Every Friday evening I am in no mood to cook. Exhausted, ravenous and ready to let off some steam, I was delighted to find an elegantly simple Italian restaurant hidden behind the noise and bustle King’s Rd on Elystan St – Elistano. Escaping from the harsh winds of the exterior we step into the warmly quiet yet open confines just perfect for a quiet and relaxed dinner without the hassle of other London hotspots on a Friday evening. Even more warm was the smiling service that greeted us and took our coats away while we sipped on still water and pondered over the menu, taking in the authentic Italian delicacies that their new chef, Daniel Urbani, promised to deliver.

We are recommended an excellent bottle of Sangiovese Vigna 2010 (£22.75), an Italian red wine full bodied enough to linger on your palate but light enough to enjoy alone and with the fish choice that I was opting for as my main course. S chooses the Bruschetta with Goats Cheese (£6.95), while I’m informed that the Soup of the Day is Minestrone (£5.95), a perfect Italian classic for the cold winter’s day. My soup is absolute perfection, steaming hot, and accompanied by two delightfully big crisp croutons delicately flavoured with hints of cheese that balance out the lightness of the vegetables in the soup. I watch S cut his bruschetta, the goats cheese oozing onto the plate, tempting me as each melted strand clings to the plate, but knowing I have two more courses to go, I am content at sipping my beautiful wine, which is expertly topped up with attentive service so that the glass is never half full.

Our mains arrive very quickly after this so that we’re not left hanging and as S embarks on his examination of the medium rare steak with a dainty pot of mushroom sauce on the side (£19.95), he informs me that it’s cooked exactly to his liking. As a connoisseur of well-prepared meat, that is a most welcome compliment from him. My pan-fried fillet of sea bass comes (£15.95) with a slice of lemon and sprinkling of black pepper, clean, fresh and light. Although the side of hand cooked chips must also have been simultaneously crisp and soft; we both opt for steamed spinach (£3.95) as our side dishes, which arrive as a big healthy green portion of nature on, separate plates, reeking of class.

Happily content, we are faced with the dessert menu. S immediately spots the uniqueness that leaps out from the paper: Chocolate Brick (£5.95). Bravely he takes the plunge while I am faced with a towering scoop of Mango and Lemon sorbet (£5.95). Sticky and soft spoonfuls of icy wonder that wake up my tastebuds on a paradoxical journey of sweet and sour. “What is the brick?” I ask S tentatively, it looks like a brick of chocolate sprinkled with white polka dots. S informs me that it’s softer than a brick of chocolate but harder than a brownie, another ambiguous discovery that oozes chocolate biscuit, cake and brownie.
Our eyes light up as the charming waiter brings over a shot of Limoncello, the perfect tang of refreshing alcohol to dim the sweetness while leaving us wanting more. Yes we want more of this hidden gem of a restaurant behind the usual overcrowded main street haunts. I dare you – search it out; I assure you – you’ll definitely want more.

Dinner for two with wine, excluding service £94.85
12.5% optional service charge

Elistano
25-27 Elystan Street
Chelsea Green
SW3 3NT
www.elistano.com

Shrove Tuesday marks the start of Lent and 6 weeks of frustrating sacrifice. As well as being a religious date on which people across the globe promise to stop eating unhealthily, it is also when the same people stuff their faces with calorific pancakes filled with enough chocolate to satisfy even the greediest of souls and present them with a Theobromine poisoning scare (Chocolate Poisoning – yes, death by chocolate really is possible).

1) The Breakfast Club: The Breakfast Club is an independent chain of breakfast restaurants situated in Hoxton, Angel, Soho, Spitalfields and Canary Wharf. This hipster haven, named after the cult film, will leave you feeling as full with food as ‘The Brekky Club’ is with bohemian journo types. I suggest the ‘pancakes with berries’; a mouth-watering tower of American style pancakes, topped with a delicious berry coulis, maple syrup and vanilla cream. I'm drooling at the thought of it.

2)     La Crêperie de Hampstead: Although crêpes technically aren’t pancakes, this unassuming little kiosk in picturesque Hampstead village had to be included.  Since 1980, the stall has been a local favourite and has attracted crowds of North London teens, loyal fans of the stall and numerous celebrities. The Nutella and banana crêpes, prepared in front of you by authentic French-speaking staff, are sure to delight. 

