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DR SPILL THE BEANS

fITZROVIA

Kitchen table

9/9/2016

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Picture
Tucked away at the back of Bubbledogs in the heart of Fitzrovia through a discrete curtain, is the 19 seat Kitchen Table by James Knappett. The idea is to provide an intimate dining experience with full interaction with the chefs and a daily changing menu of "meticulously sourced" British ingredients.

We first visited during its opening few weeks in October 2012, before it had been awarded its Michelin star (in 2014). We were lucky enough that James Knappett was head chef that day. Our set menu (see picture) consisted of 13 courses. Don't worry they are quit small, but rich enough and full of flavour to fill you by the end. The set menu is the only option on offer, but they were kind enough to substitute some of the dishes on the night for me (at the time I was not that keen on mussels).

I understand that they get booked up very quickly, and so would recommend making a reservation well in advance. A good option maybe to visit Bubbledogs first and ask to have a sneak peak. Be prepared for some unusual dishes and to try things you have never had before - including duck hearts which were particularly tasty.

Of course, they have a good selection of wine, champagne and cocktails to tantalize the taste buds.


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ROKA

9/5/2016

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Roka (in London pronounced Roe Ka or Rock a) is perhaps mine and my husbands favorite restaurant of all time. We have sampled three of their delightful eatery's - Canary Wharf, Aldwych and Charlotte Street - with Charlotte street being hands down our favorite.  We are slightly biased in that we live only 5 minutes away, but this place really does have 'something about it'. It does not have the pretense of many Mayfair restaurants, with the arty Fitzrovia crowd often dining in jeans and a shirt. Booking can be a problem if you want our desired area upstairs towards the back, but often room is available last minute in the Shochu Lounge down stairs or around the wooden shelf  at the main cooking station. Just a warning, Shochu Lounge can get noisy and I would be careful when balancing your wine, particularly red as we found out, on the wooden surface around the station.

So what to order? In terms of drinks, they make an excellent margarita (without the syrup which so many places now insist on). The rose petal martini or anything with lychee liquor is a good bet. They offer some very good wines in the £25-35 region. For those who would like something a bit different, the Shochu Lounge offers guests the opportunity to create their own bespoke flavored shochu. You are given a personalised jar which is stored and can be enjoyed each time you visit.

The nice thing about Roka is the varied menu. Dishes range from as little as £5 for chicken wings (which you have to try) to £20-£70 for some of the beef dishes. Their dumplings are always delicious (which over the years have changed regularly - their best has been the pork and scallop), all the sushi is good, and they do particularly nice warm fish dishes, including black miso cod. They also do an amazing range of desserts, although possibly their BEST EVER has been removed from the menu, spelt along the lines of "Chawan mushi", which was fruit based, with real honeycomb, a crumbly biscuit and the softest of cream (sorry in my own dream world now).

The Aldwych and Canary Wharf branches are ideal for those who want a boozy brunch, offering weekend specials of unlimited food and drink for a set price. I am not familiar with Canary Wharf and if you aren't either, I would recommend leaving plenty of time to locate the restaurant in the concrete and glass multilevel maze.
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PIQUET

9/5/2016

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Upon reading a review in the Guardian towards the end of last year, we went with my parents to a new restaurant in Fitzrovia called Piquet. It took us a while to find, located towards the end of Newman Street just off the run down part of Oxford circus. As the Guardian review says "where it meets scuzz and cheap knock-off perfume of Oxford Street’s junkier stretch" (https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/nov/29/piquet-restaurant-review-jay-rayner).

For starters, my dad went for the country terrine, I opted for the crab raviolo, and my mum, duck rillettes. Unfortunately, the wine means that my husband is struggling to recall his starter. For the mains, apart from my mum who always orders chicken or white fish, the rest of us went for the beef. Everything was nicely presented, well cooked and tasty. For dessert, my dad and husband shared the artisanal cheeses and my mum opted for the chocolate mousse. We followed this with tea and coffee and a small digestif - my favorite amaretto.

Prices are fair but as always the bill came to more than expected due to the wine and need for side dishes. I wouldn't say this is the best French food I have tasted, nor am I sure if we will go again (partially due to the slow service and difficultly hearing each other), but it is worth a try and may be very different now it is reaching its 1st year anniversary.
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