• Added: 13th of June 2008
• Area: Lambeth
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London SE11 6AB
020 7582 3814

nopstar said
German Food in the Heart of Lambeth
This is my Friday lunch spot. The pub is run by a German Couple kicking out hearty, satisfying, sleep inducing German food. The menu is fantastic, and a good value. Schnitzel, and roast potatoes and a drink for about £5.

The only thing I’ve stumbled across that I didn’t like was the roast in beer sauce? The above picture is the Jager Schnitzel, mushroom gravy and chips.
Simple and Satisfying.

• Added: 13th of June 2008
• Area: Vauxhall
• Category: Restaurants

London SE1 7SJ
020 7587 0683

nopstar said
Hole in the wall
Sirena’s is located in the basement of the southbank house a non-descript office building in between nowhere and nothing interesting. That being said if you work near Vauxhall and you’re into thin crust pizza, this is the place for you. I’m giving this place 4 stars, but the rating is only for its pizza. I think the food is about a 3.

The other fare is decent with generous portions... the place is as loud and boisterous as its waiters. (Word of warning... if you’re an attractive lady you’re getting snogged by owner)
The pizza is off the hook... go with the signature Sirena (artichoke, tomato, parma ham and sausage)

• Added: 22nd of May 2008
• Area: Fitzrovia
• Category: Restaurants

London W1W 8AX
020 7436 0111

nopstar said
Faux Pho?
If you go to the Pho Cafe website they’ve got a quote that sums it all up... “Pho is much more than breakfast in Vietnam: it is the soul of the Nation. A contribution to human happiness” BTW its pronounce fuh (rhymes with duh) not Foe.

I have to agree wholeheartedly, it’s one of the only things I crave when I’m under the weather and I’m not even Vietnamese!

I love you Pho, there I said it... now it’s out in the open, and I’ve professed my love affair with Pho. I’m going to preface this review by stating that most people will find this review overly critical even bordering on nitpicky. That’s fine as long as you know where I’m coming from.

This was one of my first London Pho experiences since moving here in February. The prices are definitely right. £6-$7 for a bowl seems reasonable almost inexpensive.

The broth:
The distinguishing factor that set’s pho apart from other Asian soups, is the broth. The broth is typically a blend of spices (star anise, ginger etc.) boiled with beef bones and other beef parts. This is a process takes hours to complete.

I found the broth at Pho cafe to taste like salty beef broth; I didn’t get a hint of any of the delicate flavours of the spices at all. Maybe it was a bad batch... I’m going back to give it another go.

The Noodles:
The rice noodles tasted and felt like they were using dry rice noodles. The kind you and I can get at any Thai grocer. If you’re asking yourself does it really make a difference? Then just stop reading here.

Meatballs:
If you’re the type of person who’s afraid of fat on your beef, then get the chicken pho. Typically the meatballs in Pho are made from the not so choice cuts of beef. You’re going to get a fairly firm texture with some chewy bits. It is what it is... The meatballs that were served to me at pho cafe were clearly meant for a more upmarket clientele. They’ve used regular ground beef to make the meatballs, and to be fair I’m sure the majority of people eating their enjoy that.

To me it’s doesn’t taste and more importantly feel right. You can try to go up market with it, but it doesn’t necessarily make it better.

I was slightly disappointed, but I would go back. If you’re on the fence, I would recommend getting off the fence and going, you will still enjoy it.

• Added: 15th of May 2008
• Area: Aldgate
• Category: Restaurants

London E1 1JU
020 7247 9543

nopstar said
Tired of being hassled on Brick lane?
If you find yourself near brick lane, then keep walking another few blocks. You’ll find yourself at the doorstep of Tayyabs. It’s a tasty Indian restaurant; oh for our Muslim friends Tayabs is also halal.

Make reservations! I made a reservation and was shuttled passed the 20+ person queue... I was aghast by how packed this place was. Normally when you see a place this packed it’s only full of tourists, it was reassuring to see loads of Indian people filling up on the food.

As the other reviews state, the service is ridiculously fast... they food is inexpensive so they need to make it up in turn over. You’ll be rushed, but don’t take it personally their just trying to get in as much business as possible.

The lamb chops for a started are pretty good. They came out suspiciously fast though, like they’ve got dozen’s already on the grill. , The Chicken Tikka was dry... order the seek kebab really hard to mess those up. Skip the Mango Lassi, it’s tasted more like sherbert lassi...

The place is packed and it’s loud. You’re not going to be able to hold a substantive conversation as the place is roaring. You’re also packed in pretty tight, but then again you’re there to enjoy the eats right?

• Added: 15th of May 2008
• Area: Manchester
• Category: Take Aways

Manchester M1 7DY
0161 2737339

nopstar said
Try it sober.
You’re going to have to trust me on this one, but the place is legit. I’m not talking dining, let’s be honest this is grubbing. It’ has the feel of any old fast food joint/chip shop.

You’ve got to try the seek kebab wrapped in Nan, it’s exceptional. It’s sort of a no brainer really but naan always trump pita doesnt’ it? Get there earlier as it’s get is fair share of drunk uni students.

If you’re up in Manchester this is little treat you shouldn’t miss.

• Added: 14th of May 2008
• Area: West Kensington
• Category: Restaurants

London W14 9EX
020 7610 1050

nopstar said
You can’t rush a good thing.
I’ve just recently moved into the neighbourhood, and I have to say that best mangal is the only good thing going down in West Kensington.

It’s hands down the best kebab/grill place I’ve been to in London. The place isn’t much to look at, seating is a little tight and the waiters a little to flirty... When I’m eating kebab, I almost always stay away from chicken, time and time again it comes out dry and bland. The chicken kebabs at Best Mangal are moist, well marinated and flavourful.

All of their meat is well marinated; and grilled in front of you. You can’t really go wrong with the Mixed Grill, or the Special House Doner.
Well worth the trip... if you going on the weekend book ahead or be prepared to wait.

• Added: 14th of May 2008
• Area: Notting Hill
• Category: Restaurants

London W11 3JZ
020 7727 1123

nopstar said
Okay... but you get what you pay for.
I’ve recently moved to London from San Francisco, and I’ve been craving Sushi. I though the prices were fine bordering on inexpensive. The quality of the fish particularly the salmon was better than I was expecting.

I packets of wasabi and ginger have to go though... I understand offering that to your take out customers but your eat in clientele deserve better.

My major complaint was with the sushi rice... maybe it was a bad batch, but then they shouldn’t have been serving it. The consisitency was too soft and mushy. It was as if they had overcooked the rice and didn’t bother with the rice vinegar.

If you’re in the mood for sushi and you’re already in the neighbourhood I would say stop by.