Kyra's reviews
Review of Balfour
29 Jan 08, 16:45
Balfour out of five! 
I work really close to this and only noticed it a couple of months ago, because it's undergone something of a transformation and is now quite a cosy, trendy little hotspot for lunch or dinner.
The food is a pan-European mix of Italian, French, and British dishes, and their choices are well-thought for a smaller menu. Their set lunch menu is superb- a great choice of dishes that seem to change daily, and two courses for £6.95. The staff are always friendly and very accomodating. There's definitely a family-friendly feel here as well, although its location means that most customers are business types, or hip young couples checking out the Brunswick centre opposite. When faced with the identikit chain restaurants there, I'd happily choose this place over Nando's, Starbucks, or Strada.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Alara
14 Nov 07, 12:39
One of my favourite healthy places ever! 
Alara is awesome. Every time I eat here I end up feeling a little healthier than when I went in. It's terribly worthy. You won't find a better organic, locally-sourced, GM-free, hand-knitted muesli kinda place in this area.
Their supermarket section is ace, and has lots of interesting and salubrious products from arounnd the world. I esopecially like their selection of herbal teas (I can find Celestial Seasonings brand here, imported from the US), and they have a stunning array of organic and complimentary health products. They have Dr. Hauschka, Weleda and Rescue Remedy coming out of their ears.
It's the lunch counter that draws crowds during the day, though. They have a good selection of hot and cold foods, and the menu changes daily. It's all self-service, and priced by weight, so you're guaranteed not to overload your plate, or your paunch.
Come and try it here, your body will thank you. I challenge anyone to not feel more...er...regular after their visit. Go on. I dare you.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review of Hare and Tortoise
10 Oct 07, 17:39
Excellent Asian-Fusion Option
I really couldn't agree more with the other reviewers on here- I just went here for lunch and it was worth the (10 minute) wait to get in. You can see why this place is so busy at lunchtimes- it's quick, it's cheap, and the food is very tasty. The broad menu is also impressive- it dips into Chinese, Japanese, and Thai cuisine.
The vegetable lo mein stood out as particularly good, prawn and vegetable tempura was light and crispy, exactly the way it should be, and sushi was quick and fresh. The portions are all enormous and I would wager that hard-up students could even share servings!
I have heard less-than-glowing reviews about the Putney branch but this new sleek Brunswick Centre branch ticked all the right boxes for me. Definitely worth a lunchtime or pre- Renoir cinema visit.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review of House Of Flowers
10 Sep 07, 14:04
Bloomsbury Blooms 
I just popped over to House of Flowers during my lunchbreak to get some orchids for a colleague's birthday, and while I was not overwhelmed by the choice, I was pleased to find that what they did have was fresh and offered good value for money.
The orchids I settled on were less than half the price of those on sale at the neighbouring Waitrose, and they wrapped them up prettily, in a fast and efficient way. It's not where you'd go for a really special occasion, but it's more than adequate for a local work neighbourhood florist. Not too bloomin' bad.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.