Week Twenty Nine: Inamo and The Rose Bowl

Week Twenty Nine

    Good morrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrning Vietnam! RIP Robin Williams...one of my childhood heroes like everyone else and I must start on this before beginning.  Back to the blog....Week 29 saw the Financier appear for the second week in a row.  This time he strayed away from the usual steak/Italian/Burger choice and decided to go for a Sushi bar he had been recommended from a work colleague.  On the Sunday, the Financier was back again and this time we headed down to the Rose Bowl to watch Day One of the Third Test between England and India.
   
Special guests include: The Financier, The brother (Joe) and Lefty (Tom Wright).

Summary of Inamo

Name: Inamo

Type: Oriental Fusion Restaurant

Location: 4-15 Lower Regent Street, St James, London, SW1Y 4PE

Website: http://www.inamo-stjames.com

Date Visited: 21/07/14

Price: Ask Dad (not great value he muttered)

Rating: 2.95/5

Review

  

  The Financier was back in the big smoke again and booked us a restaurant on the Monday evening along with my brother Joe and I.  Now I am sure you are all in agreement that Monday is not when everyone is feeling their freshest and certainly not when people are interested in having a few alcoholic beverages.   The Gravestock's were no different with Joe and I going for a few easy going Rekorderligs (but they are alcoholic Jack you maverick!!) while Dad was on the Diet Coke all evening.

  I must say I wasn't overly delighted when the Financier informed me we were coming here as I am not a big fan of Sushi. Cue gasps from the same people who look at me disapprovingly while patronisingly ask, 'You don't know how to use chopsticks? How is that even possible?'  Because I use a knife and fork unless I'm feeling bold and then I'll get out the spoon. Thats how.

  Anyway despite my concerns over the chopsticks, I arrived open minded.  By the way for the record, I can use and do use chopsticks if forced.  Back to this place and it's pretty cool, as they have an interactive table where you can touch type to make your orders.  Think of minority report but not quite as cool or quite as high tech.  Other options include Chef Cam, which is a little odd, and a variety of interactive games.  The Financier really enjoyed these games for some reason. see below.

Dad trying out the interactive games you get at Inamo.  He looks rather startled.

  Onto the food.  It was pretty decent.  The starters actually were outstanding, with the Salmon Maki being the particular highlight.  The papaya pork belly was also exceptional though...the cheeky add of the crushed peanuts really made it.  Those were the two standout dishes for me and unfortunately they were for the rest of the evening.  

  This is where I think this place lets itself down a little bit....it doesn't have enough options for the larger dishes (mains).  Admittedly I don't like spicy food, which does limit my options, but I was still a bit disappointed.  Maybe it's because I grown accustomed to expecting a high standard when I dine with the Financier.

  In conclusion, I do like this place and if you haven't been before I would certainly recommend trying it out as I know some people who rave about this place.  I don't think I would optionally choose to go here again but if I had to, I wouldn't be overly upset.  If you like Sushi you'll dig it.

Summary of Rose Bowl

Name: Ageas Bowl

Type: Cricket Stadium

Location: Botley Road, West End, Southampton, Hampshire, SO30 3XH

Website: http://www.ageasbowl.com/

Date Visited: 27/07/14

Price: Decent for a stadium

Rating: 3.8/5

Review

  Always tricky to review a sports ground, it is as dependent on the standard of the event being held there as much as the arena itself.  The Financier, who really is trying his best to feature as much as possible on this blog, had managed to wangle a couple of tickets to the first day of England V India.  Lefty (Tom Wright) came as well and we were both feeling a tad rough after a long all dayer watching Josh Beebee race in the Silverstone Classic.  That tale is for another day I am afraid.

  After a couple of Thatchers had gone down, I was feeling as right as rain, which thank god there was none off (see what I did there). Instead it was glorious sunshine and what's great about the rose bowl is that no matter where you sit, it seems as if you are right by the action.  Always a good sign of a cricket ground.

  Pints of Beers and Ciders only came to £4, which is very well priced if you consider that the Oval charges £5 per pint.   We saved soooo much money considering the amount we drunk that day, LADS!  I jest, we had work the next day so only a few were consumed throughout the day.  The food from the stalls wasn't bad and again not too expensive, which is again a rarity these days at stadiums.  Still not cheap but not extortionate.

