The Suffolk Redhead was down for a day of girly Christmas shopping and so a nice lunch was called for. We headed to Arbutus on Frith Street West http://www.arbutusrestaurant.co.uk/ - one of the best remaining places on the list. At 1.15pm it was very busy and remained so right through, so beware, bookings are necessary. We decided on starters and puddings only. Our pork porchetta (very thinly sliced pork) with apple puree and pecorino was ab fab and with rustic bread, nice and filling. The sweet-toothed Redhead opted for clafoutis of william pears and vanilla ice cream whilst I chose two types of cheese. The service was efficient but unpretentious and the waitress described the cheese board easily and without notes. We were left in charge of our own wine, a Torrentes Chakana Mendoza from Argentina chosen to get me in the mood for our 2011 trip to South America. All in all, a superb lunch and one that would be worth repeating.
Friday evening was more austere as the TP was taking me out. We opted for the £10 pre-theatre meal at Yming a chinese on Greek Street West -http://www.yming.co.uk/. For starters we chose hot, fattening sesame prawn toasts and crispy wun tuns followed by empress beef and Mr Edward's pork and a traditional dessert of lychees. We skipped tea and finished our wine. I was amazed at how busy it became. When we said we'd not booked, we were offered a table for two which we would have to vacate within an hour. When we said we didn't want to be rushed, we were given a really nice table for four in a window. People who came in after us with reservations were given small tables for two beside walls and in corners. It must be Chinese logic!
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