La Bodega Negra

Back in the summer I was taken out for dinner by a friend in New York. We were wondering around East Village until we came to a wing shop. 

Now, I am open to eating in all sorts of interesting places, but a wing shop? Are you for real? I reluctantly followed him in, until he suddenly disappeared though the back of phone booth. I was beyond bemused, but intrigue took me over. Stepping into the phone booth myself, I picked up the receiver, said my name and the wall which seemed oh so permanent suddenly wasn't there as I was instantly transported into a buzzing bar serving the most delicious cocktails in town. 

Aptly named PDT (please don't tell) in East Village is no. 1 on my list when I head back over the pond but for now, we ventured into sex shop turned dungeon last night in London's Soho, La Bodega Negra.  

I'd been wanting to try out London's surprise dining restaurant for a while now, especially with my new found love for Mexican food, and we finally got a table for last night and the girls and I strapped on our highest heels and sparkliest tops - after being informed that we must dress to go 'out' rather than for traditional dining. 

Unfortunately we arrived slightly late but Jesse held the fort down with some frozen margaritas whilst the rest of us struggled to find parking in Soho yes I know, bad idea to drive. 

Finally we arrive to what can only be described as a sex shop. Glowing neon lights, naked girls and a big pink sign above the door saying 'come'. Flamboyant transvestites greeted us at the door and asked if we had a reservation, probably to see if we were actually there to eat rather than just visiting a sex shop massively awkward for those token perverts. Once it was established, they took our coats and we were led to our table by a rather beautiful waiter, come to thing of it the entire place was full of eye candy.

Heading down the dark and mysterious stairs, it soon opened up into a dimly lit cavern-esque room full of the hustle and bustle of friends chit chatting and the gorgeous scent of delicious food. 

Let me just apologise now for the poor quality photo's, my SLR had to stay in my bag all evening as photo's were not allowed. But of course the iPhone was whipped out for the occasional secret snap or two.

It had been way too long since my frozen margarita so we order the specials of the day, cranberry & eleflour and watermelon & cassis. Delicious!

Every table starts with their spicy guacamole with sesame tostadas which are fantastic. So fresh and crispy with perfectly ripe avocado's and just the right amount of chilli without blowing your head off.

I am not the biggest fan of ceviche but the girls couldn't get enough of this little scallop, mango and jalapeño number.

Next stop planks and planks of soft shell taco's.

Soft shell crab with chipotle crem

Seared steak taco with salsa picante

Pork belly carnidas with salsa verde

Lamb with salsa verde

Onto the Mexican interpretation of paella. This is the mixed seafood and rice cazuela which is, well, a paella. With a tad more sauce and less rice. I wanted to pick up the bowl and pour it into my mouth as fast as I could. The sauce was out of this world. So creamy and rich, just the perfect combination for all the fresh seafood.

Well I know it looked like we had quite a lot of food, but trust me. Each portion was about the size of my little finger, so we couldn't resist another row of soft shell crab taco's. 

Just look at that little sucker.

We ate drank and giggled all night long, well until our two hour slot came to an end and we were presented with the bill. The music was magnificent, atmosphere amazing and food fantastic but we all left feeling rather dissatisfied. We did have a great time but unless you were there flashing your platinum amex 2 hours were all you got. 

Would I go back...? In a heartbeat. Despite not being there for very long, I enjoyed every moment and would have loved to have stayed all night in the bar drinking frozen margareta's, but we all fancied a change of scenery for some delicious desert.

If you fancy trying it out for yourself, head over to:

9 Old Compton Street, 

W1D 5JF

And to make a reservation: 

0207 758 4100
(be sure to ask for the restaurant not the cafe).

In the mood for something sweet we headed off to Hampstead for an infamous crepe from the Hampstead Creperie.

Growing up in Hampstead I must have had about 1000 of the crepes and they are simply amazing every single time. Luckily there was only a teenie queue, but I have waited up to an hour before for one of these little beauties. 

Roni went for a nutella and banana crepe whilst Jesse and Nicky went for chocolate. I chose the compote de pommes which has been my no. 1 choice since a little girl. 

A perfect end to a wonderful evening with my favourite girlies.