... a selection of favoured places to eat good food, enjoy good wine and company, which in our humble
opinion, are synonymous with cognoscenti's philosophy on food, wine and hospitality. Hence, there are common
threads running through this collection. They tend not to the 'latest thing' but mainstay establishments that
consistently offer the quality of product and service we look for when spending our hard-earned cash.
Manicomio, Duke of York Square, Knightsbridge, SW3 4LY & Gutter Lane
London EC2V 8AS
This Italian Deli, restaurant and bar is one of my all-round favorites in London Town, because it's got just about
everything for any occassion... and now in two locals. www.manicomio.co.uk
Negozio Classica, 283 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, London
On the juncture of Portobello
Road and Westbourne Park Road is a classy little joint, simple, chic and well stocked with delicious wines and produce that
you can't go wrong any time, any day. www.negozioclassica.co.uk back to connoisseur
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Dehesa, 25 Ganton Street, London W1F 9BPOn the corner of Ganton Street, Kingley Street end, Dehesa offers
both classic and contemporary, exquisitely prepared tapas in a simple, but stylish and intimate venue. www.dehesa.co.uk
Bocca di Lupo, 12 Archer Street, Soho, London W1D 7BB. When I first visited this place with a good friend
of mine in tow, she was somewhat unconvinced by the approach, through the part of Soho in which you just don't expect
to find the kind of culinary class this wonderful Italian offers. www.boccadilupo.co.uk
Zuma, 5 Raphael St, Knightsbridge, London SW7 1DL (Hong Kong, Istanbul, Miami and Dubai)
Japanese cuisine
is for me, the epitomy of simplicity, intelligence, health and beauty combined. Zuma does it exceptionally well
in an atmosphere that is always entertaining simply for the people watching. www.zumarestaurant.com
Fernandez and Wells, Wine Bar on Lexington St, Soho, London W1F 9AL, Cafe on Beak St, 73, W11F 9SR, Espresso bar,
St Annes Court, W1
Another little soho gem, so unpretentious and intimate its perfect for a tete a tete for
two or three. Daytime offerings include a traditional dish such as rabbit or lamb caserole and an array of speciality
breads stuffed full of the aforementioned. Evenings are kept simple but no less delicious with a selection of great wines,
plates of charcuterie, cheese, anchovies and of course bread and olives. . The cafe around the corner on Beak St offers an
equally fine selection of sandwiches, cakes and pastries to indulge in, including a classic affogato (ice cream and ark espresso
coffee), perfect in summer. www.fernandezandwells.com
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Bob Bob Ricard, 1 Upper James St, Soho, London W1F 9DF
Relatively new to cognoscenti, Bob Bob Ricard
was an exciting find, not only for the food and drink but the classic Art Deco design of the establishment... which has recreated
the ambience of this glamorous and hedonistic time so true to form. It also has a rather cool basement members bar, in
which you can quite easily feel you have been transported back to the 1920s, in a good way. The food is English, done elegantly,
which makes a refreshing change, and they serve some of the best Champagne, thank goodness. Anyone that can make pink
and gold look cool is worthy in my book! www.bobbobricard.co.uk
and when roaming... Opal Lounge, 30 Kloof in Gardens, Cape Town, Tel: +27(0)21 422 4747
Ramses
Life, Madrid, Plaza de la Independencia, 4, 280001 Cocktail Bar, Restaurant and Club www.ramseslife.comL'Avenue, Paris, 43 Avenue Montaigne 75008 www.lavenue-restaurant.comGusto, Rome, Piazza Augusto ImporatoRestaurant, Wine
Bar, Bistro, Cook Shop and Wine and Cheese Shop www.gusto.itCasa Robles, Seville, several locations, Placentines is a favourite www.casa-robles.com Lonja de Tapas, Barcelona, Plaza del Palau, 7; Cellar de Tapas, Plaza Universidad, 5,
Cellar de la Ribera restaurant, Placa de les Olles, 6, www.lonjadetapas.com ; www.cellerdetapas.com ; www.cellerdelaribera.com
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