  The cricket itself was ok but a very slow scoring day.  England were batting and scored under 300 runs despite batting all day.  Unheard of.  Alistair Cook, who had been getting some serious stick in the media prior to the game (this blog is 3 weeks behind remember), was caught out on 95 much to everyone in the grounds dismay. 

Action shot from the cricket.  Not one for the archive.

  However from that long walk back from the middle to the Pavilion, Cook received a standing ovation.  It was a memorable spine tingling moment which was great to see as the atmosphere had been relatively flat in the crowd all day.  To be fair to have day one on a Sunday was never going to be raucous, but it was a very sombre atmosphere throughout the day.  Well apart from a few pipey Indians who chanting RAVI JADEJA! for about an hour after tea.

Really lovely family friendly stadium is the Rose Bowl and the free transport to and from the station to the ground was very efficient and incredibly useful.  What a lovely sunday it was and what a great ground it is.

  

Special Shoutout

Winner: Josh Beebee

This week deservedly goes to Josh Beebee.  Every year it has become tradition to go to the Silverstone Classic to go and watch him and his father race in their old classic mini.  This year turned out to be his long awaited year, especially after retiring in the race last year.  The boy won his class which kickstarted the day perfectly.  To add to the win, he also hosted the day, along with his Dad Rob of course, before providings the evenings festivities at Chateau Beebee too.  Top work son.

Poem Advice

If you fancy Sushi
in an different sort of way,
Then you'll like the interactive Inamo,
Its unique I must say

Want to watch England 
With the environment family friendly fun,
Rose Bowl's your choice then,
Even more glorious in the sun

Song of the Week

If you don't like this song then there is something wrong with you.  This should be played every time you wake you up and are getting ready for work.   It will change your life.

Average White Band - Pick up the Pieces

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnH_zwVmiuE



 Sorry its a shorter read than normal folks but hey lots still in the pipeline and still 23 weeks left....Good God!


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Week Twenty Eight: Gaucho and L'Entrecote

Week Twenty Seven

  Two places visited this week and both were steak restaurants.  You'll be pleased to hear fans that this week also saw the return of The Financier after quite a hiatus.  He took us to Gaucho and on the Friday night I went to L'Entrecote which is Chris Kroeger's favourite restaurant in London.
    
Special guests include: The Financier, Sonia, my brother (Joe), Chris Kroeger, Jack Bunnage, Al Rayner, Matt Dankis, Tom B Cornwell, Jonny Keeling, Breester, Maria Manwani, Julia Robertson, Tom Grimes and Tom Wright.

Summary of Gaucho

Name: Gaucho

Type: Argentinian Steak Restaurant  

Location: 25 Swallow Street, London, W1B 4QR

Website: http://www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk/restaurants/restaurant.php?id=piccadilly

Date Visited: 16/07/14

Price: Ask Dad

Rating: 4/5

Review

  Now I probably don't need to be telling you all what Gaucho is as I am sure the majority of the readers have been before.   It was my first time (obviously) and I must say it was a real delight.  The weather was brilliant so Dad, Sonia, Joe (my brother) and I were able to sit outside.  The outside dining area was really nice and set up properly.  Too often at restaurants when you sit outside it isn't done well so you end up sitting on a slope of some kind with misfit chairs smaller than the table.  Oh and the table is quite often uneven so you have to put your napkin under the leg to stop it wobbling.

  Anyway this wasn't the case here.  The table was good.  The service was absolutely impeccable too, in fact I must say it was the best service and best waitress (are you meant to say Waiter these days?) I have had in London and certainly the best since I've started the blog.  She was incredible.  She brought all the variant steaks on the slate for us to choose from (always a good sign for a steak restaurant).  She memorised all of our drinks without noting it down and could recite the history behind every wine on the wine list on cue.  It was impressive I must say.  For service 5/5.

The splendid outside area of Gaucho. (Taken from website)

  Onto the steak and the rest of the food.  Now the big question for me when having steak is what do you have with it.  Do you go with béarnaise sauce or peppercorn sauce?  It's a tough one.  So tough for me that I have now decided to adopt the best option....both.  I coat the whole steak in peppercorn sauce, obviously, and have the béarnaise sauce on the side of the plate.  A bit like a dip you could say.  Try it....the combo works beautifully.  

