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Redhook BBQ Sauces |
FROM TOM:
Jackie and I last visited London some twenty years ago. I specifically remember that prior to our trip, everyone told us that there was no good food in England except for the fish and chips or maybe an East Indian restaurant or two. Traveling through dozens of small towns we "got by" eating classic pub grub, like delicious kidney pie, or bangers and mash. We dared to have some cliché meals like Dover sole in Dover (which happened to be the best sole we ever had) or amazing fish and chips in Covent Garden, served piping hot with pea mash and vinegar. The ultimate food experience of the London-of-then was the food court at Harrods Department Store. After two hours, we left with our shopping bags packed even though we didn't have a kitchen to cook in. I thought the food scene was pretty darn great.
Fast forward twenty years and the London food scene and the hype around it is unparalleled. Hot chefs Marco Pierre White and Gordon Ramsey are all you hear about. The problem is that high-end dining seems to be losing its sense of place. Don't get me wrong, our meal at Gordon Ramsey was delicious, but flying ten hours to England to find ourselves eating two star French food wasn't our hope. Our trip to London in terms of fine dining just didn't offer the same experience of the city which is what Jackie and I crave when traveling and eating. We found that the best food in London is still English food; terrific fish and chips at Rock and Sole Plaice, the toffee pudding at Rules (London's oldest restaurant) the rump of lamb at Bank (a hip spot near Covenant Garden) and the sedate tea at the classic Brown's Hotel.
Take for example, an evening at a restaurant like Chez Panisse. Its inspiration and name are French, but with its tree house setting, casual decor, and food and wine from neighboring Napa, you know you are in Berkeley. Same goes for Cesare in Florence or Gramercy Tavern in Manhattan. These are restaurants that succeed in delivering not just great food, but a sense of their city too. For my money, that's a crucial part of the dining experience.
A couple of must do's on your next trip to see the Queen - visit the Borough Market on Borough High Street, under the railroad tracks on the south side of the London Bridge. We found beautiful farm fresh produce, meat, poultry, meat pies, cheese, yogurt, chocolates, breads and cakes. Wandering and sampling your way through the market is the perfect way to spend a soggy London morning. The charcoal grilled chorizo and arugula sandwiches found there are not to be missed. Neal's Yard Cheese has their best shop nearby and the corny Vinopolis (the self appointed world wine institute) is just down the street. We almost missed the super cool Portabello flea market which is a sight to behold. For the last few hours of our last day in London, Jackie was in second-hand-silver heaven. This long snaking side street was jam packed with crusty old vendors, bargain-hunting Londoners and wide eyed tourists.
But back to that perfect chorizo and arugula sandwich. It made me homesick for those perfect bites in Seattle that I couldn't live without.
And yes, I still crave our own coconut pie after these 12 years. We've got another book in the hopper which will be published a year from now. Any favorite Seattle bites you want to see mentioned in the book, e mail me at tom@tomdouglas.com.
The Seattle restaurant scene continues to grow despite this uncertain time and economy. We are grateful to our loyal customers.
Have a great spring. Tom and Jackie.
