Luxury For Less – London On A Shoestring

December 23, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Nightlife

Selecting London hotels based on location as well as price can make a London vacation both comfortable and affordable even on a shoestring budget. There are many hotels located within an easy walking distance to “The Tube.” The Tube is London’s most commonly used form of transportation for residents and it can make getting around the city fast, easy, and affordable. With 275 Tube stations throughout London, it’s not difficult to find a hotel within easy walking distance to one of these stations, giving travelers easy access to the many sights and experiences London has to offer.

While guided tours of London can be costly and most museums charge admission, there are many things to do in this wonderful city that don’t cost a dime. For instance, visitors may want to check out Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park. Other suggestions include the many parks located in London, viewing art at Kenwood House and the National Gallery, watching London light up at dusk while walking the Embankment, or trying the free food samples that Harrods always has to offer. Many affordable London hotels are located in close proximity to these attractions or are just a short Tube ride away.

Dining in London does not have to break the bank either. There are certainly many wonderful restaurants in London for those who seek a luxurious (and expensive) dinner, but the true adventure of London comes in part from the pub experience. Not only can travelers get a pint of their favorite local ale, but they can also indulge in traditional English fare: Fish and chips, bangers and mash, Ploughman’s lunch, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. Additionally, the pub is a great place to meet some of the locals and hear about some of the area’s history and folklore. Visitors may also learn of the favorite haunts of London residents and have the chance to see a side of city that other, less adventurous travelers might miss.

Saving money while on vacation may be a necessity for some travelers. For others, the savings may provide the opportunity to splurge on something very special, something to be remembered for years after the vacation. This splurge might be a dinner prepared by a world-renowned chef, enjoying a theatre production, or a memorable stay at one of many luxurious London hotels.

Unlike many other holiday or vacation destinations, London can accommodate all budgets, even very small ones. There are several London hotels available for £28 (about US $55) or less, many of which are located close to the Tube. The Tube provides fast, affordable, and easy transportation around the entire city, making it simple for visitors to get from one sight to the next without the expense of car rental or parking fees. London features many admission-free attractions and sometimes the best way to find them is by visiting a pub, enjoying a pint and some grub, and taking up conversation with one of the local residents.

Take Away Food in London

December 22, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Restaurants

You’ll find them absolutely everywhere across the capital. Take Away eateries are commonplace in just about every High Street, Parade or Station approach in the outskirts of London. But I know what you’re thinking – they all sell the same greasy food, but under a different name (often a variant of the words ‘Charcoal’, ‘Grill’, ‘Kebab’ or ‘Fish Bar’). And you’re right – a lot of them do serve very average food, simply because the attitude is that the prices are low, it’s fast food, and therefore it doesn’t have to be great quality. An example I like to illustrate with is the salad that they serve at Kebab centres; watery and bland, this is simply to compliment the meat. One could also see it as a half-hearted attempt to spread the balance between meat and the more healthy option of vegetables. One thing IS for sure – contrary to popular belief, you can find a few gems hidden amongst the trash.

The first time I went to Efes,13 Chatterton Road, Bromley I didn’t expect miracles. It looked like quite an ordinary kebab house from the outside, but when I sat down with my large döner and chips and started eating, things took a great turn. I can honestly say, I have never tasted kebab meat like that before. The chilli sauce drizzled over the shish complimented the juicy, succulent strips of lamb perfectly. As for the chips, they were just as I like them – thin, crisp and relatively free of grease. As a consequence of this positive eating experience, I have recommended it to other friends who share a love for quality kebabs.

Next up is the small chain Salisbury’s, who have takeaways in Bromley, Biggin Hill, Clapham and Whyteleafe (Surrey). In a similar sense to Tom Bell’s (another Bromley-based chain), you can be sure that your order of Fish and Chips will be well above the average standard. A lot of Kebab houses have a Fish and Chip option available to customers, but the same quality and traditional taste will not be there. It is often best, if you are looking for a satisfying Chippy, to go to those who specialise in the cuisine – whether you like it or not, there is a certain method to cooking fish and chips that separates the real McCoy from a charlatan (or those who simply couldn’t care less!). On average, a meal from Salisbury’s will set you back £5. A good selection of fish is available on the menu; cod, rock, plaice, skate, scampi and so on.

If you’re looking for more of a ‘sit-down’ Fish and Chips meal within a restaurant setting, I would greatly recommend the chain “Superfish”. With seven fully licensed restaurants (with the exception of the branch in Cheam), each come with ample seating and accept Visa and Mastercards. As a family run business with 30 years experience serving quality fish and chips, this is a great place for those who appreciate deep-fried or grilled fish (grills are available at most branches, offering rainbow trout, swordfish steak and dover sole).

The best seafood restaurants in downtown Seattle

August 17, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Restaurants

The best seafood restaurants in Beautiful Seattle Washington are many, The Number one and best to try in my opinion is Seattle’s famous Ivar’s Fish and Chips, in Seattle especially the one of many that is downtown by the Pike Place Market, it overlooks the ocean and you can watch the ferries com in from the ocean while you eat, there are also the seagulls and the beaches right below this famous landmark restaurant, and , the food at this restaurant is freshly caught and not frozen or shipped in from around the world like other restaurants, it’s the only place that I can think of that has a friendly family yet a personal romantic touch to it at the same time and also you never have to wait long for your food like you do in a fancier five star restaurant.

The second place to go to eat the freshest and best tasting seafood you have ever ate is, the Ocean air seafood restaurant on 7th avenue in downtown Seattle they have very fresh food and a great wine list they specialize in their Lobster tail and Prawns but they are kind of expensive, so be careful, but the food is worth it.

The third best restaurant to eat seafood in Seattle is, Etta’s seafood on western avenue in Seattle, they are very reasonable on there prices and they have a creative way of fixing it.

The fourth Best restaurant to eat seafood at in my opinion is, the Flying Fish Seafood restaurant in Seattle, it sits on first avenue and your way up high in this building so you can see alot of the sights and tall buildings in Seattle so a great view while you eat and great food and prices also it reminded me of an old timer diner.

The fifth and very small but very quaint little dining experience in seafood cuisine is a little restaurant called, Elliot’s Oyster House and if you like oyster’s he had good prices, fast service and very good food and the best oyster ca bobs you have ever had.

I have tried many, many seafood restaurant’s in my day and I checked into it and there are more than eighty-nine seafood places to eat in Seattle and I’m sure that’s a miss count on seafood places there’s a whole lot more that no-one mentions I don’t know why, but just about every restaurantI’ve been to has some kind of seafood there. Seattle is best known for it’s seafood restaurants and it’s a wonder why with the city being right on the Pacific Ocean.

I have taken the liberty to list these websites so you can check out some seafood restaurants for yourself enjoy!

www.ivars.com

www.redlobster.com

www.seafood.com

www.seattlesbest.com

www.legrill.com

www.ocean.com