Search Results for: christmas

February 19, 2017 by: Sunny London

10 Foods You Must Eat in London

What to eat in London can almost be tougher to decide than what things to do. When I first moved here as a study abroad student, eating British cuisine wasn’t really preferred or popular.

The options for delicious food has certainly increased since then.

On a recent day off, Mr Sunny and I decided to revisit one of our favourite food places in London, Borough Market. It’s featured in my Things British People Eat for Christmas video. Because it has such a great atmosphere and is full of mouth watering colour, it inspired another idea for a YouTube video. This one is a must watch for a person visiting London or moving to London as an American Expat like me.

Foods to Eat in London – The List

I can’t say that I would eat everything on the list. In fact, there is one thing my London born husband contributed that I will never eat. And, if you know Mr Sunny, of course it’s also a bit funny.

After you watch the video, there are two things for which I would love feedback. And- I hope to hear from both Londoners and visitors, especially Americans. They are:

Do you agree with where I say you should never eat in London? What are your thoughts about the British food I say you should never eat?

The Sunny News YouTube channel, shares even more advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about London.

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.

February 13, 2017 by: Sunny London

The Admiralty Pub Review

When Mr. Sunny and I scheduled The Admiralty Pub review, we had no idea what a treat it would be. We chose it because it is the easiest pub to find in London. It’s billed as ‘London’s Most Central Pub’ and it’s the only pub in Trafalgar Square. This could be a double-edged sword though, because we assumed it would likely be very touristy.

Several months ago we stopped in for drinks and it was super crowded. Now, we know it’s also because the food alone will bring all hands on deck.

Admiralty Pub Review: Food

Planning in advance, we reviewed the menu. The Fuller’s pub specialises in hand-crafted pies made with a fresh, signature shortcrust pastry filled with a range of delicious combinations. They are served up alongside tasty mash and gravy, and of course, they’re best enjoyed with a pint of Fuller’s ale. I loved the anchor embedded on the top of each pie.

I ordered the tasting board, which featured three mini-pies and three matched samples of ale. It came with London Pride, which is the only beer Mr. Sunny’s dad drinks. It’s also the flagship beer of Fuller’s. Also served were ESB and Honeydew.

Mr. Sunny informed me that ‘ESB’ was nicknamed ‘Extra Strong Beer’ by people years ago because when it was made, it had a higher alcohol percentage level than other beers. I don’t drink beer, but our server really wanted me to try the Honeydew. It actually was fairly light and enjoyable. However, Mr. Sunny says he feels maybe it’s a bit ‘girly’ and he’ll stick to a more manly ESB.

The steak pie was our favourite. Separately, Mr. Sunny ordered the chicken and chorizo pie. We felt the pies could use a bit more filling, but that could just be because we really like to eat a lot.

The tasting board also came with ‘pie liquor.’ I’ve heard of it, but never tried the green coloured parsley sauce until then.

While the pies were tasty and definitely cooked to perfection, the sneaky show stealer was the sticky toffee pudding. The portion is much bigger than what you normally receive other places. The flavours sail together at The Admiralty perfectly.

The Admiralty Pub Review: Service

This one is tough for us to judge what your experience could be, because we were able to dine in the special Admiral’s Cabin on the top deck’ of the pub. I shrieked with enthusiasm when we walked in to the private area because of the exclusive private dining opportunity and what it would allow me to do in terms of filming a YouTube video.

Everyone we met was keen to make sure nothing was adrift during our experience. The service made us feel like VIP’s. If you’re looking to host an after work drink, Christmas party, or other small special occasion, I would highly recommend this space. It even has its own loo!

The Admiralty Pub Review: Value

We feel the value for the money is great. Considering the location is in one of the most popular places in the world, the prices are more than fair for the food and atmosphere you receive. There’s also a lower deck you can visit too.

The Admiralty Pub’s exact address is 66 Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DS. We look forward to going back and trying their breakfast some day too.

We featured in on the Sunny News on YouTube channel in our ‘Best Hidden London Pubs video‘ It shows of the delicious food and atmosphere of The Admiralty Pub, and then ventures off to secret pubs of London.

December 12, 2016 by: Sunny London

Ping Coombes Breakfast Club at Chi Kitchen

Where’s the coolest culinary club in London? The Ping Coombes Breakfast Club at Chi Kitchen!

