cinzano 1757 Red Vermouth, strawberry infused Pampero White Rum and strawberry purée (£8.75); or the Negroni Sbagliato with Campari, Cinzano 1757 Red Vermouth, and Prosecco (£8.75).

Carluccio’s – Hampers

Did you know Carluccio’s offers hand-picked hampers, filled with artisan Italian products from the deli?

Options include a small hamper (£23.95 and available to pick up from your local Carluccio’s deli) with fresh Pappardelle Pasta, meaty venison Ragu di Cervo and wild boar Ragu di Cinghiale sauces, and a bottle of Umani Ronchi Babylon Rosso red wine to finish. Also included is a Carluccio’s meat, poultry and game book packed full of Antonio Carluccio’s recipes that harness Italy’s variety of cuts and specialties.

Our experience was complimentary but this does not influence our ability to provide an honest review. Mr Sunny has purchased the balsamic vinegar many times from Carluccio’s in the past and stands by his opinion!

December 2, 2018 by: Sunny London

Hind’s Head Bray Review- Visiting England’s Food Capital

Can you believe I said no to trying the Christmas menu at Hind’s Head Bray when I first received the invitation to review it?

Who in her right mind calls herself a ‘foodie traveller’ and declines a complimentary experience at one of Heston Blumenthal’s Michelin starred restaurants?

Apparently… me!

Hind’s Head Bray Review- The Invitation

When reviewing the itinerary I received for a press trip to Windsor, I saw our lunch was at the pub Hind’s Head Bray. All pub related videos and stories do well on the Sunny News YouTube channel and website, so it was cool until I used Google Maps to see how far the Hind’s Head Bray was from our hotel.

5 miles!

Not a big deal if you have a car, but for our weekend in Windsor, Mr Sunny and I were taking the train from London because it’s easy. I emailed the tourism board and suggested perhaps an afternoon tea at the hotel was smarter because Americans visiting Windsor likely wouldn’t have cars available to them either to make a trip to Bray for a pub meal. So the story would not be meaningful to this large portion of my audience.

When Mr Sunny found out what I had done, he responded, ‘Big mistake. Huge.’

‘If Americans knew about Bray and what it offers for a culinary experience, they damn sure would figure out a car or Uber!’ he exclaimed.

What was unknown to me is this small village holds more Michelin stars in one condensed area than any in the world. Ok- that might be a little exaggeration, but that was Mr Sunny and his father’s response to me.

I felt like a total idiot. I made it my mission to educate Americans interested in food travel about the village of Bray.

Luckily, I was working with an A* PR professional who was gracious and forgiving with my grovelling email requesting to gain back the invitation.

Talk about having your tail between your hind! 😉

Hind’s Head Bray Review- Research

Once I discovered we still could have the opportunity, I started proper research beyond an address. In the video below, you can learn about all the awards and recognition the Hind’s Head Bray has received. I also list some royals who have visited and other interesting stories about the pub that has been around since the 15th century.

Hind’s Head Bray Review- Our Experience

From the moment we entered, we felt the gravity of how serious the Hind’s Head Bray treats the food experience.

While in the winter this pub has a cosy atmosphere and offers traditional English pub food with Heston Blumenthal’s creative, popular twist, it is NOT relaxed about its focus on an exquisite food experience.

First, we were taken to the upstairs area for cocktails and quavers.

They were beetroot and chicken flavoured. As you can see, the presentation was no after thought. The quavers not only made a striking impression when we saw them but also had strong flavour.

Several people introduced themselves, including the manager, who is a brilliant, friendly individual. Then, we were taken to our table on the ground floor to begin the food adventure designed by Heston Blumenthal.

Our starters from the A la Carte Christmas Menu were the Venison Carpaccio and the Chestnut Veloute.

Mind blowing! The portion sizes were small but packed with rich punch. Although, we both could have eaten more of them, we were careful not to become too full and potentially ruin the ability to enjoy upcoming courses.

For main courses we chose the Roast Turkey and Hereford Prime Grilled Ribeye.