  Really good meal.  Have I had better steaks in London? Yes.  Have I had better service? No.  

  I do like the Gaucho and I'm sure I'll come back.  You can see why everyone likes them.  The decor of the restaurants is impressive too, which should be noted.  It was good to finally go and try the piccadilly branch.   I look forward to trying others.

Summary of L'Entrecote

Name: Le Relais de Venise, L'Entrecote

Type: Steak Restaurant

Location: 5 Throgmorton Street, Bank, London, EC2N 2AD

Website: http://www.relaisdevenise.com/city/

Date Visited: 18/07/14

Price: Bloody good

Rating: 4.55/5

Review

  Onto steak restaurant number two for the week.   Now Friday night had arrived and I was keen for a few drinks to unwind after a tough week (Oh god you work so hard Jack...I know I know!).   When you're in this frame of mind then there is no better person than Chris Kroeger to call.  Sure enough he answered and I went off to meet him and his compadres at Leadenhall Market.

 All you big city slickers are probably hoping for a review on the Leadenhall Market.  Alas not this week I am afraid as by the time I arrived, there was nobody left apart from Kroegs and the rest of his group.  After having a few pints I was about to head off to Clapham to meet some other friends (you are soooo popular Jack) when Kroegs grabbed my shoulder and stated, "You must try this restaurant before you leave!'  I informed him that I was fine but when he retorted 'If you give it worse than 4.5 I will give you a £100!"  Suddenly I weirdly started to feel quite hungry coupled with feeling rather cynical too.  

  L'Entrecote....fair play you've kept Kroeger his £100.   This restaurant doesn't mess about and has got the set up so right.  You can't book but because the service is so quick you don't wait long.  It's very simple - you sit down and have no choice on what you order.  You either have your steak medium rare or rare.  That's all you order apart from your drinks of course.

The gang at L'entrecote.  Shoddy photography from the waiter.

  First you get the starter in minutes after ordering.  The starter is a salad with dressing.  Simple but it works.  Secondly you get your main, steak with chips (good thin fries cooked well...you know the kind) coated in a special sauce.  Now a quick note about the sauce, no one knows whats in the sauce but what I can tell you is that it is sooooo good.  Finger licking good.  Back to the food and thirdly what do you get? Another portion of steak and chips coated in the special sauce.  I'll say it again - simple but good.  The steak is pretty damn good actually.  Is it the best in London? Again no.  But how much does this cost you in total? £20.  Now thats value for money folks! 

 The house red comes to £15 and isn't bad.  Bottled beers are nicely priced too, which is surprising considering its in Bank.  It came to £34 each and we all left relatively tipsy and extremely full.  Definitely worth a try if you haven't been.  It is only open weekdays (I know other branches are) and there are a couple of them dotted around London.  So clever, so efficient and so tasty.  Word of the day: So

  

Special Shoutout

Winner: Prince of Wales (not Charles)

Chris Kroeger was close to getting the special shoutout and it may seem unfair that I am giving this award to a place rather than a person but Kroeger has already had the award before (See Week Eighteen).  The reason for Prince of Wales winning this was that it showed great bouncebackability.  If you cast your memory back to Week Seventeen where my phone got stolen cutting short my night at Prince of Wales in Brixton.  Well with my phone fully secured I gave this place another try.  It didn't disappoint.  Great music, superb outside area, which is two tiered I discovered, and an overall cracking night.  I recommend it.  
The poorly lit dark photo above was taken outside the POW.  Front row from left to right - Julia Robertson, Maria Manwani and Briony Jones (Breester). Back Row from left to right - Tom Wright, Tom Grimes and me.

Poem Advice

Argentianian steak at the Gaucho,
as The Financier returned
The waitress was incredible
Her tip more than earned

Cheap as chips your looking for
and also wanting steak
The go to L'Entrocote in central, 
The place makes no mistake


That poem was a bit crap wasn't it.

Song of the Week

Favourite track at the moment.

Saint Motel - My Type

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyVPyKrx0Xo

Thanks again as always folks and if you have any suggestions on what you would like included in the blog then please do let me know.

