London: Tea Time in Wonderland

The afternoon tea is the British tradition I savour most. London particularly provides such a choice of them -  each 5* hotel proposing his own, adding a different signature.

Sometimes though, I get fed up with scones and clotted cream or cucumber sandwiches at 5 o’clock. Silver teapots and little finger in the air do take a toll. I feel like painting the white cups fushia.

Yauatcha probably is my best refuge in London. Bless them, they propose two versions – a classical and an Asian one. The deco is modern and colourful, the collection of teas is to die for.

And the three-tier-serving stand is a painting of its own. Miniature treats at each level. A feast not only for the eyes. Lovley selection of  dimsums, ones with barbecued pork, another with venison – oh what a taste! And a collection of mini-pastries, half French, halsf Japanese, ganaches mixed with passionfruit, litchee jelly with whole raspberries, macaroons with a fragrant filling… Pause between two mouthfuls to have a bite of the splendidly presented exotic fruit. Great idea -  not only is this an idela palate cleanser but it does help exploring more level of savour in the sweets. You’ll struggle to eat them all: the tastes are so rich, so full that you feel wholly satisfied.

You ask for the bill. The waitress looks a bit upset: don’t you worry, your scones will be there in a minute. Scones? Oh, that won’t be manageable! But here they are, artisticaly folded in a crispy white napkin, their perfume enticing you to come closer. Eat me…! Of course you will – nice chance to have mascarpone than clotted cream and tea jelly too. And what a revolution! Green tea, coconut an chocolate chipped scones. Very light, very much make an impression on you. The last ones particularly would deserve to be sold in the shop -  I would get a load of them every week-end.

Really can’t eat anything else? Not to worry, Yauatchea is well prepared and will place the leftover sones in a colourful bag for you to take home. What a luxury breakfast the following morning!

Are you a fan lover? Try Lady Gray’s heavenly ones!

Yauatcha
15-17 Broadwick Street
London W1F 0DL
www.yauatcha.com
£25

I find the idea of an underground restaurant fascinating. these super cluns as they are called in the US are operated in someone’s home rather than the more rigid frame of a high street restaurant. Let alone the mystery factor (the address remains secret), its pop-up impact (you never know for sure whether there will be a next time or not), the trendy curiousity for it (you’ll have to be quick to book a seat, it sells so quickly!) and of course its originality (many have themed menus and sometimes themed evenings too).

16 different addresses in London, where to start?

Well, if you want a So British touch, try the Hidden Tea Room – not only are Lady Gray and her husband incredibly welcoming but they will serve you a montain of treats. More than you can eat, really, but no way to resist it, you’ll find a way…

I wasn’t feeling so sure when I stepped in the building. I mean, I was about so spend a whole afternoon in an unkown flat, with a bunch of total strangers. This could be a very long Sunday… I stand corrected. The fact only that you’re there puts you in the Love London /curious about life / sweet toothed category, same goes for the other guests. The glass of bubbly you are offered as soon as you step in is enough to get everyone chatting, exchanging addresses and comparing experiences. I do not recall a single minute of silence. A very rich human experience.

The dining room is simple and elegant – lovely black and white theme. The only colours come from the rainbow collection of cooking books oon the shelves which already have you drooling in anticipation.

And the feast begins… Extraordinary cheddar and chives biscuits, melting, warm, a touch of salted butter. To die for. You could beg for the recipe (and I am convinced some have). Nice American twist to the Afternoon Tea! It’s worth coming just for those, believe me. The traditional finger sandwiches – crunching cucumber, turkey and cranberry, ham and cheese….- do not stay long piled in your plate either.

