Oh what a night...

... late (in) December. Last night, in fact.

I realised I never think too much about drink, somehow thinking it separate to food, however a night in Soho made me re-think this.

Sambuka. I have never had a shot of sambuka and last night I lost my sambuka-virginity, if that doesn't sound too awful, like a teenager in an alley beside a pub, in the freezing cold. I can't give a very sophisticated description, but it was most definitely hot, wince-inducing and then warm inside and anniseedey on the lips. Yum!

Peroni: my original favourite and still the best. A separate eulogy no doubt to follow...

Peach bellinis at Bar Soho were utterly gorgeous - they smelt like summer and were far too good to drink slowly. It didn't have the gloopy bits that fresh puree often has, so it must have been finely pressed or thinned out. The only drawback was that the bar was really quite loud, however we got a seat and there was a lively feel.

Dom Perrignon rose at Kettners. Yes, really! This bar was so beautiful - my friend urged me to take a trip to the ladies just to view the perfectly made up dining rooms on the way! The chamapgne was wonderful, but I think it was the atmosphere that completely made the experience. It was Utterly, Utterly!

In a dramatic act of bathos we then sojourned to Eds Easy Diner for Peanut butter milkshake - shared, this time - fries and mayo, the Classic burger for my friend and a cheeseburger with Emmenthal for me. I love this place, and love their food - but always end up waddling away it is so good.

A cheeky espresso at Bar Italia finished the night perfectly... I think I have never laughed, drunk and talked so much! It was a really lovely evening and completely confirmed to me that I really want to stay in London. And I found I have another foodie friend who likes to eat out: what a good evening!

Wodka

Very brief notes on this Polish / Eastern European restaurant.

First to the Piano bar on Kensington High Street for a drink, to meet up with Bez et al. on an utterly miserable, wet evening.

Then on to Wodka. It was glamorous, dimly lit and we started by drinking pink champagne. To eat: rabbit terrine with plum chutney (fibrills of lettucy bits - a very good idea - and a smear of green over the terrine). Followed by Polish hunter's stew with potatoes; incredibly hearty with deep flavours. The meat was light, like rabbit or chicken - or phesant?

I never got to the dessert as I had to leave to get the last train, but the poached pears would have been the lucky recipient of my affection.
http://www.wodka.co.uk/html/#home