3)     My Old Dutch: Hailing itself as ‘London’s Original Pancake House’, My Old Dutch, situated in Holborn, Kensington and Chelsea, is a popular chain of homely restaurants. It's claim to fame is offering a mind-boggling amount of topping varieties on their Dutch pannekoeken. Alongside the fairly traditional sweet offerings, the creative savoury menu will make you flip out, if you pardon the pun. My personal favourite is ‘The Amsterdammer’, a bizarre yet delicious mixture of crispy smoked bacon, soft sautéed apples and maple syrup on a large, flat pancake. Their ‘Lite Menu’ means that they even cater for the calorie-conscious consumer. How thoughtful of them.

London is filled with delightful little pancake parlours, some are grand (The Delaunay almost made the list)  and some unexpecting (there's a great one in Camden Market). Tweet us at @jetsetgazette, and let us know  if you have a favourite place to go for this oh so under-consumed treat.

Josh Zietcer
@mrjoshz

Paris may be the ‘City of Love’ … but this February, London is for lovers. In the build-up to Valentine’s Day, we’ll suggest some creative ideas for what you can do on 14th February.

Valentine's Idea #1
First up, we suggest venturing to the depths of North West London. Situated in the heart of Camden, Shaka Zulu, the neighbour of the highly popular Gilgamesh, will be treating guests to a 5 course meal fit for (Zulu) kings. The South African inspired interiors are opulent; perhaps over-the-top but entirely appropriate for Valentine’s Day, and provide the perfect backdrop for the luxurious meal. As guests tuck into their corn-fed chicken breast, Brett Warren will be serenading couples to add to the romance of the night. The meal costs £29.95 and double-daters will be treated to a bottle of South African Rosé.  

Thursday 14th February 2013
To book, either call 020 3376 9911, email reservations@shaka-zulu.comor visit www.shaka-zulu.com
Stables Market
Chalk Farm Road
Camden
NW1 8AB

Valentine's Idea #2
Our second suggestion is Hony Tonk, in Chelsea.  For those of you that are bored of the mushy, lovey-dovey Valentine’s routine, this New-York inspired restaurant is bringing something much edgier to the equation. On February 14th, Honky Tonk will be offering a Yankeefied set menu, champagne upon arrival and live music. Three courses will cost you £39.95 per person, or $62.50 (if you really want to be authentic).

Thursday 14th February 2013
Honky Tonk
6 Hollywood Road,
London
SW10 9HY
Tel: 0207 351 1588
W: www.honkytonkchelsea.com/

Valentine's Idea #3
Our third suggestion is Bunga Bunga, the famous Italian Karaoke bar in Battersea. This year, Bunga Bunga will be celebrating Valentine’s Day twice. At first, they’ll be organising a secret singletons party, named the ‘Segreto Club’, on Tuesday 12th February, with unlimited Prosecco and Bellinis (from 7.30pm until 9pm), small pizzas and a musical chairs game with a speed-dating style twist. Secondly, on Thursday 14th February, if the previous event has worked at all, lovers will be treated to heart-shaped pizzas, serenaded by according players and offered the right amount of Prosecco to get the daring/drunk guests to take to the karaoke stage, at the ‘Lovers Dinner’. This is certainly a less pretentious alternative to other Valentine’s Day events being offered in London!

SEGRETO CLUB
Date: Tuesday 12th February 2013
Time: 7.30 start

LOVERS DINNER
Date: Thursday 14th February 2013

37 Battersea Bridge Road, 
London, 
SW11 3BA
Tel: 020 7095 0360
Website: www.bungabunga-london.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/BungaBungaLondn

Valentine's Idea #4
They say that oysters are an aphrodisiac, so is there really any place better to go than an Oyster Bar, on Valentine’s Day? Bibendum, in South Kensington, is famed for its spacious and surprisingly unpretentious Oyster Bar.  Four varieties of oyster are available, including a seasonal treat of six native Colchester No.2s for £19.75. As well as the food being delicious, the tiled wall and high ceilings of the extravagant Michelin building also provide the perfect back-drop for a highly romantic evening.

