maggiebob's Qype reviews
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110 Bishopsgate, London EC3A
We wanted to check out SushiSamba for our blog, UrbanVistas, so of course we had to try out the food while we were there.
maggiebob
wrote on 14 November 2012
The lift up to the 39th floor is a thrill ride in to itself, but luckily didn't have my stomach too aflutter as to ruin my appetite.
The restaurant décor is uncomplicated (why taint the view with unnecessary decoration?). The staff were welcoming and we never once felt out of place for wearing jeans or wandering around to take in the view. We didn't feel quite brave enough to sit on the outside 'mezzanine', but we did manage to bag the best seat in the place - a quiet table for two looking out east/north-east/west, which gave us amazing views of the Olympic Park, and our home icon of Alexandra Palace.
Although the fusion of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian sounds like a strange marriage, the food is exquisite. That obviously comes at a price, but then you are paying for the view as well as the food. Our pick of the dishes would have to include the pork belly wraps and the showy but fantastic Yuzu Meringue ‘Tart’, which was worth the wait to get it to our table. -
2 Thayer Street, London W1U 3JB
A lovely little coffee shop. We stopped in on a sunny afternoon for a drink and a cake (both of which hit the spot). Around us, people were enjoying scrambled eggs and toast, overflowing dishes of pasta, or coffee and a chat with friends. Small, but we had no problem getting a seat. Service efficient, not rude but not chatty-friendly, and prices in the reasonable range. Hurrah!
maggiebob
wrote on 6 October 2012
Reviewed using iPhone. Get the app
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4 - 12 Regent Street, London SW1Y 4PE
I'd heard about inamo's innovative tables before, so I was pleased to be invited on a Qype event to try them out.
maggiebob
wrote on 1 October 2012
After our coats were kindly checked in to the cloakroom (how nice not to have my unnecessary raincoat getting in my way all night), we were greeted with a cocktail. I tried the Thai Sapphire, which suited my taste for sweet cocktails quite well. I noticed some other (brave?) souls were trying cocktails with chilli or even wasabi in them!
We then got a taster of the sushi making masterclass and got to make our very own nigiri with some lovely fresh fish - I only wish I could also learn how to make the perfectly sticky rice! We got to sample the sushi we'd made, so I know mine turned out alright. We then moved out of the kitchens to be given a very informative run down about the history of sake, and even got to sample a saki, both cold and warmed. The flavour warmed was definitely better, but there's something a little sensorially unnerving about drinking a warm alcohol (I've never been a mulled wine/hot toddies either).
After this, we were seated in the main restaurant and given the opportunity to play with the tables. Basically, the tables at inamo are interactive, giving you access to things like: at table ordering; changing the virtual tablecloth, playing games, and even looking up your onward travel options. We also got to sample a nice range of the food from the menu, including the cinnamon chicken, satay skewers, vegetable Thai curry and (a highlight for me) an avocado and tomato salad.
As an overall summary - attentive and friendly staff, food of a good range and reasonable quality, and the novelty of the tables hasn't worn off yet! -
12 Upper St Martins Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9FB
Ah Dishoom! I love love Dishoom, and I can't believe it's taken a Qype event to get me to review it (bad Maggie!). Dishoom is a self-styled Bombay Cafe. The fun and relaxed atmosphere is echoed in the decor and the staff. You can't pre-book for small groups, but I've never struggled to get a seat - evenings or weekend. The waiting staff will be more than happy to talk you through the menu, which features a number of 'small plates' as well as grills and side dishes (rice, bread etc). My personal recommendations are the calamari (and everyone at the Qype event with me agreed), the Keema Pau (a spice minced lamb dish), and of you're having a curry of any description you must get one of Dishoom's amazing (and HUGE!) rotis to sop up the juices.
maggiebob
wrote on 17 August 2012
Reviewed using iPhone. Get the app
dotmit There was a Qype event at Dishoom??
why-wasn’t-I-informed-of-this
drooling over the thought of a bacon naan roll
22 August 2012
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3 Garrick Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9BF
I've been in to Cyber Candy a few times (including picking up popping candy for a previous Qype event at Frae), so I sort of knew what to expect when I went here as part of Qype's review crawl. Even from the window display and the entrance to the store, you feel like you're walking in to Willy Wonka's magical world. There's lots of sweets here I remember from childhood (Jolly Ranchers, Nerds, Pretzel Flipz) and those I've only ever seen on American TV (Kool Aid, Tootsie Rolls, Twinkies) all sourced and imported by Cyber Candy, and tantalisingly displayed. Due to this import, the prices aren't cheap, but that's probably best for your waistline and dentist bills. The staff are friendly, and enthusiastic about their products, making this store great for an occasional treat and a trip down memory lane!
