Saturday 29 October 2011

Bagel Man, Berwick Street Market.

First off, I am not entirely sure that this is the correct name for this friendly stall situated opposite Flat White on Berwick street market. There are rumours that the owners name is Tommy, but I and others like me always refer to him as the Bagel Man.

If you hadn't already guessed Bagel Man sells Bagels (hence the name). Of course this is not all he sells - loaves of bread, brownies, soup, rolls, baguettes and Portuguese custard tarts and more can be purchased - but it is the bagels that I keep going back for, oh and the occasional Portuguese custard tart (£1), often referred to as just a 'Portuguese'.

What makes these bagels stand out is the fillings. More thought has gone into them than the average sandwich. My current favourite is the Black and White Pudding with egg mayo, though others like goats cheese and beetroot, Fish finger bagel with capers (a posh take on the classic sandwich) and pastrami and pickles all work well, and offer you something a bit different to your everyday fillings that are so rife.

The bagels vary in price from £2 up to £2.80ish depending on fillings. I would suggest buying two as they can be on the small side. I would also suggest getting them toasted on the odd occasion just to mix things up a little. Plus it gives you chance to talk to Bagel man himself and find out if his name really is Tommy.

Current favourite: Fish Finger Bagel with Pickles, toasted.

Rating: 3/5
Cost: £

Open 8ish - 4ish Monday to Friday.

Friday 28 October 2011

Food Secret, 59 Broadwick Street, London

AS OF MID APRIL FOOD SECRET IS NO MORE. I HAVE LEFT THE REVIEW UP AS A SIGN OF RESPECT. RIP FOOD SECRET YOU WILL BE MISSED.

On arrival at Food Secret your first thought is to turn on a sixpence and retreat as quickly as you can before the health police* capture you and start talking about calories and saturated fats and the like. I urge you to continue. A world of variety awaits.

I admit it does look like it is only for the health conscious individual. Most of the food from the Grab and Go section comes with nutritional information, and tells you how many calories you are eating plus the food is given a rating on how good it is for you 5 stars means its very good 1 not so, but you need to look past this and enjoy the fact that here is a company that has dared to offer something different.

I am not going to lie, I love this place. So much effort seems to have gone into creating food that is fresh, tastes amazing and dare I say it, is healthy and nutritious. Salads such as Honey Cured ham and Five bean and Pasta , soups like the delicious Chorizo and butternut squash, and the Feta and Caramelised Onion Pita all keep me coming back. Plus you often get a healthy fact about what you are eating for example did you know that "the sulphur compounds in onions help detoxify the body", No, thought not, but now you do. You will never look at an onion in the same way again will you. I certainly haven't.

The prices at food secret have been changing with the winds over the past few months. However it now seems that the prices have settled, at a very reasonable rate I might add. Around £3,80 to £4,15 for a healthy, delicious and generous salad, and £4,95 for a Tall Pot, or £2.95 for a small pot - soup to you and I. Perfect for when the weather drops. Wraps, pittas and rolls are all around the £3 mark, again very reasonable for freshly made produce using quality ingredients.

Once you have successfully conquered the Grab and Go section, you might want to try creating your own salad or soup. Scary perhaps, but look how far you've come already!!

One last thing, nothing big but a nice touch all the same. The Food Secret website changes colour for you depending on whether you're a boy or girl. Its the small things that count.

Current Favourite: Marsala Chicken with Wild Rice Salad.

Rating: 4.5/5
Cost: £(£)

Open: Mon - Fri 9 -7, Sat 12,30 - 6,30

http://www.foodsecret.com/

* A real organisaton made up of volunteers who will pop up at the most inconvenient times to tell you what you should and shouldn't be eating. I believe they are an ancillary of the salt police but I could be wrong.

Thursday 27 October 2011

Moolis, 50 Frith Street

Fast food, Indian style stuffed rotis to takeaway. Excellent idea, one of those ideas that makes you wonder why nobody has done it before. Still they would have to be very good to knock Moolis of their perch. Before I go any further I feel I should let you know that these aren't wraps, they are never referred to as wraps, they are moolis, which is a roti stuffed with all sorts of fresh goodness. So now you know we can get on to other things.

Everything is cooked fresh each day, even the rotis are hand made with the help of a clever machine (ingeniously called Moolita I wonder which came first moolis or Moolita) and not bought in. The fillings are also fresh, made to order and packed so full of filling you wonder how they have managed to enclose it all in one neat little roti package. Maybe its the roti itself that makes the rolling and folding seem so easy, but whenever I've tried at home to fill a tortilla wrap with as much filling as possible I end up with a wrap where all the filling falls out and I have to resort to using a fork to eat it, which defeats the purpose of making a wrap in the first place. I think from now on I will only use rotis they are the future. Or maybe I should just be a little less cack-handed.

