jax's Qype profile

We boarded the Spirit of New York for dinner during August 2011. It was my partners birthday treat. The waiting staff were so helpful and looked after every request…even the request to move to a better spot in an alread very busy evening dinner cruise.
The pinnacle was the entertainment in the form of a great DJ on deck topped by the amazing singing from the ‘waiters and waitresses’ They were incredible and could really sing.
The food was in the form of a buffet which some may or maynot like so much. We were happy to go with it and there was a great selection and of a high standard.
We sailed up and down the Hudson, past Staton Island and the Statue of Liberty and then up the Brooklyn river and the various bridges. The evening was thundery as we boarded the Spirit of New York, but the weather soon improved and the evening was an out and out success. Thanks to everyone on Deck – I’d recommend jumping on board and take your dancing feet too – Great music and disco topped off the night perfectly.

A Great Location for all of Manhatten and particularly for the sights and sounds of Times Square. It’s all here at your feet or take the subway if you like. The W Hotel is buzzing and oozes fashionista elegance and style. We found the room sizeable for our 4 day stay – plenty of hanging space, but would have helped if there had been a few more coat hangers. The room was clean, airy, stylish and had everything we needed – including a swanky shower and WC. The only minor down side was the lack lustre concierge team. Every time we needed to enquire about something, we felt that we were giving them grief by making them check stuff out for us or recommend places….Isn’t this what they’re paid to do? Amusingly there were silver sculpture angel wings positioned (I assume) behind the seat of each member of the concierge staff to show what ‘angels’ they were….Hmmmm – I think they need to pull their fingers out, and crack a smile or two before they’re awarded such high accolades.
I’d stay at the W in Times Square if visiting New York again in the future, but I’ll ensure I have read up everything I need to know or ask one of the friendly New Yorkers on the street for advice in future.

The home of Les Miserables. Great theatre and WHAT A PRODUCTION!!! Why had I left it so long? The theatre is historic and in a way, lends itself perfectly to Les Miserable due to the theatre being if not wide, but deep and therefore - provides extra depth to the scenes, particularly when in the Parisian sewers - you can feel the cast are actually down in the pits beneath the cobbles and blood stained streets.
Make sure to grab yourself a ticket if you've not been before, or go again -I certainly will be.

The Queens theatre - another wonderfully historic piece of London history, showing off the wonderful masterpiece which is Les Miserables.

I can highly recommend Benihana in Piccadilly. It ticks every box for a great, fun and delicious dinner out, whether you're in a group or on a first date.
The staff are extremely friendly and attentive, without being too much. We were greeted by our chef - great guy called Francis and he was very good at his job...keeping the diners entertained, knowing what we all had ordered, showing off his culinery skills and finally getting the delicious food to our plates in spot on time.
The only tiny point which doesn't really need much of a comment was the rather squeaky/wonky chair I had. But saying this, I soon forgot that it was wonky once the food was being prepared so skillfully and upon tasting it - Delicious!!.....Did I say 'wonky chair?' What wonky chair?

I'll be going back and should make more of an evening of it I hope, as my company and I were dashing off to the theatre.
Thanks Benihana - Superb!!

Myself and a group of 5 friends ate at Blakes recently. We were greeted warmly by the staff and shown to our table. We had a great table for our party towards the back of this intimate restaurant.

We were presented with the menu and the choices looked sumptuous and when each course arrived, they certainly lived up to the description.

I have eaten at various well known West End restaurants and a few in Knightsbridge and Kensington, but so far this has been my favourite in all ways.
Perhaps the price is slightly more expensive than some of the best of the rest...or not so best of the rest, but on reflection the overall experience, food, wine, ambience and service was perfect and I couldn't find fault with Blakes.
Thank you for a wonderful evening and compliments to the Chef and staff. I'd love to return in the not too distant future.

I've been a dedicated fan of Rush for almost 10 years. First discovered the Sutton salon and then after moving to Purley, moved to Rush in Croydon. It seems whichever salon you go to, the welcome is consistently great and always effortless - never staged.
I go to Rush in Redhill now, as my stylist 'Simon' who originally worked at the Croydon salon opened and now manages Rush in Redhill.
Everyone there maintains a high standard when it comes down to customer care and tlc....hence why I'd NEVER ever consider going anywhere else. Also not forgetting the amazing style and cut by Simon. This guy knows his stuff!!
Can't fault Rush in Redhill! Their stylists are busy and in demand for only one reason...because they know what their customers wants and how to make you feel great.

I think I should have had a few more drinks before going to the Wine Lodge. The place is a bad fusion of bar, appartment? hotel reception...well that's the only reason I can imagine for the very bad carpeted floor in the bar? and finally a fast food joint.
It was about 10:30pm when my friends and I went here for a few drinks and how disappointed we were. First impressions, empty glasses, dirty tables and remains of food on the carpet doesn't bode well. The atmosphere was happening out on the deck where all the smokers mingled and wasn't much happening inside at all.
We decided we needed a cocktail to drown our sorrows and high hopes which had been blown to pieces...unfortunately we were very let down here too.
Don't contemplate asking for a cocktail menu...the bar staff don't know what a Mojito is, let alone how to make one.

It was a very quick G&T and we made our way out through the door. At least I think it was a door, or was it a door pretending to be a window?

I was recently fortunate to dine at Il Convivio. Our group (eight) had the private dining area on the first floor. It's a beautiful room with antique table and soft leather easy chairs off to one side...perfect for that pre or post dinner drink. I found the service very attentive, but not overboard.
It's not one of those stuffy Chelsea restaurants, trying to be something it's not. It offers and delivers modern Italian cuisine perfectly. I also had the black spaghetti and lobster - Delicious! My main course was the Sea Bass - perfectly cooked...unlike other places I've been. The fish was fresh and absolutely gorgeous. I could have easily had more for dessert.
Will I be back? Definitely!!! Ambience - 10, Service - 10 and the Food was top notch!