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? 

Ditching the Shore at Dishoom

DISHOOM

/dishu:m/ n.

1. The old Bollywood sound effect produced when a hero lands a good punch, or when a bullet flies through the air

While my bullet dodging capabilities aren’t quite up to the mark, the good news is you don’t have to be a hero to enjoy Dishoom!

Attracting crowds both old and young, Dishoom is definitely speeding up the list of my favourite experience eateries in London.   

Fun to not only eat at, but also to say [Dish-oooom]- Dishoom happens to be one of my favourite London eateries. Having successfully trialled the Covent Garden branch on Upper St Martin’s Lane many a time, it was time to branch out and hit the Shoreditch arm of this delicious place.

[The no mischief making may be a problem to most!] 

After a day of dodging torrential rains and becoming a slave to the sniffles, we decided to head to Dishoom Shoreditch to get our heat on with some palate tickling spices. 

Warning to readers, if you’re going to rock up on a Saturday night be prepared to que as much of London had the same idea!

After a half an hour wait, we were ushered by our lovely maitre de’ into the Permit Room as we waited for our table. 

Dishoom definitely encapsulates the definition of a Bombay cafe- warm, bustly and just a little rogue. 

The lighting is low and conversation roars on a Saturday night- two of my favourite things.

With a fun list of cocktails [the BollyBellini being my favourite], we settled down in the bar and decided to extensively sample the menu- you know just to make sure it was safe!

Wincing with hunger, we tucked into the restaurant’s most colourful dish- Far Far.

A crispy crackery type concoction laced in lemon and salt- as you can imagine they weren’t around for long.

Like a sign from above, our buzzer sounded and we raced over to our prized position at the dinner table. 

Getting a bounding sense of food envy from surveying our neighbouring diners tables, without a pause we’d spat out our first round order and another round of cocktails to keep us well hydrated for the evening. Determined not to order my usual preferences, I went for a curve ball with the Behl and Okra Fries.

The Okra Fries went down an absolute storm, with repeat orders from everyone at the table! Crunchy and flavoursome, the aromatic spices cleared any damage that the torrential downpour had done to me- ofcourse the second round order was purely medicinal..

Ahem.

Round 2: The Paneer Tikka with delicious charred red and green capsicum.

The uber spicy Gunpowder potatoes- guaranteed to send any signs of sniffles packing!

A heap of fiery sauteed potatoes with crunchy fried spice residue- just how I like it!

And the Classic Raita to calm your tingling tongue after the potatoes!

After the run of the mill theatrics of wincing at the thought of possibly consuming anymore, it was dessert time [my favourite time!]

Upon reading the words “intense, dark and rich” on the menu- the Guju Chocolate Mousse was my choice without a bat of a well mascara’d eyelash.

A smooth, rich and creamy chocolate mousse with depthy flavours of chilli and salt.

The perfect end to a wonderful evening.