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Week Twenty Seven: Castle (in Angel), Duke's Head and Maddox Club

Week Twenty Seven

  This was an action packed week with a whole host of new places visited with various groups.  Emma Horner, an a old friend who currently resides in Madrid (see Week Eight for my visit there), had returned to the UK for a week.  It was also Ben Mcandrews birthday (which I embarrassingly got wrong) on the Thursday night followed by an upmarket night out in Central sorted out by Madison Allan on the Saturday.  It was an eventful and enjoyable week.
  
    
Special guests include: Emma Horner, Katie Astin, Tom Madden, Sam Murphy, Oli O'Donnell, Al Young, Tom Denning, Laura Martin, Ellie Stimpson, Cecilia Segar, Rusty, Gibby, Oli Leech, Gabriel Langford, Ben MacAndrews, Hattie MacAndrews, Freddie Allen, Alex Felton, Lexa, Crackers, Josh Beebee, Brynne Mccord and Madison Allan.  

Summary of The Castle

Name: The Castle

Type: Pub

Location: 54 Pentonville Road, London, Islington, N1 9HF

Website: http://www.geronimo-inns.co.uk/london-the-castle

Date Visited: 09/07/14

Price: Decent

Rating: 4/5

Review

  Emma Horner had returned to England from Spain due to her graduation, this meant it was time for some good old fashioned catch up drinks.  Sam Murphy chose the destination in Angel and I have to say he chose well.  This is the second pub I had been to visit in recent weeks called The Castle and this one was as good if not better than the other.

  That might be a bit of a big statement from me actually, especially seeing as the Castle in Tooting does have one of the best beer gardens in London.  Though this place has an exceptional roof terrace which gives the other place a run for its money.  Now I'm not sure how well this place would do in the winter months as I think the roof terrace is key to its success.

The gang at Angel.  A strong group.

  The outside area is superb....I mean its a roof terrace for god's sake (apologies to my Religious audience for the blasphemy).  You don't see enough them these days.  It is perfect for summer drinking and the terrace itself is fairly big with plenty of tables.  Not only that but it is also very open so it gets plenty of sun. Key.

  The drinks were well priced I must say and when unfortunately the rain began to fall we all headed inside and managed to find a table/a line of sofas to sit on.  The world cup semi final was on and being played which was another added bonus.

  Again I do feel that the pub is too small inside to accommodate huge amounts of people in the winter but it is a pub I strongly recommend going to in the Summer.  Hats off to Sam Murphy who recommended it.

  It was a very enjoyable evening and there was a good group of us, all offering strong chat while drinking affordable drinks (what a delightful bunch you lot are).  Lovely little venue....did I tell you it had a roof terrace?

Summary of Duke's Head

Name: Duke's Head

Type: Pub

Location: 8 Lower Richmond Road, Putney, London, SW15 1JN

Website: http://www.dukesheadputney.com

Date Visited: 10/07/14

Price: Normal

Rating: 3.8/5

Review

    It was Ben MacAndrews birthday so a good old fashioned pub sesh on a Thursday had been arranged by his other half Laura and his close aide Alex Felton.  Unfortunately for me I got everything a little muddled and thought it was actually Felton's birthday.  This resulted in the most embarrassing moment I have experienced for some time.

  I was slightly late arriving anyway, so the table was already full of 14ish people when I got there.  Keen to make up for being late I gave a quick hello, incorrectly wished Felton happy birthday (no-one corrected me) and went to the bar to order myself a beer (lad) and a shot for the birthday boy.  I returned back to the table with two shots of Sambuca, one for myself and presented the other to Felton and then loudly declared, 'Happy Birthday mate!'.  Here Felton kindly informed me that it was not his birthday but in fact Ben MacAndrews who was sitting right next to him on his left.  Ben took it very well to be fair to the lad but this didn't stop being turning beetroot red.   Preparation prevents piss poor performance.  Remember that.

The gang for Ben/Felton's birthday

  After that incident I went outside to collect my thoughts before returning and from there the rest of the evening went without a hitch.  The pub itself was lovely.  The food, although I didn't actually have any, looked tasty and due to the grunts of approval from those eating I believe it tasted good too.  Another bonus of the pub is that the Duke's Head overlooks the Thames so you can take your beer outside on the riverfront and look over the phenomenal surroundings.  That's if you feel like acting very cliche...although I must say I did it and i enjoyed it.

