Christmas Dinner

Given all the ads to book your holiday dinner, it seemed the custom to have Christmas dinner "out". So we booked at The Hotel. We'd read good things about it and, located in our neighborhood, we thought we'd give it a try.

The experience was disappointing. While the bar and lounge had a nice atmosphere, it was spoiled by the service. Perhaps they were short-staffed or plagued by second-rate staff for Christmas Day...but given the price for the meal (>£75), 30 minutes between (5!!) courses is too slow.

We may give them a second chance by trying their afternoon tea, but I'm not sure it'll be worth shelling out the money when we could easily find a high-quality place in London or a niche tea house in a nearby Cotswolds village.

As for Christmas dinner, I think next year we'll opt for a home-cooked meal...with family.

Notting Hill Pub

We were itching for "proper" fish-n-chips on a cold night in London. We made our way to Notting Hill and happened upon Portobello Gold.

The shucked oysters were so clean and fresh. The fish-n-chips were made in the traditional style and came with a homemade tartar sauce (with chopped pickles!!) that I ate like coleslaw. And the staff recommendations for the dessert sampler did not disappoint.

While the beer left a little to be desired, this pub (and neighborhood) is ideal for people watching, friendly service and high-quality food. They even have rooms...they advertise their unique fold-away four-post bed!!

Pizza @Harrods

If you're headed to London, the best pizza we've found is @Harrods Pizzeria (ground floor). Their Neopolitan chefs use great dough, homemade tomato sauce, fresh toppings and the best pesto I've ever tasted...all cooked in a wood-fire oven. While you're there, check out the food halls -- my favorite is the tea & sweets hall.

British version of Chipotle

While we were sad not to be able to spend Thanksgiving with family, we thought there was no more American way to celebrate than with some Mexican fare in London. So we hit up Chipotle in Soho. Here's my take.

• Rice: Offer choice of brown & white...I opted for white. Whereas the white rice in the States is long-grain, this was a more hearty and thicker short-grain rice. Still good, but different texture.
• Peppers: I always go for fajita burritos. The peppers were only yellow (vice green in the States) and they were more cooked (less crisp or al dente) than in the States.
• Meat: The seasoning was spot-on with the barbacoa.
• Salsa: Pico de gallo was good but the corn was shoepeg and had less spice.

All told, it was a great substitute for a Thanksgiving feast. And to share it with friends, even better!!