Newsletter

June 2012

Let us start with an apology. I am sorry I have been so quiet in the past few months however that has been down to a overhaul of this guide. A lot of things have changed. It is now not just Westend lunch spots that fall into the bracket but the whole of London. Hence the name change. Things are going to get messy, and I may get fat, but its a sacrifice I am willing to make. Also there is no Top Ten to speak of just a 1-5 rating system as it is too close to call between a lot of the participants.

Now some bad news Food Secret is no more. Its doors have been closed for over a month now. This is very very sad news. It was a classy establishment, that fed us not just delicious healthy food at very reasonable prices (possibly too reasonable) but also nutritional facts. We took it for granted, and now its gone. People of Soho we should feel ashamed. There is talk that Food Secret will return, but I am not convinced. I draw similarities to a generous man who was also betrayed by those around him. This man, according to some, lived 2000+ years ago. He fed and looked after people, showed them a better way to live their lives and wanted little in return apart from trust and loyalty. He got neither. Some believe he will return, as of yet he has not. The hope continues that Food Secret will. That's right, I've just compared Food Secret to Jesus.

Moving on. With the closure of Food Secret still fresh in my mind, its important that I, and we, this is a team effort after all, hunt out and frequent new places to luncheon. Its a vibrant city with new food outlets popping up left right and centre and they all need our support. There are plenty of us, we can divide up and still let all the truly exceptional establishments prosper. We need not pick favourites. There is room for all. Break out of your daily lunch habit try somewhere new and inspire others to do the same. Independents need our help/money and we need there food. Its literally give and take in the best possible way.

I say we start by heading to Berwick Street market and try all of the new exciting food stalls that have arrived recently. Quick go before they all close as well.




February 2012

February has been a turbulent month. Ups and downs, well actually downs and ups is more appropriate. I am of course referring to the new owner at Moolis - Iqbal Wahhab (owner of Roast Restaurant and Cinnamon Club among others). For a short while I was worried, really worried, as we all were no doubt, that things at Moolis would change, nobody likes change. It happens all too often, corners are cut, quality suffers and prices rise. However it seems this will not be the case at Moolis.

Iqbal intentions are good, apparently he loves Moolis just the way it is and is only interested in spreading Moolis further throughout London. Good news for all, unless of course you live outside of London, in which case that's your own damn fault. In fact since Iqbal has come on board Moolis have really upped their game. The specials have been flying out, lamb, aubergine, plus more lined up over the coming weeks, and with the arrival of cocktails soonish, the future looks bright for Moolis. Who's going to try and step up and knock them off their perch!

Well Food Secret might, they're our only mover this month rising from 3 to 2. Since the change of recipes a few months back Food Secret did lose its way a little but now they are back on form. Not only have the prices dropped by 20% but the quality and flavour of the salads and soups have really improved. You will struggle, and maybe even fail to find fresher and healthier salads and soups in Soho for this price. They even do porridge, just in case you forgot breakfast at home, silly you!

This month special mention has to go to Foxcroft and Ginger, their French Toast Ham and Cheese toasted sandwich is a pure stroke of genius. I have yet to meet someone, and frankly don't want to meet someone, who hasn't loved it. So simple yet so effective. Of course all the other sandwiches are of excellent quality but this one really stands out. I would suggest going early as this allows you to go back and get another one later in the day, or maybe one of their cakes, and a coffee or something stronger if it's been one of those days.

March has only just began and its already proving to be exciting, new establishments to visit others to re-visit, its tough but someone has to do it. There is also the possiblity of an overhaul of the rating system on Westend Lunches, as things are getting pretty tight at the top and its becoming more and more difficult to distinguish between them. I shall keep you all posted.



January 2012:

There was a lot of toing and froing in January. Just as I thought one establishment was slipping down they go and raise their game clinging on to their no doubt prized position within the Westend Lunches Top Ten (that goes up to eleven)!

January started quietly, most places were still a little sleepy from the festive break, but who can blame them after the excesses that Christmas brings. I myself certainly felt a little off kilter for a few days if not weeks.

Lets start with the main news this month. Congratulations to Moolis, they have been steadily rising towards the top for a few months now and finally they have claimed the No.1 spot from the Bagel man. I have yet to have a bad meal from Moolis and everytime I go I am more impressed. This month I sampled a fridge cold Mooli, though not the correct protocol for such lovingly produced cuisine it still worked. As did the Poppadom bites which had been in the fridge for near on 24hrs but still retained their crispness. Very impressive. I would really recommend the poppadom bites and chutney as a cheeky mid afternoon office snack. Have I mentioned the dhal yet? No, oh, well if you hadn't already guessed that is also delicious, but this definitely benefits from being eaten when hot. The more I think about Moolis the more like it. It cannot be faulted, believe me I've tried. I predict big things for Moolis! Perhaps a Bib Gourmand wouldn't be out of the question! Go now hurry before it gets too busy!! You will not regret it.

Must stress that Bagel man did nothing wrong, well apart from discontinuing my favourite bagel but we won't talk about that, its just that Moolis are just consistently excellent.

We have a new entry this month as well. The top ten would like to welcome Pho to its ranks at number 11. Unfortunately this means Maoz has slipped out of the Top Ten altogether, nevermind there are always losers. Pho specialises in Vietnamese street food, all cooked and prepared freshly for you. The Pho noodle soup is excellent though a slight word of warning, if you are a little delicate when it comes to spice, I suggest not putting all the chili into your soup, you may regret it. I did!! Its exciting to see what the future holds for Pho once a few more return visits are under my belt/in my belly!

Special mention this month must go firstly to Yalla Yalla. I went to the Winsley Street branch of this restaurant for a change, and oh what a difference a change makes. The service was excellent and the wrap was toasted to perfection. No complaints. The staff here are a lot less stressed than at Greens Court, so you aren't hassled out of the door almost as soon as you've ordered. They even have room to sit inside while you're waiting. For takeaway I suggest Winsley street, Greens court has an excellent ambiance when sitting in, but not so good if taking away. Waiting outside in this weather isn't pleasant.

Second special mention goes to Food Secret. As I have now adjusted to the new prices, which really aren't that unreasonable, a salad for £4 can't be sniffed at. I can again fully appreciate the range and quality of whats on offer. They are certainly hot on the heels of Bagel Man in second place.

So quite a busy month all in all. Lots of jostling for places, good competition keeps everyone on their toes. February should be fun.