Review: Neo Bistro

2018 and I’m back with a bang!

2018 is the year of food and boy am I excited to go to loads of restaurants this year and eats tons of good food. Add A Little: the rebirth here I coooome!

Obviously I can’t help but start 2018 in any other way than a review of a delicious restaurant situated in Bond Street called Neo Bistro. I hadn’t previously heard of this place but was recommended by my friend. The restaurant describes themselves as modern British and rightly so, the food is delicate and full of flavour. No heavy steak and ale pies coming your way, but rather, sea bream ceviche or home cured charcuterie. You can see a European influence amongst the dishes and every one was 10/10.

I went for the tasting menu and every dish was new and innovative.

The first course upon arriving was homemade sourdough, house churned salted butter, fennel cured charcuterie, chorizo and truffle mousse with hazelnuts. Honestly nearly cried because it was so delicious and it always surprises me how a restaurant can make something so simple so incredible.

Next up was sea bream ceviche with creme fraiche, pine nuts, fennel and grapefruit slaw and lovage oil. A beautiful palate cleanser.

The Parmesan gnocchi’s were clouds of cheesiness and the raw oyster mushroom and pickled walnuts added a lovely contrasting texture whilst the pumpkin purée provided a lovely sweetness.

On the menu, I didn’t know what to expect from quail kebab but this was probably my favourite course. Confit leg of quail and grilled breast were cooked to perfection, accompanied by the fresh, lightly dressed leaves and the creamy, decadent chestnut purée.

This dish focused on duck with a few accompaniments. There was a homemade cranberry jam, roasted onion and a bacon wrapped date that was roasted until gooey and sweet.

A palate cleanser of whipped goats yoghurt with orange blossom honey and candied linseeds came next. A lovely light dish.

The dessert was a rich chocolate mousse with malt ice cream. The chocolate was dark and slightly bitter, a perfect way to end the meal.

But of course, they manage to bring out one last dish of a freshly baked pistachio financier. Couldn’t have ended the meal any other way!

I would highly recommend Neo Bistro to anyone. £50 for an incredible tasting menu is a great offer and they cater to allergies and have a vegetarian tasting menu if needed too.

Neo Bistro
11 Woodstock Road, London, W1C 2AE
020 7499 9427

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L’as Du Fallafel

First day in Paris is done and dusted and ofcourse I’ve already managed to tick off basically the main reason why I came in the first place.

I came hesitatingly five years ago after my mum highly recommended I checked this place out. To say I had my doubts was an understatement. I didn’t even like falafel that much and I just didn’t understand how there could be so much hype over, essentially, a sandwich. So we decided to share one and what a mistake that was. Those preconceptions shot out the window after my first bite and I wished I had got one to myself!

The bread is soft and pillowy and almost mochi-esque which provides a great contrast to the falafel which is herby and crunchy. The salad provides an element of freshness and is comprised of thinly sliced cabbage, cucumber and tomato. The aubergine is silly and smooth and in bite sized pieces to make it easier to eat. And last, but certainly not least, the lashings of tahini dressing which is cool and slightly bitter.

So, onto the technical stuff. It costs €6,50 and is definitely big enough for a meal for one. It’s filled with falafel and salad and will keep you full for a matter of hours (until the compulsory afternoon pastry break)!

Wow, I can’t believe I’ve actually spent all morning raving about falafel when I could have been at a Parisian bakery but this is the best of the best. If you find yourself in Paris, you must stroll around the alleys of Marais and get yourself a falafel. You’ll never look back!

Review: Tibits

Back at it with the reviews! I love sharing all my favourite spots around London with you all so I hope you enjoy this review.

It’s strange to think I’m only just writing this review as I’ve been going to Tibits for years – their food is always packed with flavour and love how you can pick and choose what you want. (Also, a bonus that Tuesday, everything is plant based!)

I started with a carrot, apple and ginger juice which was sweet and refreshing. They have so many wonderful drinks on offer and always have specials of the day (prickly pear was the special when I went).

For the main, I obviously had to get a little bit of everything just to taste all the different things they had on offer. The highlight of the meal was definitely the smooth and smokey babaganoush, beetroot mint (delicious with the addition of mint) and the dried green bean salad. To be honest, it didn’t look or sound like the most appetising thing on the menu but the flavour was banging. Green beans tossed with walnuts and a tangy vinaigrette. Definitely something simple that I’ll try to recreate – I’m sure it would be great with a pesto dressing too.

There were plenty of options for everyone, whether you’re gluten free, dairy free or raw. There were so many delicious dishes from fresh Asian slaw and carrot salad to mushroom pie and falafel.

And of course, there’s always room for dessert! I sampled a little bit of everything but the warm sticky pudding was so decadent and delicious. They also had a range of fruit on offer as well as victoria sponge cake, rice pudding and warm berry crumble.
Thinking about all of this is making my mouth water!

Tibits
Address: 12-14 Heddon St, Mayfair, London W1B 4DA
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs: 9am-10:30pm, Fri-Sat: 9am-12am, Sun: 11:30am-10:30pm
Website: https://www.tibits.ch/en/home.html