Cheese is made by people.
I've now tried twice, and I conclude that Australian oysters are superior to English ones, giving AU its 2nd point against Europe .
It wasn't my first trip to London but the first wasn't a fair test, as the first was during Christmas week and everything was closed. (Despite that handicap, I discovered Ottolenghi a few hours before leaving, and was forever changed by the revelation of white + wood.)
Pilgrimage obligations dispatched I went in search of a neighborhood to call home, and more food.
I tried some classic British cuisine, including a very high quality scotch egg (didn't get it} and fried candy. Impressed, but then I love Oreo cookies under most conditions.
Spitalfields Artisan market has gone to the import darkside and I failed to avoid bad coffees along the way.
In fact the amount of money I spent on coffee during one week boggles the mind. Every cappuccino costs the same, just shy of £3. But half are undrinkable.
The best was Monmouth Coffee, with organic milk de rigeur. And perfect Pastries. And a luxuriously sensual and trusting retail environment.
And each cheese had the name of the people who make it. People, making cheese.
The most beautiful little space. All white lacquer, a big wooden table, and food.
ottolenghi, several locations
63 Ledbury Road Notting Hill London, W11 2AD Tel: 020 7727 1121
(they call these "delis", but it's takeaway gourmet...)
shop/snack: spitalfields market stalls , which is an amazing artisanal foods market and craft market for real handcrafts. the location, nearby buildings, and setup looks quite touristy and junky. but it's actually very fine quality foods and exceedingly funky artists. absolutely hand made. the setting is completely incongruous.
*cheap eats* Leon . at Spitalfields (and a few other locations)
3 Crispin Place London E1 6DW Tel: 020 7247 4369