Bone Daddies // Soho

I was anticipating the day when I'd be really hungry to be able to finish the epic ramen bowl from Bone Daddies. The so called coolest ramen place in London. No reservations, hidden away in the middle of Soho, but we're getting used to that kind of restaurant, and honestly, I love the concept.

The very first thing the waiter said to me as we arrived at the queue was: "Why do you look so miserable?" I suffer from Resting Bitch Face Syndrome and that left me very hesitant about the restaurant! But ramen, think ramen! He ended up being very nice and all, so I overcame the minor setback.

We ordered the ribs to begin with. It's not very often that I take the first bite and do the face. The face is a rare occurrence that happens once you eat something so amazing from the start and you're afraid it runs out too quickly. The meat was so tender it slided off the bones easily, the seasoning was strong but not overwhelming, coated in a sesame seed layer. Still today, I can't stop thinking about those ribs!

We also asked for the fried chicken, having read great reviews about it (and, well.. loving fried chicken). Cooked to perfection and crispy, but not too crunchy, which gave them more of a comfort food quality.

The main course arrived shortly after - no long waits here! - and I was too excited to manage to sort a decent photo. I asked for the Tokontsu Ramen with extra nori seaweed, which is served still dry, transforming into a smooth and creamy leaf texture as it drowns down the bowl. The noodles and cashu pork were the highlights of the dish but my love for noodles of all kinds makes me biased. The only thing I was concerned about was the richness of the broth, this is no light ramen and I came prepared for that. Don't feel pressured to finish it as the bowl is quite big and there is no need to slurp all the liquid fat. What started as delicious taste of 20 hour cooked pork bone gradually became too heavy for me to bear, which did not occur completely until the other dish elements were gone, so I didn't insist on finishing it. The solid components were amazing and, for me, the broth served as an great enhancer, to be taken in moderation.

I left the venue feeling full but with a smile on my face, ready for the cold outside. There is no better option for a wintery evening in Soho (from the few I've tried!), and I recommend Bone Daddies as the perfect excuse for japanese food... with a rock'n'roll twist.

The overly full glass of sake is always a nice sight.

Bone Daddies

31 Peter St

W1F 0AR

London

Hawker House // London

I've been waiting for a long time to check out the newest food and drink spot from the creators of Dalston and Lewisham Street Feast. I loved the events in the summer and was curious about the covered new location (especially when it's this cold).

The venue did not disappoint one bit. Every detail, bit of decoration seemed carefully thought and appropriate, providing this amazing vibe and comfort.

But I have to be honest. The main reason I was there was the food. I couldn't wait to try the various eateries and Bob's Lobster was the easy first choice.

I was extremely curious about the deep fried oysters, as I love them anyway. However, I was not blown away by these when fried. I am unsure if it was the leaf (you're supposed to eat it all together) or my incredibly high expectations. To be honest, I don't know what kind of leaf it was but let's just say I couldn't taste much oyster at all! My boyfriend loved them though, and ate the third one. 

I'm very suspicious of appetizers served in odd numbers. 3 oysters. Do they not think people are going to share? 

Next up was Baba G's. I'm always up for trying the weirdest thing on the menu so we opted for the crispy spiced chicken livers. I must say that the word liver does not sound appetizing at first. These were amazing, Crispy and creamy at the same time, very rich. Put them on the Paratha triangle that came with it, some red cabbage and coriander. Delicious. I'm glad there was some salad on the bottom to contrast with the liver richness.

Breddo's Tacos was next on the list, as we reached the top floor. Got hypnotized by the idea of crab taco and ordered it immediately. So nice and fresh, but way too small! Guess you're supposed to order the set of three but we were intrigued by the crab so ended up asking for that and the duck croquettes.

Again, 3x of them showed up, and we were two sharing! I can't complain much as they were so, so good. Please have some beer on the side to help downing these as they are very rich! The duck bits inside are juicy and creamy. I loved them.

By then we decided time to move on to drinks.

The thing about Hawker House is that it creates this whole environment, a luxurious lounge setting, you feel transported into another era, I'd say 40's and a mixture of Prohibition, but that's just me.

The bars followed the lead and even the bartenders were extremely well presented and almost in character, working the drinks beautifully.

I cannot really remember the cocktails I had but am sure that any choice would make you happy, sipping slowly while looking down the window into Kingsland Road.

But the more exciting bit has to be the Whiskey Roulette! An impressive selection of whiskeys, starting at ₤5 and going up to ₤22. So you play ₤8 to play and can win big. Bonus, if you hit 0, you take home a whole bottle.

We won a ₤7 glass of whiskey. Sorry if I cant remember which one! Not the luckiest people but it was so much fun.

With room for one more treat, we chose the Boom Feast from Boom Burgers, Jerk Boom, a nice layer of shredded chicken over plantain fries on a brioche bun, Boom Burger, a traditional but juicy burger, served with side of plantain fries and sort of fish croquettes. Both the burgers were amazing, I've been craving a good burger for a while and this one did not disappoint. Sad that they served a mere 3 fries, which hardly counts as a side, but can't deny that the box was good value. The fish croquettes were really good too and I ate them way too fast to even form a concise opinion. Which I can only assume is  a good sign.

Lastly, another drink. By then it was almost 9pm and time to go home. I know. Hawker House was getting really crowded around that time, and promised to keep being exciting until late. But the crowds are too much for me.

I loved it, every floor and place, I can't wait to go back soon to try more food (the traders are rotating) and, of course, win the Whiskey Bottle from the Roulette. I'm sure my luck will improve until then!

Hawker House

260-264 Kingsland Road

London