Where to eat in London #1

This week heralds the start of a new blogging strategy, or at least an attempt at one... In order to boost the weekly contents without boring everyone rigid with what i get up to, i will also be talking about places to eat in & around London. From Sushi to Sunday Roasts & Takeaways, healthy & unhealthy i will endeavour to try them all. For you, because i'm that kind of friend. And Houseboy, don't panic i won't be dragging you along to every meal. Just most of them.

This weeks pick is the fantastic Megan's a Mediterranean hide away in West Fulham. My companion was the lovely Miss Stewart who very kindly took me out for belated birthday celebration as she was away for my July festivities. I have walked or cycled past Megan's literally every week for the last two years & always thought it was just (albeit a very nice looking) a small daytime coffee shop. Well i was wrong on that account. With a small but lovely dining room leading onto a fantastic outdoor space, its a great retreat from the busy world.   

We started off with the Antipasti Sharing Platter which was served on wooden board & consisted of an array of Sliced Meats, Rocket, Crostini & Salamis. Generous portions, fresh as can be & a great selection made it an idea choice to kick off proceedings. I merrily danced on to the Whole Artichoke served steamed with Vinaigrette. Some people write off artichoke as too fiddly & hard work but i'm a fan & this dish did not disappoint. Fresh, hot & a delicious sauce. Miss S. chose very wisely & had the Pan Fried Scallops with Rocket. Perfectly cooked, with a zesty dressing it looked like a perfect summery choice.

After effectively two starters i decided to relatively light on the main & then saw the french fries. Game over & it was the Grilled Octopus with French Fries & Salsa Verde. The Octopus was grilled & served very plainly-there's nothing worse than taking away from the natural flavours. The Salsa Verde was good but not as piquant as some i have had (i'm spolit though as the Houseboy makes a blinding version) The fries were skinny, salty & crispy & a perfect accompaniment to the dish. Miss S. was captured by the Chicken Breast Paillard with French Fries & Tomato & Coriander Salsa. Nicely charred round the edges, great flavour & well seasoned it was again a nicely executed dish concentrating on fresh produce rather than faffing with lots of ingredients. 

So if you are looking for somewhere to have a glass of wine with the ladies, catch up with an old friend or woo a new lover, this intimate, friendly restaurant is the perfect choice. And it must be good because Nigella Lawson was at the next table & looked like she was having a great time. 

Details:

Megan’s Restaurant & Deli, 571 Kings Road, London, SW6 2EB. Tel: 020 7371 7837 info@megansrestaurant.com

By Day:

Monday until Friday: 8:00 – 17:30
Saturday: 9:00 – 17:30
Sunday: 10:00 – 17:30

By night:

Mon – Sat: 19:00 till late  

* All images are from the restaurant website.