Tag Archives: soho

BRGR.CO, Soho

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BRGR combines two of my favourite things: Beirut and burgers. This Lebanese brand is the newest addition to London’s thriving burger scene, competing with Honest and Lucky Chip on the busy streets of foodie heaven, Soho.  Lebanon’s popular burger joint, BRGR has two branches now operating in Beirut, one in Achrafieh and another in Beirut Souks. Perhaps this brave leap to England suggests that soon we’ll see outlets in other key cities around the world.

The restaurant, on Wardour Street, seats 55. Inside the atmosphere is chilled and carefree with floor to ceiling windows, dark oak tables and chairs and a lively open kitchen.

BRGR use 28-day-aged beef from the Duke of Buccleuch Estate in south-west Scotland. Focusing on simplicity, the restaurant serves a menu of three classic burgers: the 4oz, 6oz or 8oz with optional toppings of cheese or chilli-con-carne. A selection of traditional American-inspired sides, milkshakes and desserts complete the American vibe.

The burgers are presented in a DIY layout… meat and cheese in bun and salad condiments on the side for optional use, perfect for fussy boys who wish to avoid greenery. The meat is finely ground and grilled; it is a rustic thin burger, good quality meat but very little seasoning. The bun is soft and sweet and I loved the thick vinegary gherkins. Chips are best left plain, the truffle oil and cheese variety were far too rich and greasy for me.

We just had time to polish off a sundae to conclude: very simple vanilla ice-cream, with disappointing chocolate sauce and crumbled Oreo cookies. It satisfied my sweet tooth but wasn’t anything special. Milkshakes however, are worth a try, the vanilla was thick and creamy flavoured with real black vanilla.

I can imagine BRGR produce one of the best butties in Beirut but here in London we have way more competition, and though BRGR has potential, other burger joints in Soho are far from being budged from the top spot.

More information here.

http://www.brgrco.co.uk/

Bone Daddies, Soho

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Bone Daddies has opened up shop at the ideal time… just as winter approaches hot, comforting Ramen is available in Soho. I haven’t experienced much Japanese food, aside from the westernised version at Wagamama, so was intrigued but a little sceptical about this concept restaurant.

The first of its kind, this Japanese eatery is the newest venture from ex-Zuma and Nobu chef, Ross Shonhan. It seems an unlikely story… an experienced fine Australian chef opening a casual but crowded Japanese Ramen restaurant… odd, and yet it works.

The venue is a bit gloomy and on a Wednesday evening (within a week of opening) it was a tad chaotic. We were quickly seated at the end of one of the long communal tables. A Japanese-inspired collage decorates the walls though as far as design, that’s about it… it does have the slight feel of “make-shift pop-up”. The staff are savvy and on the mark zooming around supplying food and drink efficiently and offering up well informed advice about the menu. Our waitress, though very English, seemed to know a huge amount about Japanese cuisine, and I was impressed that she’d obviously tried everything on the menu… which I believe should be compulsory for all restaurant staff.

Brown paper menus are simply clip-boarded and presented on arrival. From the snacks (starters) list, Fried Chicken is an absolute must, a more healthy and acceptable version of Kentucky Fried Chicken, it was so tasty we almost ordered a second portion. Small pieces of tender chicken is coated in a thick salty breadcrumbed delightfulness. Edamame beans were standard, and nicely salted: a good light option for whetting the appetite.

Drinks are traditionally Japanese, and though my guest approved, I didn’t particularly like the bitter cocktails. We tried Chuhai 1 and Maiken-Me – both odd mixes of fruit juice and spirits unknown to me. Of the two, I preferred the Chutai which, made with pears and apples, was slightly sweeter. On my next visit I will definitely be opting for Asahi beer.

I loved the varied assortment of condiments on the table, which included a garlic press and jar of freshly peeled garlic, very spicy chilli oil and sesame seeds. From the select choice of eight ramen, we chose the Soy Ramen with Nori and Chashu Pork and the T22 with Soy Ramen and Chicken. The Ramen is surprisingly filling, big bowls of translucent liquid arrive filled with magical ingredients. The soup has an unusually strong flavour, and I found mine overpoweringly salty… I love salt but it did shadow the other flavours a bit. The meat and vegetables were cooked perfectly, soft tender pork and stringy delicious chicken were the highlights of both bowls, though all the ingredients were delicious. All ramen come with egg, bamboo and bean sprouts; I opted for no egg, which I was glad about as it looked a bit sad in my guest’s bowl.

To finish we each had a glass of Nikaido Barley Shochu, an authentic Japanese digestif that tastes a little like Limoncello. It was divine.

So apparently I now like Japanese food and for that I have Bone Daddies to thank.

Bone Daddies is located at 31 Peter Street, with no sign you will need to remember the address to find this discreetly placed restaurant.

Bone Daddies Ramen Bar
Ad: 30-31 Peter Street W1F 0AR (map)
Fb: www.facebook.com/BoneDaddiesRamenBar
Tw: @BoneDaddiesRbar

Pitt Cue Co, Oxford Circus

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Pitt Cue Co is one of those places I have always wanted to try but never quite had the energy to queue for. The tiny Southern American BBQ joint is thrilling customers night and day but with only 20 seats, waiting is pretty much guaranteed. So when a Monday lunchtime opportunity arose, I grabbed the chance to visit this eatery and prayed for a couple of free chairs.

We were in luck, the place was almost full, but not quite, enough room for two small girls on the end of a table. I glanced around the dark downstairs chamber and was surprised to see that not all the diners were big burly men, obviously this BBQ cuisine appeals to women too.

The concept is simple: choose your meat plus a side and enjoy. Pitt Cue Co make all their own sauces and rubs and their meat is cooked low and slow, smoked in-house and finished over charcoal. The produce is British, ethically sourced and the menu changes with the seasons. The small scale of the restaurant makes it feel very homely and reassuring. There is no mass production here, and when one dish runs out, guests have to just choose an alternative, first come first served.

Between us we tried the pulled pork, house sausage, bone marrow mash and grilled baby gem lettuce with anchovy dressing. The meats were served in very generous portions and tasted absolutely divine: bold flavours, rich and juicy especially with the sweet gravy. Pulled pork was particularly succulent, whilst the sausage had a moreish meaty taste but if I’m being fussy was a tad too salty. Next time I go I would love to try the ribs, which looked amazing on the next door table. The mash is ultra smooth and rich and provides the perfect accompaniment to the meat, the lettuce though a little bitter from its grilling was crunchy and refreshing.

For just over £10 each we enjoyed the best BBQ meal I’ve tried in London. No bookings, reservations, or bribes are taken and now I’ve witnessed the BBQ brilliance, I wouldn’t mind a short wait in the cold to try it again.

More information here.

http://www.pittcue.co.uk/