Walking over to Knightsbridge one day we passed a restaurant that had a name that sounded familiar. It was one that had been written about as a haunt of London’s elite.
Mr. CA4G and I were in need of somewhere for dinner so decided to head over to Scott’s and try it.
Scott’s Menu
Located on Mount Street in upmarket Mayfair, it was a short walk from our Marylebone accommodation. An elegant black and white frontage with large windows is manned by a bowler hatted doorman. A cosy interior in creams and browns is highlighted with stunning lighting, art and mirrors. The clientele tends to be a older money and slightly more relaxed, not try hards at all.
Interior Scott’sYours truly, upmarket restaurant called for pearls.
Scott’s is big on seafood of all kinds and has a good range of land and air based foods as well. An oyster and champagne bar dominates the centre of the room, with oysters being freshly shucked to order. Scott’s are big on sustainably sourced seafood and organic produce, and make a point of specifying where there produce is caught, raised or grown.
Having had a good lunch, we decided to only have a main course each and a glass of wine. Mr. CA4G’s favourite John Dory was on the menu served with globe artichokes, anchovies and capers, so he had that.
John Dory
I chose Devonshire chicken with foie gras stuffing, mousseron mushrooms and tarragon. Mousseron mushrooms (Scotch Bonnets) were new to me so had to try them, and who can pass up foie gras? My chicken was quite large so I had to palm some off to Mr. CA4G The mushrooms were delicious!
Devonshire chicken
Of course we had to have some chips to go with our meal. We both had a glass of white wine, both were chardonnays and from Burgundy. Mr. CA4G had a Francois Gaunoux 2009 Puligny Montrachet while I went for Domaine de Chaude Ecuelle 2011 Chablis. Having French chardonnay is an interesting experience. The variations are remarkable and show just how much terroir and the winemaker impact the final product. They tend to be a little more nuanced and subtle than some of the in your face Aussie chardonnays. We had several chardonnays from Burgundy on our trip and Mr. CA4G has now become a convert to chardonnay.
After a fabulous meal dessert was tempting but we had to pass. Scott’s is definitely on our list of restaurants to head back to when we go to London again.
Prior to our round the world trip in June and July, I researched places we would like to dine. I was particularly interested in ones that had a good reputation for food and wine matching. In my research I came upon Bistro du Sommelier in Paris. Owner Philippe Faure-Brac was ranked best sommelier in the world in 1992, best sommelier in France in 1988, and young sommelier in 1984.
Located on Boulevard Hausmann in the 8th Arrondisement, it is a short stroll from the Opera, past Les Grand Magasins. The long twilight makes for a pleasant stroll to and from the restaurant.
Bistro Du SommelierBistro du Sommelier
Behind the classic red exterior lies a dining room that has a simple rusticity to it. Cream stone walls, art work relating to wine and subtle colours abound so as not to distract from the real reason you are there, the food and wine. There is also a further dining area downstairs in the cellar.
Interior Bistro du SommelierInterior Bistro du SommelierCharger plate, Bistro du Sommelier
There is the option of an a la carte menu or several degustation options. We decided to have a 5 course degustation with matched wines. Each table gets a slightly different menu and wines. You also have the option to play a little game where they don’t tell you what the wine is when they pour it. You have to guess the wine and region, if you can, you can also guess the vintage. I got three right out of the five. Vermentino and a sweeter style Grenache were my downfalls.
After some delicious house made bread, our first course arrived. Slices of salmon, caviar and crème fraiche. Simple and elegant. Our wine for this course was a 2012 vermentino from Clos Culombu, situated in Corsica. I have only had vermentino once before and that was at Pilu. This wine had us a little confused, it had some characteristics of sauvignon blanc so our first guess for the wine game was wrong. The Clos Culombu went really well with the salmon and caviar.
Our second course was a little tartlet with jamon and vegetables. The tart shell was flavoursome and light, and the filling was exceptional. I got the wine that went with this course correct. A chardonnay from Burgundy. Domaine Chevalier Pere & Fils, Ladoix.
TartletDomaine Chevalier, Pere & Fils
Our third course was a simple but very tasty chicken with wild mushrooms, truffles and pommes de terre puree. Surprisingly this was served with a red wine, the earthy characteristics of the mushrooms and truffle were well suited to the wine. A 2002, Cru Bourgeois from Chateau Mayne-Lalande, in the Listrac-Medoc appellation of Bourdeaux. High percentage Cabernet Suavignon(60%) Merlot(30%) with a touch of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc(5% each). This was another that I got right. It made me feel very proud to say that the Cabernet Sauvignon was the predominant grape with Merlot being the other main grape. I even got that it was a Bourdeaux blend correct.
