Tag Archives: burger

Bodean’s, Soho

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Bodean’s is known for one thing only, it’s unrivalled BBQ cuisine.

When we visited, the rain was incessant outside and we snuggled up at a downstairs table. The dark and musty interior would be far more common in an American establishment, I soon forgot I was in Soho. It all started in 2002 when Andre Blais brought the taste, style and soul of his beloved Kansas City barbecue to London.

The menu is filled with meaty classics; pulled pork and sticky ribs feature heavily. I immediately noticed the distinct lack of greenery… only a small side salad is available for vegetable lovers. We immersed ourselves in the rich glory of meat heaven. A huge platter arrived, apparently one of the Bodean’s favourites, piled with ribs, burnt ends, chicken wings and other carnivore’s delights. The flavours were wonderful, but the food is incredibly heavy and rich – try to resist letting your eyes dictate how much you eat. I definitely made that mistake. We especially liked the baby back ribs, the meat was very tender and succulent, the seasoning makes this dish utterly irresistible. The burger was a little disappointing, rather bland and dry and the chips were oversalted… definitely best to stick to the platters. Puddings are available, Key Lime Pie looked like the best of the bunch.

Persuading each other to indulge more was a bad idea… we left feeling rather too full. If you have a good appetite and like your food BBQ-ed then Bodean’s is an excellent shout, but just like Yorkie bars, girls beware, this is a restaurant for the boys.

Visit the website here for more information.

Balans, Soho

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Balans restaurants seem to naturally adapt to the area of London in which they are located. Chiswick has a young family vibe, Ken High Street is cool and hip and Soho, is, well, hilariously camp and fun and flirty. I visited the Soho branch on a weekday evening and joined the throng of lively bohemians dining and laughing casually over a drink. The preened and pretty waiters zoom around the restaurant serving everyone with super speed and efficiency.

The menu offers a selection of classic British and American favourites and some more exotic recipes. We started with tomato and mozzarella salad and crispy calamari. Both were very fresh and flavoursome, generous portions that arrived promptly from the kitchen.

For mains my burger was massive, I couldn’t eat more than half of it and I felt pathetic handing my plate sheepishly back to the waiter as he sympathetically assured me that no one finishes it. The burger itself was average, not bad not good, the meat was relatively bland, the bun was dry and the toppings rather limp. The fillet steak went down well, my guest triumphantly finished the whole piece of meat, licking his lips and proclaiming its attributes: rich taste, lovely texture and delicious sauce. With portion sizes so big, three courses is an impossible challenge but we attempted a dessert between us… the chocolate brownie was very chocolatey, served with contrasting ice-cream. There were other tempting choices on the pudding menu but I let my guest choose and, being a typical boy, he chose the brownie.

It is the cocktails which really star at Soho Balans, and it is this aspect made our visit so enjoyable. The staff seem very passionate and knowledgeable about mixology and are happy to advise even the most indecisive of customers (me). We tried several different drinks, the Pornstar Martini and Caiprinha were very good but it was my Red Lotus (vodka, lychee liqueur, cranberry juice) that was the most memorable… a bright red fruity and fiery drink.

The food at Balans Soho was a little disappointing, but with such show-stopping cocktails, it seems to sell itself instead as a drinks destination.

Visit the website here for more information.

Honest Burgers, Soho

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I have delayed writing this review, because every time I remember my meal at Honest I get cravings for one of their burgers and have to stop myself running back to Soho for a second serving.

Originally located in Brixton, Honest recently opened its second branch in Soho where tables are already scarce… central London is definitely enjoying this new burger brand! Honest is inspired by great British produce, using the very best carefully sourced and super fresh ingredients to make unrivalled burgers, whipping them up for desperate diners night after night.

It is plain silly to try anything aside from the ‘Honest Burger’ which truly ticks every box, though chicken and vegetarian options are on offer for weirdos. The meat is supplied from Ginger Pig and can’t be faulted. 35-day dry-aged chuck beef steak is served between a super soft bun and is arranged with the usual salad garnishes. I wouldn’t usually approve but the sweet red onion relish and pickled cucumber (gherkin) really make the burger, served with smoked bacon and mature cheddar, it is a match made in heaven. Cooked perfectly, the burger is soft and sweet, your teeth sink in so fast it is difficult not to gobble it in one go.

A handful of chips accompany the burger in the basket. The chips are addictive, and I carried on eating them even when I knew I shouldn’t… handcut, thin and crispy (thrice-cooked) with a soft centre they are covered in incredible rosemary salt. Insanely good.

If that isn’t enough the burgers are reasonably priced too… £10 for a burger and drink makes a cheap but enjoyable date.

They don’t take bookings so go early or be prepared to queue… I promise it’s worth it.

Visit the website for more information here.

http://www.honestburgers.co.uk/