foodieaddict's Qype profile

I went to Gary Rhodes (W1 Rhodes) restaurant at the hotel with another work colleague. We ordered a simple dish - fish and chips and was surprise by it. We didnt expect the food to be so delicious. However, that was a year ago. I went back again this month, and was disappointed by the quality of the food. It's too salty. I would think twice if i want to go back again.

The portions were more than enough for the two of us. The roast duck gave the soup a delicious flavour. The duck was nice and meaty, with just one inedible piece that consisted of just skin and fat. The tung choi was fresh and a little spicy, with dried shrimp, and not at all stringy (which it can be sometimes).

Shanghai Blues make the best Xiao Long Bao in London. It arrived with a little dish of vinegar dipping sauce and ginger slivers. These were really rather delicious, especially after I’d bitten the tops off and poured more vinegar into them. Being a Shanghainese Food lover - I know the best Xiao Long Bao when I had one. Highly recommended.

Recently voted as London Best Cheap Eat by Timeout London. All food arrived in substantial bowls and were filling. I ordered beef noodles and they weren’t that spicy at all, despite the chilli oil in the broth, and they could have been more generous with the beef. We were both of the opinion that the pork wontons were a good size and full of flavour. I might go back to try some of the other dishes, like the dan dan mian, as it’s hard to judge a place on just a few dishes (I know I do this all the time!). Dinner was £9 per person, including tip, which was very reasonable for London.

Gerrard’s Corner is a bog-standard Chinatown restaurant serving bog-standard dim sum. I’m a particularly fussy eater when it comes to dim sum, and this didn’t meet my standards. Wont be going back again, and certainly not recommending this restaurant to anyone.

‘Alright’ isn’t what you’d expect from Royal China though. Their prices are higher than in Chinatown, but I couldn’t see the difference. Dim sum is such a specialist area that a change of dim sum chef can affect the quality of food at a restaurant, and word spreads fast amongst the local Chinese community when this happens. I like the Canary Wharf location though, so I’m going to give Royal China one more try when it gets warmer, and have some dim sum by the Thames.

I have to point out that Gaucho is a British, not Argentinian, steakhouse chain. It serves Argentinian steak and wine in ‘hip’ surroundings. And there’s no denying that it’s popular with a certain crowd. But for a truly authentic Argentinian restaurant in London, go to Buen Ayre on Broadway Market. Or better still, go to Argentina, which is what I plan to do very soon. Although the steak was up to scratch this time, I won’t be returning to Gaucho again.

Lunch for two without alcohol or service cost £40.00.

Pho is rather disappointing. I won’t use the word ‘authentic’ as this isn’t it. I suppose if you’re new to Vietnamese food, there’s no harm in starting off here, as long as you doesn’t leave here thinking that this represents Vietnamese cuisine. The bill came to £32 (with no alcohol) for two.

I have been eating regularly at Carluccio across London. This restaurant on St Christopher’s Place is my favorite. Although, it’s an italian chain restaurant, somehow I find the quality vary from restaurant to restaurant. I like to go for my 'usual’ everytime I go - ZUPPA DI FUNGHI CON PANCETTA (Mushroom soup), LINGUINE AI FRUTTI DI MARE (Seafood linguini) and a glass of white wine. Perfect for anytime of the day. Be it lunch or dinner.

When it comes to Chinese and Indian Food - I never compromise and go for some doggy eatery. I was a little unsure when my mate at work told me about Masala Zone as I thought it would be another restaurant that serves unauthentic indian cuisine. I was so wrong. It’s the best indian food is found in people’s homes, in india. The menus present an exciting combination of flavours and offerings. we have something for everyone- freshly prepared. The quality of ingredients, the presentation and quality are not compromised by the price level. Meal for 2 person, without alcohol comes to about £15 per person. Value for money.