Marvelous Mountain Morsels

The Resort: Zermatt, Switzerland
The Eateries: Restaurant Zum See (Zermatt), Chez Vrony (Zermatt) and Chalet Etoile (Cervinia)
The Sites: http://www.zumsee.ch and www.chaletetoile.it and http://www.chezvrony.ch
The Companions: Fellow ski buddies looking for some top notch food in the mountains
The Dolla: About £60 for three courses and some wine

I've been skiing in Zermatt numerous times, originally with my parents for many years and recently with friends. Ten years ago, this resort was regarded as one of the best places you could go if you wanted to eat at some seriously good mountain restaurants, going back this year I discovered that clearly nothing has changed.

Zum See is my absolute favourite place to eat in Zermatt. Max and Greti Henning have taken an old 17th century chalet next to a tiny chapel and turned it into one of the best mountain restaurants in the world. The food is fresh, traditional and tasty. For me, the standout starter is the homemade Mediterranean Fish Soup, if you get the 1/2 portion then you have plenty for room for a few more courses.

When you get to the main course, someone on your table needs to try the traditional rosti (thin potato pancake) which comes with either; the incredible lamb speciality, bacon and eggs, ham and eggs or my favourite, fresh smoked salmon and sour cream. Absolutely delicious and enough to convince you that when you get home you're going to eat rosti every day.

The other two mains you need to try when you go to Zum See are their sweetbreads (sauteed and served in a morel cream sauce with noodles) and their homemade noodles served with meaty giant prawns, shaved vegetables slices and a delicious and light curry sauce.

If you still have enough room for dessert before you roll yourself down the rest of the mountain, you need to try their Napoleon (mille-feuille); thin layers of puff pastery filled with cream - incredible.

Thinking of going to Zermatt and like what you see? Also look into the amazing Chez Vrony (website link above), the food is equally good and the restaurant has awesome views of the Matterhorn. And, if you happen to find yourself skiing to Cervinia, Italy for the day,  definitely book a table at Chalet Etoile; fun, good value and serves an incredible lobster pasta.

I hope you take a trip  out to Zermatt at some point to experience the incredible village, mountains and food, for now though, back to London - The House of Ho is coming up next...

Flesh & Buns - a tasty combination

The Eatery: Flesh & Buns, 41 Earlham St, London WC2H 9LX
The Site: www.fleshandbuns.com
The Companion: Dinner with a SMALL group of friends or a casual dinner date (this is no place for a DMC or a romantic meal)
The Dolla: Meal for two including 2 cocktails, one small plate, two flesh and a dessert to share was £77 including service - not too shabby

You're not too sure what to expect when you descend the steep stairs into the basement of 41 Earlham Street, but with the music blaring and with the knowledge that this eatery comes from the same team as Bone Daddies around the corner you can't help but be just a LITTLE bit excited.

I have to admit I wasn't too crazy about the layout, the whole room is dissected in half by one long, communal table, you hop onto a tall chair (always a challenge for me) and find yourself getting rather cosy with the people either side of you. But after a little bit of maneuvering and the acceptance that at several points during your meal you may be elbowed by the nervous guy on your right trying to salvage his Tinder date, you're ready to get stuck in.

Watermelon & Kaffir Lime Collins and Lychee & Pomegranate Martini

The drinks menu is definitely something to get excited about; with  a huge selection of both cold and warm sakes served by the masu (cup) or by the carafe, or if sake isn't your tipple of choice then there are a variety of cocktails that won't disappoint. This time we went for the sweeter options served ice cold with fresh fruit; the Lychee and Pomegranate Martini (vodka, lychee juice, pomegranate syrup & orange extract) and the Watermelon and Kaffir Lime Collins (vodka, watermelon, kaffir lime syrup, soda). If you're a fan of tequila be sure to try the Frozen Yuzu Margarita (tequila, yuzu & lime juice, agave syrup, orange liqueur) - delicious.

Softshell Crab  - Jalapeno Mayo

Now onto the small dishes, you can go for the cold dishes such as the sushi rolls, sashimi or tataki or opt for one of the hot options, for me the crispy, juicy, softshell crab served with a spicy, tangy jalapeno mayo wins every time. I was also really surprised by how much I enjoyed the grilled corn - served on the cob with delicious lime spice butter.

