London : The List

Celeb Chefs Cover the Market

BuzzEditor — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:10:00 GMT

Gordon Ramsay's The Narrow

Photo by Cindy Chen

Though fine dining may have cooled off a little as a result of the past year’s economic turmoil, celeb chefs remain as popular as ever. And, fortunately, many of them have opened more casual concepts, allowing diners with tighter budgets to get a taste of their culinary vision. But how do these budget-minded sibs stack up against their high-end counterparts? Read up, and then add your own votes and opinions.

Gordon Ramsay

Say what you will about the man, but you've got to give Gordo credit for making sure he's got both ends of the dining spectrum covered.

Gordon Ramsay at 68 Royal Hospital Rd.

68 Royal Hospital Rd.
London SW3
020-7352-4441

Food	Decor	Service	Cost
28	25	28	£108

“From amuse-bouches to petit fours”, the “transcendent, whimsically elegant” New French fare “dazzles” at “star chef” Gordon Ramsay’s “Chelsea flagship”, once again London’s No. 1 for Food; perhaps the “peripatetic” toque is rarely in the “clean-lined”, cream-and-ivory house these days, “but he can train staff” to deliver “impeccable” “not-at-all-sycophantic service” (“headed by suave manager Jean-Claude Breton” and executive chef Mark Askew); yes, “the reservation dance is maddening” and “prices aren’t for the fainthearted”, but “in short, it’s a must-visit.”

Key to Zagat Ratings

The Narrow

44 Narrow St.
London E14
020-7592-7950; reserve online

Food	Decor	Service	Cost
21	20	19	£33

“The remote location only adds to the charm” of this “homely” Limehouse gastropub where “calm” servers proffer “simple, comforting” Traditional Brit fare; “if the menu is a bit ‘laddish’” and “a little narrow”, at least the place is “not that pricey, given it’s on the river – and a Gordon Ramsay” venue to boot.

Key to Zagat Ratings

Heston Blumenthal

Those willing to make the journey to Bray to try Heston Blumenthal's beloved cooking likely won't be disappointed – whether they go to his flagship or next door where the chefs fingerprints are all over the menu.

The Fat Duck

High St.
Bray SL6
0162-8580-333

Food	Decor	Service	Cost
27	23	27	£133

Heston Blumenthal’s “shrine” to “experimental eaters with refined palates” creates “multisensory experiences” via an “astonishing” tasting menu of “haute” Modern European cuisine with a “molecular gastronomic twist” (think nitro-scrambled egg and bacon ice cream); “engaging, entertaining service” and an “unusual wine list” help soften the “extreme prices”, and though this “simple” Bray cottage is “a long drive from London proper” (about an hour),“it does not get better than this.”

Key to Zagat Ratings

Hinds Head

High St.
Bray SL6
016-2862-6151

Food	Decor	Service	Cost
24	21	22	£43

A “neighbour to the Fat Duck and from the same stable”, this “quaint” Bray boozer dating back to the 1600s shows what British “country cooking should be like” when “world-famous” consulting chef/co-patron Heston Blumenthal applies his “magic to traditional pub fare”; all-in-all, it makes “a great place to while away a whole afternoon – and a fair amount of cash too.”

Noodling Around

BuzzEditor — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:23:00 GMT

L'Anima

photo: Cindy Chen

In an effort to combat pasta's bad post-Atkins rap, the World Pasta Congress of Rome (yes, there is such a thing) has deemed October 25 to be World Pasta Day. In its honor, we thought we’d take this opportunity to highlight some primo pastafarians around town.

Splashy Spots

BuzzEditor — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 21:01:00 GMT

Gaucho Grill

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

The pleasure of dining by the water is something only an aquaphobe could deny. Yet too often the food at waterside restaurants is a washout. To give you a leg up, here are five such spots that please with their cuisine as well.

Want more aqua-adjacent options? Check out our full list of waterside restaurants.

Eating Au Naturel

BuzzEditor — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:25:00 GMT

Fill up on your veggies at Morgan M.

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

With summer here, sometimes what you really want is a healthy, light bite. To that end, we point you out to our list of the Top Vegetarian restaurants in London.

Do It Outdoors

BuzzEditor — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 22:08:00 GMT

The Narrow

Photo: Cindy Chen

With warm weather upon us, it's time once again for long meals outside. If you're looking for a spot to worship the sun while dining, check out our listings of choice outdoor spots (including The Narrow, pictured).