Michelin House,
81 Fulham Road,
London
SW3 6RD
Tel: 020 7581 5817
Website: http://www.bibendum.co.uk/oyster-bar/index.html

Valentine's Idea #5
If you've left it a little bit late or have managed to bag yourself a date today ... Have no fear. London has plenty of great restaurants with a strictly no booking policy. This may mean that there are long queues of disorganised lovers on Thursday night, but it also means that a delightfully romantic evening is still possible to attain.

Chicken Shop (79 Highgate Road, NW5 1TL (020 3310 2020) in up-and-coming Kentish Town is part of the growing chicken rotisserie scene in London. Simple but delicious food in a somewhat high-end setting. Alternatively, Meat Liquor is a popular choice with London foodies; famous for its burgers and alcohol, hence the name. It's situated just off Oxford Street, so you can even buy a Valentine's present just before... If you're cutting it reaaaaally fine. The final suggestion is creative, inexpensive and could, if done correctly, be the most romantic option of them all. A stroll alongside the charming Camden Lock, with a meal from one of the international stalls, may be an interesting option for those of you who shy away from the typical Valentine's Day affair.

Enjoy your Valentine's Day, boys and girls, and keep on jet-setting! 

Boys and girls, gather round! It’s story time. Once upon a time, in a land called Chelsea, there was a building called 107 Kings Road. Now, 107 Kings Road looked just like any other building on the street … but this building was different. This building was cursed.

At first there was a Mamilanji Club, the high-end members club and restaurant with an R&B twist. Closed. Then there was Tuatara. Closed. Kings Club arrived on the scene. Closed. Now, on 31st January 2013, the grand opening of Upper West, a Manhattan-inspired nightclub, has arrived. The question on everyone's lips, however, is will this new destination be able to extend their lease? Will its fate be any different to the other now defunct joints?

Considering the vast amount of complaints of overly-expensive entry and drinks, tacky interiors and poor management at all of the aforementioned spots, the future does not (initially) look bright for Upper West.

Even though the club has already attracted the attention of an affluent and party-loving crowd, such as Francesca Hull and our very own ambassador, Diego Bivero-Volpe, one could have their doubts about whether Jad Lahoud and Alexander Nall-Cain have learnt from the mistakes of the previous clubs...

The prices remain high and the management appear to be equally as disorganised; the opening was originally planned for mid-November but was delayed until the end of January. However, the modern and minimalist interior design is far less offensive to the eye than the gaudy yet somewhat dingy décor of the Kings Club and the prices may be acceptable to the older, sophisticated target audience (The entry policy is strictly 21+).

Only time will tell whether this Chelsea-Manhattan hybrid will defy the odds and can establish itself as a Sloaney success.


Let us know what you think.  Tweet us your views to:  @jetsetgazette.

With rotisserie chicken making its way across the London gastro circle, Clockjack Oven is a new addition to the growing chicken scene in the city. Inspired by Tudor cooking, as represented by the name, founders Jerry Goldberg and Fraser Duncan have meticulously researched cooking methods and sourced a rotisserie that is one of its kind in the country.

With the success of Soho House’s Chicken Shop, Wishbone in Brixton and Mark Hix’s Tramshed, Clockjack Oven is capitalising on the chicken love and offering a unique experience. The Soho restaurant’s menu allows guests to build their lunch or dinner around the rotisserie cooked chicken, which is served in varying portion sizes and can be accompanied by Clockjack Oven sauces including creamy ranch sauce, tangy barbecue sauce and hot chilli sauce. Marinated crispy chicken bites, crunchy sage & onion balls, fries and a selection of salads are available as alternatives or on the side. The Clockjack Torpedo, pieces of chicken leg meat marinated in buttermilk and served in a buttermilk bun with lettuce and ranch sauce, offers a more substantial dish. Chicken with chips or a salad costs around £10.

The ambience is casual and comfortable featuring an open rotisserie and a build that focuses on natural materials such as wood, brick and metals. The seating is a mixture of private and communal and a long table runs next to the rotisserie for those that are interested in watching their meat being cooked over the naked flame and looking forward to their succulent, delicious dinner.