Crispy Piglet Belly - Mustard Miso and Pickled Apple

At this point you probably will have realised that Flesh & Buns isn't the most authentic of Japanese restaurants, there's a bit of a fusion going on and they're definitely catering to customers who are drawn in by the latest ‘food trends'. However, I happen to be a sucker for a gimmick and in this case their gimmick has definitely payed off. For your main course, F&B serve homemade, soft and fluffy Hirata buns filled with your choice of 'flesh'. Each dish is served with lettuce, cucumber, pickle and two buns per person but you can always order more if you feel the need. Definitely, pick different fillings amongst you so you can try as much as possible!

Crispy Duck Leg - sour plum soy (beetroot pickle)

 The crispy piglet belly is their signature dish, incredibly tasty and perfectly paired with a spicy miso and tart pickled apple. Another popular dish is the crispy duck leg with sour plum soy and beetroot pickle - for me this wasn't too different from the crispy duck you would get at a fairly decent Chinese restaurant - nice but nothing special.

 Grilled Seabass - coriander, miso (kimchi pickle)

My absolute favourite 'flesh' is the grilled seabass, I've had it a few times and it's always cooked perfectly with the skin salty and crispy and the fish tender and tasty. I also love the little bowl of kimchee you get on the side.

Kinako Doughnuts - black sugar custard

Final bit of advice, this is a place where you should always leave room for dessert because F&B offers up a few which are pretty unique. I'm yet to try the S'more which I must say really intrigues me (marshmallow, chocolate and green tea in a biscuit) but I have absolutely devoured the Kinako (soybean flour) doughnuts which are oozing with warm black sugar custard; light and delicious. The sorbets (these tend to change depending on the day) are also a great option. I got three scoops of mango and kiwi, lychee and raspberry and tangerine - incredible.

Sorbet - 1.Raspberry and Tangerine, 2. Lychee 3. Mango and Kiwi

So the verdict? Yes, it is a bit gimmicky and yes, the noisy, busy basement venue might not be everyone's cup of tea but Flesh & Buns is always a lot of fun and boy are those buns TASTY! Jump on the band wagon....

A Homeslice Is A Heavenly Slice

The Eatery: Homeslice, 13 Neal's Yard, Seven Dials, London, WC2H 9DP
The Site: http://www.homeslicepizza.co.uk
The Companion: Great for lunch or dinner with your best homies
The Dolla: £4 for a big slice or £20 for 20 inches of heaven - careful with the wine though (read on to find out why)

Homeslice has been the best kept secret in Covent Garden for the last few months. Now, sadly for those of us who have been loyal fans sneaking there on our lunch breaks, THE SECRET IS OUT. Bloggers and pizza enthusiasts have discovered this little gem so I SUPPOSE I too should be willing to share...reluctantly.

Homeslice is tucked away in the colourful little world that is Neal's Yard. The atmosphere is low-key and relaxed at lunch time - a great break away from the office if you work near by. At night, when the wine is flowing, this little venue is buzzing with shiny, happy friends tackling huge slices of pizza whilst trying to avoid being totally covered in tomato sauce.

The size of the glorious, 20 - inch wood-fire pizzas is definitely one of my favourite things about Homeslice. They're the perfect size to share with two of your best homies and the variety of toppings on the menu have your mouth watering as soon as you step in. If you're not brave enough to go for a  whole pizza a few of the pizzas are always available by the slice. The menu changes slightly from day to day but be sure to look out for 1) Lamb shoulder, watercress and red wine soaked goat's cheese 2) Salami and Rocket (a Homeslice classic - the salami is delicate and tasty) 3) any of their pizzas with a butternut squash base! Absolutely delicious - take my advice and go for two different varieties on your pizza, going half and half is always the best way forward and helps to avoid food-envy!

Naturally, on a night out with friends you will need to wash down this delightful food with a suitable beverage. Luckily, prosecco and draught beer are available by the glass, unluckily for your wallet - you pay for wine by the centimeter (the waiter will measure up how much you've drunk at the end of your meal) so the bill might come as a little more than you expected if you've got a little carried away on a Friday night. However, it's tried and tested that friendly and efficient service, wine by the centimeter, tasty toppings and 20-inch pizzas result in some happy homies (see below for proof). Try it out with yours soon please!