Our Australian server warned us that it was the best steak she had ever eaten. If you know anything Australians, they take steak seriously!

Everything was cooked to perfection. I have never had turkey that was so juicy. In fact, Americans tend to overcook it regularly, even though you would think since it’s the main dish at Thanksgiving we would have had enough practice getting the damn bird right!

Finally, the dessert arrived.

The millionaire shortbread (called the ‘Chocolate Wine’ on the menu was indeed fit for a millionaire’s taste. Mr Sunny also spoke highly of the Cherry Bakewell Tart.

Hind’s Head Bray Review- Final Thoughts

The numerous recognitions the pub has received are fully warranted. If you are a foodie traveller and spending time in Windsor, it would be a huge mistake not to make time for exploring the culinary opportunities in Bray.

Also in my research I learned about Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck, which is just across from the Hind’s Head Bray. It holds three Michelin stars and as you can imagine also has an impeccable reputation for food.

I am grateful that my English husband and father in law were able to help me avoid making a huge mistake out of ignorance. Hopefully, I can do the same right now for you.

To see a current list of what you can enjoy at The Hind’s Head Bray, be sure to visit their website. Or follow them on Instagram to be teased every day with delicious dishes!

Do you have any embarrassing foodie stories like this one to share? Leave your ideas in the comments below.

October 18, 2018 by: Sunny London

Dirty Bones Restaurant in Soho- Instagram Kit

Have you seen the Instagram for Dirty Bones restaurant? If one of their shots of the Mac Daddy burger doesn’t make you drool, there is something seriously wrong with you. And now that I have finally eaten one, I can tell you it IS as good as it looks, Sunny friends. A picture of this bad boy was definitely Instagrammable.

Recently I was invited to write a story on secret things to do in Soho. This opportunity was exciting because Covent Garden (an adjacent neighbourhood for my non-London readers who don’t know the city that well) was the first place I ever lived in London. Walking through Soho every day gave me great knowledge of its many small streets. It also has a highly condensed population of restaurants that I have enjoyed through the years too.

Something that had been on my radar for new things to try in Soho was the alleged ‘Instagram Kit’ that Dirty Burger restaurant advertised as making available to customers.

Oddly enough, when I arrived at the restaurant a little before my table for two bookings a few weeks ago, the employee at the door had not heard of it either. He quickly sat me at my table and then disappeared for a few minutes. I assume he was searching for the Instagram Kit that I had told him I sure excited. In fact, when I had called to book my table, I made sure to ask if they still had it and if I had the right Dirty Bones restaurant.

My friend who always enjoys a dinner experience through the eyes of a blogger wasn’t set to arrive for another 15 minutes. As I sipped on my wine, I wondered if it would really be as fun of a dinner as I had indicated to her when extending the invite. If they couldn’t find the Instagram Kit, the burgers alone might not live up to the picturesque legend shown on Instagram.

Suddenly, the employee appeared with the ray of light. Take a look.

Ok, I get it. It’s really just a battery pack and small light stand. But, anyone who has ever had Instagram envy over someone else’s pictures (that is all of us isn’t it???) would understand why this kit is really taking foodporn to the next level.

Once setting up the Instagram Kit on my table, I was now really eager for my friend to arrive for our long over due catch up dinner with a flashy new toy.

We ordered Starters and chatted during the time it took them to arrive. I was a bit cheeky (or some would say very American) and ordered Mac Balls AND the Mac Daddy burger. It was one of those ‘when in Rome’ moments I guess because I felt if I was in a burger joint I should just go all out American and absorb as much home cooking as possible! The Mac Balls did not disappoint.

She stayed green and picked the Padron Peppers. I didn’t try any and took her word for it that they are delicious. Not long after, our burgers arrived.

She kept it simple and went with The Classic. And, when you’re ready, prepare to gain a few pounds just looking at my Mac Daddy burger.

