Woke early this morning with a mix of emotions. It is our last full day in London with ACE Camp. In lieu of going to the Tate Modern to see the early photography exhibit "Salt & Silver," Gypsy, Petunia and I opt to organize and pack for tomorrow's departure to Devonshire.
After exiting the Tube at Piccadilly Circus enroute to meet the others for lunch at Yotam Ottolenghi's restaurant NOPI in Soho, we and stop in for coffee and hot chocolate at Café Royal.
After exiting the Tube at Piccadilly Circus enroute to meet the others for lunch at Yotam Ottolenghi's restaurant NOPI in Soho, we and stop in for coffee and hot chocolate at Café Royal.
With time to spare we explore Carnaby Street and the environs nearby our destination NOPI.
My dining experience at NOPI was one of my most favorite in London, thus far. The restaurant's menu changes according to the seasons. Our lunch will include both seasonal items as well as signature dishes from head chef Ramael Scully.
Once our group has all arrived at NOPI, we were taken downstairs to eat at the chef's table so we could watch the action in the kitchen. Lining the wall behind our large table were shelves stacked with condiments, dried beans and legumes, Yotam's cookbooks, herbs, spices, preserved lemons and exotic oils. Oh, if only weight wasn't an issue flying back to the States . . . and this wasn't the first leg of our England adventure!
My dining experience here was one of my most favorite in London, thus far. The restaurant's menu changes according to the seasons. Our lunch will include both seasonal items as well as signature dishes from head chef Ramael Scully. Bon Appetit!
PS: I must, too, make special comment about the toilet, which is many sided and lined with mirror, which creates a fun-house affect upon entering!
Once our group has all arrived at NOPI, we were taken downstairs to eat at the chef's table so we could watch the action in the kitchen. Lining the wall behind our large table were shelves stacked with condiments, dried beans and legumes, Yotam's cookbooks, herbs, spices, preserved lemons and exotic oils. Oh, if only weight wasn't an issue flying back to the States . . . and this wasn't the first leg of our England adventure!
My dining experience here was one of my most favorite in London, thus far. The restaurant's menu changes according to the seasons. Our lunch will include both seasonal items as well as signature dishes from head chef Ramael Scully. Bon Appetit!
PS: I must, too, make special comment about the toilet, which is many sided and lined with mirror, which creates a fun-house affect upon entering!
After a several hour lunch, we leave NOPI delightfully satiated to meet our Soho foodie guide Jenny Linford, author of Food Lovers' London. She tells us our tour will include a mix of established historic old Soho food shops, such as Maison Bertaux and Algerian Coffee Stores, to more recent arrivals, such as Paul A Young Fine Chocolates and Gelupo, and Chinatown. Never to full for yummy and tasty treats, we sample outrageous chocolates, pastries, olives, gelato, cheese and more! Have a look and be prepared to drool . . .
At the end of our foodie tour, Gyspy, Petunia and I opt to walk back to Piccadilly Circle to check out the scene. Wandering back into Fortnum & Mason, we spot one of our Santa Ynez Valley vintner's wine for sale — Au Bon Climat. After several small purchases, we Uber back to the townhouse to pick up some leftovers, then stroll through Regent's Park before heading back to our place for a light bite and early nighty night!