While I have been on a blogging hiatus (hope you missed me) lots of really fabulous places have opened up in London. Here is the eStylista guide to what is hot, what is not - the perfect way to revamp your eating-out options in the foodie's haven that is London. If you have been in a restaurant rut (aren't we all) - try these new openings out - the perfect recipe to forget the financial doom and gloom thats surrounding us!!
First up is the Arts Club. If you haven't heard of it you are in the minority. One of the partners is Gwyneth Paltrow. In a few short months Arjun Wayney (of Zuma, Roka, La Petite Maison, Il Baretto fame) has come up with yet another winner. He truly has the midas touch when it comes to opening up the next big thing. While most restaurant openings bomb, the charming Mr Wayney has customers lining up down the street to eat (and be seen) at his tables dotted around the city.
Coming back to the Arts Club - its a private membership club situated in a handsome Mayfair townhouse. As you may imagine - almost impossible to get in. If you don't have the much coveted membership then find a friend who does. The food is very, very good. You can eat in the main restaurant (for which a reservation is highly recommended) or head upstairs to the walk-in brasserie (which is the more happening place at the moment).
The Arts club is what Home House once was (briefly, when it opened, before it got over-run by everyone and their aunt). There is a small club downstairs - the music is a bit hit and miss but then after a few cocktails at their bar - you won't really mind.
The one disappointment from Wayney's new openings was Aurelia. Styled as a contemporary Mediteranean restaurant - the food is a mish-mash of favourite dishes at his other restaurants. It was a sense of deja-vu lacking the customary excitement at his other outposts.
One place to avoid at all costs is The Playboy Club - badly designed, an indifferent crowd - don't go there - there are much better places in town.
Like the Box. If you have stomach for the slighlty bizzare - the music is good and it has atmosphere. Book a table and be prepared to let your hair down - not for the uptight types.
Coming back to restaurants - 45 Park Lane is the sister hotel to the Dorchester. Cut 45 Parklane at by US celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck is worth the 6 week wait-list. If you like your steak (disclaimer: I don't eat beef) - I have it on very good authority - it is the best you can get in London. Even for the non-steak eaters the food is superlative - the tuna starter is much recommended as are the desserts.
It's a pity that the service does not match up. Our drinks were 45 minutes delayed. The food came in cold, the fries were way too late and had to be sent back - a complaint to the manager did not help - one hopes that it is merely teething troubles.
One of the best kept secrets (it is with much pain that I divulge it) is the breakfast at Cut. It is one of the best I have ever had - innovative, utterly delicious.
One of my new finds is Bright Courtyard. Its a new chinese restaurant on Baker Street. Totally, totally recommended. Give (it's neighbour across the road) Royal China a miss. Even forget Phoenix Palace. Seriously. The food at Bright Courtyard is clean, fresh and sublime. Sunday dimsum is now horrendously busy but make a booking and head down there. Its a great place for a quick lunch.
Get started on this list, come back for more... eStylista is back - stay with me, I have a long list of ideas to share :)