Clockjack Oven is definitely a must try for all jet-setters – after all, who doesn’t love a bit of chicken?

Clockjack Oven
14 Denman Street, London W1D 7HJ
www.clockjackoven.com

Anjana Menon

Between 1920 and 1933, there was a national ban in the United States on the sale, manufacture, and transportation of alcohol.  The jet-setting party-goers of the 1920s were facing a crisis; how could they engage in frivolous debauchery?

Gatsby-esque private parties managed to elude the attention of the police, and “speakeasies” popped up in the major US cities.  The speakeasies were illegal establishments which sold liqueur and hosted parties for the secretive socialites.

The prohibition era may have come and gone and steered clear of the British shores… but that doesn’t mean that London isn’t filled with these hidden gems. Referred to as “London’s best kept secret”, Barts, in the heart of Chelsea, is a quiry ‘speak easy’ style bar which is the brainchild of Duncan Stirling and Charlie Gilkes, the successful duo behind Maggie’s and Battersea’s Bunga Bunga.

Alongside its' extensive menu of wines and eccentric cocktails, Barts have recently unveiled their new Bloodshot Bloody Mary Menu. The drinks on this menu are made with Bloodshot Vodka, an artisan liqueur created from over twenty different ingredients, and are blended with an eclectic range of flavours. Favourites include ‘The Mary Tudor’,  a blend of Bloodshot, Rose Jam, Fresh Lemon Juice, Sugar Syrup and served with a garnish of Rose Jam on Toast  and ‘The Devil’s Punchbowl’, a warm drink served in a teacup and saucer and made with Harvey’s Bristol Cream, Bloodshot, Merlot, Cloudy Apple Juice, Cloves, Cinnamon and Ginger with a side of Chilli Chocolate. 

The inconspicuous tavern is easily accessible from Sloane Avenue, but don’t tell all your friends about it! After all, Gilkes and Stirling would hate for Barts to be the talk of the town.

BARTS
T: 020 7581 3355
E: info@barts-london.com 
W: www.barts-london.com

Josh Zietcer (@mrjoshz)

Every time it snows in London, a great debate arises; do we like the snow, or not? 

Whilst the more sensible, logical Londoners would argue that the snow simply messes things up, the more carefree and young at heart amongst us will be building snowmen, Instagramming the Narnia-esque landscapes and searching for the perfect spot to enjoy a hot chocolate in the snow. In order to appeal to both teams, I've decided to write an article aimed at those who want to enjoy a hot chocolate in their snowy surroundings, but in a local setting, so as to avoid the health and safety threat on the roads. How thoughtful, right? 

North London

Sunny Hill Park Café: Situated in the sleepy, leafy suburb of Hendon, North West London, this hidden gem provides guests with a round-the-world experience. Whilst the Chalet exterior convinces you that you are enjoying the slopes of Switzerland, the Israeli-Mediterranean cuisine offers you some Middle-Eastern warmth. Highly recommended for a hot hummus and pitta meal, only 20 minutes away from the centre of London.

http://www.sunnyhillcafe.co.uk/

Golders Hill Park Refreshment Café: Golders Hill Park is a picturesque segment of Hampstead Heath. From the Refreshment Café at the top of the hill, one has a view of  the beautiful flower garden, duck pond and putting green. The menu offers a wide range of winter warmers and is a delightful spot to enjoy a cup of tea, whilst overlooking the marvellous grounds. Additionally, local residents Helena Bonham-Carter and Jonathan Ross are said to be regulars.

Brew House, Hampstead: The perfect spot for enjoying wholesome, organic food behind the magnificent Kenwood House. Many locals refer to this area as "Hampsteadshire", largely due to the impressive view of the former stately home, the village atmosphere and the hearty grub.

http://www.companyofcooks.com/locations/our-locations/kenwood

South London

Pavilion Café, Dulwich: Alongside a boating lake and numerous sporting facilities, the Pavilion Café is a comfortable spot to enjoy a coffee 
or a small snack in a friendly, homely environment.

Common Ground, Wandsworth: Located in the centre of Wandsworth Common, the homely interior of this local favourite means that it is a lovely spot to enjoy some hearty food, before enjoying a walk across the lovely grounds. The menu is currently under review, so expect some big improvements in coming months.