Both shots, as well as the Starters, were actually taken with my old iPhone 6. Even though I had my new Canon camera, it just seemed easier to use a phone since the Instagram Kit worked so well in the low lighting of the restaurant.

Dirty Bones Restaurant Soho Instagram Kit: Final Thoughts

After using the kit and knowing how much Instagram matters to bloggers and pretty much everyone, I can’t understand why more restaurants don’t provide kits for customers. Ok, maybe if I was eating food at a Michelin starred restaurant I would be put off by a light sitting on someone’s table next to me. However, think about the fantastic presentation the chefs do for these meals. Isn’t it an injustice not to show off their work to all your followers?

Let me know what you think of the idea of an Instagram kit being provided by restaurants in the comments below, Sunny friends. It certainly made a difference for my experience as a food blogger!

August 8, 2018 by: Sunny London

Bar and Block London Restaurant Review- King’s Cross

Mr Sunny and I eagerly anticipated the new menu items at Bar and Block London Steakhouse, since it is somewhere we have never been together. Specifically, I could not wait to try the Deconstructed Beef Wellington. The dish is one of my favourites, and this one certainly made me curious.

Bar and Block London: Food

The menu in general is reasonable. Starters range from £4.95-£6.95. It is recommended that two people share three plates between them, so this is exactly what we did. The portion size was perfect. I feel that many times Starters are so overwhelming that it takes away from the ability to enjoy a Main Course.

Together, we shared the Tandoori Chicken Wings Crispy tandoori spiced chicken wings cooked over charcoal and topped coriander, Atlantic Scallops cooked over charcoal in garlic butter and chorizo, topped with samphire, and the Pulled Beef Croquettes filled with pulled beef marinated in a rich port, black treacle and bone marrow sauce, served with lemon & garlic mayo and topped with parsley. The last two are new items and the final one was definitely my favourite!

For his Main Course, Mr Sunny had the Spiral Cut Filet 10oz. It’s billed as ‘a unique dish created by spiral cutting the fillet and marinated it in garlic and parsley for 24 hours for tenderness and flavour.’ Mr Sunny felt it was good, but for £25.50, he had hoped for something a bit more moving.

The Deconstructed Beef Wellington features a 10oz sliced fillet served on layers of puff pastry filled with garlic spinach and creamy truffle flavoured mushrooms, served with a rich Malbec sauce. The beef was divine, but I found the pastry really difficult to cut through and this took away from the overall impact of the dish. It is priced at £28.95.

After we finished our Main Courses, our server recommended the Chocolate Churros Sundae which is churros coated in cinnamon sugar, served with vanilla ice cream, salted caramel ice cream, brownie chunks, cream and chocolate toffee sauce. While it wasn’t nearly as Instagram worthy as my Candy Floss Martini that began our evening, it sure had a sweet flavour and texture to it. I was a little sorry I had opted to share it with Mr Sunny.

Bar and Block London: Atmosphere

When we arrived to the restaurant it was virtually empty. However, this was at 6pm on a Tuesday evening in this summer’s scorching temperatures. Most people seemed to still be at the pubs around the corner enjoying some after work drinks with colleagues. My guess is that they do not know about the Happy Hour drink specials at Bar and Block London Steakhouse.

Through the two hours we spent enjoying our meal, the restaurant gathered a strong crowd and nearly every table was full by the time we departed. It seemed to be a mix of people who work in the King’s Cross area, travellers and local Londoners.

Bar and Block London: Location

The location of the restaurant is perfect for those who are travelling through London via King’s Cross and want a nice, juicy steak for dinner. Although, they seem to offer a good brunch menu too.

Another aspect I liked about the restaurant is it offers nice space between tables. Often in big cities restaurants push tables so close together that it takes away from one’s ability to enjoy the food because of the feeling of smashing elbows or chairs with the other customers near the table. Bar and Block offers ample space around the restaurant. Further, the open kitchen makes it enjoyable to see the dishes being prepared and served straight from the grill to the plate.