Fab card for teas too – clearly, they take tea as seriously as I do. Classic ones, Darjeeling, Earl Grey… but also rooibos, a very fragrant Ooling with notes of watermelon and intriguing discoveries that will make your decision toufh: choco-truffle or choco-mint? A huge teapot is brought per person – enough for the whole meal but should you finish it, you will be asked whether you’d like a top-up…

Great idea to have a palate cleanser too – a scoop of very refreshing mango and pineapple sorbet – ideal dose, bright orange colour that can only make you smile in happiness. For now it is scones time people! Nature or with raisins, loads of them. Fluffy, light, just out of the oven… the best I have had since Yauatcha’s chocolate chipped ones. The menu should actually warn you: hughly addictive! Come the Monday, you’ll be sitting at work sighing, dreaming of a cup of Assam with a scone, the clotted cream melting on it, a dollop of blueberry preserve (much nicer than the usual strawberry)…

They could have stopped here – the guest already are more than staified with a huge grin on their face. This is a pure celebration of delights – toffee brownies to die for (how did she get this perfect melting heart?), tangy lemon drizzle cake, sugary shortbreads (should I dip them in the tea? or not? Oh well, I’ll just have two and compare). Of course there will be cucpakes, cream cheese frosting, my favourite, a very light but still chocolatey cake. i can’t help but considering for a moment grabbing the dish and running away with them. But then again, i would miss the jasmine tea – elegant bubble of tea leaves opening on a bright flower as it infuses – and the delicate tea truffle which ganache fills your mouth. The conversatio at that point reduces to a general mmmmmmh.

Lady Gray and her husband can finally put their apron aside and enjoy some time with us, discuss their underground experience, their vision of afternoon teas, their adventures. we have so many questions for them! Bravo to this adorable couple whose enthusiasm (and treats, let’s be honest) just makes the world a better place. You really feel you have spent an afternoon with friends not complete strangers.

Another way to live the Afternoon tea which gives it back its social dimension while still being finger licking good.

Hopefully Lady Gray will get a chance of publishing her recipe book – she’s writing it at the moment. We’re all waiting for this (pleeeeease put the scones recipe in!)

Hidden Tea Room
www.hiddentearoom.com

Check the list of underground restaurants around the world on SaltShaker’s web site.

No matter the temperature, the weather, the piling of coats, scarfs, sweaters. If a child sees an ice-cream around, you’re toast. That’s how I got stuck in Covent Garden, rain pouring outside with a four-year-old that really was feeling like a little something sweet and cool.

Thankfully, down the piazza is Yu-foria, serving frozen yogurts, much more refreshing than a very sugary ice-cream. Choose from natural, green tea, of day special, mango in ourcase. Really worth Snog ones. The principle is the same – add toppings of your choice. 100% fat free and green too, with biodegradable cups.

Add to this a cozy shop, natural deco, wooden and golden tones and even, hidden from view at the back to suspended armchairs where lovers will love to sit…

Even better, they’re just where opera singers and classical orchestra settle to sing and play @ the week-ends.  What a delicious time!

Yu-foria
Covent Garden Market,
London,
WC2E 8RB

Count £3 for a medium size and 20p per topping. 2 is generally enough.

If you prefer a more calorical and trendy option, head upstairs for Ella’s cupcakes. Or maybe Ben’s cookies, with melting chocoloate chips?

Marmite always divides a group. You love it or hate it – there is no compromise possible, it’s a passionate issue.

The British will spread it on their toasts for breaksfast. Or cook with it adding it to gratins, casseroles, cheese on toast… In my office, the guys dilute it in boiling water and drink it like a soup.

I can’t stand the stuff – there’s nothig worse worse for me than having it around in a Monday morning, when I’m only half awake.

However, I love the brand design. I can only clap alour at the audacity of using the lost customers to bounce back, giving themselves a fun image, playing with the love it/hate it ads, but also using Paddington last year and Horrid Henry this year. They did well with the merchandising too: a Warhol look for objects in the e-shop, limited editions whether it is just a change of look or of taste 9remember the champagne one?)

For Xmas, Marmite has opened a pop-up shop on Regent Street. The whole range of biscuits, rice cakes, crisps is of course on the shelves. But also Tshirts in parody of the “J’adore Dior”, pop style dishes, sandwich boxes, magnets, books celebrating the product… Xmas cards (fancy a little Marmite in your Xmas pudding?)! Depending on your taste, the shopping bac will be stamped Love or Hate Marmite. On the whole, a place to stop for the smile, and plenty of stocking fillers. A friendly welcome too – the staff is ahppy to help and share anecdotes about the product and will even hand the bowl of chips for you to try.

