Carie's reviews
Review of Roka
20 May 07, 17:51
Roll with it 
Head Chef Nick Watt is charm personified , this in itself is not a reason to go to Roka , the amazing sushi, sashimi and Robata grill food is. Decor-wise, think scrubbed wood, crisp napkins, nice glasswear and a huge oak bench surrounding the prep area, where you can see the sushi chefs' years of skills being put into practise. Traditional types of rolls have been jazzed up with Western ingredients, and you get the feeling that Watt's Kiwi pedigree is a strong influence. Try the sparklingly fresh sashimi, soft-shell crab roll or the gunkan maki-zushi roll with Wagyu beef, caviar, fresh ginger and spring onion. Life-changing stuff.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Twins
20 May 07, 10:30
Cobbler, cobbler mend my shoe... 
I blame my parents. At just a shade over 5'2" (on a tall day), it's no surprise that I've developed a serious high-heel habit. And, while the stiletto is the natural bedfellow of the vertically challenged, it comes at a cost - namely endless trips to the cobbler for a lifetime of re-tipping, retouching, polishing and patching. Twins on Kingly Street is not going to win any prizes for presentation. It's shabby rather than chic, it's got one chair for while-you-wait service and I'm not sure anyone who works there speaks English - but make no mistake, this cobbler is my best friend. No matter how much you wince when handing over battered, bedraggled shoes ? clearly the casualties from too many too good nights out ("Please, can you help - can you do anything") - he just smiles and gives you a ticket. Minutes/hours/days later (no timeframe to big or small) you'll swap that ticket for primped, polished shoes that look like new - and all for £4.95. There's also dry cleaning, key cutting and other cobbler-ish things happening here - all at similarly good-natured good value.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Masala Zone
08 May 07, 11:53
Keeping it street
Head here for a speedy lunch or light bite and you won't be disappointed. The street food selections (thali, your choice of curry, salad, dhal & rice) are served up on stainless-steel trays and give you the chance to taste a wide selection of food. Service can be slack if you're in a big party.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review of Dover Street Market
06 May 07, 21:53
Fashionista's paradise
From the creators of menswear label Comme des Garcons, this is London's fashion scene at its lushest and edgiest. Three floors of designer space are filled with carefully selected clothing companies. Not only is this a great place to wander round for sartorial inspiration (and much beloved by the capital's fashion students) it has also been the launch pad for several interesting brand collaborations. If you're even remotely interested in clothes (which perhaps just leaves naturists), then don't be put off by the fashionistas - this is definitely worth a look.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Vintage Magazine Co
06 May 07, 11:02
Does what it says on the tin
eBay has put a pretty big dent in second-hand and vintage trade, but nothing quite beats visiting a store like this first hand. It's the kind of place that has been built out of love and the archives of magazines, prints and postcards that line the walls and shelves are testament to this enthusiasm. It's a bit musty and a bit dog-eared around the edges, but that's part of the charm. A good way to pass a few hours, whether you're on a nostalgia trip, a gift hunt or are a more serious collector.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of American Apparel
05 May 07, 20:05
Anything you'd ever want in the medium of cotton 
I came across AA years ago when I was living in NY and was thrilled when it came to London. Everything this brand does it cool. From its directional approach to fashion photography, through to the simplicity of the product offering. Of course their major point of difference is that all their clothes are made in the US. Unlike the gear from GAP. Another thing that sets them apart from the GAP empire is that American Apparels clothes won't shrink after the first wash. The best boy pants (for girls) ever.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.