jasher

I met Michael (mv) for dinner last night at a brilliant dim sum place called Yauatcha. I'd highly recommend this place to anyone who wants to try really excellent Chinese in London and is not afraid of an innovative take on the classics -- in addition to standards like char siu bau (barbecued pork buns) the menu included scallop dumplings topped with tobiko (flying fish eggs); salt and pepper quail; Chilean sea bass dumplings; ostrich potstickers; and my favourite, the legendary baked venison puffs which have made Yauatcha's name amongst London foodies. They have a tea bar with a wide range of teas, and use tea very innovatively in their cooking - think jasmine tea-smoked ribs, tea cocktails, and tea smoothies. Very unusually for London, dim sum is served into the evening so you can enjoy a dim sum dinner like the one we had.

Unfortunately, there's no web site, but there are some pictures, reviews, and a sample menu here:

http://www.london-eating.co.uk/4028.htm

It's always fascinating to meet Fodorites in person, and we spent a great couple of hours talking about Africa -- primarily Botswana, and particularly Kwando, where Michael has been a frequent visitor. I'm headed for Kwando on my upcoming trip, and our conversation really whetted my appetite for my stay there!

Cheers,
Julian

Kavey

Sorry I couldn't make it - I've been wanting to try Yauatcha for absolutely ages but my finances are strapped at the moment and it's not inexpensive...

But good to know it's good.

I think you'd also really like the cuisine at a place called Shanghai Blues in Holborn - I've been twice now and have been really impressed with their innovative take and beautiful presentation of a cuisine that seldom sees much in the way of experimentation. It's also darn expensive - I went both times when they had a 50% off promotion on. But it is very good.

Glad you had a nice time too - would be a pleasure to see everyone again.

atravelynn

I get a kick out of these lunch trip reports with the " legendary baked venison puffs" and all.

jasher

Hi Lynn,

If you're ever in London, let me know and you can try the baked venison puffs for yourself! They really do have to be tasted to be believed...just thinking about them makes me hungry.

Cheers,
Julian

Matt_from_England

Yeah Julian but there was no Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition afterwards! You know I think we should make that an annual London GTG ;-)

Matt. (who at this time either wishes he was in Germany or London to enjoy the football atmosphere...)

jasher

Hi Matt,

True -- though we did see plenty of wildlife on the streets of London

A yearly WPOTY GTG would be a lot of fun!

Cheers,
Julian

Matt_from_England

As long as I arrive on time and don't have to drag the whole tribe along with me...

Consider it marked in my diary for next year.

Matt

mv

Just back from a long weekend in London.
As Julian mentioned the Dim Sum was outstanding. very nice to finally meet Julian that´has made so many valuable contributions to this board. He and I may potentially meet up at Maun on our trips.
I had another culinary trip as I went to La Porte des Indes. One of the very best Indian restaurants in London serving a mix of traditional Indian foods as well as french inspired Indian food. I can highly recommend this restaurant.
Michael

Kavey

Michael
Ive been intending to go Porte des Indes for quite some time so good to hear it's as good as it sounds...
Will have to pay a visit once the bank balance is healthier!
Hope to be able to see you next time you're in town...

mv

Kavey


soory you couldn`t join us.
If you do a midweek lunch at Porte des Indes you can get 2 courses for 10 and 3 courses for 15£. not a bad deal!
Michael

Kavey

That sounds like a great deal...

Hopefully work will pick up soon and finances will improve...

Upside to being self-employed = being able to take more time off to travel. Downside to being self-employed = not having a guaranteed income!!

On balance, I'm still pleased I'm self-employed!!!

thit_cho

Julian, where is Yauatcha located. I'm familiar with the Lisle street restaurants (Fung Shing is my favorite), but I don't get to London more than once or twice per year so its not a problem returning to familiar places, but I'm always looking for new restaurants (I ate at St. John and Fat Duck on my last visit in November).

jasher

Hi Michael (mv),

Glad to hear you liked Port des Indes -- it sounds like a great place. I'll definitely put it on my list.

Hope to see you in Maun!

Hi Michael (thit_cho),

Yauatcha is on 15 Broadwick Street, an easy walk from Piccadilly Circus or Oxford Circus tubes.

Cheers,
Julian

atravelynn

Thanks for the invitation Julian! As a vegetarian I may skip the venison puffs, but they are still interesting to read about!

jasher

Hello Lynn,

Dim sum is a bit of tough one for vegetarians -- if you eat fish and/or chicken you would have a lot of very interesting options.

Cheers,
Julian