Our fourth course was a nice selection of some great French cheese of which two were deliciously stinky, with the other being a more subtle aroma. The wine for this was a Domaine Duseigneur Par Philippe Faure-Brac, from Laudun in the Cotes Du Rhone. A blend of Grenache(60%) and Syrah(40%). This wine is a joint collaboration between the owner of Bistro Du Sommelier and the Domaine Duseigneur vineyards. I got this one right too.
Delicious stinky cheeseDomaine Duseigneur par Philippe Faure-Brac
For our final course was a frozen chocolate confection topped with dark chocolate and nuts. Perfect for the hot weather we were experiencing in Paris at the time. This was also served with a red wine. Now dear readers I am sure you realise that chocolate and red wine are a great match. The wine with this was a fantastic match. A Mas Amiel Vintage 2009 100% Grenache, from the Maury AOC. This wine was sweet and but not overly so. I have since learnt that wines from Maury AOC are generally fortified, so it was a great experience to try a wine style that was quite different. Maury AOC is in the Roussillon wine region which has a bit of Spanish history to it, being only a few kilometres from the Fance/Spain border, hence Grenache being a predominant grape in the region. Another great dessert wine that you may have heard about from the Roussillon region is Banyuls, also made from Grenache grape.
Chocolate dessertMas Amiel, Vin Doux Naturel
So our fabulous degustation at an end, we enjoyed a twilight stroll through the City of Lights, back to our hotel via La Madeleine, Rue du Faubourg St. Honore, Place Vendome and the Opera. A great way to end a fantastic meal.
Recently we took advantage of a glorious autumn day and drove down to Bowral. While still crisp, the sun was shining and once we hit the Southern Highlands the autumn foliage was stunning.
Located just before the town of Bowral, Centennial Vineyards is spread over several hills with the restaurant positioned to take maximum advantage of the views over the vines and surrounding area.
Restaurant on the left and Tasting room on the rightOver the vines
Our first stop was the tasting room where we sampled the sparkling and white wines. Some really great wines and one variety we hadn’t tried before, Savagnin. Some amazing rieslings on offer too. We didn’t try the reds this time which gives us an excuse to head back down there another time.
From the exterior the buildings have a European appearance. With a tower and large dining room replete with large open fire, the restaurant has a cosy country feel. On our visit we decided to take advantage of the sunny day and enjoy the views from the enclosed veranda. The veranda was nicely heated and quite popular on our visit.
Our lunch started with a complimentary amuse, which took the chill off.
Amuse of Sweet potato soup
Rather than have two seperate entrees, we decided to go for The Highland Platter, which is a signature tasting plate of seasonal and local products, comprising six individual components….
The Highland Platter
R decided to go for the locally bred, “Tova Platinum” Beef Fillet. This was a Southern Highlands grass fed beef fillet, accompanied by smoked potato puree, red onion compote,
grilled bone marrow, worcestershire mushrooms & Centennial Shiraz jus….
Tova Platinum beef
I went for something a little lighter, pork cooked two ways, corn puree, corn salsa….
Pork two ways
Some fries were also eaten….
Fries with aioli
Deciding against dessert we opted for a cloth bound cheddar, persimmon….
Should you ever find yourself heading to the Southern Highlands on a glorious sunny day, whatever the season, I highly recommend a visit to Centennial Vineyards and Restaurant. Perhaps stay the night in Bowral to have a good look around town.
One of our regular places to go in Tokyo is a whisky bar called Brick. We stumbled across Brick during our first visit in 2008 and each time we have been since we head there for a whisky.
Brick during daylight hours
Brick is located a couple of lane ways off Ginza’s main street of Chuo Dori. Easiest directions are on Chuo Dori turn left at Shiseido at Ginza 7 Chome(Mont Blanc shop is diagonally opposite), walk down to Pronto restaurant and turn left again and it is a couple of shops down on the right. We always get lost the first night we try to go there, but never fear there is plenty to look at if you do get lost.
Here in Australia we have “no smoking” laws in enclosed places, Tokyo does not. While neither R or I smoke, we do enjoy the fact that cigar and cigarette smoke goes so well with a whisky. For this reason alone we are willing to put up with second hand smoke. Plus the smokiness adds to the ambience.