Marathon Eats

BuzzEditor — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:22:00 GMT

Ramsay the runner

The Flora London Marathon happens 26 April, and so far we know that Gordon Ramsay and Michel Roux Jr. will be pounding the pavement – we’ll see who comes out first this year. The race route takes runners all around the capital, and whether you’re a competitor looking to celebrate or just a hungry spectator, here are five dining options near the finish line:

Migh-Tea Fine Weather

BuzzEditor — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 19:14:00 GMT

You may have noticed a touch of snow out there? If you're looking to warm up after a trek through the winter wonderland, here's our list of recommended restaurants that do tea service from the 2009 London Restaurants guide:

Yauatcha

15 Broadwick St., W1; 020-7494 8888

“Welcome to Blofeld’s basement” cackle converts to restaurateur Alan Yau’s “psychedelic” Soho all-day dim sum diner that offers an “unforgettable experience”; disciples descend the darkened stairs to the “stylish” yet “romantic” dining room where “inventive ingredients such as ostrich and venison” make for “delicious dumplings” and other Chinese treats, accompanied by “sublime”, “creative” cocktails; less loved, however, is the staff’s sometimes “crude” enforcement of two-hour time limit on the “tight” tables; P.S. fans of “fancy” French pastries and “aromatic” Asian teas “will be in heaven” on the “airy, light” ground-floor cafe.

La Fromagerie Café

2-6 Moxon St., W1; 020-7935 0341

“Some of the most knowledgeable cheese purveyors in the city” can be found at this Marylebone “fabulous store” where a “tiny cafe space at the rear” has diners “eating elbow to elbow” (everyone’s “glad they are expanding” as we write); the “irresistible”, “imaginative” Modern European dishes are made with “produce available to purchase”, and if the “prices will kill you, the food is to die for.”

Ladurée

Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Rd., ground fl. SW1; 020-7893 8293

“As if anyone needed an excuse to go”, this “delectably decorated” “Harrods-based outpost” of the Paris patisserie is “rightly famous for its macaroons” – “heavenly items” “made by angels” – as well as applauded for its “well-thought-out” Classic French menu of “light, hot dishes”; whilst pastry “perfection doesn’t come cheap”, and “service can be slow”, most just “love the whole experience.”

The Wolseley

160 Piccadilly, W1; 020-7499 6996

With its “buzzing atmosphere”, “unique, grand setting” (“Viennese-style” cafe “meets former bank” in Piccadilly) “and always some celebrity-spotting”, this “well-oiled machine” remains “hot, hot, hot”; whilst some growl it’s “more glamour than good food” here, the Modern European “comfort” menu “covers the gamut” from “brilliant breakfasts” to “delicious dinners”, so “you can eat cheap and cheerful or top-end”, and the “service is surprisingly friendly”; it’s “impossible to book”, of course, but “their policy of keeping tables for walk-ins is a wonderful touch.”

Sotheby's Cafe

34-35 New Bond St., W1; 020-7293-5077

A good bid during the day (it serves breakfast, “lunch and tea only”), this “upscale”, “tiny spot” off the lobby in Sotheby’s is “handy for Bond Street shoppers and auction-goers” who peruse the catalogues over “rich” Modern British food; but what really ups its estimate is the “wonderful people-watching”, with many “art movers-and-shakers to view.”

Looking for something a bit more low-key? Try some of these tea services we talked about last fall.

Toasty Tables

BuzzEditor — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:20:00 GMT

Fireplace at Clos Maggiore

Photo: Courtesy of Clos Maggiore

When it's brass monkeys outside, ward off the chill with a cozy meal at one of these fireplace-equipped restaurants:

Cambio de Tercio: The brick fireplace in this South Kensington Spaniard completes the room, which is decorated in hot and spicy colours to match the food (163 Old Brompton Rd., SW5; 020-7244-8970).

Cheyne Walk Brasserie: The oversized wood-fired oven in this Chelsea French generates plenty of heat (50 Cheyne Walk, SW3; 020-7376-8787).

Clos Maggiore: A fireplace most often goes hand in hand with a romantic room, and this Covent Garden French succeeds on both counts (33 King St., WC2; 020-7379-9696).

Hind’s Head: The pub in this 15th-century building has a fireplace so large that you could walk into it – not that we recommend you do (The High St., Bray SL6; 016-2862-6151).

Rules: It's only fitting that one of London’s oldest restaurants, “like a Dickensian time capsule,” would have a gorgeous antique fireplace (35 Maiden Ln., WC2; 020-7836-5314).

The Best In-Store Dining in London

BuzzEditor — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 19:23:00 GMT

Economic turmoil or not, those holiday presents aren't going to buy themselves this year (or return themselves next month). But where to go for a quick bite while you're hitting the shops? We suggest trying one of these four top in-store eating options from our 2009 London Restaurants guide:

Books for Cooks

4 Blenheim Crescent, W11; 020-7221 1992

“An iconic destination for serious cooks”, this “teeny-tiny” cafe “located at the back of a unique bookshop” off Ladbroke Grove features “wildly exciting”, “experimental” Eclectic meals (one choice per day), using recipes “taken from featured cookbooks”; it’s “the biggest bargain in town – but don’t tell anyone, it’s busy enough.”