East London

Pavilion Cafe, Victoria Park: 
Situated in Victoria Park, East London, this charming little café is populated by East London hipsters, foodies and yummy mummies. The chocolate brownies are delightful.

www.the-pavilion-cafe.com/

West London

Belvedere, Holland Park: Although this a rather more serious establishment than the other options, Belvedere is situated in the picturesque, winter wonderland that is Holland Park. The menu has a French twist and offers delicious dishes such as Aberdeenshire ribeye with béarnaise sauce and thick chips. The comforting food ensures that Belvedere is a perfect spot to enjoy whilst the snow is still out. 

http://www.belvedererestaurant.co.uk/Intro.html

Broadwalk Cafe, Kensington: During the summer, this spot is unbearably touristy. However, in the winter months, the Broadwalk Cafe offers visitors fair trade tea and coffee and world famous views. If throwing snowballs isn't quite enough and you truly want to feel like a child, you're in the perfect location to enjoy the free Diana Memorial Playground. 

http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens/facilities-in-kensington-gardens/broadwalk-cafe-and-playcafe

 Josh Zietcer
Twitter: @mrjoshz

Christmas may be done and dusted with, but the chilly weather is here to keep us company. Still upset about not being at a chalet, sipping drinks by a warm fire in the evening? Well, aren’t you lucky that you live in London! Tell you what – you don’t need to go that far away to do that! There are two things every jet-setter knows. The first is Soho. Love it or hate it, the world is your oyster. The second thing we know is probably the best bit – the many secrets that this fantastic city has to offer.

Soho’s newest, best kept secret has been revealed – Piste! With Archer Street proving to be a success with the jet-setting elite and the Made in Chelsea cast, you can now enjoy a few cocktails there and head downstairs to their new alpine retreat.

The reclaimed rafter board walls, stripy cushions and sofas and funky mirrors lend to the “après ski” feeling. Still not convinced? They even have a costume box for you where you can find some lederhosen, goggles and ski boots if you’d like to lighten up your look. Add to this one of their delicious Apricot and Cinnamon Bellini and you’re in Verbier within minutes!

They have nightly entertainment in the form of a DJ spinning the decks and regular pop-up performances by their warm, friendly staff. (They sing wintery classics – let’s just say that Glee fans will love it.)

Piste is  joining Bodo’s Schloss in bringing the Alpine craze to London. It is relaxed, trendy, charming and welcoming – everything that has made Archer Street a success. This basement beauty won’t be a secret for long. You better get a taste of it at the earliest! Whether it’s after work drinks or a night out, this is one place you won’t be sloping home early from!

Piste at Archer Street,
3-4 Archer Street, 
London, 
W1D 7AP

www.archerstreet.co.uk

Anjana Menon

In a time honoured tradition, London has once again fallen in love with the East. Its mysteries and arts have fascinated us for hundreds of years; silk, opium and tea are a mere few of the hundreds of oriental offerings that our dear city has absorbed as its own. Of course, we do always seem to discover such wonders rather late, as is the case with Bubble Tea; the new, exciting, innovative spin on a timeless classic. It's hardly surprising that such an avant-garde discovery is utterly mundane in its homeland of Taiwan, having been invented early in the eighties. I'm positive our Eastern cousins view us all as some sort of international village idiot. 

However common it is over in that futuristic landscape, it does seem rather a jump from the very British subject of my last little excursion at Fortnum & Mason (forgetting the Indian and Chinese tea, the French pastries and the 90% foreign waiting staff). As they say, variety is the spice of life... although having said that, I can never really manage much more than a korma.

Now, the tea I sampled was from "Wasabi", but it is available in many other places, including shops in Notting Hill and Soho, which are dedicated to this slightly odd beverage. I do feel an explanation may be required on what Bubble Tea actually is, as it's a rather strange concept. The fact that it is not sparkling, as the name implies, may come as a shock to such westernised brains as ours. The wonderfully poetic languages of the East demand  a little more imagination in order to fully comprehend and appreciate their names. Coming in a range of black, green with milk teas or iced fruit tea flavours, there is huge choice depending on personal preference. The one uniting factor across this multitude of options are the bubbles themselves, or "Pearls". Once again, not real pearls you understand? Good, just checking.  These tiny tapioca balls floating in the tea really add something special, providing of course you don't choke to death on the little things, and once you've mastered the wielding of the positively colossal straws, the sweet chewy treats become most enjoyable.