Bar and Block London: Final Thoughts

Our server was excellent and suggested a fantastic wine with our food. The location was buzzing on a week night. However, we felt the size of the butcher’s block on which they serve the Main Courses actually minimised the look of the food and made it seem a little sparse. This of course was just aesthetic because we struggled to finish all of our food. I would be very interested in returning to try their brunch specials. And certainly the Fizz Friday, at which they offer a bottle of Prosecco for £18 sounds like a great deal!

For those who follow me on Instagram, you saw the Boomerang of this cocktail below coming together on my Instastories. It certainly is a fun way to start an evening and dazzle your followers on social media at the same time!

July 27, 2018 by: Sunny London

Porky’s BBQ West Hampstead London Review

If you are living as an expat, what cuisine do you miss the most from your home? As an American living in London, I have learned that the idea of BBQ is one of the highlights of US cuisine. While growing up in America, I didn’t appreciate it the way I do now. So, when I heard a Porky’s BBQ was opening in West Hampstead, I was quick to check it out.

If you remember, back in the Autumn I reviewed the Porky’s BBQ in Bankside. Mr Sunny and I had a significant meat fest that day. He ordered a meat platter that he struggled to finish because of its massive size, and I had a Porky’s BBQ (pulled pork sandwich). Oh, and let’s not forget that glorious Macaroni and Cheese, which is one of my top 5 favourite dishes from an American menu!

Porky’s BBQ West Hampstead: Food

It was tough not to get the same selection that I had on the Bankside menu. I thought it would be kind of silly to order the exact same things in both locations. So, this time I opted to combine some of the highlights and ordered the ‘MacPorky’. This is pulled pork, mac and cheese and bacon. Could it really get any more sinful, Sunny friends? Take a juicy look at the photo above and don’t spend too long trying to count the calories.

But, perhaps I jumped ahead to fast because of my affinity with the both the burger and classic macaroni and cheese? Let’s go back to the Starters.

First, I enjoyed the Pulled Pork Croquettes, which are breaded pulled pork, potato, and spices that are fried and served with honey mustard bbq sauce. Mr Sunny had the BBQ wings, which are smoky chicken wings tossed in a sticky bbq sauce with green onions, sesame and chilli. For his Main, Mr Sunny couldn’t resist the Rack of Baby Back Ribs.

Porky’s BBQ West Hampstead: Ambiance

Located right on West End Lane, Porky’s is a quick walk from West Hampstead Overground station, as well as underground. We arrived around 5:15pm and could choose nearly any table we wanted. Over the hour we visited, several tables were taken but there still seemed like plenty of room available for those in the mood for American BBQ on a sunny day in July.

Outside featured several tables too.

The location is open and airy, and it is decorated with American nostalgia much like the Bankside restaurant we visited. It officially opened in the end of June/early July 2018 and like any new location, it seems they are still working on some operational aspects. I encourage you to watch their success and take time to read their reviews on TripAdvisor.

I was surprised that you couldn’t smell the flavours of BBQ seeping from the restaurant, as is often a feature of these types of locations. It would be a great marketing tool for them to explore.

Porky’s BBQ West Hampstead: Prices

Prior to beginning our food review that we were invited to do at Porky’s, Mr Sunny and I stopped at a West End Lane pub for one round of drinks. For £15 we had a large red wine and pint of beer. When returning from the bar with our drinks, Mr Sunny joked that he had ‘forgotten about the West Hampstead prices for a round.’

Refreshingly, the prices on the Porky’s BBQ menu seem to be very fair. It’s a quick and easy place to eat for those who want a taste of American BBQ, without going through the trouble of smoking or grilling it themselves.

July 24, 2018 by: Sunny London

Smiths of Smithfield Farringdon Review

Where should you be able to count on getting a great steak in London? Mr Sunny and I confidently threw our dice on Smiths of Smithfield in Farringdon. Can you guess why?

Those familiar with Farringdon probably know that the newly refurbished Young’s pub is directly across from ‘Smithfield Market’, which is formally named the London Central Market. It’s the largest wholesale meat market in the UK and one of the largest of its kind in Europe. I could write a whole blog post on it alone, and likely will in the near future.

