THE NIBBLE TRAIL #2

Oops, I've missed a post last week due to...unforeseen circumstances.

This can only mean one thing - more eating to catch up on!

I've decided to do it on a Saturday this time, because some of my favourite places are closed on Sundays.

1. Schokokusse - Southbank Centre Christmas Market (15th November - 24th December)

It's that wonderful festive time of the year again! - unless of course you're the Christmas Grinch.

Contemplating on what I should get, I spotted this stall selling chocolate kisses. The last time I had one of these was at the Christmas market on my trip to Bruges, which I loved.

 

 

My little Irish cream chocolate kiss wanted to get a selfie with the London Eye, but the sun was unfortunately shining from the wrong direction...

So we ended up at Trafalgar Square instead.

 

Oh the things I do for you little one.

2. 10 Greek Street - 10 Greek Street, London W1D 4DH

A lone diner at one of my favourite places again, I perched myself at the end of the bar. I was asked if I was waiting for someone else, which I said no - maybe I should have pretended that I was stood up by my date.

I ordered a small portion of seared scallops which was served with cauliflower puree, clementines and pomegranates.

Perfectly seared scallops, and I especially loved the smooth creamy texture of the cauliflower puree.

 

3. Yoobi - 38 Lexington Street, Soho, London W1F 0LL

I usually order the temaki, but this time I went for the maki rolls - ordering a portion of the Unagi eel maki rolls from the Specials board.

4. Muriel's Kitchen - 36-38 Old Compton Street, Soho, London 

By this time, I had met up with Lili for our usual catch up - and what better way to do it than with some lovely sweet treats! Food is after all best shared in the company of good friends.

This new branch in Soho has just recently opened in the last couple of days, and we were lucky enough to be seated at the table with the swings! 

We ordered the apple strudel with ice cream and the coconut and orange loaf cake.

 

And convinced by our very charming and attentive waiter, I ordered an extra portion of the red velvet layered cake with berries - very naughty of me I know.

 

 

Not quite sure what I was looking at...but it must have been good.

If you missed the last #nibbletrail post, click here.

Watch this space, or follow me on Twitter/Instagram for more #nibbletrail adventures.

The Cheekster, signing off x

10 GREEK STREET, SOHO

First foodie adventure of the weekend! After passing by this place numerous times, it's finally ticked off my to-do list.

Met up with Lili, my usual food buddy (after 2 weeks...TWO weeks!).

I usually prefer lunch times when it's not very busy, but I made a reservation just in case - I'm sure everyone knows about my obsession with organization by now.

 

 

Started off with a shot of coffee for the day - never too early for a cocktail!

Martini espresso

We made a few selections from the menu to share... 

First to be served was the grilled asparagus, burrata and olives.

 One of my favourite vegetables - all you need is salt and olive oil and it always turns out so good. Loved the smooth texture of the burrata - mozzarella and cream...yum. Nicely complemented with the slightly bittery/peppery rocket leaves and saltiness of the olives.

 

Courgette flowers, ricotta, lentils, wild mushrooms and truffle.

Another favourite dish to eat during the summer months (or all year round!) - so good, I'm always tempted to order another portion.

Lightly battered, and biting into the smooth, creamy ricotta filling made me smile like a little girl inside (and outside!). Then again people say I'm always smiling... - I'm not high on drugs, I swear!

Brecon lamb cutlets, chickpeas, aubergine and courgettes.

Lamb is one of Lili's favourite meats, so I thought that this would be a good selection. 

Medium rare - pink in the middle with just a bit of blood oozing out - just the way I like it. The courgettes were thinly sliced, light and refreshing that helped balance out the meat.

 

Seabass, cucumber, dates and samphire.

Haven't had seabass in a while - pan-fried so the skin was nice and crisp.

And also my first taste of samphire - a little strange at first, but it grew on me after a few more nibbles. Never had dates in a savoury dish, but my inner sweet tooth attacked it on the plate - Lili kindly let me have most of it, hehe.

A tough decision to make for dessert, but in the end we opted for the mascarpone semifreddo served with strawberries and balsamic. I was tempted to order more desserts (the neighbouring table ordered three!), but I don't think my tummy and hips would forgive me if I did...

I thought I was enthusiastic about my food, but the table next to us seemed more animated about it than me (?!). Maybe I should have made friends with them as well...

Overall a light and refreshing dish, perfect for summer days (if summer ever decides to show up).

Didn't get to try the steak tartare - Lili doesn't eat beef and I wanted to order dishes we could both enjoy. There's always a next time!

More posts to follow, including a post from my 'Secret Cinema presents Laura Marling' event. Yes, my THIRD Secret Cinema/Future Cinema/Secret Music experience within a month!

Watch this space x