The moolis are on and around the £5 mark but you get so much packed into them that you don't feel hungry afterwards, and if you really want to you can add a side dish of say perhaps cucumber raita, dhal or poppadom bites. The moolis also come as mini moolis which means you could have a smaller lunch or you could really treat yourself and have two different mini moolis. If thats not enough why not wash it down with a mango lassi, finish off with a brownie and then waddle off back to work, poorer in wealth but richer in regards as having dined like a king (or Queen).

One word of caution, they do offer salad boxes, please don't attempt to choose this option, sure its healthier but it is nowhere near as delicious. Don't kid yourself, I did and instantly regretted it. Never again! The daily daal though would be a good alternative especially as they offer a weekday lunchtime special, a wrap and daal for £6.

So to sum up Mooli yes, Daal yes, salad box no!

Current favourite: Goan Pork and Pomegranate Salsa Mooli, or the Chicken, actually the beef is pretty good, as is the Goat and also the Paneer. Ok so order any one of the Moolis and you'll be happy, and stay away from the salad box!

Rating: 4.5/5
Cost: ££

Open. Mon - Wed 12 - 22:00, Thurs - Sat 12 - 23:30, Sun Closed

http://www.moolis.com/

Wednesday 26 October 2011

Yalla Yalla, 1 Green's Court

Never has a food outlet caused me so much anguish and confusion but also enjoyment. On the one hand Yalla Yalla offers excellent and varied Lebanese food which is full of flavour but on the other hand the service is often, well, lacking.

Lets start with the good, the food and the price. Pretty much everything is available for take away. This gives you a huge selection of Mezze dishes to choose from, plus all the wraps. Most of the things are around £4, some cost more others less, but it really is one of the best value places around for lunch in Soho. The wraps are all toasted freshly and if you can round up a few friends or co workers you can each buy a mezze dish and have a proper lunch back in your place of work, without spending anymore than £4-5 each.

Ok I feel I need to warn you about the dark side of Yalla Yalla. The service can be a little cold, maybe its the Beirut style but I doubt it. Most of the time you almost feel as though you are causing them issues by ordering takeaway. There is limited space to stand and most likely you will be asked to stand outside which is the best place to be to be honest! By staying inside you will get in the way of the waiters and waitresses which will just anger them - the upshot being that your wrap won't get toasted properly as they will be keen to get rid of you. There is nothing worse than an undertoasted wrap, its like chewing on a dry flannel. Get it properly toasted though and it is one of my favourite wraps around, crisp and full of flavour. You are looking at at least 5 minutes under the grill, I would be tempted to hand it back to them and ask them to toast it more if it gets any less, though I am English so don't like to cause a fuss.

All in all Yalla Yalla offers excellent value for money and a huge variety of tasty lebanese food. It is well worth a visit but don't expect to be welcomed with open hands, you will get what you order, and nothing more, hopefully in the case of a wrap a toasted crisp one.

Current Favourite : Anyone of the wraps, lamb, chicken and Soujoc Sausage are all good.

Rating: 3/5
Cost: £

Open Mon - Fri 8am -11:30pm, Sat 10am-11:30pm, Sun 10am -10pm

http://www.yalla-yalla.co.uk/

Tuesday 25 October 2011

Foxcroft and Ginger, 3 Berwick Street

Very similar in style and layout to Fernandez and Wells but with one clear difference, reasonable prices. You can if you want push the boat and spend close to a tenner on lunch here by purchasing perhaps a lemon tart to go with your sandwich and how about some excellent Monmouth coffee to keep you awake for the rest of the afternoon. Tempted aren't you? But you really don't need to.

Most sandwiches range from the £4.50 to £5.50 mark, though there are some that touch £6. More importantly you definitely feel you are getting your moneys worth. Each sandwich is packed with as much filling as is possible to get inside and they all taste very very good. They just use excellent quality ingredients and don't mess about with them too much and don't charge the earth. Simple really, shame other people don't follow this.

On a side note for a time I thought this establishment was called Foxtrot and Ginger, it turns out it is not, but it is a name which I prefer, wonder if they'll change it. I doubt it, no need really.

Current Favourite: Toasted Cheese and Ham French Bread Sandwich - no other sandwich is quite as filling, some people share it others take the challenge face on. Either way its delicious.

Rating: 4/5
Cost: ££

Open Mon 8 - 19:00 Tues - Fri 8 -21:00 Sat 9 - 21:00, Sun 9 - 19:00

http://www.foxcroftandginger.com/

Monday 24 October 2011

Make Mine, 86 Dean Street

Nothing too fancy about this sandwich bar. You can go in buy a sandwich, all freshly made, a drink too and then be on your merry way in less than five minutes.

That is easier said than done, sure once you've chosen what sandwich you like and its being made for you you'll be out of their pretty soon. But it is the choosing what filling and what bread you want that takes the time.

