Mark's reviews
Review of Mogador
18 Mar 08, 12:57
Cosy neighbourhood gem 
There are two tagine restaurants near the intersection of Golborne and Portobello Roads.
Moroccan Tagine on Golborne Road has a certain ambiance of authenticity. Prices are reasonable. Food is decent. In fair weather they put a few tables on the pavement. Alcohol of any description is strictly prohibited.
Around the corner, at the northern end of Portobello Road, is Mogador. The interior is painted deep, rich red, with a few tile accents. Illumination emanates from colourful Moroccan lanterns, and a warm glow is cast by candles on every table. Service is welcoming and friendly. We were informed that the kitchen might be slow because there were two large parties in the restaurant. We didn't mind waiting, though, as we were given a second helping of our delectable starter (a "salad" of red bell peppers and preserved lemon) on the house.
There's a limited selection of wonderful Moroccan wines, as well as Moroccan and international beers. The food isn't as stunning or inventive as might be found elsewhere in London (probably at a much higher tariff), but it is delicious and comforting, with a home-cooked feel. In fact, we were told that the chef has had no formal training. Nevertheless, our lamb tagine with prunes, dried apricots and almonds was moreish and very satisfying, the meat lean and extremely tender.
I've only been once, but based on my experience, I'll be back again soon!
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Review of Lisboa Patisserie
20 Jul 07, 12:42
Mmmmmm, egg custard tarts...
The atmosphere of the place is nothing to write home about, and during busy times it can be a bit chaotic. But those egg custard tarts are weirdly addictive. In my opinion flaky crust beats short crust. Also strangely delicious are the teardrop-shaped chicken croquets (also available in tuna). The most mysteriously yummy item, though, has got to be the under-two-quid ham & cheese on croissant. On the surface, there's nothing to it. Certainly nothing fancy. Yet I could eat one of those puppies for lunch every day! Oh, and the coffee's good, too.
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Review of Palki
21 Jun 07, 10:35
What would we do without it?
Palki specializes in Bangladeshi cooking, with excellent Chicken Sylhet (along with other "Chef's Recommendations" and "Bangladeshi Fish Dishes" on the menu). Golborne Road is home to one of London's best fishmongers, so consider venturing beyond the safety of kind prawn this-or-that if you like seafood! When we order takeaway, our guests are consistently impressed with the quality and flavour -- often requesting that we order from Palki on subsequent visits. But after months of our ordering takeaway, the proprietors prevailed upon us to visit the restaurant in person. Then it was our turn to be impressed, as Gabriel Byrne was at the next table!
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