Last day of the trip, last day in London

In the summer of 2010, we lived in London for the month of July.  We stayed around Green Park where Josh miserably jogged around it with me a few times a week.  It was the summer of Joanne’s camp, good family lore.

Down the street from us was the Wolseley where we would treat ourselves on occasion to breakfast.  We went back for a breakfast and of course a walk down memory lane.

Walked through Green Park a bit on the way over to see the new Christo art installation sitting in a London lake in Hyde Park.

Also walked into the Serpentine to see the Tomma Abts install.

One of my other favorite shows in London during the summer is at the National Portrait Gallery.  Every year there is a portrait competition from artists around the world.  The winner gets a cash prize and also gets to paint a painting that will hang in the Portrait Gallery for the following year.  The works are always extraordinary.  Chuncheih Huan, born 1992, a portrait of a long-standing friend during college finals week.

First prize went to Miriam Escofet, born 1967, of his mother.

Alastair Adams, born 1969, of Bruce Robinson, writer, and director.

Young Artist award to Ania Hobson, born 1990, a portrait of two female painters.  These paintings are just amazing.

Someone recommended we go to Palomar for lunch.  The long bar where people sit and watch the kitchen at work seems to be a theme.  We sat in the back which is fine too as the heat was a bit overwhelming in front that day.  The place gets a bit smoky and the noise level is pretty loud.  Regardless, if you are in London, GO!  It was one of the best meals we had the entire trip.

This is Kubaneh bread that is served upside down in a bread pan and pops out nice and warm.  This comes with tahini and a tomato sauce.  Both delicious.  The labneh we got as well and it just took the entire dish to another level.

Grilled artichokes over stilton cream and mashed nuts.

This is called Octo Hummus.  A chickpea mash with caramelized onions, an eggplant dip and a perfectly plated octopus that has been roasted and formed into a round disc.  The mixture of flavors and textures were incredible.

Last was a whole grilled sea bass with hints of lemon and crushed panko. I picked up the cookbook and plan on digging in to many dishes this summer.  Incredible meal.  Also, the size of the plates are just perfect.

We did a little rest and relaxation before going to the River Cafe for the last meal of the trip.  The restaurant just celebrated its 30th anniversary.  A London classic.  It is a beautiful spot in an incredible setting along the river with an expansive lawn.  The food is good but no OMG’s which is what we expected but a great end to a good trip.

Fresh peas and mozz.

Carpaccio.

Whole Dover fish and roasted veggies on the side.

Fresh tomato pasta.

And back to the hotel before heading home and the rest of the summer.