The decor at Brick is exposed brickwork, wood paneling and leather. Seating is at the bar or the kidney shaped table. The low lighting level gives a warm, cosy, intimate feel even when the room is busy.
Decor at Brick
A wood paneled bar stretches the 6 metre length of one wall, with three quarters of the length of the bar display solely dedicated to whisky. Who knew there were so many, and probably many more that aren’t used at Brick. Fortunately the whisky list is in English and has Scottish, Irish and Japanese whiskies along with around 15 bourbons from the USA. There is also the standard collection of spirits and a short but good selection of wine.
Some of the whisky selection at BrickThe bar at Brick
A small menu also helps for those wanting a little something to nibble on.
There is another level upstairs where they occasionally have live music. If you are in to whisky/whiskey or just want somewhere ‘cool’ to have a drink, Brick is a good starting point.
I have included a Google map in links to help you find your way to Brick. Unfortunately no yellow ‘Brick” road to help you get there.
When we visit Tokyo our hotel of choice is the Park Hotel in Shiodome. Located a short walk from Ginza, the Shiodome area has easy access to transport, so handy in fact that last year, for the first time ever, we took the train from Narita Airport to Shimbashi station and walked to the hotel. The Park Hotel is located in the Shiodome Media Tower, on floors 25 to 34. The rest of the tower is occupied by Kyodo News. I really like the way the Japanese combine a hotel with businesses in their towers. The Park Hyatt is the same, offices on the lower floors and the hotel on the upper floors.
Shiodome Media Tower/Park Hotel
We usually book a room that looks out to Tokyo Tower(city view room) which when there is clear weather also includes majestic Fuji-san in the distance.
Early morning beauty shot. Tokyo Tower and Fuji-sanTokyo Tower by night
We have never eaten in the hotel restaurant, usually because we are out so much taking in all that Tokyo has to offer. Last year we decided to finally give it a try.
This person is known not to have an aversion to champagne
TY by Tateru Yoshino is located on the 25th floor of the Park Hotel (Lobby floor). With panoramic views out over Tokyo and Tokyo Tower, it is an intimate, elegant and refined setting, white cloths, crystal, silver and dark woods. The room is a not overly large so there is no loud noise to compete with. Presenting a degustation menu where customers can choose some of their dishes is a great option, and means that you can have something different to your partner.
Amuse bouche of mackerel and petit flowersAmuse bouche and the freshly baked breadMushroom soupScallop and prawn with a shellfish foam
A specialty of the house is the Assorted Seasonal Vegetables Presented in the Image of Monet. A delightful plate of baby vegetables, flowers and herbs with a light dressing.
Monet’s Garden
The first few courses we had were the same, mains however R had a beautiful slow cooked beef, while I had duck breast.
Before dessert we decided to have the optional cheese course. The waiter wheeled out a trolley with around 10 cheeses on it. We selected 3 which was enough for us.
Selection of cheese
Dessert was 5 flavours of chocolate. I nust remember to write things down, but there was cinnamon, coffee and well I guess I need to have pen and paper in future. Very delicious.
Five flavours of chocolate
Deciding to have a coffee we were greatly impressed with the selection of mignardises (petit fours) that was wheeled out. I think there were about 20 things to chhose from. Some fruit jellies, cannelles, churros, madeleines, coated nuts, and so many more.
Mignardises
R had a wonderful birthday dinner and we chose some great French wines to go with the meal.
TY by Tateru Yoshino was awarded one Michelin star for 2013. Tateru Yoshino has another 2 restaurants in Tokyo (Ginza and Shiba) and he also chef/patron of the Michelin starred Stella Maris in Paris.
If you are in Tokyo I would recommend a visit to TY Tateru Yoshino in the Park Hotel.
Leaving London behind we flew across the channel to Switzerland and our next port of call Zurich.
Coming in to Zurich
We stayed at the Swissotel, located at Oerlikon, just out of the city centre, a short tram ride was all it took to get to the city centre. A 24 hour pass for trains, buses and trams was around A$10 a person, it also allowed us to take some of the river taxis if we had felt like it. The Swissotel has an amazing pool located on the top floor giving panoramic views of Zurich and the country side around it, right out to the alps in the distance.
The breakfast buffet in the Swissotel is very extensive and a great range of food for all tastes is available. I counted 18 bread and bakery items, unfortunately that is too much for me to work my way through. There is also a vibrant bar and restaurant in the Swissotel, which we unfortunatley didn’t have a chance to try out, next time.
