bake the Cookie Shoppe [5,] Las Vegas NV

Bake

No Chip with Sprinkles

Ube Crinkle Cookie

Pumpkin Biscoff Cookie

Chocolate Chip with Walnuts Cookie

No Chip Cookie

Oreo Milkshake Cookie

Pumpkin Spice Cookie

Ube Toffee Cookie

Ube & Oreo Cookie

Chocolate Chip Cookie

Established in 2020, but finally with a storefront that opened August of 2024, bake the Cookie Shoppe comes from a group of friends focused on making better Cookies than franchises like Crave or Crumbl and based on five visits so far the results are impressive across the whole collection.

Part of Vandrey Plaza on South Decatur, just North of Sunset and the I-215, it is inside a small space that guests will discover a dozen or more daily flavors ranging from “No Chip” with just the Dough to seasonal inspirations such as Pumpkin Biscoff.

Sold for $4 per round, each individually packaged before entering a branded box and bag, fans of Filippino flavors will be excited to know Ube shines brightly whether “crinkled” on its own or fused with Oreo Cookies.

Happily delivering orders over $65 for free locally, or shipping nationally for a fee, additional classics come in the form of soft Chocolate Chip or Snickerdoodle, though those in search of bake’s best bites should strongly consider gooey Oreo Milkshake or Ube Toffee.

www.bakethecookieshoppe.com

Posted in bake, bake the Cookie Shoppe, Dessert, Food, Las Vegas, Nevada Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Glaze Doughnuts [39,] Las Vegas NV

Glaze Doughnuts

Pumpkin Cake Doughnut

Vanilla Frosting Doughnut

Apple Fritter

Old Fashioned Doughnut

Blueberry Cake Doughnut

Red Velvet Cake Doughnut

Vanilla Cake Doughnut

Maple Longjohn

Cinnamon Twist Doughnut

Pink Frosting Doughnut with Sprinkles

Maple Frosting Doughnut

Pink Frosting Doughnut with Coconut

Horchata and Churro Doughnut

Vanilla Frosting Doughnut with Coconut

Pink Fruity Pebbles Doughnut

Glazed Doughnut

Chocolate Frosting Doughnut with Peanuts

Chocolate Frosting Doughnut with Coconut

Nutella Mixed Nuts Doughnut

Family owned and operated from the start, Dominic Sang bringing family recipes from a Texas Doughnuttery to Sin City in October 2015, guests entering Glaze Doughnuts will notice little has since changed about the shop in nearly a decade while their soft base and creative toppings earn “Best of Las Vegas” accolades annually.

Located on Fort Apache Road, fair prices and friendly service undoubtedly part of Glaze’s appeal, what the shop lacks in selection is more than made up for in quality compared to the likes of Dunkin, Krispy Kream or other spots nearby.

Largely built on Yeast Rings, though undersized Fritters perform admirably, fans of simplicity will find Maple Frosting far more subtle than most while Chocolate and Vanilla Glaze are also of excellent quality with or without additions such as Cereal or Candy.

Not over-the-top, but balanced and complex, Black and White Sesame dazzle atop a fluffy leavened base while Vanilla with Oreos do the same, though if one is seeking Glaze’s top choice the decision comes down to Blueberry Cinnamon Toast, Churros and Horchata or Matcha Green Tea Pistachio that delivers sweetness beneath toasty notes.

www.glazedoughnutslv.com

Glaze Doughnuts Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Posted in Breakfast, Dessert, Food, Glaze Doughnuts, Las Vegas, Nevada Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Metro Pizza Catering [26,] Las Vegas NV

Metro Pizza

Zamboni Pizza – Sausage, Old School Pepperoni, Roasted Red Peppers, Mike’s Hot Honey, Mozzarella Cheese

86th Street Square Pie – Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato Sauce, Romano Cheese, Olive Oil, Old School Pepperoni

Brooklyn Jr. – Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato Sauce, Romano Cheese, Olive Oil

The Bleecker Street – Italian Sausage, Garlic, Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato Sauce, Basil, Olive Oil

Garlic Knots

Chicken Wings

Serving Las Vegas for over forty years one might well assume Metro Pizza has the take-out game down to a science, and even now with more competition than ever John Arena and Sam Facchini’s Pizzeria remains irreproachable in terms of customer service and quality.

Featuring locations North, South, East and West, with another soon to come at the Convention Center, it was minutes prior to 12:00am that delivery arrived porting Food, utensils, plates and condiments, each carefully packaged.

Never ignoring “Old New York,” or in this class “The Bleecker Street” with a classic trio plus Sausage on voluptuous Crust, “The Zamboni” offers two Meats, Roasted Peppers and a generous drizzle of Mike’s Hot Honey while Metro’s cold-fermented 86th Street remains defiantly light despite its thickness even after traveling whether topped with Cup n’ Char Pepp or Mushrooms.

