The challenge is over - here are my favorites!

Finally, my challenge is over - but was I successful?  Well, it's taken me a lot longer than anticipated and what started as a summer eating fest extended into an autumn and winter extravaganza.  I've certainly eaten and imbibed a lot and although I've not had many 'official' followers I know that many of you have been keeping up unofficially with my festing.  Have I put on weight?  Well I'm afraid I have, but suspect this is more down to 3 weeks in the Far East over Christmas and the New Year rather than 7 months in Soho! 

The big question is, would I do it again?  Definitely - it's certainly been a talking point and friends have hopefully enjoyed joining me.  It's also made me visit places that I'd never have gone to and try lots of different foods. 
As I've had a number of requests for recommendations, I've listed my favourites.  So, if you find yourself in Soho and wonder where to go, check them out and think of me spending TP's pension in South America!  Finally don't forget to check out my new blog which will start in February: http://southamericaonapension.blogspot.com/.

Favourite Bar
1.  Kettners (Greek Street West) - an obvious choice: it sells champagne!
2.  LVPO (Dean Street East) - good for early evening happy hours.

Favourite Pub
Although I'm not a 'pub girl' I've included this category for those who like a pint.
1. Coach and Horses (Greek Street East) - mainly because it's become my regular for meeting two of my favourite boys (you know who you are!)
2. Montagu Pyke (Greek Street East) - although it's a Wetherspoons and huge, the entrance on Greek Street has intimate seating and good service  
3. Pillars of Hercules (Greek Street East) 

Favourite place for breakfast
Both chosen because like me they are stylish, sophisticated and serve my favourite breakfast of eggs benedict!   
1. Dean Street Town House (Dean Street West)
2. Cafe Boheme (Greek Street West)

Favourite traditional lunchtime menu
1. San Valentino (Greek Street East) - probably my most visited venue for jacket potato, beans and cheese - also served me the biggest portion of lasagne I've ever had
2. Cafe Emm (Greek Street East)
3. Soho Joe (Dean Street East)

Favourite ethnic lunchtime menu
All are chosen because they have casual seating inside and as I've discovered, this is much better than a sandwich at your desk
1. Moolis (Frith Street West) - spicy Indian wraps
2. Nam (Dean Street West) - Vietnamese spring rolls
3. Adagio (Greek Street East) - delicous looking huge slabs of pizza sold by the weight

Favourite cheap eat for the evening
All offer excellent value for under £10
1.  Nusa Dua (Dean Street East) 
2.  Rosa's (Dean Street East)
3.  Bi Bam Bap (Greek Street East)

Favourite 'special occasion' place
1.  Red Fort (Dean Street West) - fabulously stylish Indian food
2.  Barrafina (Frith Street West) - only in 2nd place because you can't book
3.  Arbutus (Frith Street West) - modern surroundings with fab food 

The 'try something' different award
1.  Garlic and Shots (Frith Street East)
2.  Gay Hussar (Greek Street East)

And finally the Quorn Award for vegetarianism, must go to Zilli Green on Dean Street East as it's the only place where a vegetarian can chose off the entire menu!

Bon appetite and keep up with South America!

The Final . . . . Anti Climax!

There was only one left - Gama on Dean Street East.  To be honest it wasn't last by co-incidence: it didn't look inviting and delivered my least favorite cuisine (Japanese/Korean fusion). There was no website but reviews on other sites were not particularly favourable.  So it was with some trepidation that I set out yesterday lunchtime . . . .  only to find it closed.  It was difficult to judge whether this was permanently or just during the day but I've made the decision to cross it off my list.  So although finishing my challenge should have been a real high spot, I'm afraid it was a bit of an anti climax!  So I decided to cheer myself up on a wet and windy day with a jacket potato, cheese and beans at my favourite lunchtime venue of San Valentino.  
I then began musing about all the places I'd explored over the last few months and have decided to make some awards so watch this space  .  . .