Twice a week the square behind the Swissotel becomes a fruit, vegetable and flower market, with some stalls also offering preserves made from their own produce. I wish I had taken my camera down as there were varieties that we don’t see here in Australia. It would also have been nice to have been able to have cooked with some of the offerings. Also handy was a supermarket where you could get some groceries and incredibly cheap mineral water. San Pellegrino 1litre for about A$1.05, back here it costs just over A$3.
Zurich City has a population of 400,00 within the city and 1.83 million in the whole canton(state). Which makes it a nice size to get around. After catching the tram in we just walked. So many beautiful old buildings with interesting architectural details. I really loved looking at the roof detailing on the buildings, so much more interesting than the triangle shape we mainly have in Australia. Lots of little streets to wander and explore. So many small jewellery makers located around town which was great to see. Craft skills seemed to be taken more seriously in Switzerland, whether it be jewellery making, lace making etc.
Lane way ZurichLimmat Quai
We ate in the old town area several times. On two occasions having fondue at Adler’s Swiss Chuchi and also dined in a Bierhalle. While R tried some local beers I worked my way through the local white wines. A shame we have trouble sourcing Swiss wines here in Australia as they were very good. Down by Quaibrucke is a stand selling some great hotdogs and wurstli, just perfect for a quick lunch. Should you need chocolate there is no shortage of stores and cafes.
Inside our favourite bierehalleWorked my way through most of the whites
Wandering the cobblestone streets, walking beside the river and lake was a really enjoyable experience. No-one seemed to be rushing and everyone was polite.
Street in ZurichRiver sideAcross the lake to the Alps
Sitting having a cocktail in a square in the old town was a nice way to relax.
Cocktails to wind down after a big day exploring
We also got to see a Youth Marching Band festival and a watersports festival which seemed to consist of teams on boats jousting. Obviously the winner was the one who didn’t get knocked in the river.
After a quick 5 days in New York we said goodbye to the Big Apple and took an over night flight to London on BA. Arriving early in the morning we got through customs and immigration relatively fast and then hopped in an iconic black cab to go to the city. Um we forgot to factor in peak hour traffic. Cab fare was £80 and took nearly an hour and a half. All the grass and trees were so green, even heading in to the city there was a lot of green.
We checked in to the conveniently located Marylebone Hotel( part of the Doyle Collection) which is located close to Oxford Street. I really liked the hotel apart from the lighting in the bathrooms. I call it a man’s hotel as it is suited to those who don’t need to apply make up or shave their legs. But lighting aside it is a comfortable and fantastic hotel. After checking in and freshening up, we decided to hit the asphalt to let R get his bearings again and to start sightseeing/shopping. Looking at a map does not give you any indication of how far things really are. For example I thought Buckingham Palace was going to be a long way from our hotel when in fact we were able to walk there in 10 minutes.
Our first trek found us heading to the luxury heaven that is New Bond Street-Old Bond street and around. After a quick reconnoiter R tells me we can walk to Buckingham Palace, did I want to go now. My answer: Is Elizabeth Windsor the Queen? So we walked along Piccadilly past The Ritz then through Green Park(yes it was very green) we get to the other side and there are some road blocks and lots of people milling about. Hmmm something is happening. We hear brass instruments start playing and then we see the bobbing brass and bearskin helmets as the Changing of the Guard finishes and they march off down Horse Guards Parade.
Changing of the Guard
After watching the soldiers march out we took a stroll down Oxford street and browsed the shops.
On Thursday we decided to explore the area around our hotel. We also had an invitation to the official launch of the Coast London flagship store on Oxford Street. I was very lucky to get invites to this. Coast were having a competition for the evening gala opening alas it was only for residents of the UK. So I sent them an email explaining we would be there at the same time and they entered me in the competition anyway. Didn’t win for the evening, but they put our names down for the day time opening. So I threw on my Coast dress, put some make up on and off we went. Red carpet, champagne and pretty frocks. What more can you ask for.
After the opening we needed some lunch. We stumbled across Wigmore Hall Restaurant and Bar located in the lower ground floor of Wigmore Hall in Wigmore Street just behind Oxford Street. Originally built as a recital hall by the Bechstein piano company Wigmore Hall still maintains a solid reputation of great performances. And not only do the great performances happen on stage but the restaurant is fantastic too. Taking advantage of a three course lunch deal for £20 we had a delicious meal.
