London food
fromCN Traveller
9 hours agoWhy Leith is the most exciting foodie destination in the UK right now
Leith has transformed from a strategic port to a vibrant neighborhood known for its exceptional dining scene.
A truly great steakhouse isn't just about the steak. We'd argue that the best steakhouses in the country are ones that put as much thought and effort into the drinks, cocktails, and sides as the meat, and that's one place where Prime 44 West shines.
Inspired by the symbolism of the Fire Horse, the story explores the horse as a shared emotional language across cultures balancing Western equestrian refinement with Eastern understandings of instinct, strength, and spiritual presence.
Tuna carpaccio arranged in a circle arrived first, the slices beaming ruby like sun through stained glass. Radicchio leaves had been dressed with kefir and gorgonzola, the tart and the sweet funk offsetting the bitter. Clams, splashed in bright and herby broth, were paired with a narcotic mound of thin fries.
The Islamic holiday began Feb. 17 and ends March 19, during which observers fast from dawn to sunset to foster discipline, self-control and gratitude. Observers break their daily fast with an iftar, a festive meal shared with loved ones after sunset. Many also rise before dawn for a suhoor meal.
Texas Roadhouse was founded by Louisville resident Kent Taylor, an industry lifer, having bounded around working and managing at chains like Bennigan's, KFC, and Hooter's. But Taylor was a restless employee who was constantly looking to experiment and eventually started opening his own spots.
While a growing number of luxury hotels and estates now offer bring-your-own-horse programs - with purpose-built stables, veterinary access, and experienced grooms - the golden rule remains unchanged: the horse's happiness, health, and safety must come first. Transport stress, unfamiliar terrain, changes in climate, and short stays can be unsettling for horses, which is why many professionals advise that bringing your own horse only makes sense for longer visits, familiar landscapes, or trips centered around competition or training.
Italy could soon be set to ban horse meat as part of a law that would define equine animals including horses, donkeys and mules as pets, therefore making it illegal to kill them. The bill has been drafted by Michela Vittoria Brambilla, a politician with Noi Moderati, a member of Giorgia Meloni's ruling coalition, and is backed by opposition parties. If approved, it would impose jail terms of up to three years and fines of up to 100,000 (87,000) for the slaughter of equines.
Perched high atop a dappled-colored horse at Alisal Ranch, I stroked the equine's coarse hair in an effort to bond before sauntering off to an authentic cowboy breakfast. I was with a group of like-minded women in search of a wellness weekend but we chose to trade our spa robes for cowgirl hats and forgo mani-pedis for dusty trail rides. This was not a typical dude ranch experience. It seamlessly blended nurturing self-care, enriching workshops, nourishing meals, and fostering friendships.
Unlike the former Station and the other restaurants that have graced this bizarre island over the years, the food at the Station is very good, if not great, and the prices are reasonable - everything is under $14. The vibes are lovely, too. The new owners expanded the garden, added a fresh coat of paint, good music, a fire pit and a lot of seating.
Ikhaltos Valley Georgian Cuisine has only been open a few days (there doesn't seem to be a website or any social media up and running yet) but we do know that it's serving traditional Georgian dishes, including khinkali (Georgian soup dumplings), freshly baked khachapuri (boat-shaped bread filled with cheese) and honey cake, alongside Georgian wines.
With pre-Cheltenham purdah fast approaching, the Ladbrokes Trophy Handicap Chase at Kempton on Saturday could well be the most competitive betting heat for the next two-and-a-half weeks and Emmet Mullins's decision to field two runners in the 13-strong field adds a further layer of complexity to the puzzle. Mullins has a well-earned reputation for sliding contenders into handicaps at Cheltenham and Aintree on very competitive marks, but his Kempton record three wins from five runners is not too shabby either.
While the phrase "hidden gem" is wildly overused in food and travel writing, the cliche rings true for Cincinnati, Ohio, an under-the-radar Midwestern dining destination that many people can't spell, much less find on a map. Typically, if someone does have an opinion about the city's cuisine, it's a hot take on how freaky Cincinnati chili is. But there's much more to eat here than cinnamon-infused meat sauce and cheddar cheese on spaghetti (although, respectfully, you should try that, too).
You're familiar with all-you-can-eat sushi and bottomless hot-pot meals. Here's a new concept: How about all-you-can-eat mezes and kebabs, with servers roaming the dining room like the gauchos at steakhouses? The newly opened Palo Alto restaurant offers extensive table, counter and bar seating. (Photo courtesy of Meze & Kebab) Grill. Feast. Repeat. is the slogan that describes the action at restaurateur Koray Alinstoy and executive chef Omer Artun's new place in downtown Palo Alto.
The best restaurants in South Kensington are no secret to the most cultured among us. This corner of London is more synonymous with groundbreaking exhibitions than a buzzy food scene - but hey, who can compete with the V&A, Natural History Museum and Science Museum as neighbours? Alas, culture vultures require sustenance like everyone else, and there are plenty of exceptional places in these parts ready to tend to those post-gallery rumbles.
Luckily, the answer is simple. Chicken fried steak is simply a thin, pounded-out cut of beef, breaded and fried like chicken. It's then topped with creamy country gravy - another Southern staple that can be confusing for those unacquainted - and often served alongside mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, roasted vegetables, or even breakfast items to create a complete, hearty meal.
Finding Vaca feels like a treasure hunt that's well worth the effort. Park in the 777 Figueroa Building and take a rather ominous tunnel down to the main retail stretch along Figueroa Avenue. Make a hard right at the end of the tunnel, and Vaca resides on the ground floor of a tall residential tower. Santana's approach to Spanish fare bucks the trend of mid-range prices, featuring high-end dry-aged beef, lush seafood paellas, and precise tapas.
Many passengers assume that train food comes from prepackaged sources, but the meal arriving at your train seat or table could have been prepared hours earlier at a commissary or even cooked to order by a chef onboard. Train dining has significantly evolved from the era of vending machine snacks. Now, rail operators invest in specialized equipment, source from local suppliers, and develop menus months in advance.
A truly good steak means sourcing high-quality meats that are handled, aged, and then cooked perfectly. Add in attention to sides, expertise in wine pairings, and it's easy to see how things might be better left to the professionals. Many of the best steakhouses across the U.S. are independently owned and operated, but we'd like to shine the spotlight on smaller, regional chains that are doing everything right, too.
When you can't go to the steakhouse, why not bring the steakhouse to you? Sure, you might not be able to mimic the dimly-lit, knotted-wood, rustic ambience of your local beef haunt, but there is one simple tip that will lend such a smoky signature robustness to your homemade steak sides that friends might just skip that trip to Ruth's Chris in favor of your house. The hack - just add smoked cheese.