Thursday 26 July 2012

Cafe Gourmand, 53 Lexington St

Time travel will never be possible, apparently due to the rules of physics. I understand these very little. I do however understand that popping into Cafe Gourmand is the closest we may come to experiencing time travel. Perhaps not everyones first choice if they could travel through time, and granted HG Wells' The Time Machine may not have been quite as gripping if the protagonists main adventure was a trip out to lunch. However for those of us who count lunching as an adventure, then Cafe Gourmand is a good place to start.

As soon as you step inside Cafe Gourmand the pace of life seems to slow down. The decor is old style Parisian cafe, nothing over the top, few antique wooden tables and chairs neat and tidy display, marble counter. Simple and concise. The staff are efficient, relaxed and friendly and service always comes with a smile or two. The noise levels are low just the odd murmur from the seated customers. It's a truly pleasant place to be, the rush of the modern world no longer exists once you step inside, your life is your own again.

As regards food it's nothing too special, just simple classic French fare done well, some more so than others. In terms of takeaway food there are a range of sandwiches and baguettes on offer as well as the odd salad. I can vouch for the roasted beef sandwich with salad and horseradish (see picture) - and also the bacon and slow roasted tomato on toasted sourdough (£4) though the croque monsieur is a little on the small side, mine barely touched the sides. The salads often look tempting, I tried the fennel and cucumber, with a portion of deep filled quiche Lorraine. (£6.50). Good value but neither were anything special.

Now at this point I am going to go against my principles, which doesn't sit pretty with me but nevertheless, I shall do it, only for you mind. Here goes - I think sitting in here may be a better option than takeaway. I say this because while waiting for my order I eye spied a customer tucking into a rare beef salad (£7.50) and it looked good, I was a little jealous for two reasons. 1. He got to enjoy the ambience of Cafe Gourmand for longer and 2. It looked better than what I had ordered. I would say it' a perfect spot for a lunch meeting - romantic or business -, especially if you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Soho.

I find myself going back to cafe Gourmand more to enjoy the whole ambience, rather than the food alone. Its a cafe with real personality, the quiet silent type. Doesn't go shouting about itself, just quietly gets on with the job at hand. An attitude I like.

Rating: 3/5
Cost: £(£)

Opening Times: Mon-Fri 8am - Late, Sat - 10am -Late, Closed Sun.

Monday 16 July 2012

Don Matteos, 74 Upper Street, Islington

From the outside Don Matteo's just looks like any other generic cafe. On the inside it still looks like any other generic cafe. Do not allow this to put you off, you'd be doing yourself an injustice. Let your judgemental eyes wander past the dated appearance of Don Matteo's, and let them settle upon the blackboard menus that display all the delights that are on offer.

You will perhaps need a little more guidance at this point as there is quite a selection on offer and I don't want you getting distracted by say, perhaps a salad or panini, or even, heavens forbid, an escalope sandwich! It's the Ciabattas you want. Trust me. The blackboard you need to concentrate on is on the far right closest the window. Here the various Ciabattas and their fillings are contained. Take your time don't rush, there are 5 to choose from, each with a name to simplify things, i.e The Leo or The Don. They all cost £4.60 to take away which is insanely good value for such a generous sandwich. The choice is all yours I trust you will make the right decision.

So you've ordered. Clearly you chose the Don didn't you? No! Well that was foolish. In not ordering the Don you have cheated yourself out of trying a sandwich that contains roasted beef, brie, onions, roasted red peppers and rocket and is then toasted to crisp perfection. I thought it was the obvious choice but apparently not. If you went for the Leo then sure chicken and sun dried tomatoes is a nice combination but its not the Don! That said you shouldn't be too disappointed in your cack handed attempt at ordering as your experience at Don Matteo's, no matter which Ciabatta you chose, is only just getting started.

Firstly you are about to witness the fastest (unofficially) sandwich maker in London. Within a blink of an eye the Ciabattas cut, filled and being toasted, and more often than not another customers orders been taken. Secondly if you're female, you may get to witness some of Dons charm and penchant for the ladies. If your male don't be disheartened, as you can follow Dons eyes as they scan the outside world, hoping to catch a glimpse of other pretty ladies out and about. All this is going on while he's assembling your sandwich. I think you'll agree Don's impressive, much like his Ciabattas.

Of course there are other lunchtime treats on offer but every time I go I get drawn to the Don, so I can't really comment on how good these are having never tried them. This is all irrelevant though as nobody with a shred of sanity would think of ordering anything but the Don.

Current Favourite: The Don!!

Rating: 3/5
Cost: £

Open Everyday 6.30 - 15-30