No less impressive with Wings and Knots there is a reason John and Sam have been successfully serving Las Vegas for so long, a good part of it skill and doing things the right way but also by focusing on the customer to deliver on their promises for budgets big or small.

www.metropizza.com

Metro Pizza Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Posted in Catering, Food, Las Vegas, Metro Pizza, Metro Pizza Catering, Metro Pizza on Decatur, Nevada, Pork Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

ShangHai Taste Catering [23,] Las Vegas NV


Shanghai Taste

House Fried Rice with Sausage

Shanghai Fried Rice Cake with Chicken

House Fried Fat Noodles with Beef

Sheng Jian

Scallion Pancakes

Kao Fu

Tucked inside Suite 104 of 4266 Spring Mountain Road, it was via contacting ShangHai Taste directly that catering was coordinated on Tuesday, Managing Partner Joe Muscaglione arriving at 11:45am-sharp with six items portioned large enough for sharing.

Still the top destination in Shanghai Plaza at the corner of Arville Street, family recipes handed down to Chef Jimmy Li comprising a concise menu of scratch-made plates, it was with all items carefully-packed and temperature appropriate that most got started with Fried Rice, a bit of tooth welcomed amidst Pork, Egg and Soy.

Now the 21st time delivered, though Jimmy’s years at 3 Villages, 1900 Asian Cuisine and Niu Gu will find many locals familiar with his authentic brand of cooking, fans of Soup Dumplings, or XLB, will be happy to know ShangHai Taste’s set a high standard, and whether one prefers Pork, Beef, Shrimp, Crab or even Gluten Free the textures and flavors are great, as too are the fried version entitled Sheng Jian with Sesame Seeds.

Again impressing with House Fried Fat Noodles, each strand slick and slightly chewy tossed with Steak, Stir-fried Rice Cakes traditionally known as Chao Nian Gao remain a personal favorite thanks to sticky-soft pillows with Salt and a bit of sweetness.

Only offering one Dessert, not “American” by any stretch, remaining stomach capacity saw Chocolate Dumplings skipped this time while guests with a sense of adventure enjoyed steamed Wheat Gluten Kao Fu with Mushrooms, fermented Soy and Ginger.

Posted in Food, Las Vegas, Nevada, pancake, Pancakes, Pork, Shanghai Plaza, ShangHai Taste, ShangHai Taste Catering Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A.Wong, London UK

A.Wong

Hong Kong Egg Tart – Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal, King’s Ginger, Lemon, Egg Brulee

Scalded oysters with ‘fish fragrant’ aubergine sauce

French beans, wasabi soy and osmanthus jelly

Tiger salad with cumin lamb and split buttermilk

Chilled ‘smacked’ cucumber with trout roe, chilli, garlic vinegar

Yunnan sweet potato with tamarind and shrimp caramel

Yunnan sweet potato with tamarind and shrimp caramel noodle

Cantonese honey roasted pork and grated foie gras

Zhou dynasty cured scallop, stuffed crab claw

Isle of Mull seared scallop and honey glazed Iberico char siu

Shanghai steamed dumplings, ginger infused vinegar

Dim sum duo – Har Gow, Siu Mai

Raw wagyu, fermented meat paste

Wood ear fungus

Asian Pear

Tangerine Fish with Chiu Chow beef broth and Caviar

Crispy Youtiao with Sea Whelk Curry

‘Memories of Peking Duck’, foie gras and smoked duck, truffle, caviar

Garlic steamed wild tiger prawn, mung bean noodles, superior soy

Anhui province red braised fermented wild sea bass

Braised abalone, shitake mushroom, sea cucumber and abalone butter

‘Why we don’t need to eat shark’s fin soup’

Tea

Pulled noodle cracker with Pomelo Salad

“Soy chicken’ with ginger oil and Oscietra caviar wrap

Shanxi pulled lamb ‘burger’ with Xinjiang pomegranate salad

Gong Bao chicken, roasted peanuts and ‘hot pot’ essence

Yunnan seared beef with mint, chili and lemongrass

Sweet and sour corn-fed chicken, Thai basil, pineapple and candied walnuts

Squid flower, abalone sauce and cashew nuts, spiced squid ink

Chrysanthemum tofu, lemongrass broth

Nashi pear with Sichuan pepper

Coconut water ice, bird’s nest, fermented coconut, dried mulberries, yoghurt and mochi

Cheese, Walnut, Fruit Vinegar / Dragons Beard Candy

Fruits-Homage to Enigma

Chocolates – Banana, Caramel, Raspberry

Opened as Kym’s in 1985 it was in 2012 that Andrew Wong took over the space at 70 Wilton Road from his late father, a lifetime in the Restaurant suddenly a full time job informed by his parents and centuries of Chinese cuisine from Shanghai to Chengdu and Beijing.