Friday we got dressed up and headed for lunch at Claridges (see seperate post) with an afternoon of window shopping around Oxford Street, New and Old Bond Street, Piccadilly, and Regent Street. We also bought some theatre tickets for Sunday night to go see Rock of Ages. Friday afternoon we got changed and walked over to Westminster to see the houses of Parliament, Elizabeth Tower/Big Ben, which we got to hear chime. On the way we “stumbled” across the National Gallery and Trafalgar Square. We had a quick look in the NG and as with the Met in NYC we were blown away by the amazing collections hanging on the walls. You could spend 2 days wandering around the gallery.
Nelson’s Column and Trafalgar SquareNelson’s Column The Fourth PlinthPowerless Structures Fig 101 by Elmgreen and Dragset and Trafalgar SquareMe and a lion, Trafalgar SquareNational Gallery, Trafalgar Square
Saturday saw us take the tube from Baker Street (yes the one that Sherlock Holmes “lived” in) around to Tower Hill. We walked over to The Tower of London and had a look and saw the iconic London Bridge.
Tower of LondonLondon Bridge definitely not falling down
We then walked to St Paul’s Cathedral, which unfortunately was closed for an ordination of Deacons. St Paul’s was MASSIVE, I know it is now dwarfed by skyscrapers but it is still an amazing building, quite took my breath away.
St Paul’s CathedralSt Paul’s CathedralSt Paul’s CathedralMe at St Paul’s CathedralSt Paul’s Cathedral from 1 New Change
Then we wandered over to 1 New Change for lunch at Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen (see seperate post). We decided to walk back to the hotel along the Thames Embankment to Westminster and from there back to the hotel. We passed Millenium Bridge, Tate Modern, saw the London Eye and enjoyed the walk along the river. Thank goodness I wore flat shoes
Millenium Bridge, Tate ModernLong the Embankment The Shard in the backgroundAlong the Embankment looking toward Westminster
Past Westminster we saw Scotland Yard, walked past the Royal Academy of Engineering then in to St James’ Park where we saw SQUIRRELS!!! Yay so cute, I was even quick enough to trick one and touch it. I was quite jealous when R came back from his trip to London several years ago and said he had seen and touched one. There were so many of them and so many different types of birds in and around St James’ Park Lake, it was quite remarkable that so much wildlife was in the middle of the city.. St James’ Park was very nice to stroll through and it got us back to Buckingham Palace and then to the hotel. Huge walk, at least we walked off lunch. After a bit of a rest we went down to the bar and then for dinner at Le Relais de Venise-L’Entrecote (see separate post).
SquirrelSquirrels St James’ ParkThe St James’ Park LakeSt James’ Park Lake looking towards Buckingham Palace
After a busy Saturday we spent most of Sunday window shopping, had lunch atGordon Ramsay’s Maze and relaxed before going to the theatre to see Rock of Ages. Great show, and they had some technical difficulties at the start of part 2 but worked it in to the show and made light of it, true professionalism. The theatre was the Shaftesbury Theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue and was a little walk from the hotel. I still have to see the cinematic adaptation of Rock of Ages.
Stage for Rock of AgesInside the Shaftesbury Theatre
Monday was a little drizzly when we headed out. The mission was to have lunch at Nobu and find Berkeley Square. Call me sentimental but I am a huge Dame Vera Lynn fan. My Nan got me hooked and I really wanted to get of photo of me in Berkeley Square for her. Nobu is just along from Berkeley Square so we got to kill two birds with one stone. R had been in 2008 so he wanted me to go there with him. We arrived early and got our orders and soon after the business lunch brigade started coming in. So many finance conversations going on around us.
Tempura Prawns Nobu LondonSushi and Sashimi Nobu LondonYakitori Nobu LondonInterior Nobu London
After lunch R went back to the hotel and I had a wander around, stumbled upon the centre of hip during the 1960’s, Carnaby Street, got to go try some pretty frocks on, visited the Faberge Boutique, Asprey, Wartski Jewellers, Garrard and walked past the glorious windows of Graff, Moussaieff, Leviev, Solange Azagury-Partridge, and a few other high end jewellery stores. Then it was back to the hotel for a rest before heading out for dinner with some watch friends of R’s at Tamarind (see other post).
Carnaby Street
Tuesday saw us packing again ready for our flight to Zurich. We decided to book a car through the hotel which was a good idea as it was only £60 and there was a bit of traffic on our way out to the airport. The weirdest part of being in London was dusk. Not something we are used to here in Australia, but having light at 10pm was quite strange in a good way.
Pop back to see Around The World Part III: Zurich.
Cooking Across 4 Generations 
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