With my departure for London rapidly approaching I thought it best to write about Barrafina in Adelaide Street., which was with out a doubt one of my cherished food memories from last year. Arriving at Charing Cross tube station on my last day in London I was almost dined out, two standout meals in two stand out restaurants had left me with a slightly tarnished enthusiasm for dining. As luck had it, it was a beautiful London summers day. The city was, as only London can be, a buzz. London is a city that has grown on me over the past few years. London doesn't just slowly overcome you, it also drives through you and your addicted. Is it busy, noisy, sometimes dirty? Yes. Are the people manic and spatially dysfunctional? Yes. Do you have to queue to pay for everything that is twice as expensive as any where else, the traffic shit… Yes, goes without saying. Is there a disturbing dichotomy between the rich and poor? Unfortunately, there is. But I was still sad to leave. London is a cornucopia of food and beautiful dining experiences and I must say that this one sticks with me even though it was almost a year ago. I had been waiting for this for almost two years ever since I was told by a Spanish chef friend that this was the place to get Spanish food in London. I just love the casualness of this type of dining, even more so as I have gotten older.

I waited at the bar enjoying a glass of something cold and white as I waited for both my dining companion the perpetually late KSH. Once seated we enjoyed an array of delicious meats, seafoods and vegetables washed down with some excellent Spanish white wine. What I love most about this place, other than the friendly service, is that I don't have to tell you about the food other than it is seriously good. Why? Because you already know this food. It is honest, good strong Spanish flavours cooked with care and skill. Excellent ingredients prepared and served simply. It is also a place that I can eat and drink with gusto, get messy and have a great time. I can't wait to return. Enjoy the photographs below.

10 Adelaide Street, Covent Garden, London WC2N 4HZ

info@barrafina.co.uk

Super fresh grilled sardines

Diver scallop with celeriac and black pudding

Grilled courgettes with almond sauce (from the specials menu) was probably my dish of the day. Although the sardines with were stunningly fresh and perfectly cooked were pretty good to.