If you happen to be strolling on Westbourne Grove, the Bond Street of Notting Hill, stop in at the discreetly named 202 Westbourne Grove. Owned by retail bigwig Stephen Marks (who also owns Nicole Farhi), 202 is a casual “yummy mummy” place not only to eat and people watch but also to buy that £30,000 Venetian mirror you’ve been hankering after. Everything is for sale, including antique mirrors, oak tables, cane chairs and Farhi’s clothing line. But if you’re just in the mood to eat, that’s fine too. Open only for breakfast and lunch, with a no-reservations policy, 202 offers the kind of comfort food that goes down well on a typical overcast London day, from buttermilk pancakes with fruit compote and crème fraîche, to kick off your morning, to spiced beef, black bean and Manchego quesadillas with avocado salsa and fish and chips, at lunch. My scrambled eggs with mushrooms on toast was just what my stomach craved, while my stroller-pushing, calorie-counting friend was pleased with her Greek salad. A meal for two, including wine and coffee, costs about $90.
Located near the Thames in Chelsea on a quiet backstreet, this marvelous place is perfect for a leisurely Sunday lunch. The brasserie, filled with Gallic charm, serves up such timeless fare as French onion soup, Provençal fish dishes and côte de boeuf in Belle Epoque surroundings of frosted windows and pretty blue banquettes.
One of Nathalie Hambro favorite spots.
“Run by Margot Henderson and Melanie Arnold, the stylish Rochelle Canteen is set in an old Victorian school (now converted into studios for fashion designers, artists and photographers) in east London’s trendy Shoreditch area. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and delicious cuisine, the canteen, which only serves lunch, is a favorite among artists traveling incognito and the local boho crowd. Cash only and BYO wine.”
Those who like their trendy Chelsea eateries casual should stop in at Tom’s Kitchen, the latest offering from super chef Tom Aikens. With its long wooden tables, open-to-view kitchen and wood-burning stove, the restaurant serves up deliciously simple dishes, made with fresh, locally grown produce, that are guaranteed to please customers of any age. The all-day brasserie-style menu has everything from classic fish, meat and poultry preparations to casseroles, charcuterie, sandwiches and pies. Summer dishes include a red-onion tart with tomato salad; mozzarella, olives and pesto; sautéed squid and chorizo on toasted sourdough; and steamed filet of bream with cockles, asparagus and saffron potatoes.
From Nob Hill decadence to SoMa innovation, San Francisco blends...
