Eat at Hereford Road in London

We had a kick ass meal at Hereford Road, a small place housed in a former butcher shop in the Bayswater area. If you go to their homepage, you will see the table we ate at. Side by side facing the open kitchen. These kitchen side tables were for walk-ins (which we were) while the proper tables were towards the back of the restaurant. We were thrilled with the kitchen view.

We began with a French Cabernet Franc from Saumur Champigny and a plate of bread. A beautiful beginning to the evening as we cozy up and watch the waitstaff and kitchen staff dance.

For starters we chose a Spinach and Ramson Soup and Roast Quail with Radishes. Ramson is in the alluvium family and is also referred to as wild garlic. This soup was delicious and sported an incredible green color. We ordered the quail because the table next to us did and it looked divine (tasted so, as well).

The second course consisted of Middlewhite Pork Shoulder with Parsnips and Pot Roast Duck Leg with Fennel. Middlewhite pork comes from a rare breed of pigs known for their quality. The portion was more than adequate and it was so nice to have mashed parsnips as well. And the duck leg was huge and incredibly delicious and tender. I raised my knife and fork to begin carving and the leg fell apart at the touch. Just like a pot roast. Amazing.

Even though we had enjoyed a hearty meal hubby could not resist an Apple Crumble and Ice Cream for dessert. I settled for a glass of Armagnac.

This was truly a great meal in a lovely setting. I highly recommend checking it out if you are in London. The menu can change daily and focuses on items from the UK. Reservations are recommended.

Vinoteca Marylebone London

Once again another simply marvelous spot just a couple of blocks from our hotel, The Cumberland at Marble Arch. A small wine bar serving seasonal plates and tasty wine. I highly recommend Vinoteca.

We ordered wine, of course. A bottle of Domaine Caillot Bourgogne Rouge. Mighty fine.

To start we enjoyed Kohlrabi, Radish, and Cucumber Salad and Confit Pork Belly with Pickled Red Cabbage and Applesauce. Delicious.

For mains we had Corn-fed Chicken Breast with Lentils and Roast Squash and Gressingham Duck Breast with Grilled Chicory and Blood Orange. Heaven.

The place was bustling. We arrived somewhat early and snagged a table before the crowds came in. We enjoyed peering over the counter to see the open kitchen in action and appreciated the speed and efficiency of the wait staff.

London Eye

DSC_0474 (3) a photo by pjpink on Flickr.

The London Eye at night.

Cambridge

We were torn between taking a day trip to Cambridge or Oxford. Cambridge won out. We hopped a train and had a fairly decent trek into town. We were "winging it" with no particular places in mind. The colleges that were open to the public all had some type of museum or historic element that could be visited. We popped into the Natural History Museum to find a restroom and we discovered a dinosaur skeleton (and a school group).

We tackled two places. The first was the Fitzwilliam Museum. The entry was free, but no photos. The building was quite large and the collection a jumble of old paintings, a ton of 18th century porcelain, and a smattering of contemporary pieces. While the museum may never forgive me for saying this, it seemed like a place to house the collected items of former students.

The second place was Kings Chapel at Kings College. This storied Gothic building featured the carvings and stained glass one expected. The fan ceiling was spectacular. There is a cost to tour, but well worth it.

Graffiti has a long tradiiton

We also strolled along the River Cam admiring the punts and the idyllic scenery. When I picture Cambridge or Oxford, these scenes come to mind. What is not shown on TV are all of the vendors hawking punt rides. I guess everyone must make a living somehow.

My kind of punt

We enjoyed lunch at The Cambridge Chop House. Hearty meat selections for lunch. All delicious.

Gayda Syrah was a wonderful companion to our meal

Ham Hock and Chicken Terrine served with toasted bread and apple compote. Lovely

Beet Cured Salmon delighted my hubby

Honey Roasted Duck Leg with Bubble and Squeak. Duck legs in the UK are huge and very tasty.

Sausages and Buttered Mash with a Peppercorn Sauce. Who says British food isn't good?

I will leave you with a few more photos of Cambridge:

Kew Blooms

Kew Blooms a photo by pjpink on Flickr.

Kew Gardens in London is quite extensive and lovely to visit any time of year. They feature wonderful glasshouses. The Waterlily House was particularly quaint.

We visited Kew Palace and the Kitchens as well as Queen Charlotte's Cottage for a historical view.

The Xstrata Treetop Walkway was very cool where one can stroll among the soaring trees and just glimpse the modern London skyline.

A favorite spot for us was the rock garden housing water features, rocks, and all manner of succulents.

Kew Gardens can be easily reached via the London Underground. Plan to make this an outing for the entire day or more. We spent the day there and still did not cover everything.