Fifth Floor Cafe

Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, W1; 020-7823 1839

Using the “same kitchen as the [adjacent] restaurant, but with a lighter menu” of Modern British–Med fare, Harvey Nic’s “hectic”, “casual” cafe is “packed with yummy mummies and shoppers” seeking “to recharge”; whilst “service varies from professional to abject indifference”, it remains “relatively fast.”

Nicole's

Nicole Farhi, 158 New Bond St., W1; 020-7499 8408

“For a quick bite amongst the fashionable crowd”, this “lively” eatery “in the basement of Nicole Farhi” has a “simple”, “reasonably priced” Modern European–Med menu that’s “better than you might expect” – even if sceptics sniff the store should “stick to clothes.”

1707 Wine Bar

Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, W1; 020-7734 8040; Reserve Online

Named for Fortnum’s birth year, this classy bar in the refurbished retailer’s fresh Food Hall is “worth the stop” for a “reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Piccadilly”; its chic David Collins design, “quality” Traditional British bites and “worth-the-stop wine bar” – including hundreds of bottles from the adjacent shop at cost plus corkage – all add up to a “good place for pre-theatre” or post–hamper shopping.

The Five Best Buys in London

BuzzEditor — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:09:00 GMT

With the economy a wilder ride than most roller coasters these days, it feels good to dine at a restaurant where you'll get the most for your pound. Which places offer the best quality-to-cost ratio? Zagat Survey has done the math for you. Here are the top five picks from our Best Buys list from the 2009 London Restaurants guide.

Food for Thought

31 Neal St., WC2; 020-7836 9072

“Serving for over 30 years”, it “looks like an old-school vegetarian restaurant, but the flavours are modern and interesting” at this meat-free mecca that’s “a must for the health-conscious”; yes, the Covent Garden “cafeterialike basement” is “pretty grotty and cramped”, and service “canteen-style”, but fans “forgive all, for it’s the most wholesome best-value food in London” – and the Best Buy in the Survey.

Churchill Arms

119 Kensington Church St., W8; 020-7727 4242

“Don’t be fooled by the price” (“cheap” would be an understatement) – this “kitschy” Notting Hill pub with a “Thai in the back” and “lots of interesting memorabilia [and plants] hanging everywhere” offers “generous servings” of “good, freshly prepared” fare; “service is rushed and they look to turn over the tables very quickly” – in fact, “seating is limited to one hour.”

Books for Cooks

4 Blenheim Crescent, W11; 020-7221 1992

Leon

Multiple locations

Take “wholesome, tasty” “guilt-free” “foods from ethical producers”, served at “McDonald’s speed and at not much more than McDonald’s prices”, and you see why this Med chain actually provides “a joyful fast-food experience”; its “cool” bric-a-brac–laden decor “even attracts the odd minor celeb.”

New Tayyabs

83-89 Fieldgate St., E1; 020-7247 6400

“Why bother with Brick Lane” when there’s this “wonderful” Whitechapel warhorse whose “authentic Pakistani food” is “absolutely tops”; there’s “always a queue”, it’s always “cramped” and you “always feel like you’re getting rushed out”, but the cuisine “quality makes you look past any shortcomings.”

For more London Top Lists, click here.

London's Best After-Work Watering Holes

BuzzEditor — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:06:00 GMT

photo: Michael J. Fajardo

After a day at the office, one can often use a drink – especially with the way the markets have been behaving. If you're looking for somewhere to unwind before heading home, check out our list of Top After-Work spots from the 2009 London Eat, Drink, Stay, Play guide.

Ling Ling@Hakkasan

8 Hanway Pl., W1; 020-7907 1888

The “exquisite, edgy decor” and “Eastern-themed cocktails” are hallmarks of this Fitzrovia bar attached to Alan Yau’s Chinese restaurant, which is still “très chic” after all these years; if you can “fight your way past the bouncers”, you’ll enter an “underground heaven” where the “stylish crowd” (who keep “one eye on the nearest mirror”) drink “outrageously expensive”, yet “gorgeous”, cocktails and create an “extraordinary buzz”; it’s all a “delightfully sinful” – if “achingly expensive” – experience.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

145 Fleet St., EC4; 020-7353 6170

“Yes, it’s full of tourists”, as well as lawyers, accountants and investment bankers enjoying inexpensive after-work pints ferried by “friendly bartenders”, but this ancient Blackfriars “historical” “time warp” “genuinely deserves the attention”; its labyrinth of “cavernous” rooms, “low-ceilinged” “nooks” (“if you’re over 6-ft. tall”, watch out!) and “blazing fires” in winter gives it an “olde-worlde feel”, and the “food is surprisingly good” too (“try the pies”).

