27.01.08: Out to Giraffe

Early pit stop with B+G+C after trawling Spitalfields and Sunday Upmarket.

Shared halves of 'Mexican' chicken and chorizo burger, Deluxe falafel burger with halloumi cheese and harissa, and chips.

HE SAYS: Not a bad meal. Enjoyed the company. Halloumi in the falafel burger was a nice touch, and I enjoyed dipping my chips into the harissa. Overall, nothing spectacular but not dreadful, either.

SHE SAYS: The company was the best part. Chips were crisp and fluffy, nice treat. Chicken burger was overwhelmed with cloying corn relish and other sweet sauces. Decent option for a child-friendly restaurant. Thanks to B+G+C for a fine day out.

And a couple of hours later, a top up of miso soup (made from the paste, not a powder packet), with spinach.

HE SAYS: Mmmmm. Tasty umami flavour. I much prefer white miso to the darker, barley variety.

SHE SAYS: Soothing, just what I wanted to wind down on a Sunday. I prefer white miso to barley, too, but sometimes in deep winter the more robust barley flavour can tempt me...

13.01.08: Out to Gaby's

Plans to see a gig in town called for a quick meal at Gaby's, a reliable fave recommended a couple of years ago by chat lunatique, before the evening got underway. And if we're at Gaby's, it must be the falafel with hummus and pitta!

SHE SAYS: As satisfying as ever, with extra-creamy hummus. I thought it came with salad, though. Been away too long.

HE SAYS: Thought the hummus was a little too thick, like peanut butter, and didn't have enough tahini in it. The falafel was kicking it, with a crunchy outer shell and a hot, muffin-like centre.