Abeno Too

I have returned from New York for a week now. It is not enough to say that I miss that place a lot. For somebody who was only out there for a week, I have fallen in love very quickly. The place, the people, the lights is just incredible. People always complain about the cold and windy weather in London, but it really does not compare to the brisk cold of New York. So when I went to London in this particular evening in a Leather Jacket I was especially happy that I did not have to wear the layers upon layers and thermals that I had on in New York.

I mean, this is no New York City Skyscrapper sight, but London financial district Canary Wharf doesn't do too bad of a job. The sunset makes it look slightly better.

It is nice to take time to see the sights you were once so bored of seeing. I used to walk past this so frequently and just glance, but this night and the other nights I have returned I just remind myself how pretty it really looks.

Generic Oxford Street Light pictures, with an additional of a man's head. Bet you don't see that head very often, so let's just say this is a new refreshing picture.

Selfridges does an impressive job with Christmas Lights I must admit, no shops in New York actually wowed me with their christmas displays or lights, but this looks elegant and not too "christmassy" which is probably why I like it.

Moving onto the food section. ABENO TOO. Some people hate this, *ahem* Maggie, but actually I really enjoy this place. It isn't the cheapest of places to go for Japanese food in London, but it is quite different. Sitting in front of a hot plate, it is mainly known for it's tepanyaki, meat cooked on the hot plate in front of you. Additionally they do dishes called okonomi-yaki which is pictured below, an egg dish mixed with whatever you want. Above is Om-Soba, this looks massive, but two of these shared between 6 people really isn't enough. (Well for me anyways, they all agreed they were full and I was secretly sobbing inside). If you don't like salty foods or noodles, avoid avoid avoid.

This is the okonomi-yaki. We went for a mix of pork, kimchi and prawn mix which yet again was quite salty, but that is asian cuisine for you. This was delicious, and the sauce on top is Mayonnaise, but this is optional with also a few extras that the cook asks you.

 After dinner I left these friends to go meet another friend, and guess what that means, ANOTHER LOCATION to eat. Typical. Above is just a little box of chocolates gifted.

Moving on to Muriel's Kitchen in Old Compton Street for dessert it was then. Carrot and Walnut cake, my favourite. Adults and kids who squirm at this because of the sight of the word carrot, fear not, it tastes nothing like a carrot. (Although carrots really don't taste that bad once you give them a chance). It was really good, £5 for a large slice isn't too bad, as it is a shareable size. The cream on the inside was so fresh and definitely made to a high quality. Recommended! It is also their "famous" cake so why wouldn't you want to give it a try? I ordered an Arizona Tea on the side, don't ask, it was the panicked first thing I saw on the menu so I'll order it drink.

The decor in Muriel's Kitchen is extremely nice too. It is homely, yet not too homely, it doesn't look old and dated, it's comfortable and outdoorsy. Definitely my kind of place, and free wi-fi. Can you complain?

Anyway, on my arrival back from New York, my love for cities has grown exponentially, and actually I feel I have missed out on what London city can offer. This evening gave me a refreshing set of eyes when looking at the beloved London town.