Food & Drink – Drew and Jen go to London

Mother Mash

Jen — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 08:54:39 +0000

Sometimes a girl (and a guy) want mash. Sometimes a girl (and a guy) want mash near Carnaby Street. Mother Mash, on Ganton Street, is the answer to this need.

You don’t have to have the vegetarian option, but it’s my fave. Mmmm.

Mash with cheese? They’ve got it. Mash with gravy? Yup. Horseradish, mustard, onions, cabbage… Uh-huh.

Next time you are in town, let me show you the way.

Oh. My. Marksman.

Jen — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:52:28 +0000

You may or may not remember how much we love The Marksman. We’ve only mentioned it several times.

We have an excuse for bringing it back up – the menu has grown, a new chef is in residence, and we can. Because it’s our website.

This Sunday we were accompanied by two lovely ladies, Emily and Lauren. Lauren assured me that the Bloody Mary is the best she has ever had. And the presentation delivered on its promise.

David recommended the roast to our meat eating friends. It mysteriously disappeared from their plates as the conversation wandered in circles. Let’s be honest, ladies don’t clean their plates. (Or do they?!)

Drew and I enjoyed omelets from the brunch menu. I had no idea what David was talking about last time when he said that breakfast and beer were good company for one another, but I think I understand now. When breakfast is eaten in the afternoon, it does make sense – whether or not there was a bender the night before.

David also recommended the Chocolate Fondant. (It’s what some of you Americans might call a molten cake with a side of cream whipped so long it’s the consistency of butter.) Order it. Trust me. I could not get a photo before the spoons starting flying!

Both of the owners stopped by to say hello – and we heard the good news that their daughter will soon be a big sister! I am not sure I could love them more. And I barely know them… It’s just so nice to feel at home.

DrewandJengotoLondon. Simples.

Once Upon a Burrito

Jen — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:39:07 +0000

Two dudes in London like Mexican food a whole lot. We are going to call them Eric and Dan. As far as I am aware, that is what they also call themselves. There’s so much less confusion in the world already. Where was I?

Oh yes.

Eric+Dan+severe appreciation for Mexican food=Chilango. (To my all digital geek peeps, please visit this website.)

This is our local Angel, Islington branch. It’s right on Upper Street – around the corner from the Vue Cinema.

The food is great, but the brand is something amazing all to itself.

Now, I could argue that Mexican style food that is made by non-Mexicans outside of Mexico can hardly be called Mexican, but I have no idea what else it would be called. So I concede my point. Besides, the guacamole was much to my satisfaction.

The mission was pre-cinema food that wouldn’t take all night, wouldn’t cost more than the cinema tickets, and might pass for healthy. Mission accomplished. (P.S. You’re going to need to start using the term ‘cinema’. All the cool people say ‘cinema’.)

We’ll be back.

www.drewandjengotolondon.com

Sofra

Jen — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 07:00:15 +0000

Exmouth Market is a funky little pedestrianized street lined with 23 restaurants and little shops peppered in. Drew and I enjoyed a lazy Saturday lunch at Sofra this past weekend. I think it may have been my first taste of Turkish food; this restaurant is quite veg friendly, by the way.

Our hummus starter was served with a yummy bread.

We could have split this Vegetarian Moussaka!

After such an explosion of calories in our stomachs, we wandered home the long way, via Sans Walk, even.

Hilarious. Ah, the ~~irony~~ coincidence.

www.drewandjengotolondon.com

Inamo

Jen — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 13:10:36 +0000

Inamo is a surprisingly well kept secret, conveniently located on Wardour Street in Soho. Serving pan-asian fusion cuisine ordered via an interactive projection on each table, this funky restaurant has great service, lovely food at a good value, and a chill atmosphere. This novel dining concept makes a meal quite entertaining. Â One of our B&B guests suggested Inamo and we are so glad they did. Thanks Pinky, for being in the know.

Browse the menu.

The projectors actually add to the ambiance…

Watch the chefs in the kitchen if you fancy that kind of thing.

Take photos. Laugh. Play games (yes, there are games so you can ignore your friends. Ah, technology!).

He’s not on the menu, ladies. But he’s just what I ordered.

And enjoy!

It was our experience that the wait staff will most definitely make recommendations and tend to be quite knowledgeable. Â They will help you choose complimentary food and beverage (and make minor adjustments to your drink if they aren’t sure it’s perfect).

I appreciate Inamo for the novelty, the artistry and quality of the food, the value, the service, as well as the great location. Â It’s terribly convenient for site-seeing or dining in the theatre district. Â Book a table, though. Â We aren’t the only ones who know this secret!