You’ll find a mini-cafe on the small floor, serving tea and… Marmite toast, of course. Why not sign the table with your addiction or hatred too? Oh, and ask the waitress about the Marmite cocktails served at the launch party…

Marmite pop-up shop
82 Regent St
London

Till the end of December 2009
You’ll also find the products in their e-shop.

Somedays,  I look sadly at my English Breakfast. My tastebuds  feel like something more festive.

Strolling through Islington,  Elk in the woods saved my morning (and waistline, it would have taken quite a long walk to get rid of the calories a croissant contains). Quirky decoration, a little crazy sometimes, a little hunt in the forest themed.

I grab the day’s newspaper, laugh with the waitress, order a pomegrenate juice with lime, chat with the near table of the ongoing festival…

… before gulfing down the duck egg with asparagus, sausage and toast dippers (£6). And who could resist the idea of pancakes with cinamon pears and goats milk yogurt (how different and so fitting), maple syrup on top? (£5.5)

To be enjoyed on a Saturday morning, before the crowds wake up. Once it gets buzzing, the place really loses its quiet charm.  Such a lovely walk around on that day with the antique market and stalls…

The Elk in the wood
39 Camden passage
Islington
London N1 8EA
Tube: angel

You’re spending the day with your kids.

Time for lunch. You’re happily wondering what to go for:eja: sushi, indian, wonton, fusion food…? In your dreams! They have their mind set on a Mc Donald’s.

Now, there’s a compromise to find. Make it a happy time for you too – go to Ed’s diner.

Retro deco, bar stool, neon colours, very 50ies, mini jukebox (20p only for a song). You feel you have stepped in one of these old American series – Surely Fonzie will be here in a minute?

Hamburgers are well worth a Big Mac. They may not be the best in town, but they’re satisfying enough and it’s clear to the palate the ingredients are fresh. Why mot customise your own? Guacamole? Onion? You’d rather choose whether to put cheddar, emmental or american cheese?

Amazing choice of fries: cheese, chilli, bacon… Wet fries!

Milkshakes are just excellent – served in a tall glass verre with extra on the side. £3.55 but there’s enough for too. Thick and creamy. You will not regret the Oreo cookies or my favourite: banana and peanut butter, which I drank straight, almost in a breath.

Classic American deserts too: Missipi mud pie… Pecan Pie… Malt waffles… Too bad – the food is so filling, you will not even get there.

More expensive than a Mc Do (remember the usual12.5% service charge will be added to your food, fastfood or not), but the Rock’n'roll atmosphere is such a nice chance. Very friendly service too, the waiter checked several times whether everything was ok and was great with our 4 year old daughter.

Note to parents: I can’t see how to fit a buggy in there! However kids’ menus are available with games on the reverse. The mini-milkshakes are just the right size and ideal for small hands.

Ed’s Diner
12 Moor Street
Old Compton St
Soho
London
W1D 5NG

(2 other addresses on the site)

Love American goodies?

- Avoid the chain the Diner. I gave their Shoreditch and Soho locations a try and swear never to go near again. Service was horribly slow, fries tasteless. I got an already melting coke float and had the time to finish it and wait some more before getting my hamburger and cheese fries. No apologies. Not even a smile. Barely a thank you and good-bye in either place. 12.5% service charge? What a laugh: were was the service apart from putting something on my table? It would have been quicker to get it from the kitchen myself.

- At The Hop (61 Beauchamp Place, close to Harrod’s) you can enjoy Tenessee Toffee pies… Oreo sundays… cheese popcorn…Filling milkshakes flavoured with your favourite chooclate bar… You’ll even find American cereals, Mountain Dew…

- Are you a sucker for import sweets? Then you’ll find your HQ @ Cybercandy in Covent Garden. That’s where I get my poptarts from (they even have smore ones)!