Awarded 2* from Michelin, a Tasting Menu only affair dubbed ‘Collections of China’ offering over one hundred Ingredients across six courses and thirty items, guests are greeted warmly at a space that looks largely like any other celebratory Chinese Restaurant featuring a pleasant but professional staff.

A work of passion, all of it orchestrated by Chef Wong who has used travel to pursue his own interpretation of regional cuisine, servers are careful to explain each course and the order in which it should be consumed to maximize the experience.

Seated close to the kitchen, Wong manning the pass with bright aromas and flashes of flame occasionally drawing eyes, Cocktails are a highlight and Teas are carefully selected to match ‘The Banquet’, ‘Dim Sum’, ‘Fish’, ‘Snacks’, ‘Five Flavours’ and ‘Fruits’ to finish.

Fast paced but never rushed, the entire experience lasting roughly three hours, “Scalded Oysters” and “Smacked” Cucumbers offer a bold introduction while two types of Sweet Potato give way to succulent roast Pork glazed with Honey and topped by nuts adjacent dried and grated Duck Liver.

Occasionally adding some theater, a Scallop beneath flaky Pastry sliced into halves before Millefeuille of Char Siu and Scallop, Dim Sum offers XLB, Har Gow and Siu Mai plus fragrant Broth and Crispy Youtiao with Sea Whelk Curry.

Next unveiling Peking Duck in a puff of smoke, delicate Pancakes consumed in two bites with Truffles and Caviar, Fish courses include Abalone, Bass and Prawns plus a whimsical Soup that Alex uses to explain why it is no longer necessary to butcher Sharks for their fins.

Growing even more complex with “Five Flavours,” instructions to eat subtle dishes first most prudent here as the Lamb “Burger” and “Hot Pot” Chicken are best appreciated before seared Beef with Chilis and Lemongrass, when Dessert arrives nuance and detail again take center stage from show-stopping Chrysanthemum Tofu to Coconut Water Ice with Bird’s Nest.

www.awong.co.uk

Posted in A.Wong, Crab, Dessert, England, Foie, Foie Gras, Food, London, Pork, Tasting Menu, Truffle, Truffles, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Cornus, London UK

Cornus

Maison Henriot Brut Souverain

Paloma Goes Smokey – Mezcal ‘Amaras’, lime and grapefruit juice, London Essence grapefruit soda

Focaccia, Sourdough, Butter

Aged Comte Gougère, Gruyere Fondue, Beurre Noisette

Squid Ink Cracker, Smoked Fish

Pork Rillettes, Plum Jelly

Burford Cheese and Onion Tart, Mushroom Puree

Gumea Fowl & Smoked Ham Hock Terrine, Hazelnut Mayonnaise, Apple, Mustard and Onion Chutney, Toast

Roscoff Onion Veloute, Onion Fondue and Creamed Mushroom on Toast

Roast Cornish Monkfish, Mussel Rillette, Charlotte Potatoes and Lovage

Glazed Berkshire Pork Cheek, Creamed Potato, Carrots, Swede and Madeira

Citrus Pavlova with Lemon Verbena and Greek Basil

English Pear Soufflé with Chestnut Ice Cream and Pear Eau de vie Anglaise

Warm Chocolate Fondant with Honeycomb Ice Cream & Chocolate Sauce

Ginger Macaron / Bergamot Pate de Fruits / Matcha White Chocolate Fudge

Tucked inside Eccleston Yards in Belgravia, the sort of place one is unlikely to stumble upon, Cornus derives it’s name from the Dogwood plant and recently celebrated it’s first anniversary with a Michelin star.

A sister Restaurant to Medlar, Chef Gary Foulkes at the helm with Pastries from Chef Kelly Curren, guests ascend a lift to the fourth floor where the room opens bright and airy across a sizable space with padded chairs and white tablecloths.

Offered a la carte, tasting or as a bargain £60 lunch prix-fixe even on weekends, top-tier seasonal Produce and Proteins from local purveyors an obvious point of pride, Wine and Cocktails are also fair priced with Champagne well-suited to opening bites like a warm Gougere or delicate Cheese and Onion Tart.

Playing R.E.M., Bob Dylan and The Clash at medium volume by day, the service professional but very friendly, it was after a breaded bite of Pork sweetened by Jam that Appetizers pitted a meaty Terrine against velvety Onion Soup with both proving faultless.

Well-portioned for the price, mains from the prix-fixe seeing perfectly cooked Monkfish atop a bed of Potatoes crowned by a quenelle of Mussels, guests seeking something more hearty will not be disappointed by tender Berkshire Pork and Pommes Puree with reduced Madeira.