 The fillings are endless, pretty much anything you want to put into a sandwich you can, within reason! They do help by giving a set list of popular fillings (Tuna Melt, Soho Club, Cajun to name but a few) but this is still a long list of 10 -15. Then you have to decide what bread you would like, focaccia, bagel, wrap, ciabatta or just normal sandwich bread. You could easily take 10minutes deciding but you'll be holding up the hungry diners behind you who have been coming here for months and know exactly what they want. You can even get yourself a salad if there's not enough choice sandwich wise.

Take your time, a good sandwich can't be rushed, it will be worth it in the end. Then while eating it you can plot what you'll have next time you visit. Soon enough you'll be a regular grumbling that the oaf in front of you is taking far too long to order, and holding everyone up.

Current Favourite: Portobello Stack - Roasted red peppers, Portobello mushrooms, brie and balsamic dressing - works best on Focaccia in my humble opinion.

Rating: 3/5
Cost: £

Open: Mon - Fri

http://www.makemine.co.uk/

Sunday 23 October 2011

Rosalinds, 12 Little Portland Street

Ok so technically a little walk away from Soho, but you are about to eat a hearty lunch so a little walk shouldn't do you any harm.

This is strictly a takeaway outlet, so if you have walked a little distance, don't go expecting a seat to allow you to rest your weary legs. However once you get served you are unlikely to want to sit, instead you'll most likely dash back to your office eager to show just how much salad has been crammed into a pot costing £4. Not just any salad either. A delicious selection of salads, roasted beetroot, tabbouleh, tomato and pasta salads I could go on but I have forgotten all the rest. All the more reason to go back again. More meaty options are available (£4.50), such as fishcakes with salsa verde, chorizo tortillas and roasted Chicken legs. Most things change daily so be ready for something new each time you go.

Rosalind's philosophy seems to be to take the best, tastiest ingredients, cook them as simply as possible and then charge a reasonable price. Why can't all food outlets have the same beliefs.

Current Favourite: £4 salad box with as much crammed into it as possible.

Rating: 4/5
Cost: ££(£)

Open: Mon - Fri 7.30 - 4

http://www.rosalindskitchen.co.uk/

Saturday 22 October 2011

Hummus Bros, 88 Wardour Street

Before you ask no, they are not brothers. Just friends who decided to set up a business focusing on hummus. Risky perhaps to concentrate a whole business on what is considered to many as just a dip, but it seems to have worked as they now have 3 outlets dotted about London, (Soho, Holborn and St Pauls).

This eatery has taught me 2 things firstly how to spell Hummus, (could have sworn it had an 'o' in it somewhere) and secondly warm hummus works. Thats right warm hummus, so simple yet so effective.

It's a simple concept which is why I like it so much. You just turn up, pick from the list of fillings, - I recommend the beef, or chicken, though mushroom is good too. In fact they are all pretty good, though I haven't had the chickpea topping yet, seems a little overkill chickpeas on top of chickpeas!! Pick size of container small or regular, eat in or takeaway (Caution: Costs a little extra to eat in but that seems to be the norm these days) then just wait until they hand it to you with a toasted pita and a choice of chilli or garlic and lemon dips. A small portion to take away shouldn't cost you more than £5, though you can add extra toppings of Tzatziki, sundried tomatoes or feta cheese if you really fancy it. All in all you shouldn't be waiting more than a few minutes maybe 5, but it is worth it.

If I have one little gripe it is the lack of consistency in portion size. The amount of Hummus you get can vary day to day. Hummus on the underside of the lid is a good indication of a generous helping, a clean underside always disappoints me a little.

It goes without saying that if you don't like hummus don't go, if you do like hummus I suggest you go. But be warned, just using hummus as a dip for crisps will no longer feel right.

NB: It has been brought to my attention that the prices go up for lunches on weekends and bank holidays by a whopping £2.20. No idea why such an increase and I can't see how it is justifiable. I have no choice but to take this into consideration when rating them. It is still worth a visit mind you, just only on weekdays.

Current Favourite: Slow Cooked Chunky Beef. Be sure to keep an eye out for the daily specials as well though

Rating: 3.5/5
Cost: ££

Opening Times Soho Outlet - Mon -Wed 12 -10, Thur - Sat 12 - 11 Sun 12 - 9

http://www.hbros.co.uk/

Friday 21 October 2011

Pit Stop Cafe, Berwick Street Market

Not too much to say about this place. Its a small trailer turned kitchen that serves freshly prepared noodle or rice dishes. As well as having some meat or veg with your noodles or rice you can also purchase a spring roll perhaps or dim sum, or whatever else takes your fancy.

