The fennel bulbs would like to share their gustatory experiences from further afield. They were able to go to London, capital of the United Kingdom. Such a global and major cultural and political city definitely has its share of delightful eats. British food has often been perceived as bland, if not lifeless; but London's multi-cultural atmosphere has created a very exciting culinary scene. A lot of cuisines can be had here, from French pastries to Indian curries and tandoori; from Japanese sushi to North African fare.
What other way there could be to start a long day experiecning the sights and sounds of London and braving the cold January weather than a wonderful breakfast. A place most recommended is Ponti's, which has branches all over central London, including this cozy one in Covent Garden.
Ponti's big breakfast ("The Full Ponti") is just as delicious as it is imposing. It is served in a vast platter. A buttered toast sandwich is included on the side. Bacon, scrambled eggs, and Cumberland sausage comprise a very hearty component. For the veggies, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms (fresh), and beans all make this seem an endless exercise in goodness. At around £11, it is worth it!
Moving on to lunch: fish and chips is very filling mid-day treat. Fish and chips started off as a take-away meal in the UK more than 150 years ago and since then has spread all across the English-speaking world. The traditional fish and chips though uses white-meat fish like plaice, and such is the speciality of this restaurant, Rock and Sole Plaice along narrow Endell Street in Covent Garden.
As can be seen in the picture, the servings are hefty and require a massive appetite to finish them all up - it's probably almost a foot long with equally hefty servings of chips on the side. The batter is crisp and the fish is just soft and tasty as it is fresh. It's a very comforting food to devour especially when it's cold and drizzling outside. Big and delicious fish for just £10 is by all means, not bad.
It's about time to move on to dessert. In contrast to the simplicity of the fish and chips, there is Laduree, a French pastry shop which has branches all over the world, including this one in Harrods' department store in Knightsbridge. Laduree is renowned for its delicious pastries and since 1862, it has delighted customers with its lovely creations, including its speciality, the macaroon (macaron).
The rose-infused macaroon is at first a visual masterpiece. In between perfectly-baked macaroons are fresh raspberries, coupled with lychees and rose cream. It is topped with a ribbon with the Laduree sign and served on a gold-lined plate. It would be quite a shame to ruin this beautiful dessert when one eats it up. But the taste is to be remembered.
Laduree is also famous for its cakes. This chocolate cake is moist with crunchy layers of nougat in between, and resembles more or less a glorified version of our sansrival. The taste is rich, and the overall consistency is just perfect. Macaroons and cakes fall within the £7-£15 range.
(to be continued...)
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