Ed wanted a big mention and took a photo of himself with Hattie and Laura.  There's your mention

  The evening was really nice and was good to see all the Newcastle crew who I hadn't seen for a few weeks.   I am a big fan of Putney and I am big fan of this pub as it has a great atmosphere and is in a superb location.  Well priced and the bar staff were very friendly end efficient.  Nice work!

Summary of Maddox Club

Name: Maddox Club

Type: Nightclub

Location: 3-5 Mill Street, London, W1s 2AU

Website: http://www.maddoxclub.com

Date Visited: 12/07/14

Price: Appalling

Rating: 2.65/5

Review

 After being criticised for being too nice in my blogs recently, a damning review was due.  Congratulations Maddox Club you take that honour and win the prize for being the most pretentious club I've been to for quite some time.   This 'high end' club stinks of self importance.

  Wow Jack aren't you being a bit harsh? Probably a little.   To be fair Jay Z has partied at this club before and Matt Le Blanc (Joey from Friends) as well.  Also, I must say I did actually have a pretty decent evening and it was kindly organised by Maddie who had a useful contact who had been able to sort a table for us and had got us on the guest list.  Josh, Brynne, Maddie and I arrived and saw a big queue waiting for us.  Despite being on the guest list we were unfortunately told our place still belonged at the back of the queue. 

  The contact was rung but his sway had nothing on the 'powerful' woman holding the clipboard at the front of the venue.  Effectively while we waited (which was for a good 40 mins) we noticed a number of groups bypassing the queue and heading straight in.  I'll give you a tip...if your a guy have slick back hair, wear a fancy(ish) jacket and have 7 girls in tow who can giggle on cue....you'll skip the queue.  Hey I'm not bitter.

This was where our base for the evening

  Once we got in the venue we went to meet the contact at the table where we had a base and danced the night away.  I wasn't getting a great vibe of the contact and I'm pretty sure he wasn't a huge fan of me...obviously he hadn't heard of the blog.  That said the music was awesome and for that you can't complain because it is so rare to go to a club with a good music policy these days (oh Jack you're soooo scene!).  The smoking area was also pretty cool but small.

The main problem with this club is that it advertises itself as high end so it has a lot of tables dotted around to ensure groups spend a lot of money.  The issue with this, is that there is simply too many tables meaning there is effectively no dance floor.  No dance floor or a small dance floor in my view is a big negative for a club.  Everyone loves busting a move in a club....Fact!  That coupled with two vodka tonics coming to £21 also meant that I didn't view this place in such high regard.

 Despite me sounding like a moaning myrtle I actually had a really good night.  This was due to company and the music not my surroundings.  Wouldn't bother coming here again.  I could be wrong but I doubt it. £20 entry fee as well folks.  Eish

Special Shoutout

Winner: Ben MacAndrews

It has to be Mr MacAndrews.  Although it was good to see Emma again and Maddie really did sort us out on Saturday but Ben has to win this week.  The man took me forgetting his birthday incredibly well and for that I am very grateful.  Ben is also one of the big dog chefs at Quo Vadis which is an incredible restaurant I have had the pleasure of going to.  Highly recommend it. 

Check it out here: http://www.quovadissoho.co.uk 

Happy Birthday mate and forgive me for my faux pas.

Poem Advice

Looking for an atmospheric place in Angel
And fancy a pint as well
Then the Castle's the pub for you
The roof terrace there is swell

Putney and the river thames
Is where you'll find the Dukes Head
Embarrassing I got the birthday wrong
My god my face went red

If its overpriced and pretentious
Then the Maddox Club it'll be 
Thank god the company was awesome
with good music making me happy


Song of the Week

New feature guys....song of the week.  This blog is turning into a lifestyle mag eh?

Nico and Vinz - Am I wrong?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bg1sT4ILG0w

  Thanks again for reading guys.  Oh by the way, if you have anywhere you would recommend going or fancy sponsoring the blog then do get in touch.  Please contact me on jackgravestock@hotmail.com for all media enquiries.


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