Moving on to Curren’s craft, each of three Mignardises and house Focaccia also coming from her station, Prixe-Fixe Desserts are simple yet enjoyable with plenty of nuance while the Pear Soufflé with Chestnut Ice Cream added a la carte is tall, proud and as good as one will find at a Michelin 3* establishment.

www.cornusrestaurant.co.uk

Posted in Bread Basket, Cornus, Dessert, England, Food, Ice Cream, London, Macaron, Macaroon, Pork, Souffle, Tasting Menu, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pophams Bakery (Prebend Street,) London UK

Pophams Bakery

Almond Croissant

Honey Salt Bun

Banana Chai Croissant

Ham and Cheese Croissant

Cardamom Bun

Although the Islington section of London is not really considered a culinary destination fans of Viennoiserie have undoubtedly heard of Pophams Bakery, the former chemist shop now frequently featuring a lengthy queue of patrons beginning even before doors open at 07h30 on weekdays.

A friendly spot headed by Ollie Gold, the original on Prebend Street adjacent Pophams “Home & Pantry,” guests entering will note warm woods and dried flowers plus good Coffee and a dozen Pastries prone to frequent change.

Now with two larger locations, including one with a nighttime Pasta program, fans of the Croissant will be happy to see no less than six choices on most days – plain Butter skipped in favor of sliced Ham and toasty Cheese plus nicely layered Almond and aromatic Banana Chai that may have fared better if the Fruit was cut into more manageable bites.

Offering to warm most choices, a good idea for those able to snag limited seating, Pophams’ Honey Salt Bun is absolutely delightful in its simplicity while the tightly wound Cardamom Bun is every bit as good as the famous ones at Juno in Copenhagen.

www.pophamsbakery.com

Posted in Breakfast, Croissant, Croissants, Dessert, England, Food, London, Pophams Bakery, Pophams Bakery Islington, Pophams Bakery Prebend Street, Pork, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Dusty Knuckle Bakery (Dalston,) London UK

The Dusty Knuckle Bakery Abbot Street

Drip Coffee

Apple Turnover

Cookie

Date & Cardamom Bun

Morning Bun

Founded by three friends in 2013 The Dusty Knuckle Bakery began with a purpose, youth violence prevention worker Max Tobias desiring to help at-risk kids take steps forward through on-the-job training and mentorship in a fast-paced environment.

Now with three locations, co-owners Rebecca Oliver and Daisy Terry taking the idea past a Dalston shipping container to Harringay and Highbury Fields, visitors at the original can still see experience everything as it started Sunday through Friday from 08h00.

Quite the operation, including a baking school and large on-site facility, it is from a car-park that guests smell Yeast, Coffee and Cinnamon meters before entering, the Baristas up front working hard while guests queue along glass cases to order.

Known for Sourdough, though early arrivals are likely to be swayed by something sweet, a quick look shows Viennoiserie nicely laminated with good butter while an Apple Turnover served warm is bright with Cinnamon but not too sweet.

Fairly priced by British standards, all Pastries £3.20 to £4.60, Dusty Knuckle’s lone Cookie pairs Chocolate Chips and Sea Salt at the soft center of a golden rim while a buttery Cardamom Date Roll shines beneath toasted nuts.

www.thedustyknuckle.com

Posted in Breakfast, Coffee, Dessert, England, Food, London, The Dusty Knuckle Bakery, The Dusty Knuckle Bakery Abbot Street, The Dusty Knuckle Bakery Dalston, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ikoyi, London UK

Ikoyi

Palm Punch – Rum, Palm Wine, Baobab, Spices

Timur & Tea Gimlet – Tequila, Timur, Pandan

Gola Pepper Broth

Drunken Squid & Fermented Rice, Truffle

Bluefin Tuna, Pistachio Pudding, Black Mint

Aged Beef, Smoked Chanterelles

Saffron Crème Caramel, Razor Clams, Caviar

Emmer Brioche

Turbot, Crab Salad, Combawa Tomato

Sweetbread & Pencil Cob Corn Grits, Sausage, Horseradish

Red Mullet, Blue Squash, Cauliflower

Native Breed Rib, Apple BBQ, Caramelized Yeast

Smoked Jollof Rice

Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee

Jasmine, Pumpkin Seed, Passion Berry Jelly

White Pea, Calamansi, Green Yuzu

Pine Nut Frangipane / Pear & Lemon Thyme / Peppercorn & Buddha’s Hand Choux

Awarded two Michelin Stars and currently seated 15th on W50b Ikoyi most certainly has its fans, the venture between Chef Jeremy Chan and business partner Ire Hassan-Odukale thrusting West African flavors into a previously unprecedented global spotlight.

Located on the Strand, a severe room and joyless service fond of the term “umami” placing added heft on bold flavors, dinner consists of 15 items ranging from single bites to substantial portions of largely British protein and produce.

