Cheese Fries!

There are Snuffer's http://www.snuffers.com cheese fries and then there are everyone else’s.  The closest I’ve managed to have created were at the otherwise unremarkable “American style” eatery The Diner.  Several locations are dotted about town but this was from the Camden location.  

The fries are a little too thin, but there’s bacon, cheese, and jalapenos, no spring onions or ranch, but then you can’t have everything. 

It’s an off menu item, but they will do it for you.

The Diner

2 Jamestown Road
London NW1 7BY
(020) 7485 5223

http://www.goodlifediner.com

Lotta Latte for your lolly

When the weather’s good (or bad) but especially on a mild weekday, mid-morning, sit back and watch the traffic go by on Hampstead High Street with a latte from Base Bistro.  This is the life. How very civilized.

Just try to ignore the seductive aromas wafting over from the Creperie nearby and you should be fine. Or stroll over the get in line for one of those also. Just don't bring it back to BASE.

BASE

70-71 Hampstead High Street
London NW3 1QP

(020) 7431 2224

Brompton Quarter Brasserie

At times, the only thing you need is something rich, dark, and sweet, and it doesn’t come much better than this chocolate torte from the Brompton Quarter Brasserie in Knightsbridge.

Rich, but not cloying, and perfectly set off by an espresso, this is an occasional treat worth its toll on your diet. 

Brompton Quarter Brasserie

225 Brompton Road

Knightsbridge

London SW3 2EJ

(020) 7225 2107

http://www.bqbrasserie.com

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

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

Best Pizza in London?

The Santa Margherita from Time Out’s winner of best pizza in London, Santa Maria Pizzeria in Ealing, west London. All 16 seats at this tiny eatery were grabbed shortly after opening at noon until end of service with a line outside the entire time (though 10 more seats have since been added to help alleviate lines). Yes, this might well be the best pizza in London. Definitely requires a further visit.

Santa Maria Pizzeria  

15 St. Mary’s Road, London W5 5RA  

(020) 8579 1462

http://www.santamariapizzeria.com

Blackberry Cupcakes?

These perfectly balanced blackberry and vanilla, cream cheese frosted cupcakes from Ottolenghi in Notting Hill are sinfully delicious. Moist, juicy cake (a must) with a not to sweet softer frosting makes for a winning combination. Definitely a street legal high.

Ottolenghi
63 Ledbury Road
London W11 2AD
(020) 7727 1121

http://www.ottolenghi.co.uk/locations/notting-hill