- I shop for American products at Partridge’s too – mmmm, corn bread…

- If you ever stop in Bristol, you just have to stop @ Rocadillos, the best diner in the country...

…with a cheese and wine market! A dozen stalls propose cheese from all over the world – and yes, you can taste plenty of those! Or maybe alternate with the wine stands. You’ll also find fab beers (try the Whitstable one!), favoured oils, bread with herbs sprinkled on top…

Doesn’t this make you suddenly feel like having a picnic?

Cheese and Wine festival
Southbank Centre Square
London

Until October 25 18.oo

Just like Alice’s white rabbit, I’m running after time this week… But, still, here are a few ideas for the week-end!

- The Natural History Museum proposes each year a splendid collection of wildife pictures.Always moving, funning or amazing. And great with kids! £9, though.

- Like religious art? Then stop at the  National Gallery see The Sacred made real: Spanish Painting and sculpture 1600-1700. Already in your boring section? Think again -  have a peek on the website. Sometimes incrediby real.

- Halloween’s coming your way: why not try ghost hunting @ the ghost festival?

- Or see live-painting and street-art at this bar…?

- On Sunday, have fun on Southbank. The Autumn Harvest Festival offers games and storytelling for kids but also a parade: a berryman, walking fruit and vegetables and even a corn queen whose dress will be made of  vegetation… Free, starting @ 12.00 in front of the Shakespeare Globe.

Me? I’ll be having a finger-licking chocolate fondue @  the’Artisan Chocolat bar close to Portobello Market…

Another success for my favourite entrepreneur Alan Yau.

Simple but chic, elegant but not pretentious. Communal table but still fine for a romantic dinner, rich dark wood, dimmed lights, bright touches of colours like this bowll of flowers. Pure lines, so design, so trendy, one of the places to be for sure…

Here, one eats thai with a twist, sometimes traditional, others fusion food.

Ideally? Have a seat at the counter overlooking the street to enjoy the Soho crowd.

Tested and loved:
- fish cakes with cucumber and peanut relish – fresh, light, ideal starter £4.70
- smoked chicken noodle with Chinese broccoli and egg – oooooh, heaven. You’ll want to steal your neighbour’s plate too. £6.90
- Thai roti, a kind of potato naan. Great with sauces! £2.70
- Mussama duck curry with potatoe, peanuts, onions. ery filling, tender meat, savoury but not too spicy, a dish that makes you feel the world is a wonderful place. Forget your diet, close your eyes and mmmh in delight. £8.90
- Coconut rice: I could dine on this alone, so fragrant, I will never forget the perfume! £2
- Forget the desert, by now you cannot eat another spoonful. Try a mango lassi instead – so refreshing and the cardamon, honey and rosewater will leave the sweet note you need. £3 (or jog to Yauatcha nearby – Alan Yau’s deserts there will take you to nirvana)

Reviews on the web often state a disappointing service. This is a favourite place in the neighbourhood, no booking taken, long queues in the evening. I guess the staff does loose patience an energy with such a high table turnover. However, try having lunch there, like us, when it just opens: the staff was adorable, quick and very friendly. And really, fab price for that quality!

Busaba Eathai
106 Wardour St
London, W1F0TS

Get your umbrellas out this week-end to go and see…

- The new street art by Mutate Britain near Portobello Rd

- Discover the favourites for the Turner prize @ the Tate (including Roger Hiorns who likes to see life in blue)

- Shop fort art @ the Somerset House craft fair…

- take the kids to Saddlers’ Wells family week-end – an excellent dance show with workshops where 5+ can experiment with dance and shapes… There’s even one for toddlers!

- Dream of exotic India with the Maharaja exhibition @ the V&A..

- Rethink your house with the eco home exhibition at the Geffrye Museum…

- Be very brave and try a nudist flashmob on a London rooftop…

- Or simply, join me in my winter blues fight. I’m having an oriental afternoon tea @ Yauatcha – how could I resist grean tea and coconut scones?