Focused on “spice based cuisine,” frequently to the Food’s detriment as with a delicious Sweetbread lost in a pick ‘em of ingredients beneath Sausage buried in Horseradish, highlights arrived mostly early such as with the Beef Tart or Crème Caramel with Caviar and Razor Clams, but at $575pp (1 cocktail each, no wine) there are far too many plates later where “less” would have been more.

www.ikoyilondon.com

Posted in Bread Basket, Coffee, Crab, Dessert, England, Food, Ice Cream, Ikoyi, London, Sweetbread, Sweetbreads, Tasting Menu, Truffle, Truffles, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Nicolas Rouzaud at The Connaught, London UK

Nicolas Rouzaud at The Connaught

Pecan Tart – Pecans & Dulcey Chocolate Mousse, Roasted Pecans, Caramel Glaze

St. Honore – Puff Pastry, Vanilla, Cream Caramel

Considered one of Europe’s top Pâtissiers a stop at the historic Connaught allows guests an opportunity to taste the work of Nicolas Rouzaud, his eponymous Patisserie with its own entrance just off of Mount Street.

Accustomed to well-heeled clientele, £14 per Pastry to take out and £17 to dine on-site steep by even London standards, it is surrounded by subtly-pink walls that guests are invited to indulge in seasonal favorites such as fruit during the summer or Chocolate-Hazelnut “Hound.”

Visited after dark in November, just three options available alongside Tea or Coffee, Rouzaud’s “St. Honore” comes in the form of a Puff Pastry Tart filled with Caramel Cream with slick Vanilla topping while the Pecan Tart places toasted Nuts around creamy Chocolate Mousse covered by Glaze.

www.the-connaught.co.uk/restaurants-bars/nicolas-rouzaud-at-the-connaught

Posted in Dessert, England, Food, London, Nicolas Rouzaud at The Connaught, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

KOL, London UK

KOL

MEZCAL MARGARITA

AMUSE

QUESADILLA – Short rib, black truffle, greengage salsa

TAMAL COLADO – Corn custard, pig’s trotter, radish, Kaluga caviar

COCO – Cuttlefish, celeriac, gorse, cobnut, dulaman seaweed

TACO – Langoustine, smoked chili, sea buckthorn

POZOLE – Wild mushrooms, yellow corn, chapulin macha

MOLE – Duck, purple carrot, Pequin chilli, rye koji / Rojo, Azul, Yellow Corn tortillas

DUCK – House Chorizo, Sea bean, salsa

PALETA – Pear, beetroot, peach pepper, yoghurt, wood ants

TAMAL – Birch, koji, granny smith apple, buttermilk

BUÑUELOS – Tunworth ice cream, English autumn truffle, sea buckthorn, ancho chilli

MIGNARDISES

A work of passion from Mexican Chef Santiago Lastra KOL seeks to create traditional Mexican flavors using exclusively British seasonal ingredients, an aggressive idea earning accolades from both Michelin and w50b while diners remain polarized about the concept.

Located mere steps from the madness of Black Friday on Oxford Street, the Restaurant is calm around an open kitchen, Lastra’s Tasting Menu comes together across ten proper courses plus available Supplements, spicy Broth opening the palate to a “Quesadilla” of Short Rib and Black Truffles baked onto a long bone.

Harboring only one dish that does not change seasonally, the Langoustine Taco a worthy signature with depth added by Juice from the Head, KOL’s first “Tamal” comes as Custard with Caviar prior to a layer of Cuttlefish atop fresh Ceviche flavors.

A protegee of Mugaritz and noma, “Posole” less Soup than the idea with Mushrooms and dried Grasshoppers, Lastra’s Mole uses no Cocoa while achieving exceptional earthiness beneath Duck Magret before a second service featuring Confit and housemade Chorizo on a Tortilla made before the guest’s eyes.

No doubt a nod to Redzepi with Ants on a Pear and Beet Popsicle, the follow-up sweet Tamal made with Koji a layered work of art, BUÑUELOS are a justified addition for £25 as Bleu Cheese Ice Cream finds an unlikely dance partner in heat, acidity and Cardamom flooding the palate along with Truffles.

Recently joined by GM Jake Leslie, a familiar face from Las Vegas, KOL’s menu ends with three Mignardises and a thank you from the kitchen who has created something distinct yet entirely recognizable to those who’ve spent time in Mexico.

www.kolrestaurant.com

Posted in Dessert, England, Food, Ice Cream, KOL, London, Pork, Tasting Menu, Truffle, Truffles, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fabrique (239 High Holborn,) London UK

Fabrique

Cardamom Bun

Saffron Bun

Triple Chocolate Chip Cookie

A part of Stockholm since 2008 Fabrique has since expanded to London and New York, a focus on quality and authenticity part of the promise across Sourdough, Breakfast Pastries and Sandwiches like the Croque Monsieur.

Utilizing stone ovens, owners Charlotta and David Zetterström committing to use local Ingredients whenever possible, Swedish backing ensures Kardemummabullar are made correctly with a tight wind and bright flavors while a version imbued with Saffron is no less memorable.

