About Time: You Eat the Best Carbs in LondonBy Angelica Malin
Christmas time is approaching; the perfect excuse to hide tummies under ugly jumpers and claim to be eating for additional ‘warmth’. Celebrate the end of Bikini Season with the best new American restaurants in London.
We say it’s about time to fuel up on the most glutinous, rich, delectable morsels this fine city has to offer. Americana is back. Bourbon shakes, burgers dripping with cheese and sauces, doughnut desserts, London is a feast of American food at the moment.
If you’re looking for a treat, here are the best new American places to try:
What: The Lockhart is a Southern inspired restaurant by Mississippi-born chef Brad McDonald. Expect a refined spin on Southern American cooking; shrimp & grits, grilled chicken oysters and catfish gumbo, you name it. They’ve got a fantastic American wine list, with great Californian wines, and a carefully selected bourbon list.
Don’t Miss: The free screenings of the NFL games, start on 7th September with US football game – New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons. There will be baby back ribs, fried chicken, Fordham Gypsy lager and Louisiana Jam cocktails.
Where: Seymour Place, Marylebone
Order: Muffuletta sandwiches: freshly baked focaccia-style loaves filled to the brim with a mix of sliced meats, cheeses and a home-made Creole olive tapenade – is served in quarters with home-made salt and vinegar crisps. Stop it.
What: Q Grill serves up seriously impressive BBQ food – and there’s a discount until the end of August. Think fish and meat grilled in a Charcoal Pit grill, with lots of yummy BBQ seasonings. For meat, try the Q Grill Ribs, which are sticky and delicious, and for fish, try the blackened butterfish with spiced guacamole, pickled papaya. We loved the Q Grill Burger; served with smoked cheddar and avocado, it fills a hole and tastes damn delicious.
Don’t Miss: They’ve also got a £10 lunch deal (bargain) which includes fries. You can also enjoy their tasty food at the Le Chalet, a Winter alpine-style restaurant on the roof of Selfridges, which launches Wednesday 22nd October.
Where: Camden and Selfridges Rooftop
Order: Brunch. Eat the grilled broccoli, with mushrooms and a fried egg, and drink a Bourbon & Malteaser Milkshake, if you dare.
3. Electric Diner, Notting Hill
What: It’s a classic. You don’t need me to tell you that they do some of the best hot dogs and fries in London. Their hot dogs are worth crossing town for; in a light, fluffy brioche-like bun with delicious fried onions, with lashings of English Mustard. Nom.
Don’t Miss: Sitting at the bar and drinking a White Russian, chat to the friendly bartenders and find out the stories of the place.
Where: Notting Hill
Order: The brunch. Waffles and strawberry jam, avocado on toast with a sprinkling of chilli. Oh, it’s all too much. You could also try brunch at the Hoxton Grill (pictured above) which is also a serious treat.
What: It’s a cult meat restaurant, little sister to MEATMarket in Covent Garden. MEATliquour is always busy and rightly so; the red-walled, dark restaurant has a tavern feel, and a laid-back, cool vibe. The juicy meat patties are served on a plastic tray with no pretence – prepare to get messy.
Don’t Miss: The peanut butter sundae with Reese’s peanut butter cups in it. Dirty, filthy, sexy stuff.
Where: Tavistock Street, Covent Garden
Order: All the burgers, especially the Mushroom Swiss burger with 2 beef patties, red onions and pickles. And the chilli cheese fries, with onions, jalapenos and mustard.
5. The Blues Kitchen, Shoreditch
What: The home of Blues and Rock n’ Roll in Shoreditch, serving up some deliciously naughty food. Think: lightly spiced Creole bean burgers, the Elvis Presley beef brisket burger with candied peanuts and lots of corn bread and creamed corn on the side.
Don’t Miss: The DJs playing Funky Soul on Friday nights.
Where: Camden and Shoreditch
Order: You can go blow out and for £15.95 per person, eat ALL the food. Pork ribs, pulled pork, BBQ chicken. Family style.
