Tag: Food

Lunch at The Curved Angel Cafe

Lunch at The Curved Angel Cafe

by ericmistry ♥ 1 Comment

Lunch today was at The Curved Angel Cafe. My flatmates and I stumbled upon it as we walked around Clerkenwell Green, an area just a few minutes walk to the south of our flat. We were looking for a fairly cheap lunch adventure, and the prices listed on a sidewalk billboard fit the price range we were seeking.

 

We ordered our food at the counter and went out to our table to wait. The staff and proprietor were incredibly friendly and helpful, and were kind enough to even pose for a photo for me.

The Staff at The Curved Angel

I ordered The Curved Angel Wrap for £5.95. My flatmates also ordered wraps, but of different varieties. I was expecting something pretty small for that price in the city. Instead, we each received a substantial wrap accompanied by some coleslaw and a great little salad, artfully arranged on a clean white plate.

 

We were blown away by the humble cafe's presentation even before we took a single bite. However, as the eating commenced, we became so immersed in our respective wraps and sides that the conversation stopped. My wrap had chicken, halloumi cheese, roasted peppers, and greens in it. The chicken was nice a smokey, freshly grilled, and hot; the halloumi cheese worked as perfect complement, with the natural saltiness of the cheese pulling out and accenting the chicken's flavor. The vegetables were also quite fresh and springy, giving the wrap a crisper bite. All of this was held inside a fresh tortilla that was piping hot on service. The food came fresh from the cooktop, and I opted to actually start with the sides. The slaw and salad, like the greens in the wrap, were very obviously fresh and tasted so refreshing. The dressing on the salad, a house blend, was like a creamy italian with a touch more vinegar and very tasty.

 

To top off the great food and friendly service, we had some wonderful atmosphere. The area were we sitting was right by Clerkenwell Green (the actual park) and a church. We were in the fresh air, with very little traffic, and a great view. With the delectable dining experience, excellent company, and the view you see below, all combined with the excitement of really BEING in London, our flat's first experience at The Curved Angel Cafe could best be described as… heavenly.



 

The First Dinner- Exmouth Arms

The First Dinner- Exmouth Arms

by ericmistry ♥ 2 Comments

We found the Exmouth Arms, a busy corner pub with an eclectic and varied clientele, as we explored the area north of our apartment. It was a bustling little with a suprising variety of ages; an older gentleman, looking dapper wearing a dark grey suit and neatly trimmed beard, enjoyed a half pint almost meditatively while some twenty-something's shared a lively discussion over their own pints.

 

I had a plate of three exquisite sliders for dinner. These sliders were not just minimized simple greasy cheeseburgers, but instead were creative combinations that significantly impressed me. I feasted upon the Lamb & Feta Patty with Cilantro Mayo, Fish Finger with Tartare Sauce, and Smoked Paprika Chicken & Peppers.

The little sandwiches were a perfect start to my British mealtime. The sauces complemented the meat and fish perfectly, bringing out the flavors of the lamb particularly well, and even adding their own nuances to the mix. The paprika punctuated the chicken's smoky flavor and the peppers also added their own smoky flavor. The buttery bread used as the buns were quite good, working as a neutral background and absorbing the sauces and juices without falling apart.

 

All in all, the Exmouth Arms presented a good meal at a reasonable price in a bustling, interesting environment. The creative reimagining of the classic slider was quite delicious and a nice start to my abroad eating experience.

 

Moved In, and the First Adventure!

Moved In, and the First Adventure!

by ericmistry ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

I am finally starting to settle into London.

 

The flights were pretty uneventful, and I met some interesting people en route. Jackie, a retired nurse from Toledo, Ohio, regaled me with stories of her family, experiences as a nurse, and her travels in Europe when she was younger. A nameless couple from the English countryside encouraged me to check out Wagamama, a Japanese Fusion restaurant. Alice, a student from the UK, gave me a list of clubs, landmarks, and restaurants to check out.

After surviving the flight (with The Hunger Games and Safe House providing me with some in-flight entertainment) I breezed through customs thanks to my program letter being and decent organization of other documents.

I then met up with the renownedly-efficient London public transportation system for the first time. Two tube rides and a taxi (with an entertaining “is he actually speaking English?!?!?!?” cab driver) ride later, I arrived at the flat. It's pretty awesome, and I will be posting some pictures as soon as I am unpacked.

After a quick flat orientation and the timely arrival of my final flatmate, we went on our first adventure. We ventured out to find some groceries for our daily meals. Successful in our quest, we returned home victorious, the spoils of a small local grocery now reside in our fridge. Tomorrow, we will be having some pasta with with garlic roasted shrimp, spinach, and red sauce, with a small salad. Tonight, however, we celebrate by going out to eat!

More on that soon. (hopefully with pictures!)