Higher-priced than other London Bakeries, the Croque toasted-to-order light on both Ham and Cheese, Fabrique’s Cookies fair well with a crisp edge and soft center dotted by Milk, Dark and White Chocolate.

www.fabrique.co.uk

Posted in Breakfast, Dessert, England, Fabrique, Fabrique 239 High Holborn, Fabrique High Holborn, Food, London, Pork, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fortitude Bakehouse, London UK

Fortitude

Raspberry Morning Bun

Almond Croissant

Peanut Butter Frangipane & Chocolate Croissant

Cardamom Croissant Swirl


Founded by Jorge Fernandez and Dee Rettali in 2018 Fortitude Bakehouse has been considered by some to be London’s best Bakery, the queue on Friday at 08h00 attesting to a strong following including at three dozen bicyclists occupying the benches outside.

Just a block from the Russell Square Tube in Bloomsbury, a tiny space entirely dedicated to Baking and pleasant customer service, guests will find ideas both traditional and modern including Sausage Rolls or Pain au Chocolate seated adjacent a decadent Peanut Butter Frangipane & Chocolate Croissant.

Experts in Viennoiserie, the cobblestone streets behind Kimpton Fitzroy a hotspot for Pigeons hoping to snag flakes and crumbs, it is just outside tall blue doors that the Cardamom Croissant Swirl shines brightly with Butter and aromatics while a seemingly-simple “Morning Bun” is actually somewhere between a Brioche and Mochi Donut filled with Custard and pureed Raspberries.

www.mi1fej-ez.myshopify.com

Posted in Breakfast, Croissant, Croissants, Dessert, England, Food, Fortitude, Fortitude Bakehouse, London, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

CORE, London UK

CORE by Clare Smyth

Lucy in the Sky – El Dorado 3, Union Mezcal, Acqua Bianca, honey, heather, lavander goat’s milk, sparkling wine

Jellied eel and toasted seaweed / Lobster Roll /Roast Chicken /Pumpkin gougère

Malted Sourdough, Butter

Isle of Harris scallop tartare, sea vegetable consommé, wild sorrel

Langoustine, English saffron, sweet cicely, carrot, coriander

‘Potato and roe’, dulse beurre blanc, herring roe, trout roe

‘Leek and potato’, Core Osietra caviar, buttermilk

Roasted cod, Morecambe Bay shrimps, Swiss chard, brown butter

Cornish sea bass, cockles, clams, coastal herbs, lovage

Scottish ceps, white truffle, thyme, toasted yeast

‘Lamb carrot’, braised lamb, sheep’s milk yoghurt, Lamb stuffed Parker House Rolls

‘Beef and oyster’, Highland wagyu beef, Porthilly oysters

Rhug Estate venison, juniper, elderberry, beetroot

‘Core apple’, toffee, Somerset cider brandy

‘Clementine fool’, black cardamom, sea buckthorn

Pear and verbena, Poire Williams sorbet

‘Core-teser’, chocolate, malt, hazelnut

‘Sauternes and Banyuls’

Warm chocolate tart

Opened by Clare Smyth during the summer of 2017 it did not take long for the former head of Restaurant Gordon Ramsay to achieve her own Michelin 3* status, and from the jovial bar to softly lit dining room everything about CORE is as pleasant as it is delicious.

Located on Kensington Park Road, the Northern Irish Chef mentored by Ramsay and Ducasse continuing her focus on Modern British dining with the best regional Ingredients, guests are invited to choose between two separate tasting menus dubbed “classic” and “seasonal.”

Relaxed yet elegant, Smyth’s status as one of only two women in the UK with three stars not translated into the sort of stiff service associated with “fine dining,” dinner begins shortly after seating with Canapes ranging from a Chicken Skin Taco to Jellied Eel and a one-bite Lobster Roll.

Previously named the World’s best Female Chef, the move from Royal Hospital Road to Notting Hill opening the door for further development of her own personal style, first proper courses see a fresh Scallop from Isle of Harris brightened by Chlorophyll adjacent the seasonal Langoustine presented beautifully on Carrots with Coriander, Saffron and Cicely.

The child of a Potato farmer, Smyth’s signature ‘Potato and Roe’ an homage of sorts to her upbringing, the addition of Vinegar Potato Crisps adds depth to a dish already rich with it while its seasonal counterpart adds Caviar to a puree of Potatoes and Leeks in Buttermilk.

Continuing to show great skill with a duo of Fish dishes, meaty Sea Bass with Bivalves and Lovage outpacing Cod, Smyth’s “Lamb Carrot” earns all its accolades but finds proper competition from Scottish Ceps on Pastry in a pool of Thyme and toasted Yeast shaved with White Truffles.

As precise as the best kitchens in Paris, Steak and Oysters in two forms each faultless while seasonal Venison finds added emphasis in Juniper, the “Core Apple” and Clementine Fool are each elegant and light en route to Clare’s ‘Core-teser’ and the beautiful Pear and Verbena Meringue.

