News from the street - Hardens Magazine

I was recently asked to contribute towards a compilation by Hardens Magazine of my most exciting eating experiences over the last 12 months. Here is what I said:

Most notable opening of the past year:

No other openings have lived up to the hype like Russell Norman’s new Mishkin's - a ‘kind of Jewish deli with cocktails’. The empire of already successful Norman restaurants (Polpo, Polpetto, Spuntino and da Polpo) made Mishkin’s a very highly anticipated opening. It was on my mind months before the doors officially opened. With the signature low lights and intimate atmosphere, it’s still one of the most talked about new restaurants.

The Reuben at Mishkins

Favourite meal of past year:

Wild Honey in Mayfair wins my vote. Each of the three courses was creative, eye catching and mouth watering. It was the wood panelled sophisticated atmosphere, flawless service and value for money that made it an all-round experience.

Cornish Macherel, sliced cauliflower, beetroot, pinenuts and black radish

 
Most recently I visited North Road and will also put it up there with my most memorable dining experiences.  Having been awarded a Michelin star just 18 months after opening, North Road is Scandinavian inspired and serves unique and adventurous Nordic style food. Probably the closest I could get to Noma (worlds #1 in Copenhagen). The service was attentive, and the menu ever surprising and consistently inspiring.

Best street food you've encountered:

I’m in two minds about this one because the ribs at Pitt Cue Co and pulled pork were quite an experience on the South Bank before it opened its doors in a more permanent location. However I’ve very much enjoyed seeing Pom Pom Takoyaki – traditional Japanese street food made out of pancake batter filled with various fillings such as diced octopus – popping up at markets like Hackney Homemade and other locations around London. These ball-shaped dumplings are light, fresh and bursting with flavour.

Image thanks to Pom Pom Takoyaki

Picture thanks to Timeout - from Pit Cue Co permanent place in Soho

Most strikingly designed venue:

Newly opened Knightsbridge Russian, Mari Vanna, definitely takes this prize. The attention to detail is remarkable, from colossal chandeliers hanging from rosette covered ceilings, to the traditional 'Khokhloma' serving spoons and 'Gzhel' wallpaper in bathrooms. I was taken back to my childhood with this intricate yet personal design.

If you need more ideas for dining out, see what other influential bloggers and vendors had to say...here