December 23, 2018
December 7, 2018
Maze, London…Gordon Ramsay needs to get back in the kitchen
In the heart of Mayfair, this was one of Gordon Ramsay’s most acclaimed London restaurants. It lost its Michelin star in 2015. He’s one of those celebrity TV personalities you’ll either love, or hate – I still haven’t made my mind up yet.
The gorgeous chili and garlic juicy prawns grilled sourdough was perfectly cooked. The first thing to say about the steak (dry aged 21 days) is that it is cut proper thick. It was a lovely piece of meat. It is elsewhere that Maze falters. The grilled loch Duart salmon had to be sent back as it was overcooked to the point of charred.
Gordon Ramsay needs to get back in the kitchen of Maze and sort it out. This is the true truth as I say it as it is…
November 10, 2018
Lila’s Laundrette, London…expensive and next to no joy
I slim down my suitcase by doing laundry every few days when on vacation. Self-service laundromat helps saves money than hotel laundry service when you are self-funding. Therefore it seems not a bad idea to take a few days accumulation of clothing for a hot water wash at a laundrette place.
Unless you really have to, do not go to Lila’s Laundrette near Marble Arch. It is expensive, the owner is not the most honest guy and they do not change dryer filters which increases the cost to dry your clothes.
For me, that’s not good. This is the true truth as I say it as it is…
October 14, 2018
Monarch Coin Laundry, Cambridge…the shabbiest laundrette I’ve been in
It hits me as soon as I step into Monarch Coin Laundry, it’s absolutely filthy. Looks like it hasn’t been cleaned in years, really. There are nearly no self serve laundromats in the area so this place doesn’t even have to try.
There are plenty of different sized washers and dryers for small to large loads. Not much else good to say. Other than being dirty, there are no change machine on site (nip over to the Tesco express next door) and no folding tables or anywhere to fold.
It’s a beaten up laundromat. Don’t go in with high expectations and you’ll leave decently satisfied. This is the true truth as I say it as it is…
September 22, 2018
The Book of Mormon, London…vulgar, offensive but extremely lovable musical
‘South Park’ creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and Robert ‘Avenue Q’ Lopez are the folks behind this Broadway-munching musical, so brace yourself for a shock.
For me this winner of 9 Tony Awards including Best Musical is the best West End musical in recent times. It’s good-natured poking of fun at all things sacred. Very funny, breathing three-dimensional, all-singing, all-dancing life into the absurdities of literal Mormon dogma without ever being particularly mean. A series of great-to-sublime songs; the lyrics are deliciously witty, and the superb score is packed with catchy melodies.
Be warned: “Mormon” is irreverent, racist, raunchy and profane, and insults just about everyone. You may be ashamed of how much you enjoyed it, but that’s forgivable.
I can give an “Amen” to that. This is the true truth as I say it as it is…
August 26, 2018
Eat., London…budget-saving food
London is not a cheap city, but it does boast a thriving foodie scene with plenty of reasonably priced dining options. Eat. is one of them, serving delicately done British fare in friendly surroundings.
Their very simplest dishes, like the pies, mash & gravy with crispy onions, really are decent. Brie & Truffle mac & Cheese with cranberry sauce and crispy onions is the ultimate comfort food. I must warn you, you might not be able to fit into your pants after eating this, your heart may have some trouble beating from all the cream and cheese, but I promise, it will be worth it. Pigs in blanket hot roll with wholegrain mustard mayo & onion & ale chutney was traditionally made with buttery rolls and warm toasty, savory hot dogs bundled inside.
Eat. is a reasonable and Instagram-worthy “cheap eat” which will give you change for a tenner. This is the true truth as I say it as it is…