If you’ve been reading the blog the past few months, you know Mr. Sunny and I really fancy Chi Kitchen. We reviewed their full menu as well as their Christmas menu as soon as it launched. It’s safe to say we’re slightly stalking Ping Coombes.

Ok, ok, we’re not quite that bad. However, Mr. Sunny’s favourite television show is Master Chef, so he really does want to meet her, as Ping Coombes is the 2014 winner. He was totally gutted to learn about my invitation to have brunch with the super star chef because the event was happening on a day he had another commitment. But, as luck would have it, Ping Coombes wasn’t able to attend either due to becoming ill the day of the brunch.

The event was a private brunch for press to try the third occurrence of her Breakfast Club. In summary, twice a month on a Sunday she creates a special menu just for that day. The January dates haven’t been released yet, but it you visit the Chi Kitchen website or follow the restaurant on Twitter, you’ll be able to learn more.

Take a look at what she showcased at our brunch.

Ping Coombes Breakfast Club Menu:

We started on December 11th with a super delicious Banana Condensed Milk Shake and Malaysian Tea. I’m not a big fan of sweet drinks but these two tasty treats were just the right size to enjoy their sugary ingredients.

Next, we were treated to the Malaysian Karipap, Mint and Cucumber Raita, which is fragrant potato curry encased in pastry- a popular snack in Malaysia. This was delicious, and the truth is I could have eaten two.

Following this delight was Soup Kambing, a delicious and heart-warming lamb soup, flavoured with spices. You can see from the picture that I became so enthralled with the food that I forgot to take a picture until half way through devouring it!

Finally, the last course of the Ping Coombes Breakfast Club brunch featured Chicken Char Siu Wonton Noodles. This is homemade chicken char siu, wonton noodles and homemade wontons served with pickled green chillies. Yum and Yum.

Ping Coombes Breakfast Club: Final Thoughts

There you have it! The brunch is offered at £20 per person with unlimited Malaysian tea or coffee. For £25 you can add a glass of prosecco. You can read my full review of the Chi Kitchen’s menu to see all the other pan-Asian food they serve. And, if you’re out Christmas shopping on Oxford Street during the December 2016 holiday season, you want to pop in for their Christmas menu too.

My brunch at the Ping Coombs Breakfast Club was complimentary. This sure doesn’t affect my opinion of the restaurant, as it was the third time I visited. It was great to see Angela again, who is the restaurant supervisor. Her smile and energy truly represent the service and experience I have had for each meal.

In fact, I am so in favour of this pan-Asian location that I bought my mother-in-law the Ping Coombes cookbook, Malaysia: Recipes from a Family Kitchen. While she tries to replicate some of the wonderful food we’ve had at Chi Kitchen, I’m going to continue trying to convince Mr. Sunny to enter Master Chef. What do you think, Sunny friends?

December 3, 2016 by: Sunny London

Ice Skating in London- Rave with Morning Gloryville

What gets me out of bed at 4am? The chance to go ice skating in London at a Christmas themed rave with Morning Gloryville! This was the third time I have attended an event with the award-winning dance immersive dance experience. The first time was their two-year anniversary party in which Fatboy Slim was the surprise guest DJ.

It takes place twice-monthly in London and generally sell-out, with 1,000 strong crowds coming together. Their December 2016 rave featured the chance to go ice skating in London at Somerset House. It was a super ‘chill’ morning, as the temperatures were at freezing levels. I could only shoot video of my epic ice skating in London morning in short segments because my hands were burning from the icy air. However, as you can see from the YouTube video below, it was a blast!

For a look at what a ice-skating morning rave held at Somerset House looks like, watch my experience here…

https://youtu.be/-HcKye-weI8

They’ve also recently started a crowd-funding campaign ‘The Gloryville Effect’ which will raise funds to take the experience around the world, starting in Africa. They will partner with charities and bring the joy of music and dance to locations like Zimbabwe and Jordan. They announced this at The View from the Shard in London event, which saw hundreds come together at 6am and included a DJ set from very special guest Felix Buxton from Basement Jaxx.

Supporters will be rewarded with a range of gifts and thank-yous – from ‘Become a Unicorn’ (a handcrafted and personally designed unicorn costume) to ‘Private Rave’ (hold a Morning Gloryville event in your own office or home). Their Indiegogo page outlines the full range of rewards. Of course, you can track the movement with the #TheGloryvilleEffect hashtag too on Twitter and Facebook.

