Sunday Morning

Sunday mornings in London are odd. There really isn’t the New York style brunch rush with people lining up outside their favourite eateries just to snag a spot. In fact, up until relatively recently, most places didn’t open until noon and going back 20 years, nothing opened at all. Yes there are the hotels the faux Brassieres but aside from The Wolseley on Piccadilly, there aren’t many American style places about. 

One place I did feel like having proper Pancakes was at Automat in Dover Street. Buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup and blueberries.  Clinton Street this is not, but it’s about as good as you’ll get short of making them yourself.

AUTOMAT

33 Dover Street

Mayfair

London W1S 4NF

(020 7499) 3033 

http://www.automat-london.com

Green Cottage

Meanwhile, back in London, this unassuming little restaurant on the very busy Finchley Road does a roaring trade. Service, though efficient, is curt to put it kindly, but the food is quality and the low prices make this a true gem. 

It may not look like much from the outside, and prettier places are either side, but it’s a testament to Green Cottage that it has been going so long even with stiff competition. A recent face lift has freshened up the place, though thankfully, they’ve left the menu alone.

Royal China this isn’t, but then you’re not paying royally for the privilege.

Green Cottage

9 New College Parade

Finchley Road

London NW3 5EP
(020) 7722 5305

Not Masa Per Se

All good things come to those who wait. And so it goes at Chef Michael Lomonaco’s Upper West Side eatery located in Columbus Circle. Putting aside the fabulous starters (octopus salad anyone?) and hearty mains (just about every prime cut imaginable), as you’d expect from this pedigree and price point, the desserts are equally as delicious.

Take this rich chocolate cake/pie hybrid with Chantilly cream and vanilla bean ice cream.  The only thing better is the view across Central Park as you devour this decadent dish.  I hear rumours of a South Carolina layered coconut cake on the menu so that’ll warrant further investigation.

Porter House New York

10 Columbus Circle, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10019

(212) 823 9500

http://www.porterhousenewyork.com/index.html

Best Pizza in New York?

And while we’re across the pond, I’d be remiss to not include one of my favourite (not to mention one of the best) pizzerias in the city. Yes, it’s Brooklyn, but only just as Brooklyn Heights doesn’t really count (or so I'm told).

There’s not a lot I can say about this place except as with many popular places in NYC, get there early, bring cash, and no slices! 

That’s all.

Yes, it was as good as it looked.

No, I didn't eat a whole one.

Okay, so what if I did? I walked back across the Brooklyn Bridge. 

Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria

Under the Brooklyn Bridge

19 Old Fulton Street

Brooklyn, NY 11201

(718) 858 4300

http://www.grimaldisnyc.com

Mitoushi Sushi

When in NYC, people will tell you to “get out to the boroughs” and so today's dish comes from Brooklyn. Okay, so that’s not exactly miles away (unless you're an UES er) but I least I left the island.

Fresh, simple, elegant, and very tasty, this sampler platter makes for a good, light lunch. Perfect to fuel the trip back across the East River.

Mitoushi Sushi

177 Atlantic Ave

Brooklyn, NY 11201

(718) 935 1600

http://mitoushinewyork.com

Hubcap sized pancakes anyone?

Today, it's back over the pond for some fluffy, delicious American pancakes (or just pancakes as we'd call them) from the Clinton Street Baking Company in NYC. These gigantic, hubcap sized creations are a great way to start any day. Probably just not every day. Classic blueberry with a sinfully sticky maple sauce served on the side. Guaranteed to get you off to a good start. 

Clinton Street Baking Company

4 Clinton Street (btw. East Houston & Stanton)

New York, NY 10002

(646) 602 6263 

http://www.clintonstreetbaking.com

Fry Day

Sometimes, even if not a Friday, only fish will do! And some of the very best can be found at the Golden Hind in Marylebone. Don’t let the rather tired decor fool you. Crispy batter ensconces perfectly cooked cod (or haddock) accompanied with steaming hot chips and mushy peas. Portions are large, fairly priced, and will definitely fill you up.

BYOB and no corkage makes this a great Friday (or any day) lunch place. Doors open at noon and every seat in the house is packed in minutes, so either go early, or towards the end of lunch service.

Best fish and chips in London? Legally speaking, perhaps.

 The Golden Hind

  73 Marylebone Lane

  London W1U 2PN

  (020) 7486 3644