Ok so perhaps I should say a little more. I should warn you that you may have to queue and wait possibly 10 - 15 minutes depending on the size of queue. For me being an englishman I have nothing against queueing, in fact if you let me stand in a queue, while drinking tea and apologising for things I haven't done I will be more than happy. However if you are in a rush and can't wait probably best you head a few stalls down and grab a bagel from the bagel man.

If though you can wait, do. The food is fresh, the prices good £4.50 to £5.50 for an ample portion, and the stall holders are friendly. Show up again and again they may even start offering discount.

Current Favourite: Egg fried Rice with Crispy Duck

Rating: 3.5/5
Cost: £(£)

Open:  Mon - Fri

Thursday 20 October 2011

Fernandez and Wells, St Annes Court

First off are you rich, if not you may want to cease reading this guide to Fernandez and Wells. It will only upset you that you won't be able to afford a delicious sandwich from this lovely establishment on a daily basis. Very few can, though if you are one of the lucky few, I am a little jealous.

As delicious as the sandwiches are they do tend to be on the expensive side  - £6 plus is a little steep for a sandwich of average size. As nice as they are and they are really really delicious. My slow roasted pork and apple sauce roll was possibly the best sandwich i have ever eaten (and I've eaten a few) but at £6.80 it is a little hard to really justify that price.

Everything about the sandwich was top notch, the bread was excellent, best I have eaten for a long time crisp crust and soft crumb, the pork was juicy, the apple sauce added just enough sweetness, all in all it was exceptional. Other sandwiches are around the same cost, mackerel on rye bread is £6, they do offer a cheese toasty at about £4.50ish but that is as cheap as they get and those are usually gone pretty quickly.

I recommend you go to sample some of the best sandwiches around, but save it for a special occasion (next time you get a pay rise perhaps) and continue to go to your other favourite lunch haunts which are more reasonable for everyday frequenting.

Current Favourite: Slow roasted Pork and apple sauce sandwich (£6.80)

Rating: 4/5
Cost: £££

Opening Times: Mon - Sat 8 - 22:00, Sun Closed

http://www.fernandezandwells.com/

Wednesday 19 October 2011

Maoz, 43 Old Compton Street

There's a definite art to eating at Maoz. In order to get your moneys worth you really need to be adept at handling a pair of tongs. Anybody on Tong Handling Level 3* or above should be fine, anything less and you shouldn't even bother, go home, get some practice, save yourself the embarrassment of everybody seeing you mishandle tongs.

Maoz is a vegetarian outlet, so don't go expecting meat, instead go expecting falafal and more salad than you can shake a stick at. Seriously the variety of the salad is excellent, carrot, fried cauliflower, tomatoes, cous cous, beetroot, pickled chillies, mushrooms, sweetcorn and more plus a choice of 4 dips as well, including, coriander dip and red chili dip. You can decide whether to get a freshly toasted Pita, filled with falafal and hummus with salad or just stick to salad, or salad and falafal.

Here's where the skill comes in, what ever you order whether its a pita with falafal and hummus, or a salad box you are going to need to help yourself to salad. With such variety of salad, you will want to try them all. Take your time, with a salad box you need to fill bit by bit. Best to under fill at first then go back and top up, you can fit a lot in so don't be shy. With a pita you need to add some salad then push it down inside the pita before adding the next, continue this process until you've got a bit of each. Best to eat in (no extra charge) with a pita, if you've filled it correctly it will get messy after the first bite.

All in all the Maoz is good, but not exceptional. It is certainly quantity over quality. The falafal is excellent, freshly cooked and full of herbs. Everything else is mediocre, the salads are nice but lacking any real flavour, the drinks are also a bit plain - lemon squash with a sprig of mint is a bit rubbish. Maoz really shines for value for money, the meal deals at just under £6 will leave you stuffed, you will not get more food for your money anywhere else.

Current Favourite: Meal deal - Salad box or pita, falafal, hummus, aubergine, chips and a drink all for under £6.

Rating: 2.5/5
Cost: ££

Open: Mon - Thurs 11am - 1am, Fri, Sat 11am - 2am, Sun 11am - 12am

http://www.maozusa.com/

*Tong Handling Levels
LEVEL 1 - You've only ever picked up tongs in order to move them aside to get to that wooden spoon you use for every kitchen job
LEVEL 2 - You've used tongs very occasionally, maybe to turn some sausages on the new barbecue you've just bought because they came with it so you feel you ought to.
LEVEL 3 - You like using tongs, turning sausages is no problem, now you're even using them to serve the token mixed leaf salad that you provide at your annual barbecue.
Level 4 - You've now discovered that a closed set of tongs can be used to stir sauces before using them fully open to mix the sauce and pasta together before serving it up like a pro.
Level 5 - Tongs are now the only kitchen utensil you use. They've even replaced the tea towel when it comes to holding hot pans. You have different sized ones, coloured ones, silicon covered ones. That wooden spoon is long gone - good riddance it smelt of onion anyway.