Eight Over Eight

[Andy Lynes]

Will Ricker, owner of e&o in Notting Hill has opened up Eight Over Eight (meaning "lucky forever" according to a Chinese proverb) in the Kings Road. He has roped in former I-Thai chef Neil Whitney to dish up a mix of South East Asia cuisine, emphasis on Shanghai it says here ("here" being the Network London PR bumph). Dim sum will also be a feature. The menu is reporoduced here for your delectation.

Interior is by Chris Connell with walls of half pale lime-washed oak and half dark rich oak. Booths and chairs are dark brown leather, silk lamps and bamboo abound.

[Matthew Grant]

Does Shanghai count as South-East Asia?

[Andy Lynes]

In the world of restaurant PR it does. Exact quote, describing all of Will Rickers restaurants says : "...food which spans South East Asia with an emphasis at Eight Over Eight on China and, in particular, Shanghai".

According to Encarta -

"South East Asia, region of Asia comprising the Indochinese and Malay peninsulas and several nearby island groups. The region is bordered on the north by China; on the east by the South Pacific Ocean; on the south by the Indian Ocean; and on the west by the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian subcontinent.

Microsoft® Encarta® Encyclopedia 2003. © 1993-2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved."

Shanghai is in Eastern China so it seems you are correct that they are incorrect. Well done sir!

[Jon Tseng]

emphasis on Shanghai it says here ("here" being the Network London PR bumph). Dim sum will also be a feature. The menu is reporoduced here for your delectation.

Hmpf

Not bad, but looks about as Shanghainese as an Eskimo in a kilt...

J

[Matthew Grant]

I always think of S-E Asia as being a little further down: Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, Burma etc. This is especailly true when I think of it in food terms.

This sounds like a Chinese restaurant with a hint of South-East Asia!

[Matthew Grant]

Oi! mr Lynes - you changed your post whilst I was replying you sneaky git!

[Andy Lynes]

Doesn't seem to have much of any sort of identity to me. All a bit mixed up isn't it? Not that that is to say it won't taste good, but the menu alone doesn't make me want to rush to make a booking.

Any idea where you can get good Shanghai food in central London?

[Andy Lynes]

Oi! mr Lynes - you changed your post whilst I was replying you sneaky git!

...and no would ever have known if it wasn't for you pesky kids!!

[hollywood]

Somewhere I have a tape of a band called 808 State, sort of techno as I recall. Do you have some insight on their name?

[Andy Lynes]

Off topic warning - I'm going to answer this question then that will have to be it.

808 State are named after the Roland TR 808 drum machine they used.

[Matthew Grant]

Great bass sounds from that machine, always annoyed me that it took so long to get a midi interface.

808 State still exist. They made some great records. They also made some crap ones.

[hollywood]

Thanks, guys. Sorry for the interruption.

[slacker]

Sorry, Andy, the only reason I looked at the thread was the 808 reference. I own a German thingy, non-Roland - the 309. Sounds lovely. The thing is, the 808 is retro, not a kicker..................

[Andy Lynes]

I realise I was asking for it by putting the 808 refence in the subtitle. I'm sure we can allow ourselves a mild wander slightly off the beaten food and drink track now and again can't we?

[Matthew Grant]

Just to bring this back on topic:

808 State do not own any Michelin starred restaurants (to the best of my knowledge)

[Andy Lynes]

Just a pie and mash stand in Warrington. The "808 Plate" is their biggest seller I believe.

[macrosan]

Just to bring this back on topic:

Matthew, please try to remember where you are. There is no place for such misguided pedantry in the UK Forum. Thank you.

[Matthew Grant]

Just a pie and mash stand in Warrington. The "808 Plate" is their biggest seller I believe.

Of course, Pacific State (one of their best records) was a coded reference to the, at the time, little known "Pacific Rim" style of cookery.

[olly s]

I thought 8 over 8 was dreadful. I went for lunch this week and, while I was not expecting it to be my new favourite restaurant, was very disappointed. The food was ordinary, and in places really bad (chicken teriyaki with sticky rice - tepid, floury chicken with unsticky rice). The decor was unremarkable, and prices high. While I have no doubt that this restaurant will do ever so well, luring the eurotrash out of places like Henry J Beans and Babushka House, to an establishment where they can be truly superficial and spend more cash, it is not for me!!