Gordon’s

47 Villiers St., WC2; 020-7930 1408

The “good” vins come with “a history lesson” when you visit this “dark” 1890 wine cave in Piccadilly still featuring a “marvelously atmospheric” setting with brick-lined walls, “low ceilings”, “wonky furniture” and lots of “nooks and crannies”; there’s always a “heavy hum of conversation” – perhaps because the joint’s usually “crowded.”

Bleeding Heart Tavern

19 Greville St., EC1; 020-7404 0333

Those whose tickers race faster for this Farringdon gastropub claim it’s “the most romantic spot in the city”, whilst others brand it a “good honest boozer”, emitting “old-school appeal”, that’s about “as pubby as it gets”; all agree the food’s “great” and the service “accommodating”, adding up to a perfect venue for dinner à deux or for “meeting up with friends.”

Cork & Bottle

44-46 Cranbourn St., WC2; 020-7734 7807

Discover “hidden treasure amongst all the Leicester Square tourist traps” in the form of this “wonderful” wine bar touted by fans as one of “London’s best” on account of its deep 300-label selection; no surprise, it’s packed “wall-to-wall” most of the time, but pros propose patience, and if you can get a seat, it’s just the spot to “read the papers whilst nursing a glass.”

For more London Nightlife Top Lists, click here.

Eating Kosher in London

BuzzEditor — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:43:00 GMT

With the Jewish high holidays in full swing – Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, began at sundown – it seems as good a time as any to talk kosher. So if you're looking for somewhere to break the fast tomorrow, or are just a fan of food prepared to strict standards, we suggest you consider these kosher spots from our recently released 2009 New York Restaurants guide:

Bevis Marks

4 Heneage Ln., EC3; 020-7283 2220

Nestled “in a courtyard next to [a historic] synagogue”, this City “kosher oasis” “fills a need” with its “enjoyable” Modern British fare, along with “Jewish penicillin” (aka chicken soup) and other classics; the service and setting are equally “stylish.”

Solly’s

148A Golders Green Rd., NW11; 020-8455 2121

Fire swept this Golders Green stalwart in September 2007, leaving shawarma-savouring surveyors “as gutted as the top floor”; but now it’s back, and “Israelis tell us it’s as good as it gets” for a “quick bite” of “kosher Middle Eastern food”; though it’s obviously redecorated, some still say “the best option is takeaway.”

Bloom’s

130 Golders Green Rd., NW11; 020-8455 1338

This “old-fashioned, family-run” Golders Green deli remains “the only place in town for a kosher salt beef on rye”, plus other “hearty” Jewish classics; whilst most take the “grumpy servers” in stride – at least “they hustle the food out” – the belicose believe the bloom’s off: “well below par for what’s now in the area.”

Reubens

79 Baker St., W1; 020-7486 0035

“Tastes like home cooking in the best possible way” are the kudos that kosher diners give the “loads of food” served at this Jewish deli in Marylebone; if sceptics snarl about the “service (or lack thereof)” and “high cost”, at least “it’s cheaper than a trip to Israel.”

Met Su Yan

134 Golders Green Rd., NW11; 020-8458 8088

“Filling a kosher Asian food niche” for “the Golders Green crowd”, this venue “keeps its Jewish customer base coming back for more”, even if it’s “costly for what you get”; whether Japanese or Chinese, “the taste is authentic – sans shrimp or pork”, of course.

Six13

19 Wigmore St., W1; 020-7629 6133

“You don’t leave feeling hungry” after sampling the Eclectic menu running the gamut from sushi to steaks at this kosher venue (hence, no dairy products) in Marylebone; despite a “nice” olive-and-tan, art deco-ish setting, it is “too expensive” for some wallets.

For more London Top Lists, click here.

The Best Fish 'n' Chips in London

BuzzEditor — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:16:00 GMT

photo: Fiona Wilkinson

We've already told you about London's Top Indian and Top Italian, but it isn't just with other cuisines that the city's chefs shine – they also excel at fare that's uniquely British. So if you've been looking for the Top Fish 'n' Chips in town, we suggest you consider these spots from our newly released 2009 London Restaurants guide:

Golden Hind

73 Marylebone Ln., W1; 020-7486 3644

If this Marylebone seafooder “feels like an institution” – it is: “since it opened in 1914”, it’s served “some of the freshest and best fish ’n’ chips” around; the “drab” decor’s enlivened by the “family atmosphere” and the “presence of an art deco fryer” (no longer used), so “the only negative is, no beer” (but “you can bring your own”).

