The World Cup is looming. Men are off-limits. They’re too busy hollering at the telly to notice, or care that this is the third night running you’ve had to miss Big Brother just to stare at another muddy football pitch. It’s time for action. In times like this, we’ve got to stand together. We can get through this. We will survive. And we'll do this by doing what any independent, free-spirited city girls would do – hold our heads up high, and have lunch. Or dinner. Whatever.
But where to go?? Every gastro master in town wants your widowed butt in his fancy seat so he can charm your pain away with a delicate puff pastry and a glass of his finest Chardonnay. You’re a prime target after all, lost, vulnerable and abandoned.
Panic not my female friends. I’ve got some absolute bargain dining deals that are perfect for some quality female time. After all, when the game’s away, the girls will play…
For some serious sex and the city style dining you’ve GOT to try mybar. There are two, one in the West End and one in Chelsea, and I went to the Chelsea one on Saturday with three of my friends. I felt like Carrie Bradshaw meeting the girls for some hot talk about our sex lives. Only most of us are single and we got rained on too, so it wasn’t quite as glamorous. Still, the place itself is like a Manhattan tribute, with themed areas, a gorgeous purple bar and comfy sofa spot where a couple were looking at holidays on a laptop via the free WIFI service.
We ordered two courses and a glass of wine for just £9.95 and believe me, the food was amazing. You don’t feel as though you’re ordering from a special menu at all. I got the asparagus wrapped in parma ham with parmesan, and the tuna confit salad. Both portions were massive, and my friend raved about her blueberry cheesecake, saying she’d come back again just to eat that with a glass of bubbly. Mmmmm. This is definitely the spot to lounge away a couple of hours with the girls before heading on out to the Kings Road for some serious window shopping. Make sure you find it on a map first though. It’s kind of hidden away down a back street and is inside the myhotel, but that only makes it feel more cool!
Smollensky's on the Strand has just been revamped and thus makes a wicked stop for a slice of posh with the ladies if you’re in the area for the theatre, or even some retail therapy. It’s not far from Covent Garden. Smollensky’s is that welcoming retreat a world away from any screaming footy fans and with seating for 250, it’s the kind of place you can all settle back in for some celeb-spotting with a glass of the good stuff. Go for the two course set menu at £10.95 per person and choose from a great selection on the scrummy, modern American menu. Plus, if you’re out without a plan, stay on and party in your chairs. There’s live music every night of the week from 7pm.
Ok, brace yourselves, if you’re hungry this one will make you drool. Hot chef Michael Moore has opened his own restaurant in Marylebone called,.. er… Michael Moore. Still, luckily his food is more imaginative – how ‘bout Tokyo beef tartar with mango honey and coconut thyme? Or Grilled fillet of beef with spiced pineapple turmeric risotto and veal jus? Oh stop it, stop it, I’m so hungry as I write this I am practically eating my inner cheek. This restaurant is filled with high-fliers and again is excellent for people-watching and celeb spotting, but did I mention that you can get two courses for just £14.95? That’s a total steal, book it up quick and brag about it later, you posh ladies, you!
How about some afternoon tea? You can’t get more English than that! Madisons is a classy hotel restaurant in the heart of Mayfair, (it’s also RAC Award winning) with a gorgeous Art Deco lounge and even a fancy man playing piano. Don’t ask him to do a Robbie number! This is a firm fave with lastminute.com customers for a reason – it’s posh nosh for hardly any dosh if you go with the Afternoon Tea for just £11.50 option. You ladies can talk about politics and posh frocks over a Selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with strawberry preserve and Cornish clotted cream, a choice of fresh pastries and cakes, and a pot of tea of your choice. Darlings, how divine.
With all this poshness and time out with the girls, you’ll be wishing the World Cup was on every week to get the blokes out of your hair!
Good stuff. Down chelsea way, try La Rueda, very good tapas bar. Also Sophies Steak house, Fulham Road, opposite the cinema is worth a visit. Last time I was there they do two courses for a tenner 12-6pm.
On the bar front. "One" in the kings road
, fulhm end, just over the railway bridge from "chutney marys", lots road is worth a visit, if the sun is shining.. Generally very friendly bar staff, lovely hidden garden, and reasonable, cheaply priced food ain't too bad for that part of town.
Posted by: The Gambler | 31/05/2006 at 03:28 PM