Having said that, one shouldn't expect an explosion of chemical taste such as can be found in the various frappachinos offered on the high street. The taste of Bubble Tea is much more subtle, with light scents and hints of flavour discernible in each refreshing sip. However, I would definitely recommend this as a summer drink, perhaps as an alternative to the your preferred mix of crushed ice and flavouring, which is only really used as an internal ice pack. It is most certainly less likely to freeze your brain with agony. As for these days of knitwear and near frostbite, I think I'll stick with my thermos. But when our prayers are answered, and summer comes, I'm sure I'll practically swim in the stuff.

QualiTea:  8/10
Made fresh and rather healthy, but perhaps an acquired taste after years of bubble-less tea.

HospitaliTea: Not applicable
It's a take-away drink really, although the lady at the counter was very friendly.

OriginaliTea: 9/10 
Delightfully different, a must-try for any tea enthusiast.

So, according to the Mayan prophecy, the end is nigh. As people across the world return home from the strenuous task of Christmas shopping, they’ll be loudly cursing as they realise that their beloved friends and relatives won’t even receive their recent purchases. The thought will also cross their mind as to how they should prepare themselves for when the world reaches its dramatic end. 

One option is hiding in a stairwell, with a tin of Heinz baked beans, rocking backwards and forwards franticly. The other option, to quote the highly-regarded lyricist and philosopher, Jay Sean, is to “party like it’s the end of the world”. 

So, what are your options?

Real Nice & E.T.A presents - The End of the World Party:

This event will be held in a secret warehouse location near London Bridge Underground Station, making it a highly secretive affair. Whilst the idea of searching for a hidden location on your final night of existence may not sound too appealing, the booming sound system, celebrated lazer and light display and world-class DJs mean that this may be the way to go.

Tickets: £20
http://realnice-eta-presents-211212.eventbrite.com/

The Village Underground - End of the World Party:

The Village Underground have thrown 50 End of the World Parties over the last four years. Whilst this may suggest that they are overly pessimistic, it also means that they’ve gained a whole lot of experience in organizing apocalyptic functions. The event aims to provide guests with the opportunity to act uninhibitedly, party hard and adopt a hedonistic mindset in the 'Last Wish Room'. A room in which anything is possible and all your dreams come true, according to the event hosts. Additionally, all the music is chosen by party-goers, giving you the opportunity to choose the soundtrack to your demise.

Advanced tickets sold out. Some available at the door.
http://villageunderground.co.uk/events/end-world-1

Proud Camden - End of the World Party:
  
Proud, the highly popular bar within Camden’s Stables Market, will be hosting an all-night party that will sample the best sounds in R&B, electro, indie, rock and dance music. A VIP DJ is also expected to arrive at midnight, to celebrate the earth's finale. Unlike the other events listed so far, this party “to end all parties” will take place on the 20th December, meaning that you’ll even have the opportunity to spend your final hours with your family and nurse your killer hangover. 

Tickets: £5-£7
http://proudcamden.com/news/end-of-the-world-party.aspx

The Last Supper Club, Shoreditch:

The Last Supper Club, in Shoreditch, will be cooking up a storm (alongside volcanic eruption and meteorite showers) with their decadent menu, on Friday nights. Guests will be able to enjoy a final feast of epic proportions and indulge in sinful desserts and alcoholic beverages. Their final menu, after the success of the biblical and Mayan themed ones, features dishes to die for, including Chilli Sin Carne with Coleslawter.

Tickets: £35/Head. Book ASAP!
http://www.lastsupperclub.co.uk/food.html

If you are an indecisive person and are currently struggling to come to a decision, fear not, for this may be the last decision you ever have to make. If, however, the world does not end on the 21st, CONGRATULATIONS, and make sure you celebrate by attending our post-apocalyptic ASCOT EVENT.

Until then, keep on jet-setting! 


Josh Zietcer