North Sea

7-8 Leigh St., WC1; 020-7387 5892

A “long-time favourite for sit-down fish ’n’ chips” (“if the fish were any fresher, they’d swim”), this Bloomsbury seafooder “off the beaten tourist path” is a “simple place, but good for the basics”; the “dated decor isn’t so bad given the back-dated prices.”

Two Brothers Fish

297-303 Regent's Park Rd., N3; 020-8346 0469

“Simple”, “flavourful” fish ’n’ chips and a “friendly”, “busy atmosphere” make it “worth the schlep to Finchley” and this seafood “institution”; but “good luck finding a table” as “it gets packed early on with a lively middle-aged crowd” who blot out the “tired-looking decor” with bottles of the house white (“a local secret” from the namesake “two brothers’ own vineyard”).

Seashell

49-51 Lisson Grove, NW1; 020-7224 9000

It looks “nothing fancy” (“shabby” in truth) and “service is painfully slow”, but this Marylebone veteran offers the “quintessential London” experience of “perfectly fried fish accompanied by the typical” trimmings, like “top-notch chips” or “delicious mushy peas.”

Sweetings

39 Queen Victoria St., EC4; 020-7248 3062

The “unique old London fish-house atmosphere at this lunch-only City establishment” is “still packing ’em in after all these years” (120 to be precise); “expect elbow to elbow seating”, “waiters in white butcher’s aprons” and a seafood menu that’s “simple, but there’s no denying the quality”; however, they take no reservations, so “whether you can stand the wait is up to you.”

For more London Top Lists, click here.

Paul Newman's Legacy

BuzzEditor — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:18:00 GMT

Legendary actor Paul Newman passed away over the weekend. Although best known as a movie star, he was also renowned as an entrepreneur/philanthropist thanks to his Newman’s Own brand of food products, which began as a line of salad dressing and grew to encompass everything from popcorn to lemonade to spaghetti sauce. All profits from this enterprise were donated to various charities, allowing him to harness his global fame for the common good. Not incidentally, he was also a racecar driver and even a restaurateur (Dressing Room in Westport, CT).

Ultimately, his legacy lies in his movies. As a tribute to his wide-ranging body of work, here is a list of 20 notable Newman films, rated and reviewed by our voters. It is excerpted from the 2009 Zagat Movie Guide.

Key to Zagat Ratings

Absence of Malice

1981 | Directed by Sydney Pollack | With Paul Newman, Sally Field, Bob Balaban | 116 minutes | Rated PG

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
21	25	21	20

"Newman and Field ignite the screen" in this "textured" "hard-hitting" courtroom drama demonstrating how "guilt by association" causes a "newspaper to ruin a man's career"; most say that the "irresponsible press" is a topic made for the movies, but some feel this "slight" effort "should have been better" – starting with the "not-believable ending."

Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid

1969 | Directed by George Roy Hill | With Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Katharine Ross | 110 minutes | Rated PG

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
26	26	25	25

"Compulsive charmers" Newman and Redford play a pair of wisecracking, "magnetic" "antiheroes" trying to stay ahead of the law in this "outstanding" Western "buddy movie", loaded with "adventure and humor"; it fuses a "snappy" script, Burt Bacharach soundtrack and "too many classic scenes to count" into a "sentimental favorite" that's "never boring" from start to "unforgettable" finish.

Cars

2006 | Directed by John Lasseter, Joe Ranft | Animated | 116 minutes | Rated G

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
24	-	23	27

Disney/Pixar's "well-oiled" animation outfit rigs a "familiar fish-out-of- water story" ("Doc Hollywood", anyone?) to "talking cars" and rolls out this "delightful" joyride featuring "exceptional" renderings and "adorable" vocal characterizations by Owen Wilson, Paul Newman and comic Larry The Cable Guy; parents appreciate the "great" soundtrack and "offbeat" cultural references – real lifesavers when the young 'uns "watch it for the 30th time."

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

1958 | Directed by Richard Brooks | With Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Burl Ives | 108 minutes | Not Rated

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
25	27	24	23

"Man, these people have problems": "steamy Liz" "in that white slip" and a "dynamite" Newman "couldn't possibly look better" as they "burn up the screen" in this "sex-soaked" Tennessee Williams drama of "love, rejection" and "Southern family politics"; the "towering" Ives presides as the ragin' Big Daddy, adding an "incredibly interesting" Lear-like thread to all that "eye candy."

Color of Money, The

1986 | Directed by Martin Scorsese | With Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio | 119 minutes | Rated R

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
16	21	16	17

Something different from Martin Scorsese, this "generation-later" "follow-up to The Hustler" details how a washed-up billiards baron molds an up-and-comer into his protégé; though somewhat "predictable", "excellent acting" from the "powerhouse Cruise" and the "finely tuned", Oscar-winning Newman "saves it."

