New York Restaurant Recommendation - Number 37: Momofuku Ssam Bar & Booker and Dax Bar

At least one of the Momofuku sites should be visited while in New York, and for me it had to be the Ssam Bar. Not only is Momofuku Ssam Bar sitting comfy at number 37 on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list while holding a Bib Gourman award from the Michelin Guide 2012, but it is also accompanied by the Booker and Dax bar which serves up some of the best (and strongest) cocktails I tasted while in the States.

Pollen Street Social

Pollen Street Social was the perfect location for our quarterly girls lunch. 7 of us piled in off the street on a freezing cold Saturday to find the restaurant to be not only warm and welcoming but also buzzing with atmosphere. It is clear that Jason Atherton has succeeded at realising his ideal social space where people are welcomed with open arms to spend their day/evening.

Two Stars: The Ledbury

4 of us, all Australian, visited The Ledbury on Australia day earlier this year. There had been so much anticipation before visiting this two Michelin Star restaurant that we had literally been counting down the days for the past three months. We may have been excited, however generally The Ledbury keeps somewhat quiet, you know it's there but there isn't a lot of current media attention of hype surrounding the restaurant. That said, its quality stands for itself.

The Bucket List Update

Since posting my London Foodie Bucket List almost a year ago I have been working my way through it like a woman on a mission, and can honstly say I've nearly finished the list. Most places I have posted about indipendently, however I have had a long list of restaurants on my 'to do' list for some time.

Wild Honey



We went to Wild Honey for my lovely boyfriend's birthday last September. The booking was actually made on his request, which I am glad about because admitidely I would have kept pushing it down my list otherwise.

I can honestly say this was one of my favourite meals of 2012. I ordered the duck foie gras terrine to start followed by the bouillabaisse. William had the pork belly starter followed by the lamb with vegetables and dauphinois potatos. Although each sounds relatively simple what was delivered to us was not only two beautiful crafted meals served up over a number of individual stunningly attractive dishes, but also dishes that were rich and warming in flavour. Every mouthful we ate at Wild Honey was a joy to take.

Yauatcha

We visited Yauatcha randomly while out one night in Soho. I think this is the best way to go; no hype, no anticipation, just rock up and pay a little more than you want to on a large selection of dim sum.

Don't get me wrong the dim sum at Yauatcha is nice and I thoroughly enjoyed my evening, but to me it was a little over manufactured like they type of food you get at Ping Pong. We ordered a selection of what sounded like the more exciting dumplings and dim sum bits, however regretfully nothing was memorable enough to stick in my mind. Each of the dumplings we did have were packed full of filling and there certainly wasn't a shortage of crab meat or char siu pork. The restaurant and bar are cool, the clientele usually in suits are fine to dine next to however there really is nothing special to me about Yauatcha. I would go again for a quick bite when I get a dim sum craving, however I wouldn't make it a special occasion.

Pitt Cue Co



I first visited Pitt Cue Co in its pop up meat van on the soutbank and was pleased to see that it's incarnation in its permanent soho spot it just as good. The pulled pork from Pitt Cue Co is still delicious with its smoky BBQ flavours. Old favourites like the ribs and pickled slaw are still on the menu and still just as good.

The Soho location is fast, affordable and is still of the same excellent meaty quality that made PCC famous.

The Riding House Cafe



The Riding House Cafe is a very cool place, and it's location lends its self perfectly for accessibility for any meal.

I visited for a business lunch with a large group of colleagues. We were seated quickly. The wait staff were courteous and friendly, yet let us be to 'talk shop' before taking our orders. I was hungry, but I could tell my superiors appreciated it.

I ordered the smoked haddock kedgeree, it was delicious. The curry flavours were strong but did not over power the smokiness of the haddock. The soft eggs were a nice touch and added creaminess to the disk. I thoroughly enjoyed my lunch at Riding House, and hope to go back soon with a group of people it would be more appropriate to try more of the menu with.

My London Foodie Bucket List

Having recently realised just how often I walk past restaurants and say "I need to go there" I thought it would be beneficial to start a London foodie bucket list... So... Here it be. In no particular order other than that in which it comes to mind:

Pitt Cue Co - after I gorged myself on ribs at the first Southbank pop-up I am now eager to hit up the permanent location in Soho

Burger & Lobster - for the lobster burger, and with Soho soon to open and TAKE reservations I have no excuse

Roganic - to experience the two year pop-up by Simon Rogan while it lasts

St John - and I'm talking all three meaty locations

The Corner Room - new Nuno Mendes

10 Greek Street - all the way from Wapping Project, having heard nothing but good things

Bubbledogs - James Knappett, Sandia Chang & posh hot dogs and champaign

Dach and Sons - sliders close to home

Lima - More Peruvian comes to Soho (prior to my trip to Peru)

The Riding House Cafe - to join the brunch club

Pollen Street Social - contemporary artistic tasting, let's see what all the hype is about. There must be a reason it was awarded it's first Michelin star just months after opening

Viajante - the Numo Mendes' real deal Michelin star affair

Hix at Tramshed - steak or chicken, and that's it

The Ledbury - fellow Aussie Brett Graham's two Michelin star in Notting Hill

Upstairs at the Ten Bells - the semi-permanent stay-on from pop-up kings Young Turks (now with Giorgio Ravelli of The Ledbury)

La Bodega Negra - more street food, this time Mexican

Da Polpo - more Russell Norman

Polpetto - relocating Russell Norman, Polpetto will complete my Norman full house

The Admiral Codrington - for Burgerac' s number one rated burger in London, of course

Duck and Waffle - coming soon 24 hour dining that sounds god damn cool

Barrafina - younger, sexier tapas from Fino

Hawksmoor - more meat. How have I not been here yet?!

Dabbous - even though it's starting to feel like I'll never get a table

Dinner by Heston - because it's Heston Blumenthal

The Wolseley- another brunch addition, this time for the eggs benedict

Hibiscus - for the entire two Michelin star experience

Wild Honey - Because I've heard nothing but good things

Jose & Pizarrio - if I'm going to try his tapas, I may as well try both restaurants

Yauatcha - because I can't get enough dim sum and I feel I should see what Michelin star dim sum is all about

Bibimbab - for cheap and cheery beef bibimbab in soho

Tonkotsu - for what is apparently the best ramen in London

Ducksoup - because I'm excited by the ever changing menu

STK - for a New York steak. Coming soon

Wishbone - I guess because I'll try anything Scott Collins (MeatMarket, MeatLiquor) does, even though I don't like fried chicken

Story - no information disclosed but I'm assured it is coming soon. Because I like books and I like food, I also really like Thomas Keller's CV

I think that's it, for now. Feel free to let me know of anything I have missed.

Image: Viajante. courtesy of London Eater.