Bodeans, Soho, W1

After a healthy lunch consisting of Yellowfin Tuna (Ortiz I say!), Pasta (Martelli!) and salad I was left wanting a little more for dinner last night... BODEANS!

I've pretty much worked my work through most of the meat on this menu. Today's special was the Jacob's ladder. Been there, done that. So good old Beef Back Ribs with Chilli Cheese Fries and Slaw.

And some Eli's Original Cheesecake to share.

So in summary, like I've said before, Bodeans is probably amongst the best barbecue in Soho. But, perhaps not so with this diner's meal! The portion, of a half slab, was decent but I suspect the chef who assumed I was unable to add salt to my chips, decided that I needed a high sodium diet and went hell for leather with the seasoning. Far too much salt. Horrific. And how small is that portion of cheesecake? Give me American sized please. Especially fo £4.30.

... I'll be going back soon of course.

(yes, it's a casual blog entry today but it's a start and I'm still waking up. Been a while again right?)

The Diner, Ganton Street, W1

The Diner
18 Ganton Street
Soho, London, W1F 7BU

The Diner is in the Carnaby St area of Soho, directly opposite Cha Cha Moon on Ganton Street. Arriving much later than we had planned our Sunday breakfast had turned much more into a late brunch when we arrived at 1pm. It is much more spacious and darker than it's Shoreditch cousin. Rather than waiting for the next available booth we opted to sit at a normal table. It was reasonably busy but customers didn't have to wait long to be seated.

The comprehensive menu is exactly the same as the other two branches and we quickly ordered exactly what we had planned before arriving, blueberry pancakes with maple syrup, a breakfast burrito and a side of potato skins with bacon and cheese with a Creamy Nut (a "hard" shake with hazelnut and pistachio and a shot of baileys) and Chocolate shake. Our helpful and friendly waitress very quickly brought our drinks over followed by our food a little under 10 minutes later. The burrito was average if not a little too salty and was served with standard guacamole (freshly prepared) and sour cream and a tiny side salad. My girlfriend's pancakes were good but they could've been a bit more generous with the blueberries. The side of potatos skins were crispy and delicious although a little more cheese could've been called for. Portions were just right. I love the shakes at The Diner's, blended ice cream complete with the bits of hazelnut and pistachio.

As we rarely have breakfast out, the diner style breakfast was an exciting trip for my girlfriend who is an American. Above average, The Diner is for Europeans not expecting "diner-sized" portions! The bill came to £30.94 including 10% service and I would certainly go back.

Rating: 3 stars (out of 5)