However, you might not know how much Smiths of Smithfield offers inside. Besides delicious steak, of course!

Smiths of Smithfield: Food

Foremost, everything we had is of excellent quality. For Starters, we had the Devon crab and Markham Farm asparagus salad, citrus dressing and the Seared Cornish scallops, smashed new season peas, smoked bacon loin crumb and lobster sauce.

These were on The Grill menu, even though we were seated in the Cafe and Bar, which is the ground floor.

For our Mains, I devoured the ‘SMITHS’ Burger, cheese, ale onions, shredded lettuce, ketchup, mayo, pickles and fries. Mr Sunny had the 16oz 28 day aged Scotch bone in ribeye. He graciously let me try a piece.

I write graciously because after I tasted it, I have to admit I wouldn’t blame him for wanting every last bite to himself. The flavour was incredible and it was cooked to perfection. You would like to assume that would be the case when you order a steak across the street from London’s most popular meat market.

We are happy to report that both meat selections were excellent. The real shocker came at the end…

That’s the Sticky Toffee Pudding. It’s something I order when I really want to splurge. This one is no joke. In fact, it was the highlight of my evening. When we commented about how we were really caught off guard by a dessert being so melt in your mouth amazing ‘at a steak joint’, the manager indicated that’s a common reaction from those that order it.

Mr Sunny had the Snickers cheesecake. And while there wasn’t anything wrong with it, the dish can’t compare to what was on my plate!

Smiths of Smithfield: Ambience

The ground floor offers an all-day dining room and bar. They serve breakfast and apparently the brunches are a smashing success. The manager, Jonathan, indicated it is best to book in advance if you are planning brunch at Smiths of Smithfield on a weekend. He indicated the place is packed with both locals and tourists.

Another surprising selling point to this Young’s pub is the change in ambience from level to level. We had a quick tour at the end of our meal and loved what each floor offers.

The Grill reflects the butchery heritage of its Smithfield location. I took a picture of a refrigerator filled with meat ready to be prepared for customers, but I didn’t think blog readers would salivate like we did over raw meat hanging. It is just an in person kind of pleasure trigger, I think.

No 3’s terrace is a half bar, half dining location. When I saw it, I was really jealous of the people enjoying their food and drinks there. The view, especially during the golden hour of the evening, is stunning and not the ‘typical London skyline’ shot you anticipate when a person says a place has a great view.

Smiths of Smithfield: Service

As I have often written, when you are receiving a complimentary meal and the staff knows in advance that you are there for the purpose of a review, speculation on how true the experience is can be called in to question.

This actually was the first time that blogging about a location may have actually caused problems with my service. Don’t panic- nothing ‘bad happened.’ But, there was some confusion with my arrival that made our evening different.

My schedule allowed me to arrive an hour prior to the booked table. Rather than stop somewhere else for a drink and wait for Mr Sunny to finish work like I usually do, I decided to hit Smiths of Smithfield early and be a paying patron at their venue.

I indicated to the greeter at the door that I was early for a review and hoped to enjoy a glass of wine on my own, prior to starting the review. However, rather than unload all my camera gear at a table and then relocate when Mr Sunny arrived, I chose to sit at our actual table.

The server assigned to that area seemed a bit perplexed as to what was happening, because each time he asked if he could get me any food, I indicated I was there for a food review that started later and the wine was a separate bill. He also indicated a bit later that he was new to the venue. Other than this small comedy of errors in which the staff could not separate my casual drink from the start of the formal review, the evening went without a hitch.

Timing for all courses was excellent, and everyone was informative and friendly. The true test of the success of this Young’s venue was during our tour of the other levels.

They were packed!

Smiths of Smithfield: Final Thoughts

I am intrigued by the brunch offer at Smiths. Mr Sunny is salivating on the chance to eat at No. 3 Restaurant and Terrace because he mistakenly read its menu and had already decided his course for it before our food review!