Cool Hand Luke

1967 | Directed by Stuart Rosenberg | With Paul Newman, George Kennedy, Strother Martin | 126 minutes | Not Rated

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
26	27	24	22

"One of the best movie lines ever" ('what we have here is a failure to communicate') and that "famous hard-boiled egg scene" make this "damn great" Deep South prison drama memorable – not to mention the efforts of "consummate pro" Newman playing one cool con on a "chain gang", abetted by a "strong" Kennedy, who grabbed an Oscar for his supporting work.

Exodus

1960 | Directed by Otto Preminger | With Paul Newman, Eva Marie Saint, Sal Mineo | 210 minutes | Not Rated

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
23	23	26	25

An "all-star cast" drives this story of the "founding of modern Israel", a "stunning", "satisfying" Preminger epic "faithfully" adapted from Leon Uris' best-seller; fans single out the star turn from a "too-gorgeous-for-words" Newman "in his prime", and if the plot has some "bathos" mixed into its "high drama", it's ultimately a "moving" moving picture.

Fort Apache, The Bronx

1981 | Directed by Daniel Petrie | With Paul Newman, Ken Wahl, Rachel Ticotin, Ed Asner | 125 minutes | Rated R

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
21	23	21	20

Considered "shocking in its day", this "gritty" snapshot of a "city overtaken by crime" set a "new standard for cop dramas" with its "tell-it- like-it-is" depiction of hookers, junkies and the NYPD; "not-bad-on-the- eyes" Newman is "at his acting best" as the veteran "good guy" on the force, with strong backup from a "wonderful ensemble."

Harper

1966 | Directed by Jack Smight | With Paul Newman, Lauren Bacall, Julie Harris, Arthur Hill, Janet Leigh, Pamela Tiffin, Robert Wagner, Shelley Winters | 121 minutes | Not Rated

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
21	23	20	21

Renowned for its all-star, scenery-shredding cast, this "fun" private *** flick features a "vintage Paul" hot on the trail of a missing husband; if the "plot is entirely predictable", "none of the actors are", with special kudos to an "entertaining" Bacall as a witchy wife and a "classic" Winters as a blousy, boozy starlet.

Hud

1963 | Directed by Martin Ritt | With Paul Newman, Melvyn Douglas, Patricia Neal, Brandon De Wilde | 112 minutes | Not Rated

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
26	28	24	24

"Stud muffin" Newman is at his "bad boy best" playing an "alienated", "black-hearted" cowboy in this "truly adult" "modern Western" about a "struggle between a father and son"; sure, "Neal got the Oscar" (as did "heartbreaker Douglas" and that "gorgeous black-and-white cinematography"), but in the end, Paul's "heartbreakingly cool" anti-hero gets the most reaction.

Hudsucker Proxy, The

1994 | Directed by Joel Coen | With Tim Robbins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Paul Newman | 111 minutes | Rated PG

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
22	22	21	23

"Big business" and the "bootstrappy American dream" are satirized in this "sly satire" via the Coen brothers about a "plucky mailroom clerk" who "invents the hula hoop" ("ya know, for kids") and becomes president of the company; despite a "refreshingly cynical" script peppered with "dialogue so crisp you can hear the gum smacking", a few find it a bit "odd", though it's certainly "never dull."

Hustler, The

1961 | Directed by Robert Rossen | With Paul Newman, Jackie Gleason, Piper Laurie | 134 minutes | Not Rated

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
25	26	24	22

"Dark, tense and beautifully delivered", this "ultimate movie about winning" is also a "love poem to the game of pool", featuring "Newman on a roll" opposite Gleason in a rare dramatic turn that nearly "steals the picture"; it's "convincing", "gripping" stuff, and though Paul reprised the character of Eddie Felson in The Color of Money, connoisseurs claim this first take is so "much better."

Road to Perdition

2002 | Directed by Sam Mendes | With Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Daniel Craig, Jude Law | 117 minutes | Rated R

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
23	26	22	25

"Hanks proves his versatility" in this "evocative period piece", playing a "cold-blooded hit man" for the Irish mafia during the Depression; the "intense journey" is "impeccably done", with Newman in "stellar form", Oscar-winning cinematography that will "take your breath away" (notably that "tommy gun scene in the rain") and "top-notch screenwriting" that "stays true to the novel."

Silent Movie

1976 | Directed by Mel Brooks | With Mel Brooks, Marty Feldman, Dom DeLuise, Sid Caesar | 87 minutes | Rated PG

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
20	20	19	20

"Kudos" to Brooks for ditching dialogue and scoring "audience roars" with "clever" sight gags in this "entertaining" send-up of silent films; expect a parade of "star" cameos (Burt Reynolds, Liza Minnelli, Paul Newman), though the "best moment" belongs to mime Marcel Marceau, who utters the picture's "only spoken word."