The Sunny News YouTube channel, shares even more advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about London. This includes safety tips, pub advice, a shopping guide, and more Christmas Things to Do in London. The blog also has a Guide for Americans Visiting London which is a collection of the top experiences I recommend. You’ll definitely want to bookmark it and visit the Pinterest boards created to help trip planning too.

November 29, 2016 by: Sunny London

Namaaste Kitchen Review- Camden Town

Being invited to the Namaaste Kitchen in Camden, the ‘Best Indian Restaurant of 2014’, is quite an honour, especially when it’s to be one of the first people to eat from their Christmas menu.

Actually, I am still learning about Indian food, as I had never eaten it until several months after I moved to London. The first time I tried it was on a walking food tour of the East End when we visited Brick Lane. Londoners know that this is quite a popular place to eat Indian food. Mr. Sunny loves the cuisine. Some of his favourite dishes include Madras, Vindaloo and Lamb Pasanda. He thought he knew a lot about Indian food, until we checked out the menu at Namaaste Kitchen. Right away, he realised it is very contemporary, and this was new adventure for him.

On a Saturday night, we arrived a half hour before our table booking, eager to learn more about Namaaste Kitchen and their excellent reputation in a very trendy part of London.

The staff quickly gave us a table and didn’t seem bothered that we had arrived so early. We ordered our standard beer and red wine and perused the menu while munching on poppadoms. I adored the mango sauce featured on the far left in the picture above.

Mr. Sunny wanted to try food from the a la carte menu. Since I have had the festive spirit since mid-October, I was all over the Christmas menu. Namaaste Kitchen has quite an extensive holiday offering. I chose menu ‘C’, as there are three set menus from which to choose.

Namaaste Kitchen Review: The Food

Above is the first bit to arrive at our table. We weren’t quite sure what it was. However, it was pretty good. Next, Mr. Sunny had his Starter, Tandoori Aastish-e-Jingha. This is jumbo prawns marinated in English mustard. I had Dal Chini Salmon, which is salmon fillet infused in Dhungar with Cinnamon exotic spices. This is traditional quick smoke procedure used to flavour a dish.

Mr. Sunny thoroughly enjoyed his prawns, and my salmon was a homerun. I rarely order salmon on a menu, unless I feel pressure to be really healthy. The salmon on the Namaaste Kitchen Christmas menu is different. I would really get excited about having it again because the incorporation of cinnamon with a beautifully cooked piece of seafood is extraordinary. Well done to the Chef!

For our Main courses, Mr. Sunny ordered lobster and I ate the Lamb Xacuti. My dish is tender boneless lamb cooked in a paste of fresh ground coconut, cumin and coriander. This dish packed some serious flavour. I’m a real lightweight when it comes to spice. Further, cumin and coriander have never been high on my list. I tried to eat as much as possible, balanced with gulps of water and a splash of wine.

For me, it was a little too hot. Again, I’m new to Indian food, and Mr. Sunny didn’t think it was too spicy at all. His lobster was gone before I knew it.

Finally, we shared a Christmas pudding because we knew we were too full to manage a dessert each. While we both loved the Christmas pudding with Saffron Vanilla Custard, Mr. Sunny was especially happy. He said it wasn’t traditional English Christmas pudding and that’s why it was so good. 😉

Hmmmm. Yet, he’s the one who said Christmas pudding should be in the ‘What Do British People Eat for Christmas’ video…

Namaaste Kitchen Review: Food Quality

We both felt that the value for the money is well worth it for both the 2016 Christmas Menu and a la carte menu at Namaaste Kitchen. I’m guessing the Indian and Pakistani restuarant is very consistent with their food and service because there wasn’t a table available when we left. Our experience was fantastic, and I would look forward to trying other items on their menu. Well, as long as they are super mild. I’m still working my way through understanding Indian cuisine and what resonates with me.

Namaaste Kitchen Review: Location

The restaurant is inches from Camden Town underground station on Parkway, which is Camden High Street. It’s a buzzing area at all times of the day, especially at night. The ambiance and decor of Namaaste Kitchen match the contemporary theme. Our first visit was complimentary for the purpose of a review. However, we are eager to return again on our own, as we are sure the experience would be just as lovely.

