RESTAURANT REVIEW

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.

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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.

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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. To book, you can visit www.carluccios.com.

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. I have been trying to up my insta game recently by putting a link in my bio to all my information and platforms. If you would like to add link in bio too then you will find assistance online.

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. What? You haven’t heard about it?

Oddly enough, when I arrived at the restaurant a little before my table for two booking 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 was sure existed. 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 damn good 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. I follow them on Instagram and Twitter. 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?

April 22, 2018 by: Sunny London

Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane Review- London

Spring in London is truly glorious. The temperatures rise. The sun stays out longer. Cherry blossoms bloom. And then there’s my favourite thing to see… Spring menus bursting on to the food scene!

Mr. Sunny and I selected Brasserie Blanc this year for our first official Spring restaurant experience for some very sentimental reasons. The loss of his mum earlier this year slowed down regular publications on Sunny in London. As you can appreciate, life changed for us quite a bit and we needed time to adjust.

But we decided as winter shed its final flakes (we hope), that we would start heating things up again on the blog. The press release for Brasserie Blanc’s new menu in my inbox ignited the relaunch. And this is why…

We love French food. And, my mother in law did too. After reading through the new menu together, our overall impression was strong. Raymond Blanc’s concept of joining a collection of dishes inspired by his travels is enticing, especially when it’s such a popular time of year to energize and begin new adventures. So, the menu also captured our feelings of moving forward with a bit of vibrancy.

However, we both were targeting the same dish to have when we walked in to Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane location on a very hot evening in mid-April.

Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane- The Food

That’s the Malabar Fish Curry with Toasted Coconut. And, I won the draw to have it as my Main Course. It is roast hake with aromatic spices and coconut milk, grilled king prawn, shallot crisps and coconut rice. I can attest to the fact that it is divine!

Backing up a bit in my food journey, I started with the Mediterranean Fish Soup. This was an odd selection for me because I never order soup and rarely eat it at home. Further, the near 90° Fahrenheit temperature outside certainly wasn’t beckoning me to the dish. But, again the ingredients sounded so scrumptious.

I loved it. And, adding the final touches of cheese, croutons, etc myself was a little fun too. The soup is rich with balanced flavour and the texture is silky smooth.

Mr. Sunny or his mother would never pass up Escargot on a menu. It’s their favourite. Well, that’s if Buffalo Wings aren’t on the menu, because Mr Sunny is an avid wingman. However, it would be rare to see a restaurant feature both on a menu because they are cuisine worlds away!

He enjoyed them and followed the Starter with his other French fav- Moules Frites!

While he indicated his preference for mussels is slightly different from how the chef served them, he said the dish was thoroughly enjoyable. He felt both his courses would have been real winners with his mum too.

For our final selection, we decided to share one chocolate fondant, one of the evening’s specials, because our first and second courses were so filling. Sharing food (especially dessert) is not something for which I am known. 😉

Initially, I was disappointed at the small size when it hit the table. However, after a delicious few bites, each of us felt that only ordering one was indeed the correct thing to do. They had warned us that it was a chocolate lover’s feast, and they were exactly right!

Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane- Service

It is rare that service during a blog review goes wrong. So, I try to look for signs that would be consistent regardless of the circumstance so readers trust my recommendations. We had the chance to talk to many staff members while at Brasserie Blanc. Their communication with one another and system for managing each table was solid.

Further, each person offered extensive knowledge at various points. Our server, Christopher, knew the menu well and offered suggestions that worked to exceed our expectations. Also impressive was the Brouilly Domaine des Dames de la Roche that we enjoyed upon the suggestion of the manager. We were initially concerned that since all of our courses featured fish that we would be remiss by not having white wine. It was the perfect red wine pairing for a vibrant spring day.

Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane- Ambience

Mr. Sunny and I usually schedule our blog review dinners early because we find it easier for photographs and less distracting for other people dining in a restaurant. When we arrived at 6.15pm there weren’t many tables filled, and that was expected at such an early booking. As the evening progressed, Brasserie Blanc had a strong, steady crowd.

It seemed nearly all patrons entering were French. For a culture known for its passion and appreciation for fine food, seeing so many ‘natives’ at tables gave even more credit to my thoughts about our experience. Again, restaurants can put on their best face for a pre-arranged, complimentary blog dinner, but observing this type of clientele to me says there is consistency with Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane.

Finally, I also appreciated that the tables were fairly spaced apart and we weren’t crammed in to a small space elbowing other guests. However, ladies make sure you don’t have too much champagne or wine before you attempt the tight spiral staircase to the loo!

Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane- Final Thoughts

An additional point worth noting is that Brasserie Blanc has an extensive gluten free menu. Also, impressive is the new Sunday Lunch Menu.

They have many restaurants in London (Charlotte Street, Hammersmith Riverside, Southbank, Threadneedle Street and Tower of London). You can also find them in Bath, Leeds, Oxford, St Albans, Portsmouth and several other locations in England.

Our evening was a blend of past, present and future as when said a toast to my mother in law, enjoyed a spring revival for the blog and discussed our upcoming trip to Prague.

Brasserie Blanc is at the top of my suggestion list for Londoners and people who visit London that are seeking classic French cuisine with a fun flair and flavour.

November 15, 2017 by: Sunny London

Porky’s BBQ Review- Bankside London

What do you think of when someone says American food? Cheeseburgers? Barbecue? Large portion sizes? If those are images you have and they sound appetising to you, then a visit to Porky’s BBQ in London is something you might want on your list of places to eat.

Ironically, Mr. Sunny and I kicked off our Christmas celebrations with a trip to their Bankside location this year. We hit the restaurant at 1pm the day after the Southbank Wintertime Festival started. On the days leading up to our visit, we really were salivating on my iPad as we struggled with decisions about what to have while we reviewed the menu online.

I felt like I needed to order the ‘Big Ben Burger’ because Americans always flock to the clock and would probably want to read about the experience of ‘eating’ such an iconic item. And, in all honesty, I actually wanted to try the Quinoa and Feta Salad too. However, since I was invited to write a review, I thought it would be a bit cheeky to order a salad at a BBQ joint. Mr. Sunny loves ribs, burgers, wings, and all meaty types of things. So, he was torn between many different menu items. Ultimately, this is what we decided…

Porky’s BBQ Bankside- Food

For Starters, I couldn’t resist the Chilli ‘n’ Mac ‘n Cheese. Yep, I know I shouldn’t have gluten but since this is one of my all time favorite American dishes, I had to try it at Porky’s BBQ.

Hot damn it was good! If you caught my Instatories that day, you got to see my fork pulling out the first bite of the cheesy chilli dish.

Since I didn’t really feel like taking one for the tourist team, I chose the Porky Burger to have next. It is ginormous in terms of portion size. Each bite is a challenge because the burger is so big. I loved the flavors of all the ingredients but after several bites I realised that since my Starter was so heavy there was no chance of me finishing their signature burger. And, this is also one of the few times I could find no room for dessert.

Mr. Sunny had the Popcorn Chicken as a Starter and then attempted the BBQ Feast. We suspected it would be too much food for him and appreciate that our server brought us an empty platter for us to see prior to him committing to ordering it. But, perhaps this Half Rack Baby Back Ribs, 1/4 Chicken, Pulled Pork, Burnt Ends, Fries, House Slaw and Beans is best shared between two meat lovers, unless someone is training for Man vs Food 😉

Porky’s BBQ Bankside- Atmosphere

Despite the fact that the Southbank Wintertime Festival had started and it was also Remembrance Day, we found the restaurant to be spacious and quiet. My guess is that later in the evening it might not be as roomy. I can see the Beer Pong Tables attracted quite a big crowd at night.

Porky’s BBQ seems like a great location to meet a large party of colleagues, friends or even family. In fact, it seemed there was a 25th birthday celebration happening next to us with about 10 people at combined tables. Also, a very big party was just finished when we arrived.

Porky’s BBQ Bankside- Service

When we arrived, they weren’t really clear about our table being reserved and why. But they immediately put us at a great table when I indicated natural lighting would be ideal for photos in a review.

Our server seemed to know general information about the menu but not intricate details. However, as I mentioned above, it was smart for her to show us the actual plate that the BBQ Feast was served in when we asked if it might be way too much for one person to eat with a starter.

Our food was served fast and at a great temperature for grilled meat. Our server seemed really busy after our meal, so we made sure to stop by the kitchen door to thank the staff and say goodbye. Once out in the street we heard our server call to us to return to the restaurant. Apparently, they thought we left without paying a bill. The confusion swiftly cleared when I showed them the messages coordinating a restaurant review. I include this information not to point out any errors from them but really to highlight that our experience took place with truly honest intentions from the staff. We really feel we were not treated ‘special’ or better than other customers because of a complimentary review because they actually didn’t seem to know we were doing one.

Porky’s BBQ- Final Thoughts

When trying to have an authentic American BBQ experience in London as an American expat like me, a tourist who doesn’t want to try British cuisine, or as a Londoner like my husband who genuinely loves a good grilled food, Porky’s BBQ is a strong option. They have four locations in London: Camden, Bankside, Shoreditch and Crouch End.

