Restaurant reviews: Garlic & Shots, London, UK

The name says it all…if you don’t like garlic then this isn’t the place for you.

Garlic and Shots is essentially a Swedish goths/bikers’ bar with a restaurant on ground floor level and a sleazy, dark bar downstairs. There is nothing served here that isn’t very liberally doused in garlic, and as you walk in to the joint you’ll immediately understand why every table has as its centerpiece – not a single bloom in a little vase, but a coffin-shaped dish of fresh parsley – it’s reputed that chewing a sprig of fresh parsley goes some way to counteracting the effect eating garlic has one the breath. To combat the garlic contained in the dishes here, though, you’d certainly need more than a sprig!

The food itself is pretty varied – there’s something of everything from traditional steaks to stir-fried noodles and vegetables. The seafood broth is to die for, with huge pieces of squid swimming in a garlicky soup, even the side dishes continue the garlic theme – try the mash, it’s soft, creamy, and melts in the mouth. There are only a few vegetarian dishes though side dishes can be added to increase the selection of meat free choices.

If you can bear to carry on for another course there’s garlic ice cream, but the best way to end a meal here is to go for one of the shooters. Their specialty is the “bloodshot”, a shot of tomato juice, garlic vodka, and celery salt. The garlic vodka is also pretty good drunk neat too. There is a list of almost a hundred shooters which means you either resign yourself to the fact that you’re going to leave very drunk or you’ll be planning your next visit before you’ve even paid the bill.

Fortunately not all the drinks contain garlic so there is some respite and a chance to clean the palate at least a little. There is a full bar with soft and alcoholic drinks and prices are reasonable for a restaurant.

There’s an outside eating area, barely more than a yard, but it’s heated so it’s good for cooler days or those days when London is just too warm for comfort.

Garlic and Shots is not to be missed. The interior alone is worth a visit – movie stills of Bela Lugosi on the walls and plastic bats hanging from the ceiling, this is a vampire fan’s paradise. The staff are generally really friendly, but I know some people have felt a little intimidated by white-faced goths covered in piercings and have felt out of place. My advice is go, have fun and just enjoy the experience.

14 Frith Street Soho

London , W1D 4RD

+44 20 7734 9505

The cost – we paid approximately 70 for four people including drinks.

The best Chinese restaurants in Norwalk, CT – Part 1

When considering the best of Chinese restaurants, it is wise and prudent to find out what most people who have been there say about it.

Take for instance this subject “The Best Restaurants in Norwalk, CT”. Using an Internet search will most likely give you the most popular restaurants in the area but the most popular is not always the best, is it? Yet nothing is more reliable than what real customers say about these restaurants. Nothing can beat “customer feedback” when it comes to food and service.

That is why we pursue this subject by both doing a google search and taking into account reviews of people who have visited the restaurant or those of the locals. Based on popularity plus customer satisfaction feedback, we submit that these are the best Chinese restaurants in the Norwalk area:

1. Village Gourmet, 22 Chestnut Rd. Norwalk – Most have commented that this is one of the most sanitary restaurants in the Norwalk area adding that the food is great and the portions are quite satisfactory. Another feedback states; “Everything is delicious and the waiters are friendly and remember the regular customers”. Apparently though, the menu consists of all Chinese dishes from steamed chicken stuffed with mushrooms and other vegetables to red fried rice and various noodles.

2. The Hongkong Chicken Restaurant, 227 Main St., Norwalk – This is one of the most famous restaurants in the area who have the most satisfied customers. Menu is basically Cantonese/Chinese though it does have the most Chicken and fish dishes listed on its menu. Most customers seem satisfied because it is clean, the food is generally good, though there is one feedback suggesting that the restaurant add more vegetarian dishes.

3. Jani Restaurant, 650 Main Ave, Norwalk – Jani Restaurant appears to be different from most Chinese restaurants in the area because it is huge. It serves all kinds of Chinese food and the feedback is more than satisfactory. This particular restaurant however also serves other dishes such as Thai, Japanese and even Italian. Their menu even includes non-carb fares cooked Chinese or Oriental style and N0-sugar pastries and cakes.

4. Chiu Fai Garden, 46 Westfort Ave, Norwalk – Comments are great and customer satisfaction is almost a hundred percent. This particular restaurant must be doing something good. Their specialty is fried wantons, beef in chop suey and chicken in soy and peanut sauce. It also appears that most locals love this place and regularly do “take out orders”

The best seafood restaurants in downtown Seattle – Part 1

Seattle, a city with over 90 miles of waterfront is known for great seafood. Some of the best seafood restaurants are located in downtown. With fresh fish on the menu and award-winning chefs, there are many choices for great seafood dining.

Etta’s

Etta’s in the Pike Place Market is known for its Asian influenced cuisine. Award-winning chef, Tom Douglas fills the menu with delights such as deep-fried tilapia with scallions and black beans or tuna sashimi. The salads are excellent!

“Chandler’s Crabhouse

On the edge of what is considered downtown, Chandler’s is has to be on this list, as it is one of the premier fish restaurants in Seattle. They also make superb steaks. With a great water view, banquet rooms, an oyster bar and an extensive wine menu, Chandler’s has it all.

“McCormick and Schmidt

This art deco restaurant is one of my favorites because the quality of the fish is always high. The food is appreciated here that the restaurant has put out its own cookbook. There’s a great oyster bar, too.

“Flying Fish

Flying Fish is a trendy restaurant whose menu changes daily, depending on the catch. Though the name is fish, you can also find chicken, beef and vegetarian dishes on the menu. The food is imaginative. Make reservations in advance.

“Oceanaire Seafood Room

Oceanaire is reminiscent of a place you’d spot the Brat Pack. Dark booths and lounge music, the Oceana ire is a place your find traditional fish dishes like Shrimp Scampi. The dark interior lends itself to a romantic night.

Shucker’s Inside the northwest’s only AAA FIve DIamond Fairmont Hotel you’ll find a place for the best oysters in Seattle. Their chowder is equally famous and just as delicious.

“Waterfront Seafood Grill

For a swanky fish dinner, the Waterfront offers great views and a great menu. They also serve meat, and the desserts are excellent. The romantic atmosphere is enhanced by live piano music playing nightly.

You can get great fish at many restaurants in Seattle. Year-round you’ll find local salmon, clams, mussels, or geoduck, as well as fish from Alaska like halibut. Halibut cheeks are a local specialty. And see if you can find White King Salmon on some daily menus. Try to visit during Copper River Salmon season in mid-July for the most succulent of all the salmon. Fried, baked, grilled, sauted, or raw, Seattle and its seafood restaurants provide healthy gourmet eating for Seattle and her visitors.