Marco, Fulham

Marco Stamford Bridge Fulham Road London SW6 1HS Tel: 02079152929 Web: www.marcorestaurant.org/  Cuisine: Modern European The latest stop on my food odyssey took me to another Marco Pierre White restaurant, Marco. Set just off West London's trendy Fulham Broadway within Chelsea Football Club stadium grounds, we allowed our excitement to grow as we entered what was a stunning looking eatery. High ceiling with lower lighting, large windows allowing a set back view of the Broadway, I really enjoyed the decor and sequencing of the tables, including leather seated booths allowing you to face the whole of the restaurant. The modern setting with mainly black and white features makes the large golden pillar really stand out through the middle, as do the pictures of stars mounted on the wall. As we walked in we were greeted and sat very efficiently. The staff were excellent, napkins placed on our laps instantly with the menu's dispatched orderly. I was certainly very impressed to the start of this meal. On this occasion we opted not drink however the wine list appeared short but respectable. The menu is of a typical MPW style but the food is a little further removed from the 'British Classics' served up in the 'Wheeler's' locations. We opted for two 10oz steaks, one sirloin and one rib-eye. Both served with triple cooked chips and a side sauce, bearnaise being the choice on this occasion. For sides we chose the seasonal special which was Broccoli and also ordered some Spinach to share. After a short wait for the food we were presented with our choices and our excitement quickly evaporated as we discovered our steaks were pan fried. The sirloin was edging on medium rather than as ordered medium rare with both seeming to lack seasoning. Take nothing away from the rest of the meal as the triple cooked chips were served to perfection, crispy and golden exterior while the inside was fluffy. The vegetables on the side were also very tasty and fresh. With regards to the side of bearnaise, it looked as though it had been pre made and sat in the fridge covered with cling film, the fact the top was discoloured from the remainder was the give away. Whilst the steak disappointed, our puddings excelled. The caramelised apple pie, was really top notch, served with vanilla ice cream it went along way toward repairing our opinion of the restaurant. We also tried the chocolate box surprise, a chocolate mousse encased by a rich dark chocolate. The mousse was so smooth and delicious and was served with three raspberries which added an edge to the dish. Unfortunately the dark chocolate was to rich to finish but for those with a keenness for such flavour should definitely go for this.  Overall, despite the restaurant having many good qualities I felt like the below average steak ruined the meal somewhat. If I was to return I would probably go with a fish choice as the steaks just can not compete with the very best, especially if you pay the marked up price of £25, luckily we had a deal from Groupon making it more reasonable. Tastecard holders can also use their cards here. Without these discounts look to spend c£80 - £100 including a bottle of wine.  Gastrogreglarr rating: 5/10 Gastrogreglarr likes: excellent service that deserved better food Gastrogreglarr dislikes: disappointing steak

Spice Trader, City of London

Spice Trader 9-10 Philpot Lane London EC3M 8AA Tel - 02079292229 www.spicetraderlondon.com Cuisine - Indian I have visited Spice Trader for a number of years and it has never changed. A more traditional take on Indian food, which is nice to see sometimes as there are a number of Fusion Asian restaurants around now. With plain decor, the curry house hangs its focus on its friendly service and food. As usual we skipped the starters after sharing a few poppadoms with chutneys including onion and tomato, mango chutney, the very hot spices lime pickle and creamy raita dip. For the mains we ordered a two Chicken Kurai's and a Chicken Shashlik whilst sharing a Mushroom rice which was served like most rice dishes in indian cuisine and a mushroom bhaji which was excellent. The Shashlik was cooked well and the peppers and onions on the skewer offered lovely flavour and texture, whilst the Kurai dishes offered a spicy, wetter option on the table. The food here is good but there is nothing to get to excited about and lacks a certain zest in terms of menu choice. I return to this restaurant for its always friendly service and the fact that I have never had a bad meal. We shared a number of Cobra's and the restaurant also serves the very rare Mongoose beer which is very similar but earns its selling power to the fact that in India the Mongoose eat Cobra's. Before ordering the bill we had a very sweet Irish coffee. Free kumal and amaretto's were on offer. For three of us the bill came to around c£120 which is a good £40 over priced. Gastrogreglarr rating: 6.5/10 Gastrogreglarr likes: having been visiting for around 8 years to not have had a bad meal in that time is good going Gastrogreglarr dislikes: not as competitively priced as other city curry houses Greg Duignan Broker 07775785392

Anokha, City of London

Anokha 2 Creechurch Lane London EC3A 5AY Tel: 02072837729 Web: www.anokha-indian.com Cuisine: Indian Fusion style indian with Mughal influences including the decor which come from Persian roots. It was quite quiet, albeit a Monday evening, although it did start to fill out as we were paying the bill. The ambience is usually excellent on a lunchtime and do not be put off by how busy it is at that time as the kitchen can easily turn your table round in an hour and a half. As we sat we tucked in to a few poppadoms and dips, the selection of dips are really good, and different to your usual Indian. You get the standard mango chutney, but after that there is an excellent onion chutney in a chilli sauce, a tasty raita dip with garlic and a very hot lime pickle. With room for only mains and a couple of sides we went straight in. We ordered Sag chicken from the more traditional side of the menu, moist pieces of chicken tikka served with a creamy spinach. Duck mali haash, sweet and sour flavour with a hint of spice, cooked with Mango, yoghurt and tamarind which helps bring the flavour to the fore. Chicken dansak, fresh tasting with a nice punch of heat, served with lentils, an age old classic. We shared a bowl of Mushroom rice which was standard amongst other Indian restaurants. Something I really do like at Anokha is the Onion Bajhi, its like an onion loaf you'd see in the states! Excellent accompaniment with the mains. The Sagg aloo is made with new baby potatoes with skin on, nice and dry dish with spinach so you can taste the flavours enclosed in the dish. Pashawari nan - melt in your mouth buttery bread with sweet coconut With regards to the service it was always attentive and they were always there for when we needed another Cobra or Kingfisher. Also, excellent value, all of this food and more than enough beer for around £90, the three of us left very happy. Pick yourself up a membership card or visit the St Paul's restaurant where you can use your taste card for up to 50% off food for even more value. In my opinion Anokha, Creechurch St, is the best Indian is the square mile. Gastrogreglarr rating: 8/10 Gastrogreglarr likes: the Onion Bahji is a world away from what you would get in a more traditional curryhouse Gastrogreglarr dislikes: whilst the service is good it lacks that extra mile you get in more traditional Indian restaurants