Latest reviews by AlexHung

Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's

AlexHung — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 22:44:30 +0000

Rating: 4.8

Location: 55 Brook Street, W1K 4HX, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7499 0099

Website: http://www.gordonramsay.com/claridges/

Tags: good value

'Affordable' Ramsay experienceFor the second year in a roll, my wife and I celebrated her birthday at Claridges. The food and service is still worthy of the Michelin stars. In Gordon Ramsay's restaurant empire, Claridges comes below Royal Hospital road and the menu and decor reflects that, but in a good way. The experience is much more relax and enjoyable compares to Royal Hospital road. The menu is less 'fancy', more down to earth food, but no less delicious! The wine list is very approachable and has a list of recommended wine so for those non-expert, it is easy to pick one.

We were lucky this year and were treated to a tour of the kitchen! We has the privilege of meeting the head chief and see how such as small kitchen managed to supply top notch food for over 120 covers.

Will we go back next year? Oh yes!

The Japanese Canteen

AlexHung — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 15:12:13 +0000

Rating: 3.0

Location: 83 High Holborn, WC1V 6LS, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7405 4540

Website: http://www.thejapanesecanteen.co.uk/holborn.html

Tags: japanese, good value, crowded

Fast and affordableI had only have take out lunch at this place, but I was impressed by the food quality. The chicken katsu was spotted on and the portion is generous. Even the regular size will fill you up for lunch, and the large is almost double! Service looks a bit chaotic but is actually really fast and efficient. It's a shame that it locates too far from my office to make it a regular lunch place.

Wagamama

AlexHung — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 23:51:36 +0000

Rating: 1.0

Location: The South Bank Centre, SE1 8XX, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7021 0877

Website: http://www.wagamama.com

Tags: crowded, cheap eat

Food is fine, can't say the same for the serviceMy wife and I went to this particular Wagamama on a Saturday lunch time, and the queue was long outside. While we were queuing up to be seated, one of the waiter came out and handed out menu so we could start looking at what we wanted to eat. Somehow, the waiter completely passed by and ignored me. I was the only asian in the queue (my wife is scotish), and I couldn't believe it was happening in London of all places. The thought of it being an one off mistake was proven wrong when we finally reached the door. Again, I was ignored by the waiter until it was obvious I was at the head of the queue and he had to deal with me.

Food on the other hand was fine. Not authentic Asian but taste good nonetheless.

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay

AlexHung — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 23:36:31 +0000

Rating: 4.9

Location: 68 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HP, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7352 4441

Website: http://www.gordonramsay.com

Tags: good value, perfection

PerfectionGordon Ramsay may be on TV a lot nowadays but there is a reason why Michelin gives this restaurant 3 stars. My wife and I had lunch there and the food were cooked to perfection. The best dish of that day? Caramelised Tarte Tatin of apples. It defines the gold standard from which I'll judge all apple tart from this day onward!

The service was so good that I feel bad to leave only the 12.5% tips they put on the bill! We live in the US and I am more than happy to tip 20+% for this kind of great service!

Is 100+ pound a la carte menu a good value? I think so. Just imagine how many Friday night drinking you need to forgo before able to afford one Gordon Ramsay meal! Not that many, really! So treat yourself, at least once a year.

Ichi-Riki Sushi House

AlexHung — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 23:08:01 +0000

Rating: 4.3

Location: 17B Strutton Ground, SW1P 2HY, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7233 1701

Tags: japanese, family & home feel, good value

Don't be scare away by the entranceI was initially reluctant to enter due to the small and narrow staircase. The dining area is pretty small and cozy but I think it adds to the ambience. The food is fresh though the portion was on the small size compares to New York where I live. Definitely will go back again.

Hotel Russell

AlexHung — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 22:52:25 +0000

Rating: 4.0

Location: Russell Square, WC1N 1DB, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7837 6470

Website: http://www.principal-hotels.com

Fine stay but not chic enoughAmazing nice bathroom. Can't say the same for the bedroom, unfortunately. The staff were very friendly and helpful though they weren't able to resolve my issue with the heating (the remote control was missing). I had only eaten in the breakfast/dinning room and while the breakfast was good, I won't have paid for it if it weren't company expensed. Room service was fast but not enough choices.

All in all, fine hotel to stay in but the building/decor isn't my style.