I’m a self confessed sun worshiper who makes the most of every delightful Summer’s day, yet I have a soft spot for the amber-hued season of Autumn.
Pumpkins, orange leaves, cozy jumpers, knee high boots, new coats and the hearty food – what’s not to like?
As a fervent foodie, have recently dined in a few London restaurants known for their hearty autumnal fayre. Think sizzling steaks, slow cooked stews and cozy hot chocolates to help you bid goodnight to another windy day. Here are a few of my favourites….
This sexy steak house is located in the West End’s iconic Hippodrome Casino and doesn’t disappoint. I’ve dined at a few casino restaurants in the past as I’ve waited bored for gambling-loving friends\exes, but none of them even came close to the culinary gems on offer at this divine eatery.
My dining buddy and I were shown to a table overlooking the casino which felt rather exciting and were presented with iced glasses of strong yet delicious Caipirinhas before we scanned the enticing menu. I decided on the Ocean Plate as a starter – a scenic platter of various sushi and sashimi, whilst my friend opted for the warming USDA meat balls which arrived swimming in tasty tomato sauce infused with Italian herbs. Both dishes were exquisite.
We both chose steaks for our mains (hey, when in Rome!). I thoroughly enjoyed every tender bite of my medium rare- cooked English Hereford fillet, whilst stealing naughty slices of my dining partner’s flavoursome sirloin. The Bernaise and pepper sauces we chose complimented the steaks perfectly as did the hearty truffle-rich Mac and Cheese and sweet potato fries.
Soul soothing desserts consisted of the shamelessly decadent cookie cheesecake – arriving at the table perched beside creamy vanilla ice cream and scandalously dressed with a white chocolate and caramel sauce. The Chocolate Tree was in fact an actual tree (albeit a small one) adorned with various chocolate creations – dark chocolate cookies, white chocolate orange and rum truffles and the delightfully autumnal Chocolate cinnamon ganache.
We finished our evening nursing warming whisky cocktails on the venue’s cozy rooftop bar swathed in blankets and made a mental note to return soon.
The Roof Terrace at the Sloane
This elegant member’s club roof terrace is known for its divine food offerings and relaxed yet chic atmosphere. I visited with a luxury-loving friend who was a big fan of the buzzy ambiance and generous menu. We shared glorious starters and sipped on large glasses of warming red wine that tasted of October. The Devonshire crab cocktail was muddled merrily with juicy mango and creamy avocado – a true delight for the senses after a long day of Autumn meetings. The Rose County beef fillet tataki with a watercress and truffle dressing melted in our mouths and tasted unspeakably blissful – and I don’t use the word blissful lightly…
One grilled whole buttery lobster later and we were ready to devour the black truffle ravioli – yes I am a truffle addict and shamelessly so. This tasty dish arrived adorned with preserved lemon slivers and a tastebud tantalising sauce made with Reisling and fragrant sage – the ultimate comfort food pasta dish to welcome Autumn with a satiated smile.
Puddings were a pleasing affair and involved a scandalous flourless chocolate brownie served warm with caramelised peanuts and creamy coffee ice cream, and a generous Knickerboker glory that transported us merrily back to our childhoods.
Go with a food loving loved one and wear your finest autumnal coat for cozy rooftop vibes.
I’ve always been an advocate of the high fat low carb diet but lets be honest, the colder months call for Carbs. And lots of them. Mexican feasting is one of life’s true carbs pleasures so when I was invited to sample the tasty delights of DT Tacos in Tottenham Court Road I may have done an internal autumnal jig of glee.
Autumn calls not just for carbs but for slow cooked meats, so my first dish was the wholesome slow cooked beef rice bowl. This filling meal consisted of mixed leaves, beans, guacamole, pickles and pumpkin seeds topped decadently with sour cream and cucumber relish – perfect for a satisfying lunch or early dinner after a long day shopping in Oxford Street,
The steak and cheese tacos were a dream and the buttermilk chicken brioche bun burger was almost almost otherworldly. Gone are the days of etherial summer salads, this is the time for glorious stodge and endorphin-boosting comfort foods fit for an autumnal King.
Burrito lovers won’t be disappointed at the selection of generously stuffed soft flour tortillas – the chilli rubbed chicken with sour cream, habanero and pumpkin seed salsa was exceptional, whilst the vegan mushroom option smothered in avocado salsa was a true homage to plant based seasonal cooking.
Of course a Mexican feast wouldn’t be the same without glugging a few glasses of obligatory margaritas so this is what we did before returning warmed and happy to blustery London streets. Autumn. you are truly wonderful.
