16.08.08: Out to Andrew Edmunds

Just when you thought the birthday was over...We gathered His family up for an intrepid evening of bowling, followed by fine dining at Andrew Edmunds in Soho.

She started with the buffalo mozz, serrano ham, rocket and herb salad, and He ordered the
carrot-orange soup.

Feeling like something hearty was in order, she had the raviolini filled with scamorza, accompanied by rocket and a tomato-herb-butter sauce. He opted for the swordfish...


SHE SAYS: I was a little apprehensive when our first waiter proved ridiculously standoffish ('no, we don't have soft drinks here, they don't complement the food,' he sniffed at my bro-in-law), but fotunately he was replaced with a much cheerier model by the time starters arrived. Though you can't tell by the photo, mine was generous in its light yet creamy mozz, and I tried to spoon the tiny green herby-grainy mounds dotting the plate into each bite. I had no idea what scamorza was, but quickly divined it was a v. smoky cheese of some kind. My main was v rich and tender, if not at all subtle. Not sure what made my ravioli qualify as 'ini' as they were all quite large, but I'm not complaining.

HE SAYS: I enjoyed the soup very much, not too sweet, not too thick, but just right. The swordfish was a big ole one, fresh and delicate tasting. Underneath the chunk o' fish were some stewed veggies and some toasted bread to mop up the juice. Mine also came with an herb butter which I proceeded to slather over all surfaces to great taste effect. Overall a very nish night out, ending the birthday festival off nicely.

19.01.08: Out to Carnevale

Out with friends to Carnevale, a cosy, hidden vegetarian gem in the City (recommended by lechatlunatique). Service in the small dining area was friendly and attentive without being intrusive - they let us sit on the table for 3.5 hours. It was a good dinner to linger over...

Shared starter of butternut squash ravioli with lentils.

HE SAYS: Yummy!

SHE SAYS: Nice! Creamy squash, and the lentils were tender and tasty.

Potato cakes with fennel, basil and lemon, accompanied by ratatouille and rocket salad (same choice of main for both).

HE SAYS: Light for a potato cake, which was good. Delicate flavour.

SHE SAYS: Fresh, filling, and just about perfect. Went down a treat with the organic house white.

Shared dessert of warm apple and pear crumble with elderflower custard.

HE SAYS: Not your grandma's apple crumble, dawlin'! A modern and tasty twist on an old fave. I ate my portion quickly so I could slyly cadge some of Hers.

SHE SAYS: The 'custard' was more like a thin cream, but other than that it was a swell ending to a truly delishy meal and a lovely nite out. Thanks, C+M!