What Christmas menus in London have you had the chance to try this year? Are there annual Christmas things to do and events in which you look forward in London every year?

November 4, 2016 by: Sunny London

An Afternoon Tea Etiquette Guide for Visiting London

Cream then jam? Jam on cream? You need this afternoon tea etiquette guide if you’re planning on visiting London and don’t want to embarrass yourself while enjoying one of England’s traditions.

In the video below you’ll learn the proper process for folding your napkin, using forks or not, stirring tea and more.
In several years of travel and food blogging I’ve had the opportunity to attend and review afternoon teas throughout London.

This is my current list of ‘bests’:
– Most creatively presented afternoon tea was the Halloween ARTea at Lancaster London.
– Best Food and Pastries is made by Cherish Finden, the Pastry Chef at Langham London
– Best Food and Ambiance for the Price is Covent Garden Hotel and Charlotte Street Hotel (both are Firmdale Hotels)
– Best Concept is the Christmas Tea at Conrad St James, which is a creation of Pastry Chef Zoe

What I haven’t done (until now) is publish an afternoon tea etiquette guide, even though so many people ask questions about it when I go with or take them as guests to this carbalicious affair.

Take five minutes to watch this video to learn about what you should and shouldn’t do at an afternoon tea in London.

If you’re visiting London, make sure you pin this feature and the Guide to Visiting London for the First Time. Of course, you can always subscribe to emails to learn more as it happens too!

Want a Food Freebie in London?

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.

September 28, 2016 by: Sunny London

Chi Kitchen London Review

When I spotted the champagne bar at Chi Kitchen London on the ground floor of Debenham’s, I knew the night would be great. On a very sunny Friday evening in London, Mr. Sunny and I were thrilled to try this contemporary pan-Asian restaurant. We regularly watch Master Chef together when our schedule has us both home on the same evening. This means we couldn’t wait to dive in to the menu created by the show’s 2014 winner, Ping Coombes. She’s the group consultant chef for Chi Kitchen.

First, let’s start with the concept. Aside from the champagne bar, I sensed a truly welcoming spirit in the restaurant. I learned later the interior design probably had a hand in that. It’s inspired by the five elements: fire, water, wood, earth and metal. ‘Chi’ means energy in Chinese. The brand focuses on not only providing excellent food but also good energy.

This started with the Restaurant Supervisor, Angela, and stretched to every person and dish we encountered in our two hours at Chi Kitchen London. We immediately established a great dining relationship with her, as she greeted us quickly after we were seated. Because of this comfortable vibe, we let Angela decide what to bring us for our food during each phase of the meal.

Aside from prosecco, the first thing to hit our table is the Mixed Seafood Dumpling shown above. Winner for both of us. Mr. Sunny and I gobbled up the tasty treat and were eager to see what else would arrive.

Next, we each had our own sushi selection. Since Mr Sunny doesn’t eat red peppers, I had the Chi Kitchen Roll. He enjoyed the California Crab Roll. We split the Tuna and Salmon Sashimi as equally as we could.

At this point I could sense a food coma coming and said to Mr Sunny that I was finished. ‘Sweetheart, I think we’ve only had the Starters,’ he replied.

‘Whaaaaaaaat?!’

He was right. Falling on to our table next was the Nasi Lemak, Sea Bass with Chilli and Lime, and Sambal Prawns.

I have to admit, I didn’t quite understand my main course, the Nasi Lemak. I was told it was to be mixed all together and eaten, but that didn’t work for me. My habits are such that I eat one food at a time on my plate. Further, I save my favourite food for last. The British eating manners in which they mash everything on a fork upside down and then taste them all together has never been something I’ve adopted as an American living in London. It’s safe to say I didn’t give this dish a proper chance. I’ll own that.

It’s also safe to say that Mr. Sunny wasn’t too keen to share his food. He can own that later when his jeans don’t fit properly. 😉

True to our over abundant approach with food consumption, both of us made room for dessert. We had the Mango Creme Brulee and Chocolate Fondant with Salted Caramel Ice Cream. The chocolate dessert really makes a better movie than picture. It exploded when they poured on the secret ingredient and melted in to a delicious puddle which is hot and creamy. Had I known this was going to be such a spectacular visual, I would’ve been ready to catch it on video for you. I did, however, get quite a few clips of the dry ice smoking on our various other dishes. You’ll have to watch for them on the Sunny News YouTube channel.

