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Bo Zin

bozin

Magical Marrakech. If you are looking for a traditional slice of Marrakesh in the middle of the sprawling medina Bo Zin is not for you. Situated on the outskirts of the city, you need to be driven there. This is most definitely a restaurant but a restaurant where the party atmosphere is just as important as the food. The resident DJ along with some live musicians will possibly  make you want to eat and dance simultaneously. A little theatre while eating never hurt anyone.

The menu is described as fusion, just fusion in general, with no actual cuisines mentioned. This was perfectly illustrated when the first thing I saw on the menu was Chinese fried chicken croissants. To start we attacked a range of sharing plates which included spring rolls, fried chicken croissants, tuna tartar and cheese and spinach briouates (traditional Moroccan pastries.) Being in Marrakesh I had visions of delicious fresh mezze, this was more a selection of canapes from a London drinks party, pretentious but annoyingly still delicious! The menu for main courses was no less eclectic than the starters. Thai noodles, Roast beef, black cod and a tagine of cod.  Being in Marrakesh, I felt compelled to go for the tagine of cod with charmoula spices and a fondue of vegetables. With such an eclectic menu I could picture my tagine not exactly being up to scratch. However, this couldn’t have been further from the truth, the tagine was full of flavour the fish tasted fresh and meaty and there was definitely no skimping on the portion size.

We ordered a few desserts for the table and these were accompanied by bongo drummers at our table and the DJ turning up the beats, we were eating and dancing around/on the table. Bo Zin is the epitome of fun a restaurant in a nightclub, a nightclub in a restaurant. The menu is varied and eclectic, the music is live and loud. Perfect for a celebration and big groups ready to dance the night away.

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Pacata

pacata

From the owners of Singh beer, Asian Street food a fusion of East meets West. A restaurant impossible to not want to try! Just when you thought London had every single type of restaurant you could ever imagine, something slightly different begs for you to try. This is the first of its kind in Europe. The original mother-ship is in Bangkok and more focused on street food. I like the authenticity of having a restaurant in London that has previously only existed in Thailand. Pacata is located right in the heartbeat of The city; theatre land and shopping central – Covent Garden. It is tucked down a glorious side street so far enough away from the crowds but still with plenty of vibes!

This should simply be described as a treasure trove, not least due to the delicious food but also the intricate interior. It is filled with interesting vintage pieces as if from someone’s home. The menu has been designed by the world’s first and only Michelin starred ramen chef, Yasuji Morizumi. He is a man who has a deep understanding of Asian food and is particularly passionate about the fusion of foods from different cultures and the actual moment when the fusion occurs during the cooking process.

To start, the popcorn chicken and chicken satays are mouthwatering, I can honestly say  they are the most succulent, melt-in-mouth chicken satays I have ever tasted (and I have tasted quite a few.) Both of these dishes are so addictive, we had to order doubles! For the main event, after knowing who has designed the menu, you are drawn to try the ramen. An alternative is to make sure one person in your group chooses it so at least you can sample it. My friend did the honours! It did not disappoint, with the perfect balance of creaminess from the coconut and punch from the chilli. I chose the seabass. How western I hear you say! However, not at Pacata as it was served with a choice of massaman or green thai curry sauce. Again with this fusion dish, it is the balance of flavours and the lightness of the fish with the fragrant curry sauce that makes this dish a complete dream.

The dessert  menu is largely based around green tea. Don’t be put off, embrace it! The green tea brownie served with green tea ice cream is a real treat. This is a dessert  which doesn’t leave you feeling uber guilty. In fact, it almost felt nourishing but was still a glorious treat. How refreshing to have a different take on the queen of British desserts – the brownie.

I love the creativity of the whole menu and the new flavours that creative flair brings. I must also mention the cocktails. Like the food, they are  super creative and most include a hint of Singh beer which may sound odd but makes for a refreshing crazy drink. Pacata is perfect a respite during retail therapy in Central London -ideal  for pre/post theatre and also a great date option!

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Chotto Matte

A catch up with friends I haven’t seen forever, somewhere new and fun in Soho, the classic age old question?

Chotto Matte. It opened late in 2013, from the owners of Nobu and ping pong and I guess this fits nicely in the middle. Soho restaurants more often than not – QUEUES and can only seat 12 people, refreshingly this is neither. You can make a reservation and the restaurant is set across 2 large, gapingly modern floors. It kind of has a nightclub feel inside, everything is glass, dark and conceptual with splashes of neon modern art.

What about the food, I hear your cry? Well it is a fusion (course it is) Japanese and Peruvian, which is new to new to me and I am pleased to say is one of the most glorious of mixes. The menu is built for sharing, they recommend 3 dishes per person, I would say you may need 4. The menu ranges from standard sushi and terreyaki dishes to far more interesting concoctions. I had the most delicious vegetable tartar, is that even possible, YES! Dishes I had never heard of , nehi? Try them it’s fun, a new fusion to London where I guarantee you will learn something, eat beyond delicious food and be surrounded by a super buzzy atmosphere AND you can make a reservation.

The fusion fashion is ON!