Also offering an a la carte option, similar plates plus a few extra available in the Restaurant plus a whole different set of options inside the attached Whiskey & Seaweed Bar, dinner concludes with Wine Jellies and warm Chocolate Tarts plus gracious thank yous from the staff.

www.corebyclaresmyth.com

Posted in Bread Basket, Clare Smyth, CORE by Clare Smyth, Dessert, England, Food, Ice Cream, Lobster, London, Tasting Menu, Truffle, Truffles, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

ROCK & SOLE PLAICE, London UK

Rock & Sole Plaice

Starter Platter – Proper King Prawns, Sweet Chili Sauce, Prawn & Garlic Twist, Calamari

Large Cod Loin, Chips, Tartar Sauce

London Saveloy Sausage, Chips

Sticky Toffee Pudding, Vanilla Ice Cream

Established in 1871, now London’s oldest Fish & Chips Restaurant, Rock & Sole Plaice resides at the center of Covent Garden and continues to welcome guests across two floors plus an Al Fresco patio started at 12h00 daily.

Still based on the Fenner’s old recipe, a light batter offered across several different Fishes plus Calamari, Prawns and Sausage, guests are welcomed with smiles before a choice of seats including small tables inside.

Cozy but not crowded, the menu unchanging but presenting Pies and Sides for those seeking something else, most tables find themselves soon enjoying a Filet of Cod or Haddock plus fried Potatoes that are golden, hot and mostly oilless.

Well priced by British Standards, enough Fish and Chips to share roughly £25, don’t sleep on the Appetizer platter featuring good Prawns and clever “Twists” or the Sticky Toffee Pudding served hot next to melting Ice Cream.

www.rockandsoleplaice.com

Posted in Dessert, England, Food, Ice Cream, London, ROCK & SOLE PLAICE, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (KEF,) Reykjavik IS

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

Pylsur eina með öllu – bun, lamb, pork, beef, ketchup, sweet mustard, remoulade, raw onions, crispy fried onions

Serving Iceland’s Capitol since 1937 “The Town’s Best Hot Dogs” are a simple affair offered at stands in Reykjavik, or for those on delay at an identical spot inside Keflavík International Airport.

Sold for 700 Icelandic Króna, a relative bargain for Iceland or airport Food in general, guests are encouraged to opt for a Dog made from Lamb, Beef and Pork “with the works” including a trio of Sauces plus two types of Onions for a tasty and textural experience.

www.kefairport.com/restaurants/baejarins-bestu

Posted in Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur KEF, Food, Iceland, Pork, Reykjavík, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Restaurant ÓX, Reykjavik IS

Restaurant ÓX

Copenhagen Sparkling Tea, Lyseröd, Denmark


Pierre Paillard, Les Parcelles, XXI, Bouzy G.Cru, Champagne, France

Soõbrauð + Feykir + guanciale

Carrot + mysingur + sunchokes

Chanterelle + figs + sea truffle

Rossini caviar + dulse + scallop

Girlan, ‘Indra’ Sauvignon, 2022 Sudtirol, Alto Adige, Italy

Pear & pine, ÓX

Horse mussel + fig leaf + wasabi

Salmon + tomato + pine

Petterson & Munthe Sparkling Tea, Sweden

Sybille Kuntz, Kabinett Riesling Trocken, 2023 Mosel, Germany

Scallop + lovage + XO

Rutabaga + skyr + sourdough

Sea buckthorn & Citra hops kombucha, Víðir

Grugg & Makk, ÓX Wild ale, 2025 Reykjavík & Búðir, Iceland

Rye bread + butter + trout

Quail egg + potato + gouda

Kvass & hay, ÓX

Domaine Thibert ‘Les Longeays’, 2018 Pouilly-Vinzelles, Burgundy, France

Monkfish + Vin jaune + koji

Quail + yeast + vermouth

Reindeer moss & mushroom, ÓX

Chateau de Pez, St. Estephe, 2014 Bordeaux, France

Beef + tallow + rhubarb

NA Bilberry cocktail, ÓX / Bilberry cocktail, ÓX

Bilberries + skyr + rice

Chardonnay & baking spices, ÓX / Graham’s, 20yo Tawny Port Douro, Portugal

Kryddkaka + toffee + duck liver

Coffee, Pablo Andres Guerrero Narino, Colombia / Hydrofungal Liqueur, ÓX

Rye + miso + chocolate

Wasabi + skyr + almond

Madeleine + whey + caramel

Barley + Omnom + sea salt

Celebration Cake

Hidden behind a wall, behind another set of walls to a sister restaurant called Sümac, Chef Thrainn Freyr Vigfusson’s Restaurant ÓX is Reykjavik’s most exclusive eatery at just 16 seats, and at a cost of roughly $525 USD all-in with pairings the bar is set awfully high for a Restaurant only awarded one star by the red guide.