Chi Kitchen London and the Birmingham location have the Chinese symbol for fire representing the brand. The link between ‘Chi’ and fire plays on the way fire can be converted into energy. It is safe to say that this restaurant has certainly lit a fire for both of us. While we were on the train home, Mr. Sunny was already talking about going back for breakfast. Yes, they also have breakfast 😉

The open plan of the restaurant allows guests to watch chefs at work, preparing fresh sushi, sashimi and charcoal dishes from a robata grill.

We were guests of Chi Kitchen London, but this didn’t affect our impression of the food or service. It was clear to us why the pan-Asian location won the OpenTable 2016 Diners’ Choice Award. Everyone we met was extremely friendly and appeared to be that way with all guests in the restaurant. I don’t think people would normally order as much food as we had, and I wouldn’t suggest doing so either because it was a lot. But, all of it was great!

Mr. Sunny and I generally avoid Oxford Street as much as possible due to its high concentration of tourists who never appear to know where they’re going. However, after this experience I will certainly try to think of reasons to be around the area when I’m hungry! In fact, if we don’t make it there in the next month, I can certainly see us planning a stop in Chi Kitchen London the night we take in the Oxford Street Christmas lights.

Well done, Ping Coombes!

September 25, 2016 by: Sunny London

10 Harry Potter Things to Do in London

Are you planning a trip to London and need a list of Harry Potter Things to Do? As an American expat living in London, I frequently receive questions on social media and on the Sunny in London blog from Americans visiting London who love Harry Potter. They’re always wondering what they should do if they have a limited amount of time in town.

Aside from several specific reviews of Harry Potter activities, you’ll find differences between the Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction and the Warner Bros Studio Tour and suggestions for how to get to the studio in London in the blog too. The most recent blog article is a Potions Class that is the closest thing to a Harry Potter Afternoon Tea that you will find in London.

However, if you want a list of 10 Harry Potter Things To Do in London, then take less than four minutes to watch what’s available in this YouTube video. The end features a sneaky tip for how to never miss notification about the best Harry Potter news in London.

Be sure to leave questions you have about the activities and general London trip planning in the comments below.

I also put together some questions to ask yourself if you’re not sure about whether or not to go to the Warner Bros Studio Tour. I’ve had quite a few emails from people who are overwhelmed with all the choices they have for what to see the first time they visit London and specifically ask about the Harry Potter Studio Tour. If that’s you too, then this is for you…

The Sunny News YouTube channel, shares even more advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about London. This includes safety tips, pub advice, and a shopping guide. There is also a comparison on Things to Do in London for Christmas That You Can’t Do In NYC…

The blog also has a Guide for Americans Visiting London which is a collection of the top experiences I recommend. You’ll definitely want to bookmark it and visit the Pinterest boards created to help trip planning too.

September 23, 2016 by: Sunny London

Jamie Oliver Cookery School Review

I was a little embarrassed when our class at the Jamie Oliver Cookery School started. Mr. Sunny started answering all the Chef’s questions, without giving anyone else there a chance first. However, I tried to be patient and understand it’s just because my husband was so excited about the opportunity.

When the email asking if we’d be interested in taking a class at the Jamie Oliver Cookery School came through, I knew it was my ticket to winning ‘Wife of the Year’ with Mr. Sunny. We both love cooking, so we thought the opportunity to go to one of the most famous British chef’s cooking school was super cool. We carefully studied all of the options on the website and picked the Taste of Japan class.

Because we did so much research, it was easy for Mr. Sunny to yell, ‘pork gyoza, green vegetable and brown rice stir-fry, chicken teriyaki with
homemade sauce, gomadare sauce and miso dofu’ when the Chef kicked off class by asking, ‘Who knows what we’re making tonight.’

He had studied in advance and was ready to learn. He’s an over-achiever when it comes to food 😉

The Chef started the cooking lesson by throwing pork belly, chili, cabbage, garlic and ginger in a food processor for the gyoza filling.

This immediately solved the question I had about being able to make and eat all the menu items during the two-hour session. Mr. Sunny was a bit disappointed because he really wanted to do everything himself and have guidance from a professional chef. After very fast directions and demonstrations, we were left to assemble the pork gyoza with our cooking partners.

Mr. Sunny and I each took turns rolling the dough and making our pork gyoza. We did ok on our own, and the Chef only had to help us a bit.