You really want to keep an eye on the events coming up at Smiths of Smithfield, especially in the Autumn. That would be my suggestion for you too, if you don’t want to miss their exciting news!

Now, I’m curious how many of you have ventured to the London Central Market in the very early hours of the day? Mr Sunny has gone many times but it is something I have not done yet. What suggestions do you have for me or what questions can he try to answer for you about the location?

June 16, 2018 by: Sunny London

P.F. Chang’s Asian Table Review- Covent Garden London

American fans of P.F. Chang’s, you’ll be excited to know that there’s a new hotspot in London just for you, and that is P.F. Chang’s Asian Table. Although I am quite familiar with the Asian restaurant which first opened in Scottsdale, Arizona, I have never been to a location while living in America or visiting.

If you are like Mr. Sunny (my London born husband), you might not know the restaurant chain. It was founded on the concept of making food from scratch every day in every restaurant. P.F. Chang’s is the first multi-unit restaurant concept in the U.S. to honor and celebrate the 2,000-year-old tradition of wok cooking as the center of the guest experience. It’s first location opened in 1993.

P.F. Chang’s Asian Table- Location and Ambience

It’s no secret that Covent Garden is my favourite neighbourhood in London. So, of course, when an American based chain opens in the area, I’m all over it. P.F. Chang’s Asian Table is inches from the Leicester Square Underground Station. This means you are positioned extremely well for London’s Theatre District, if you would like to plan a meal in between your tickets for the two Harry Potter and the Cursed Child shows.

It’s intent is to bring an L.A. loft bar vibe to Covent Garden. Having been to Hollywood many times, I definitely feel P.F. Chang’s Asian Table hits the target here. However, the dark atmosphere is a bit tricky for food bloggers because it presents a real low-light challenge for capturing that perfect image to make your Instafans drool with you.

P.F. Chang’s Asian Table- Food

We started with the Boseong Cooler and Luck + Fortune cocktails. Our server recommended the Handmade Lobster & Shrimp Spring Roll. We also enjoyed the Dragon Roll. Both were great, in fact, the lightly coated tempura in the Dragon Roll made this option extra delicious.

Next, I had the Mongolian Beef and Mr Sunny had Chang’s Chicken, which was again a recommendation from our server. Both were good and very filling.

However, the real highlight hit the table when we had desserts. At first, we did not think ordering two would be smart because our previous food, cocktails and wine surely felt like enough. But, since we were invited to do a food review for the restaurant, we felt we should experience the full range of what is offered in one meal. And let’s face it, dessert menus are tough to turn down!

Sunny friends, the White Chocolate Bomb is a real jaw dropper. It is white chocolate filled with honeycomb, cocoa nibs, popping candy, chocolate soil, hazelnuts and creamy hazelnut ice cream. Your server will pour a bomb melting toffee sauce on top and you will have about 10 seconds to watch it melt in front of you. You lucky friends who catch the sunny rays on my Instastories saw a video of the explosion.

Equally as yummy is the Pina Colada Cheesecake. Although Mr Sunny enjoyed it and recommends it, the clear winner on the pastry menu is the White Chocolate Bomb.

P.F. Chang’s Asian Table- Quality and Final Thoughts

We felt the prices for the restaurant in Central London to be very reasonable, given it is billed to be ‘casual yet elegantly playful.’ Placed just a few streets away from Chinatown means competition from smaller, independently owned Chinese food venues. Therefore, it might be more appealing to Americans already familiar with the hugely popular brand in the United States. Londoners who have already professed loyalty to a hidden, off the beaten path hideaway in Chinatown might not venture across Charing Cross Road when their Asian cravings hit. However, P.F. Chang’s Asian Table in Covent Garden seems to offer the space and social scene (due to its mixologist and his creations) that would be hard to find in a smaller venue in Chinatown.

To see more about special offers, weekend brunch, and more go to the full menu on P.F. Chang’s Asian Table website.

How many Sunny friends have visited P.F. Chang’s in America? What was your experience?