Styled around the original cabinetry of Vigfusson’s grandmother’s old farmhouse, a stylistic choice carried over to the living-room lounge and a lady’s robe on the bathroom door, guests are welcomed after pressing the buzzer to cozy space where smiles and professionalism dovetail.

A meal served across two rooms and more than twenty courses, roughly four hours from arrival to departure feeling like much less as Chefs from around the world engage guests with stories and questions, bites in the lounge start small with bubbles highlighting everything from Cheese Crackers to a Carrot Tart and Scallops crowned by Caviar.

Offering Alcohol Free pairings alongside an option featuring Wine and Beer at the same price, large pours and complimentary topping-off a risky gambit for those not used to such volume, plates in the communal dining room begin with a jumbo Mussel heated by Wasai before compressed Salmon and a bright pairing to match Scallops with housemade XO and a Salad of Rutabaga.

Next pouring Beer and Kombucha to match steamed Rye the texture of Pudding, a thick layer of Butter with dried and cured Fish strongly encouraged, Quail Eggs burst beneath cheesy Potatoes en route to plates of nicely prepared Monkfish and Quail highlighted by cooked down Wine and Vermouth.

Interestingly opting for a warm Mushroom Broth alongside Beef to conclude savories, the Chateau de Pez certainly more traditional, everything from the Steer to housemade Bread and Bordelaise shows well in a celebratory Icelandic way en route to a Skyr Dessert and sweet Drinks followed by Port and a Sticky Toffee sponge adjacent Foie Gras Ice Cream.

Concluding with Coffee or a housemade Liqueur, plus four Mignardises and more dialogue about topics both culinary and otherwise, guests are invited to stay as long as they like chatting with Chefs or the Sommelier who are charming, informative and grateful.

www.ox.restaurant/ox

Posted in Coffee, Dessert, Foie, Foie Gras, Food, Ice Cream, Iceland, Macaron, Macaroon, Madeline, ÓX, ÓX Restaurant, Pork, Restaurant ÓX, Reykjavík, Tasting Menu, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Gaeta Gelato (Laugavegur 23,) Reykjavik IS

Gaeta Gelato

Gaeta (Vanilla, Pistachio, Lemon), Pistachio, Sugar Cone

Although Iceland lives up to its name during winter that hasn’t prevented locals liking Ice Cream, and with three locations in Reykjavik the team at Gaeta Gelato has filled a void for Italian tradition made with local Milk and a lot of passion.

Visited at Laugavegur 23, a small space without seating, staff proves amicable and informed while prices trend similar to what one might expect in an island nation.

Proud to use no preservatives or artificial colors, the slow-churn assuring creaminess, Gaeta’s Gelato comes off the spade less sugary than many with Sicilian Pistachio par to Florence and the signature flavor fresh and bright up front followed by a subtle Vanilla linger.

www.gelato.is

Posted in Dessert, Food, Gaeta Gelato, Gaeta Gelato Laugavegur 23, Ice Cream, Iceland, Reykjavík, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Almar Bakari, Hveragerði IS

Almar Bakari

Snúður

Meistarinn

Donut with White Frosting and Sprinkles

A popular stop for tourists on a Golden Circle Tour or locals traveling via ring road highway 1 Almar Bakari is integrated in a complex with shops and restrooms with a good selection of housemade Pastries, Sandwiches, Soups, Coffee and Tea.

Well priced by comparison to the capitol, Almar’s jumbo Snúður the came sost as one half the size at Sandholt, both it and a heavily sprinkled Donut were soft and fluffy while the Meistarinn fell short of similarly flavored Vínarbrauð at Brikk.

Posted in Almar Bakari, Breakfast, Dessert, Food, Hveragerði, Iceland, Reykjavík, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Brikk (Háteigsvegur 1,) Reykjavík IS

Brikk

Cinnamon Roll

Vínarbrauð

Snudur Arstidar

With four locations surrounding the capitol Brikk comes highly recommended by tourists, the Háteigsvegur 1 location opening at 07h30 daily with a wide range of housemade Pastries including several Icelandic traditions alongside Coffee and Tea.

Limited in terms of seating, a lone server struggling to keep up with several guests who arrived shortly after opening, it was while waiting for an average Latte that a warm Cinnamon Roll was pulled apart by hand with soft coils gilded by butter beneath soft Frosting.

Taking the rest to go, navigating icy streets without a lid on the Coffee a result of their choice and not this diner, return to Foss Hotel occurred without incident where Vínarbrauð and Snudur Arstidar each showed off Viennoiserie beneath varied toppings.

www.brikk.is

Posted in Breakfast, Brikk, Brikk Háteigsvegur 1, Dessert, Food, Iceland, Reykjavík, Vacation Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,