Next, we came back to the same side of the table as everyone else and received instruction on how to make chicken teryiaki and green vegetable and brown rice stir-fry . At this point it was becoming a little hard for us to follow the Chef. Aside from Mr. Sunny and I in the cooking class, there was a very affectionate couple and a party of six colleagues celebrating one’s birthday. The office group was a bit rowdy and continued to order bottles of prosecco throughout the class.

Mr. Sunny was a little disheartened because he really came to learn as much as possible. The Chef did his best to keep the group focussed and moving forward.

Mr. Sunny and I prepared our chicken teriyaki together and soon enough, it was time to eat everything. It was amazing. We’d like to take credit for being able to cook such food fantastic but much of it was prepared in advance.

Jamie Oliver Cookery School Review: Final Thoughts

Taking a class at the Jamie Oliver Cookery School is a good idea for people who want to do something fun in London and don’t expect to leave feeling like they could win Master Chef. We learned that it’s more about the kitchen experience as a social activity or date night, rather than the educational value. The biggest tip Mr. Sunny discovered in the Taste of Japan class was that you actually don’t need to cook chicken in oil for it to turn out well.

I would return to take classes at the Jamie Oliver Cookery School and be excited. They offer a huge selection, including North Indian Thali, Mexican Street Food Feast, Fragrant Thai Green Curry, and Unbeatable Filled Pasta. They range in price, so if you think you might be put off with being in a class with many other people you don’t know, you may wish to take one of the cheaper classes like Pizza and Prosecco for £35. The Taste of Japan course that we took as a complimentary experience via the blog is normally £55 per person.

Secretly, I am hoping Mr. Sunny reads this and buys the Sharpen Your Knife Skills: The Essentials class for me for Christmas. It’s something I really need!

The Jamie Oliver Cookery School is located in the Westfield London shopping centre in Shepherd’s Bush. We received an email the next day with all of the recipes and steps to make the meal. It’s something Mr. Sunny and I will try soon on our own, and of course share with you on social media! In the meantime, you can catch the Jamie Oliver Cooker School on Twitter and Facebook.

For more about what Mr. Sunny and I like to do and share in the kitchen, be sure to read the blog’s Recipes section which includes Mr Sunny’s Easy Toad in the Hole and my How to Make Homemade Pasta from Scratch! What cooking classes have you taken?

September 19, 2016 by: Sunny London

Breakfast at Cafe Rouge Southgate

Not living in Central London means Mr Sunny and I spend a lot of time during the week travelling. On weekends it’s nice to stay home and not deal with long rides. We love our north London neighbourhood. When the weather is great, we enjoy spending time around the area.

When Cafe Rouge contacted us to try their summer breakfast menu, we were really excited because there is one located relatively close to us. On a beautiful, sunny day we walked to our local Cafe Rouge for a Sunday breakfast in Southgate.

We’ve been to Cafe Rouge in Highgate, the City of London, and Canary Wharf and really love their lunch and dinner menus. Mr. Sunny loves escargot and mussels. Me- not so much. Their Nicoise salad is my standard selection.

We found the Cafe Rouge in Southgate quite charming and the people we met are really lovely too. Apparently, they’ve had some patrons who have visited on a weekly basis for the seventeen years they have been open. That’s loyal!

Mr Sunny ordered the Rouge Breakfast and I opted for Buttermilk Pancakes with bacon, banana and maple syrup.

I was surprised to see a French restaurant serve pancakes they were so similar to American pancakes. I had expected something like a crepe.

We also had Rouge Mimosas and enjoyed the wine cocktail. This is probably an odd choice to pair with breakfast, but we really wanted to try it.

The highlight of our meal actually was the croissants we had at the end. I had the pain au chocolat croissant. I liked that it wasn’t super flaky. Rather, it had a wonderful soft texture that didn’t feel like shards of crumb shrapnel disintegrating in my mouth. The taste of the bread and pops of chocolate were perfect together.

Mr Sunny and I agree that this restaurant is best for lunch and dinner and look forward to going to the Cafe Rouge Southgate with his parents some time in the near future. It’s great to know they have so many regular customers. It’s easy to see why they’re already letting everyone know what’s available for the holidays.

Our breakfast was complimentary for the purpose of a review. This does not affect the opinion of my experience.