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Savoir Fare London – Stylish Dining for Under $25.00

I do love a good Myth-Busting book, and Savoir Fare London – Stylish Dining for Under $25.00 is a candidate for first prize in the culinary section. Every American tourist seems to have a tale of horror about the food in London. (Does anyone ask how many British tourists have been equally appalled by food in New York?) Whilst it’s true that London, and Britain in general, had a bad reputation for food, things have changed.

The secret of eating well is to know where to go. If you want predictable then London has a good selection of McDonalds and the burgers will taste just the same as they do in Dubuque, Iowa, but why not try some real British food that will have you proclaiming that London is the foodie capital of the world?

Elaine Louie is an American who has dedicated quite a bit of time to researching restaurants that will be appealing to Americans. Elaine works for The New York Times where she is a regular contributor to Home, Dining, and Sunday Styles sections. She was evidently charmed by what she found and probably a little surprised.

Savoir Fare London – Stylish Dining for Under $25.00 lists 50 or so restaurants that reflect the breadth of the new British restaurant scene. There are eateries that offer breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. They are found in every area of the capital and cover both traditional British and ethnic fare.

Do I have a favourite from this collection of restaurants? Yes, but it’s not a restaurant, it’s a pub, or more correctly a gastropub. It’s an establishment with the charm of an iconic pub but with more attention to food. It’s the Eagle Public House in Clerkenwell, East London and was one of the original gastropubs. There have been a few reviews of late that suggest that this gastropub might be getting by on reputation alone, but it’s still worth a look.

This chunky volume will be a riveting read to any American with an interest in food and a ticket to Heathrow. There are great suggestions here so steer clear of tourist traps and follow the locals, and you’ll not go hungry. A lovely gift for a traveller.

Cookbook review: Savoir Fare London – Stylish Dining for Under $25.00
Author: Elaine Louie
Published by: The Little Bookroom
Price: $14.95, £8.99, $16.95CAN
ISBN 978-1-892145-65-9