Slap Shot

1977 | Directed by George Roy Hill | With Paul Newman, Michael Ontkean, Strother Martin | 122 minutes | Rated R

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
22	18	19	17

Right up there with the "funniest sports flicks", this puckish comedy finds "Newman on skates" as the "foul-mouthed coach" of a "dark horse" minor-league hockey team with a "strange way" of turning every face-off into a riot on ice; it "epitomizes the goonery" of the high-sticking '70s, resulting in "crazy", "profane" and "fairly violent" fare that hardcore fans "cannot live without."

Sting, The

1973 | Directed by George Roy Hill | With Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw | 129 minutes | Rated PG

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
27	26	27	26

"Deftly" charming its way to Best Picture honors, this "classy" comedy "caper" "succeeds in spades" as a "likable", "fast-paced" vehicle for Newman and Redford, radiating "great rapport" as a pair of grifters playing a gangster for a sucker in Depression-era Chicago; a "funny, intriguing" "period piece" set to "elegant" Joplin rags, it raises the "suspense" stakes with "masterful" plotting and a final "zinger" that saves the sharpest sting for last.

Sweet Bird of Youth

1962 | Directed by Richard Brooks | With Paul Newman, Geraldine Page, Ed Begley, Shirley Knight | 120 minutes | Not Rated

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
24	28	24	23

A "young, gorgeous" Newman and "brilliant" Page ("what a combo!") reprise their stage roles in this cinematic adaptation of Tennessee Williams' play about a wannabe actor/gigolo and a faded, Sunset Boulevard–esque movie queen; sure, the story has been somewhat sanitized for the big screen, but most birdies still tweet "how sweet it is . . ."

Torn Curtain

1966 | Directed by Alfred Hitchcock | With Paul Newman, Julie Andrews, Lila Kedrova, Wolfgang Kieling | 128 minutes | Rated PG

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
23	24	23	22

This "compelling" Cold War spy thriller via Alfred Hitchcock concerns an American physicist who defects to East Germany, bent on espionage; while it "isn't the greatest Newman or Andrews" effort, it still "has is moments", notably the 'silent murder' sequence and Lila Kedrova's "compelling" supporting role as a down-and-out countess.

Towering Inferno, The

1974 | Directed by John Guillermin, Irwin Allen | With Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, William Holden | 165 minutes | Rated PG

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
18	17	18	22

"Make sure you know where all the exits are" before settling into this "big, bad '70s disaster" flick starring a skyscraper, a fire and a "rogues' gallery of great actors"; although the "passable" "special effects were top-drawer for its time", cynical sorts snort it's more of a "made-for- TV movie" by modern standards.

Verdict, The

1982 | Directed by Sidney Lumet | With Paul Newman, Charlotte Rampling, Jack Warden | 129 minutes | Rated R

Overall	Acting	Story	Prod.
23	25	23	20

A "David-vs.-Goliath" legal struggle is the underpinning of this "underrated" courtroom drama about a "burned-out lawyer trying one last case to keep from going under"; Newman's "intense", "tour-de-force" turn is one of his "greatest" roles (leaving many "stunned" that the Oscar eluded him), while the "mesmerizing" Rampling "excels" as the love interest.

The Best Indian Restaurants in London

BuzzEditor — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 20:57:00 GMT

Vama

Photo: Courtesy of Vama

Now that we've revealed that London's preferred cuisine is Italian, it's time to look at some of the other highly ranked dining options. If eye-opening spices and adventurous flavours excite your palate, consider trying the choices for Top Indian Food from the newly released 2009 London Restaurants guide:

Rasoi Vineet Bhatia

10 Lincoln St., SW3; 020-7225 1881

“One reaches nirvana without trying” at this “transporting” townhouse in Chelsea, where owner-chef Vineet Bhatia uses a “spectacular variety of spices and flavours” to produce “adventurous”, “refined” subcontinental fare – especially on the tasting menu, aka “seven courses to heaven”; add in the recently redone environs, “decorated like a peaceful candlelit temple” and “wonderful service”, and “if there’s a better Indian restaurant around, do let me know.”

Amaya

15-19 Halkin Arcade, Motcomb St., SW1; 020-7823 1166

“Deft touches with spices” and “exciting twists on classic flavours” offer a “feast for the senses” at this “suave” subcontinental small-plates specialist “tucked away in high-end Belgravia”; true, it’s “incredibly expensive” and “staff can be a bit clueless”, but most delight in this “dark” spot’s “definitely different take” on Indian cuisine.

Star of India

154 Old Brompton Rd., SW5; 020-7373 2901

“Not your typical Indian by any means”, this “low-key” South Kensington stalwart “has been serving superb food for many years” (57, in fact), and at a “reasonable price” too; yes, “seating’s a bit crowded” “albeit comfortable”, so all in all, a “sparkling” experience is assured.