In fact, I loved seeing their Thanksgiving Menu, which includes pumpkin pie this year! I will certainly suggest Porky’s BBQ to my American expat friends in London who are seeking a casual Thanksgiving meal.

As for the rest of our day, we will need to revisit Southbank Wintertime Festival because we didn’t try any of the food there nor eat dinner later that evening. Porky’s BBQ sure was a filling and enjoyable experience that extended well after our last bite!

May 29, 2017 by: Sunny London

Cha Chaan Teng Review- A Golden Secret in Holborn!

If you walk by Cha Chaan Teng in Holborn without stopping, you might have no idea you missed a golden opportunity. In fact, if I had not been looking for the address on 38 Kingsway, London WC2B 6EY, I would not have these two juicy secrets for you.

Mr. Sunny and I were invited to try the new summer menu at the Hong Kong fusion restaurant and were very excited. You know we love just about anything in or around Covent Garden. Eager to indulge, we did a little research to explore what Cha Chaan Teng had to offer.

That picture shares two insider tips about Cha Chaan Teng that anyone who likes sunshine and a good deal will appreciate. If that’s you- keep reading!

Cha Chaan Teng Review- Ambiance

See, if you walk down Kingsway like I did, you could miss this restaurant because its best features aren’t really visible from this angle.

The exterior is very unassuming. In fact, when we got inside we started thinking maybe our pre-game investigation wasn’t accurate. We went down a few stairs to a lower level and took a look around to see the 1950’s Pan Am decadence and modern Asian street art inside the restaurant but were curious about one thing…

‘Where was the secret terrace?’

Before taking our booked table, we asked if they have any additional seating besides the small tables outside on Kingsway and what we could see in front of us.

‘Certainly!’ said our server, who guided us another direction up some stairs to a tranquil area that seemed to good to be true in Central London.

Of course it helped that it was a beautiful sunny evening, but seriously, this spot is perfect for a quiet dinner outside in London. Yes- I said quiet. You wouldn’t think that a restaurant not too far from the Holborn underground station would have such a great ambiance in the open air. But, during the two hours we were there we felt secluded from the after work hustle so popular in Holborn.

Cha Chaan Teng Review- Cocktails and Food

Wow! As we took our seats and relaxed knowing that we were in a for a real treat, we were informed that it literally was our ‘Lucky Hour’ because their drink specials were from 5-8pm every day. During that time cocktails are just £5 and lager £3. And… on Sunday you can find those prices ALL DAY!

We knew our meal was going to be complimentary for the purpose of a review so this detail didn’t apply to use directly that night. But, it’s always exciting to learn that you can recommend a money-saving opportunity for people who like fun drinks!

Above shows the Cha Chaan Teng Gin Sour and Lychee Cobbler. Both are winners!

At Cha Chaan Teng we enjoyed the Crispy Duck Bao Bun, Lightly Glazed Crispy Soft Shell Crab and Lobster Prawn Toast. Feast your eyes on the food in the image featured below…

Next, Mr. Sunny and I enjoyed the Sha Cha Fried Fish Tossed in Sesame Seed and Crispy Cantonese Chicken.

If you are ready to splurge and aren’t counting calories, these options would be for you. I am not sure if it just took us a bit of time to dive in because we were soaking up the sunshine outside and I was taking time photographing the dishes, but we might have wanted our food to be a little warmer.

However, we sure made a huge effort to eat as much as possible and thought there would be no way to add anything extra. Our server, who was super friendly and knowledgable, did suggest the Pandan Raspberry Ripple Arctic Roll. On such a glorious, sunny day in London, we couldn’t resist.

Cha Chaan Teng Review: Prices

We found the prices to be comparable to what you would expect in Central London at a location that offers an excellent atmosphere outside and an array of signature dishes. But, really, those cocktail prices during Lucky Hour! Amazing!

Other hot items on the new summer menu you could try are:

Dried Chilli and Cumin Beef Hor Fun
Braised Bean Curd and Shitake Fritter
Steamed Whole Sea Bass
Tiger Prawn Singapore Fried Noodles

Cha Chaan Teng Review: There is more!

Since I mentioned that it’s a great spot for an office lunch, you might want to keep this restaurant in mind for bigger work do things. Cha Chaan Teng in Holborn also has conference and event space for groups of 40-250 people. They offer boardrooms and suites equipped with screens, projectors and a PA system for all manner of events, talks or meetings too.