BLUE ELEPHANT
The unassuming frontage of Blue Elephant disguises one of London's most enchanting restaurants, a world of lush, tropical foliage, bridges, pools and waterfalls, and sparkling fish which all come together to create the light and airy interior of this romantic Thai restaurant. Bundles of orchids add to the sensory treat and the din of the modern world seems far away. No wonder it's a favourite of so many couples. This is a show that'll leave you gasping for more!

As enchanting as this delightful scenario is, the main attraction is the food itself, created by head chef Sompong Saejeaw. Relying on his vast international experience and following the principles of authentic Thai culinary techniques, he delivers a magic show that illuminates the wealth of patterns, textures and flavours that defines Thai cuisine. The service is, as you would expect, being ensconced in this wonderful world of Thailand, justifying it's status as London's premier Royal Thai cuisine venue.

Notable starters included Vermicelli Salad, Yam Mamuang, a very refreshing tangy salad of green mango in a crushed peanut, roasted brown coconut and tamarind sauce, Som Tum, a spicy and very addictive salad made out of shredded raw papaya, lime juice, garlic and chillies, not to forget , "Foie Gras" A Blue Elephant innovation: seared French goose liver with an authentic Thai tamarind sauce.

Interesting mains included KRAJIEB PHAD PHED, A fiery dish of Okra with fresh chilli paste, aubergine, onion and sweet basil leaves, Green Chicken Curry, Chicken fillet curry with freshly pounded green herbs, coconut and Thai aubergine and Massamam, A typical dish from South Thailand of slowly braised lamb in a medium spicy rich gentle sauce.

The menu at Blue Elephant has everything from the mundane to the exotic, subtle to spicy and caters for a plethora of palettes. What all the dishes do have in common however is the freshness of ingredients, divine taste and impeccable presentation. You wont be disappointed!

3-6 Fulham Broadway
London SW6 1AA United Kingdom
020 7385 6595
London@blueelephant.com

AWANA
Awana, in Sloane Avenue, is one of the most stylish places you'll ever sample Malaysian street food. The cocktail bar and restaurant are a welcoming blend of lush silk panels, glass screens and dark interiors. The atmosphere really makes for an intimate and romantic meal

Fine Malaysian eateries are a rarity in London, which makes this even more appealing - no wonder young, well-heeled couples flock here to sample the imaginative and extensive dishes.

The décor draws inspiration from south-east Asian teak houses, hence this elegant restaurant manages to feel both trendy & exotic. Divided into bar, restaurant and a casual eating counter, Awana offers cocktails & street food and elaborate fine dining.

Hungry diners should opt for the tasting menu, which provides a showcase for the tantalising cuisine on offer. Among its highlights are the subtly spiced lamb ribs, golden-fried seafood with sweet chilli dip & the slow-cooked chicken curry, which comes accompanied by a zingy salad of rose apple, green mango, white radish, cucumber & tamarind. Vegetarian delicacies included Roti Canai, a flaky fried flat bread served with various dipping sauces, Tofu & Tomato vegetarian satay, okra turmeric curry, kari sayur bermusim mixed seasonal vegetables simmered with curry and tamarind sauce.

Sweet amiable and efficient staff generally enhance what many couples describe as an 'excellent all-round experience.

Awana Restaurant
85 Sloane Avenue, London
SW3 3DX

www.awana.co.uk
info@awana.co.uk
020 7584 8880

TAMARIND
Tamarind, a Michelin starred Indian restaurant in the heart of Mayfair provides a classic combination of indisputable culinary knowledge, a unique experience and respect for tradition that holds worldwide recognition. The restaurant offers guests a sophisticated fine dining experience with effortlessly charming staff, discrete service and tantalising food that few can compete with, ensuring guests return again and again.

The restaurant décor is a mix of Indian Glamour and subtle 60's modernism. Tables are of a good size with the ability to view the chef at work through a large window and the atmosphere is decidedly subdued and romantic. The Tamarind team is renowned for making guests feel extraordinarily special and welcome, as well as for the depth of their knowledge about Indian cuisine.

Tamarind's fare is derivative of traditional Moghul cuisine focusing around the Tandoor oven, where bread, fish, meat and game are all cooked in the authentic North West Indian style. In addition to the conventional and established Tamarind favourites, Executive Chef Alfred Prasad regularly devises new dishes and seasonal menus to keep the menu innovative, modern and up to date.

The a la carte menu caters very well fo vegetarians and non vegetarians alike with dishes that you will not find in other restaurants. Dishes that impressed included Aloo Tikki, Shammi Kebba, Lasoooni Murgh, Achari Pudina Tikka, Jhinga Tawa masala, Tarkari Haandi & Bengun Bharta. The restaurant is conveniently located a stones throw away from Green park station and close to an assortment of Mayfair bars and nightclubs.

20 Queen Street,
Mayfair,
London W1J 5PR

www.tamarindrestaurant.com
reservations@tamarindrestaurant.com
020 7629 3561

LEVANT
Levant, in the West End, is so much more than a middle-eastern restaurant, it's a sensual culinary experience. Nestling between bustling Oxford Street and Marylebone High Street, it transports you to more exotic lands. This is accomplished by the ultra atmospheric interiors, which are decked out in bold colours, sensuous fabrics and authentic features, and burning incense.

The food epitomises Lebanese culinary perfection from mezze to grilled fish, meat and fresh salads - each dish offers a myriad of spices, textures and flavours. Regular belly dance entertainment adds to the sensory treat of dining here.

Eating at Levant can be a private intimate affair, but is also great for groups. Nightly belly dancers, rose petal-strewn tables, abundant shisha pipes & friendly staff help create an enticing ambience in this subterranean venue where the cooking is as impressive as the relaxed atmosphere. One word that does not describe Levant is "cheap" but the expense is well worth it!

Jason Court
76 Wigmore Street
London W1

www.levant.co.uk
info@levant.co.uk
020 7224 1111

ZENW3
ZENW3 is a hidden gem on the London dining out circuit but is one of the finest, most innovative and stylish oriental restaurants in London. The restaurant, has become renowned for it's inventive and mouth watering cuisine, as well as the stunning designer décor of architect Rick Mather. The restaurant boats a modern contemporray interior, complete with cascading waterfalls, which makes an impact on you as soon as you enter.

The food at ZENW3 is delicate and authentic, and is beautifully presented with close attention to detail. Head chefs, recruited from Hong Kong have drawn together the best of all the regional cuisines of the Far East and added their own creative flair, to create menus that are truly unique and memorable.

All the dishes prepared at ZENW3 demonstrate a quality of ingredients, a freshness of approach and flair for cooking which other restaurants find hard to match. They are happy to accommodate various dietary preferences and have crafted together a separate menu especially for vegetarians.

Zen's patrons include many international celebrities such as Pierce Brosnan, Naomi Campbell, Shilpa Shetty, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg.

83 Hampstead High Street
London NW3 1RE

www.zenw3.com
info@zenw3.com
020 7794 7863