Everything But The Kitchen Sink- Coya Restaurant, London

I've happened to stumble across a new found love for Peruvian food. There's something about the strange mix of Japanese and Mexican food that gets me excited- who knew that this little South American country, located somewhere between Bolivia and Ecuador, was full of delicious dishes of all sorts! 

After months of having the much treasured by Londoners, Coya, on my 'must visit and eat everything' list, I finally managed to tick it off- and my oh my was it worth the wait. 

Having, for once, decided to plan my time efficiently I arrived at Coya 30 minutes before our reservation and was greeted by the smiley Maître d'who was more than happy to usher me down the bellowing staircase to take a seat in the most prized position in the house- The Bar. 

Twiddling my thumbs got a tad boring- so I decided to preempt my fine friends orders with 3 [large- ahem] glasses of wine which may or may not have all decreased significantly in level by the time they arrived [sorry ladies!] 

"Your table is ready ladies..." 

Thank the lord for that. Now make no qualms about it, Coya is not industrially sized. We sauntered our way through the wine walled walk-way into the main restaurant area... 

And immediately felt at home. The interior has serious flirtations of Aztec throughout with pops of colour that make this place, to put it simply, quite a fun place to dine! 

Having studied the menu intensely prior to arriving, we sang of our dishes like lyrics to an old time classic...

First up, Esparragos Peruanos

Asparagus in a deliciously amarillo chilli sauce... 

Followed by Sea Bass Ceviche 

Rounded off with the most delicate Scallops, which quite frankly made my heart sing. 

And that was just to start... 

Yellow Fin Tuna Ceviche- which I wasn't as big a fan of but went down phenomenally with the rest of the group. There's something about the texture of Tuna Ceviche that weirds me out...

The most delicious Sweet Corn Salad...

A divinely crisp portion of succulent pork belly...

Go on take a closer look... Can't you just hear the crunch?

Crrrrrrunchy goodness!

At this point, we took a few minutes to come up for air after what was 2 hours of constant eating. They always say to hydrate yourself in between physical activities right?

Which is exactly what we did!

And back in we went... 

Mushroom Skewers draped in a stickily sweet yet crisp sauce

Crisp Baby Chicken that lasted all of 3 minutes- just enough time for me to swoop in and take a picture for you all.. 

Prior to me getting my hand batted away by a friends surveillancing fork. 

A round of Patatas Bravas just for good measure... 

And a hit for my vegetarians...

But then came the closing act. The final fanfare, The Pièce de résistance- Her name was Langostino Tigre. 

I'd heard tonnes about her- she was talk of the town. But there are, honestly, little to no words that can explain just how delicious she was...

Perfection. 

Hours of catching up, gossiping conversation and eating the entirety of the restaurant later we got down to desserts- where I usually conduct my best business. 

"What would you recommend Sir?" 

I managed to breathe out in between hysterical wales of laughter. 

"I'll bring you something..." Our ever so mysterious waiter, Pedro, announced as he briskly departed back to the kitchen area... 

A train of Salted Caramel happiness accented with a torte sorbet...

Alongside a beautifully light, oozing fondant...

Good call Pedro. 

Having eaten everything but the kitchen sink on the Coya menu, I'd definitely say this place is worth a visit! Whether your going with old friends, on a romantic date or just fancy a dabble in a different cuisine from the usual haunts- this is the place to be! 

Belvedere Restaurant, Holland Park

As the sun goes up, hemlines get shorter- days get longer and my appetite gets stronger [the rhyming was just a happy addition to what is a phenomenally true statement.] 

When the sun is beaming down on London town there's a place that I like to visit. I celebrated a birthday very recently and received a bunch of these beauties...

And was told to be dressed for 8 as I'd be whisked off to a secret location for a dining experience that wasn't to be forgotten. An understatement you say? Well just a tad. 

As the car pulled up towards Holland Park- I could no longer contain my excitement. 

"Belvedere?!" 

Yes Belvedere indeed. 

Nestled in the heart of Holland Park, Belvedere is truly an oasis in what normally is one of London's most Metropolitan areas. Surrounded by landscaped lawns, picturesque fountains and a brilliant little peacock on the roof- you're immediately engulfed in the suave yet calming atmosphere. 

Enter through the vine laden doors to a smiling maitre de, who points you in the direction of your host waiter for the evening as the piano croons in the background. 

Having extensively studied the menu online prior to arriving, surprises rarely work with me, we took our seats and were ready for feeding time. Believe me when I say- it did not disappoint. 

Finely cooked fish  

slathered in the most delectable sauce

accompanied by my dear friend- triple cooked chips. 

Paired with a deep Merlot that rang slightly heavy on the palette... 

Who am I kidding it was a birthday celebration- straight down the hatchet was the motto! 

 Reeling from what was an absolute symphony of a dish- it was straight on to dessert...

 For me? You shouldn't have!

Go on... take a closer peak... 

Vanilla Pod Cookie Crumble cheesecake topped with Raspberries [one that I'll definitely be replicating in my kitchen...

Followed by a cheeky Triple chocolate layered mousse... 

Hey it's allowed- it was my birthday!

After eating quite literally my weight in dessert- we went trotting around the grounds of Holland Park. I've been coming to Holland Park since I was 4 years old- and there's something so calming about aimlessly walking around on a full stomach and soaking it all in...

Won't you follow me to Belvedere? 

You Win some, you Dim Sum

I am mildly obsessed with dim sum.

  

Little parcels of small steamed or fried savoury dumplings bursting with flavour served in those little steamer baskets- what’s not to love! Small portions of deliciousness allows you to sample a dozen different dishes (more if you’re going for it ), without sticking to just one type- which is what I absolutely love about dim sum!

Having searched high and wide- Ping Pong boasts one of the most extensive dim sum and cocktail menus in London! And as you know, I love me sum dim sum.

If you’re new here, go for the Ping Pong Selection Menu. There’s one for the fortunate and one for the herbivores (no disrespect to my vegetarian counterparts). I tend to order the Ping Pong Selection, along with a few cheeky side dishes. Especially the Steamed Char Sui Bun. Two little fluffy clouds filled with sweet & sticky honey barbecued pork that send your senses soaring to food heaven.

(Dramatic? Me? Never.)

 Other favourites of mine include the hoi sin Vegetable puff and the fish and black pepper dumpling. Armed with a fort of soya, chilli and plum sauce bowls- these dishes fail to disappoint. They’re succulent, well cooked and offer, in my opinion, some of the best dim sum in town!

And the best thing about Ping Pong is that instead of revamping their whole menu every few months like other dim sum chains, they have a specific section dedicated to seasonal special dishes- the latest of which includes the delicious chinkiang seafood skewer (seriously one of the most phenomenal flavours I’ve ever tasted if you’re a seafood fan!)

With chains located around the capital (and internationally- Dubai loves Dim Sum!) definitely give it a go! Dine with some dim sum!