The Marksman

Jen — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 07:03:19 +0000

The Marksman, a lovely pub in Shoreditch, is a gem of a find. Â Our aim in wandering that way was to give Jane and Quinn a local east side Sunday experience, complete with the wonder that is Columbia Road Flower Market and a proper Sunday roast. Â We squeezed through the flower market with grumbling bellies and an eye on the threatening sky. Â (Thankfully, we did not need a reservation, though next time I may make one, now knowing how popular this spot is.) Â You might not have guessed that a Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and Tammy Wynette song would be playing as we sat down or that Willy Nelson would serenade us through our pre-dinner convo… Â David (as our fantastic server is known by day) quickly assured us that he did not know that we Nashville natives were coming Â â€“ the locals just request a little country music now and again.

David lined up a round for us and was kind enough to give us his recommendations. He also coined my new favorite phrase, “When in London, do as your friends from Tennessee do in London”.

Jane and Quinn chose the traditional Sunday Roast option. After all, that was the point.

(Jane and Quinn enjoyed the roast.)

Drew had a delicious pastry filled with oyster mushrooms and cream cheese.

(I can’t recall why I didn’t get a photo of my hummus salad, green beans, and fat chips!?)

So, the verdict on The Marksman? Book a table this Sunday. Take or meet friends. The food is tasty and a very good value. If you are lucky enough to meet David, engage him in conversation. He is a riot!

Marksman Pub
254, Hackney Rd
London, E2 7SJ
020 7739 7393

Fire and Stone

Jen — Wed, 20 May 2009 07:33:17 +0000

There is something so irresistible about pizza when it’s baked in a real stone oven. I don’t know why. Fire and Stone, in Covent Garden, is a great alternative to the mainstream pizza chains littering London. The atmosphere is urban loft, but we found the staff to be quite friendly. (The restaurant feels almost like a warehouse after being in some of the tight spaces London has to offer.)

You can probably create thousands of combinations mixing the toppings and sauces, but you might be amused by one of the geographically inspired items on the menu. I think the novelty of the oven and the pizza names may have been a little more special than the pizza actually was, but it was still quite good.

It’s a nice place to eat a pizza and enjoy company just off the busy streets of Covent Garden.

31/32 Maiden Lane
Covent Garden
London
WC2E 7JS
phone: 0844 371 2550

Lowlander

Jen — Tue, 19 May 2009 07:41:28 +0000

As you leave Holborn on your way to Covent Garden, a little off the main way, there is a great place to meet and eat called Lowlander Grand Cafe. Â It’s a casual place to enjoy lunch and friends with an open door feel.

I recommend trying something completely new. Â However, do not be fooled by the menu-the chili sauce that comes with the (really great) chips is not spicy. Â It’s good — I just don’t want you to have your taste buds ready to be set on fire or anything like that.

Dress casually and bring some friends to share a starter or a beer stick!

36 Drury Lane
Covent Garden
London
Westminster
WC2B
phone: 020 7398 8622

The Porterhouse Pub

Jen — Mon, 18 May 2009 16:18:18 +0000

Unfortunately, Porterhouse Pub is no secret. Â The good news is that you can still squeeze in. Â It’s located very near the Piazza in Covent Garden and is quite a lovely place to wander with friends. The atmosphere is great, even if a bit on the loud side. They feature live music, including traditional Irish music one day a week. Boasting loads of specialty beers and lagers, a beer drinker is sure to find something new that they always wanted to try, but never knew existed.

The Covent Garden menu looks pretty nice as pubs go and there is a nice sized (as outdoor pub spaces go) covered outdoor space as well. Stop in for an old or soon to be favorite! Â The interior is very worth the short bar queue, especially on a Sunday afternoon or Bank Holiday.

The Porterhouse Covent GardenÂ
21-22 Maiden Lane
Covent GardenÂ
London WC2 E7NAÂ
tel: (+44) 207 379 7917
fax: (+44) 207 379 7991

Hummus Bros.

Jen — Fri, 08 May 2009 23:19:44 +0000

There has been one good thing to come out of our short, nasty stint with Barclay’s bank; across the street from a branch I have visited several times there is a restaurant that caught my eye. Â Hummus Bros. is a laid back little joint where you are seated family style for the pleasure of simple food made really well. Â The hummus is one flavor suits all, but you choose your topping. Â Your topping then becomes a mix-in, depending on your hummus eating style, of course! Â Special toppings are featured regularly so that you never tire of trying new combinations.

Although hummus really is the featured food, there are some interesting side dishes like smoky barbeque aubergines and complementary drinks that might satisfy a non-hummus eater, though one trip to Hummus Bros. might cure that disorder…

Drew tried the mushroom topping and mine was guacamole. Â Thumbs up for both!