maggiebob
wrote on 17 August 2012
Reviewed using iPhone. Get the app
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5 Langley Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9JA
I was invited to Cafe Pacifico as part of a Qype review crawl. It's a lovely Mexican bar, tucked down a side street near Covent Garden. It's obviously popular as it was already buzzing when we arrived just after 6pm on a Wednesday. We were settled down with a (incredibly refreshing) margarita, and given a really interesting talk on the history of tequila. We were taught how to properly 'taste' tequila as a liqueur by sampling Cafe Pacifico's own brand (apparently it's best to breathe through your mouth when smelling it so that you don't get too strong a hint). We also got to sample some of the bar food - usual Mexican fare of quesadillas, nachos with cheese and guacamole. My favourite thing was pork strips which came complete with mini tacos, avocado sauce and shredded veg - yum!
maggiebob
wrote on 17 August 2012
Reviewed using iPhone. Get the app
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Mezzanine level, Kings Cross Station, London N1 9AP
My favourite burrito joint has a new branch in the station I pass through most weekends - you can almost hear the sound of my diet flying out of the window. Not that the food here is particularly unhealthy, I just don't think my doctor would agree with me eating quite so much of it!
maggiebob
wrote on 6 August 2012
It's a decent sized shop on the mezannine in the new extension on King's Cross. They serve the usual BH menu (including my absoulte favourite pork!) but in addition to burritos and tacos, you can also get a slightly smaller burrita (so I can convince myself I'm exercising portion control). They have also introduced a range of breakfast burritos etc for this branch - but I'm yet to be out of bed and in town early enough to try them.
The food is always fresh and delicious, and the staff friendly and happy to put your wrap together just the way you like it. Go - now, before I eat everything! -
Alexandra Palace Way, Wood Green, London N22 7AY
Alexandra Palace - Alexandra Palace
I love Alexandra Palace, and I can't believe I haven't reviewed it sooner! Especially as I live on its doorstep.
maggiebob
wrote on 6 August 2012
The Palace is a beautiful building, and if you ever get the chance to go inside - do! I've been in for a number of craft exhibitions (various charges) and most recently for Holland Heinekin House - the Dutch national hospitality house for the Olympics. There's also an ice-rink which I'm yet to screw up the courage to use!
I could talk about the park, facilities and view, but they would all be better placed in a review of the park itself. Of course, if you're visiting the Palace, you will undoubtably make use of the wonderful park too! -
4 Coburg Road, Hornsey, London N22 6UJ
Karamel Club - Alexandra Palace
maggiebob
wrote on 8 December 2011
A lovely little place – a true local gem!
If you’re out shopping in Wood Green and you can’t face another McBurger, nip to just behind the shopping city and treat yourself to lunch here.
They offer an astounding array of dishes, so there is something for every taste. We opted for the fish & chips and we were not disappointed – fresh crispy fish and well cooked chips, and at prices way lower than you’d expect in London. Hurrah!Reviewed using iPhone. Get the app
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Unit 1 Brampton Park Road, Wood Green, London N22 6BG
Big Green Bookshop - Wood Green
maggiebob
wrote on 6 October 2011
I love Big Green Bookshop. I think I’m turning in to a Big Green-aholic. I keep trying to think of new reasons to pop in – but then they give me plenty of good excuses.
So, I needed a book for a reading group I’m in. I tweeted Big Green Books, and they responded saying they would put one aside for me – how fab is that?
They keep a good range of new and interesting books in store: bestsellers, old favourites, hidden gems, kids books, non-fiction, local interest, and even a rather decent second hand section. And if they don’t have the book you want/need? Give them a day or two and they’ll get it in for you. The guys who run this shop are friendly and engaging – free with advice and suggestions should you need.
Then there’s the events. A monthy Farmer’s Market, a regular Quiz, knitting group, reading groups (including a graphic novels one), writing group, board games day. Add to this story & song times for under 5s, school visits, and an incredible range of author talks and events, I don’t think you need me to urge you to pop in. Come on folks – it’s only just off Wood Green High Road. Take a peek!
alexsheppard Nice review, and thanks for the tip! I’ve added it to our guide:
http://www.qype.co.uk/lists/731279-Londons-Best-Indie-Boo...
6 October 2011