the gluttonous goat: london marathon

I was short on time during my recent trip back to London but I wanted to squeeze in as many lunches and dinners as I could physically stomach. Luckily for me, I had some willing participants who backed me up in my race against time. For without them, I would not have been able to complete the food marathon. So to my Aussie/London peeps, I thank you and look forward to the next London Food Marathon.

Pit Stop 1 - José
104 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3UB UNITED KINGDOM
http://joserestaurant.co.uk/
no reservations

Newly opened sherry and tapas bar in the heart of London's trendy Bermondsey village, José is the brainchild of José Pizarro who was previously chef partner at the hugely popular Tapas Brindisa in Borough Markets. This tiny eatery which produces simple Spanish tapas using the freshest ingredients possible, is extremely popular with local residents and businesses.

croquettas

jamón ibérico manuel maldonado

padrón peppers

gambas

tomato bread

squid with romesco sauce

clams with white wine

grilled livers

pisto with crispy duck egg

Pit Stop 2 - Zucca
184 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3TQ, UNITED KINGDOM
Tel: +44 207 378 6809
http://www.zuccalondon.com/

Recently voted one of the top 3 Italian eateries in Europe by the San Pellegrino World's 50 Best restaurant judging panel, expectations for a great meal at Zucca were high. The antipasti of 'zucca' fritti, lardo di colonnata and San Daniele prosciutto and salami were abit of a let down and quite pedestrian.
Whilst the grilled calves liver was flavoursome, it was let down by overcooking and an over salted salsa verde. The only redeeming dish was the pappardelle with hare ragu, with the pasta deliciously light and al dente and a deep meaty flavour from the hare ragu.

The restaurant was full during a weekday lunch seating, and whilst service was professional and prompt, it was let down by sullen and uninterested wait staff.

complimentary frittata

san daniele prosciutto & salami

'zucca' fritti - deep fried sage leaves & pumpkin

lardo di colonnata

grilled calves liver with borlotti beans & salsa verde

pappardelle with hare ragu

Pit Stop 3 - Dehesa
25 Ganton Street, London, W1F 9BP, UNITED KINGDOM
Tel: +44 207 494 4170
http://www.dehesa.co.uk/

My final food stop in London was at Dehesa to help celebrate a friend's belated 30th birthday. The service was friendly and attentive, the food was more-ish, especially the chicken liver parfait which was extremely creamy and left us salivating for more. My only gripe were the small portions.