esthergalan

I've been doing the rounds like you looking for thermometers, and believe it or not Amazon.co.uk has the largest selection I've seen so far. Unfortunately, even the best kitchen shops, even Divertimenti, are woefully inadequate when it comes to nuts and bolts kitchen equipment. A good website to browse is also www.silvernutmeg.com. I've bought a lot from them. As to flour - so far Fresh & Wild in Notting Hill has had the best selection I've found so far, but I haven't really looked into it in depth. As you've got Dan Lepard's book, why don't you e-mail him via his website www.danlepard.co.uk, and ask him if he has any recommendations about where to by flour in London or on the internet. Apparently he is a very approachable guy. As to books - Have you got Elizabeth David's "English Bread and Yeast Cookery?" It is very good. Now that you're going pro, can we look foward to reading about your adventures with natural starters here on e-gullet?

As an ex-NYC resident (though originally from Virginia) I do miss the huge amount of choice in NYC. There is no doubt NYC has London beat hands down for variety and sheer volume of quality restaurants. I lived there during my salad days and I seem to remember that all the good inexpensive places in NY inevitably didn't take reservations and you had to stand outside on the street (with nose pressed against window sucking on your scarf) waiting to get in. Good, trendy places took ages to get a reservation and forget getting into somewhere in which Madonna had been spotted! Quick couple additions for you to try in London that may or may not have been mentioned before: Ginnan - great little Japanese place just off Farringdon Avenue (1-2 Rosebury Court). Have never had a bad meal. Prices are fair. Japanese pal says just like being in Tokyo. I really enjoyed food at Yauatcha, new place by same crew as did Hakasan. However, service there can be really dodgy! There is another Sushi in Soho that is supposed to be the bee’s knees . I can't find the darned name or address. If find will post. Supposed to be expensive but New Yorkers I know really rate it. Have also had recommendation of Kulu Kulu, 39 Thurloe Place, SW7 for good, inexpensive sushi. Have yet to try myself, though. Have never had a bad meal at The Abingdon in Kensington (020 7937 3339). Great for everyday eating if you live in the area. Always lively and they knock up a pretty good cocktail. Very good service. Moro, Exmouth Market - Others say they have had touch-and-go meals but I've always loved everything I've ever had there. Good mid-prices. Brindisa has opened a tapas bar at Borough Market. Supposed to be very good. Providores - New Zealanders on Marylebone High Street. (Same owners as Public in NYC). Always great, inventive food. Dining Room expensive for every day though you can get a quick bite quite reasonably in downstairs cafe. The Eagle on Farringdon is a pub near the Guardian offices. No reservations or hostess so you have to be quick on your feet to get a table. But inexpensive and very good. Great place for weekend lunch. If you can't get in there and really fancy a good corn beef hash I highly recommend Quality Chop House (020 7837 5093), which is virtually across the street. Hard benches, though, so your bum gets tired. But great, authentic London chop house. Sweetings (020 7248 3062) - plenty written about it. Never been myself but would like to try as heard great - let me know if you need a dinner partner! Randall & Aubin in Soho - great for a quick bite before/after movies. The music is LOUD - but you get used to it (Manager says keeps music high because makes people drink more. Personal experience confirms this.) Always have fun there. Food reliably good and mid-priced. Great spit roast chicken. Real Greek Souvlaki & Bar (020 7253 7234) on St John Street - Not your usual Mom & Pop Greek joint. Mid-priced, very tasty Greek Food. You should feel at home there as a New Yorker as very urban interiors. Next door is Cicada - sister restaurant to Eight over Eight and E&O. Have never eaten at Eight over Eight but have had numerous lovely meals at the other two restaurants. Good every day eatin'. Baltic is an interesting Polish place in SE1. Reliable mid-priced food. (pricing is so subjective, isn't it?) Gaudi (020 7608 3220). Wacky Spanish place with inventive food. Expensive. For more refined Spanish food try Fino in Chalotte Street. Burgers: Black & Blue on Kensington Church Street or Gourmet Burger Kitchen all over town. 'nuff said about St John (my personal London favourite) though I would encourage you to go to St John Bread & Wine on Commercial Street for less expensive fare. For anyone who might have turned their noses up at Chitterlings (or Chitlin's as my fellow Southerners call 'em) in the past I can't recommend them enough. Oh my gosh the flavour is just... well, perfect. Am having a "pavlov's dog" moment just thinking about them! God Bless Fergus Henderson!! I think I said I would be quick! Esther

If you are a true carnivore you must not miss St John. In fact, if you are here for six days I would eat in both restaurants, the one on St John Street as well as St John Bread & Wine on Commerical Street. The food is always cooked to perfection - big fat chops that are succulent, chitterlings which are rich and yet still have a delicacy about them, flavours that will have you raving to your friends. You name it they make it and it is all great. As to Smiths - it is also very good. I would plunck down the lolly and go for the top floor where you will get really tremendous steaks. The top floor dining room also has a great aspect of the roof of Smithfield market which makes the place feel very special. Have a great time while you are here!