Tamarind

20 Queen St., W1; 020-7629 3561

“After all these years”, this “sublime” subterranean subcontinental with “Mayfair levels of class and buzz” still attracts discerning diners with Indian “classics done right” (“the biryani is a must-try”) and “delicately spiced” “contemporary interpretations”, accompanied by service “fit for a raj”; just ensure you “come with a fistful of quid – the puris here aren’t for the poor.”

Vama

438 King’s Rd., SW10; 020-7565 8500

“If your mum were Indian, you’d wish she cooked like this” declare devotees of this decade-old, “upscale” Punjabi on the outskirts of Chelsea (“don’t try to walk from the station”); “it’s worth the cab ride” for “consistently” “high-quality” curries and lamb dishes, brought by “helpful staff”; “on a nice evening, get a table near the street.”

To see more London Top Lists, click here.

London : The List

Celeb Chefs Cover the Market

Gordon Ramsay's The Narrow

Photo by Cindy Chen

Gordon Ramsay

68 Royal Hospital Rd. London SW3 020-7352-4441

44 Narrow St. London E14 020-7592-7950; reserve online

Heston Blumenthal

High St. Bray SL6 0162-8580-333

High St. Bray SL6 016-2862-6151

Noodling Around

L'Anima

photo: Cindy Chen

Splashy Spots

Gaucho Grill

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Eating Au Naturel

Fill up on your veggies at Morgan M.

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Do It Outdoors

The Narrow

Photo: Cindy Chen

Marathon Eats

Ramsay the runner

Migh-Tea Fine Weather

15 Broadwick St., W1; 020-7494 8888

2-6 Moxon St., W1; 020-7935 0341

Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Rd., ground fl. SW1; 020-7893 8293

160 Piccadilly, W1; 020-7499 6996

34-35 New Bond St., W1; 020-7293-5077

Toasty Tables

Fireplace at Clos Maggiore

Photo: Courtesy of Clos Maggiore

The Best In-Store Dining in London

4 Blenheim Crescent, W11; 020-7221 1992

Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, W1; 020-7823 1839

Nicole Farhi, 158 New Bond St., W1; 020-7499 8408

Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, W1; 020-7734 8040; Reserve Online

The Five Best Buys in London

31 Neal St., WC2; 020-7836 9072

119 Kensington Church St., W8; 020-7727 4242

4 Blenheim Crescent, W11; 020-7221 1992

83-89 Fieldgate St., E1; 020-7247 6400

London's Best After-Work Watering Holes

photo: Michael J. Fajardo

8 Hanway Pl., W1; 020-7907 1888

145 Fleet St., EC4; 020-7353 6170

47 Villiers St., WC2; 020-7930 1408

19 Greville St., EC1; 020-7404 0333

44-46 Cranbourn St., WC2; 020-7734 7807

Eating Kosher in London

4 Heneage Ln., EC3; 020-7283 2220

148A Golders Green Rd., NW11; 020-8455 2121

130 Golders Green Rd., NW11; 020-8455 1338

79 Baker St., W1; 020-7486 0035

134 Golders Green Rd., NW11; 020-8458 8088

19 Wigmore St., W1; 020-7629 6133

The Best Fish 'n' Chips in London

photo: Fiona Wilkinson

73 Marylebone Ln., W1; 020-7486 3644

7-8 Leigh St., WC1; 020-7387 5892

297-303 Regent's Park Rd., N3; 020-8346 0469

49-51 Lisson Grove, NW1; 020-7224 9000

39 Queen Victoria St., EC4; 020-7248 3062

Paul Newman's Legacy

Absence of Malice

1981 | Directed by Sydney Pollack | With Paul Newman, Sally Field, Bob Balaban | 116 minutes | Rated PG

Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid

1969 | Directed by George Roy Hill | With Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Katharine Ross | 110 minutes | Rated PG

Cars

2006 | Directed by John Lasseter, Joe Ranft | Animated | 116 minutes | Rated G

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

1958 | Directed by Richard Brooks | With Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Burl Ives | 108 minutes | Not Rated

Color of Money, The

1986 | Directed by Martin Scorsese | With Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio | 119 minutes | Rated R

Cool Hand Luke

1967 | Directed by Stuart Rosenberg | With Paul Newman, George Kennedy, Strother Martin | 126 minutes | Not Rated

Exodus

1960 | Directed by Otto Preminger | With Paul Newman, Eva Marie Saint, Sal Mineo | 210 minutes | Not Rated

Fort Apache, The Bronx

68 Royal Hospital Rd.
London SW3
020-7352-4441

44 Narrow St.
London E14
020-7592-7950; reserve online

High St.
Bray SL6
0162-8580-333

High St.
Bray SL6
016-2862-6151