Umami Burger

"Umaammmmmmiiiii thats a good burger"

That is all I kept on saying last night at Greenwich Village location of California's infamous Umami Burger. Founded by Adam Fleischman back in 2009, his homage to the all American classic has grown to become that iconic and delicious U-stamped burger seen emblazoned across many an Instagram feed. So this New York branch is like no other, a celebration of 'East MEATS West' the Greenwich Village menu features treats including the Five Spiced Duck Burger and the Truffle Especiale to just name a mouth-watering few. 

Now, saying that it was tough to choose what to have would be putting it lightly. I seriously wanted every single burger on the menu, salivating more and more reading the delicious ingredients that were put into each dish. 

I am a bit of a truffle fiend, so naturally I was drawn straight to the 'Truffle Especiale' and a portion of the cheesy truffle fries.

Sugary sweet potatoes fries. 

Now just take a look at these bad boys.

This little number is the 'Green Bird'. A big ol' turkey patty with crushed avocado, green cheese, butter lettuce, cress and green goddess. Finger licking good. 

And now for the piece de la resistance. I seriously dreamt about this burger last night. And going back again tonight to have another one would not be too soon. 

 Yeah that's what I'm talking about!

Succulent beef patty, crispy parmesan frico, truffle butter, truffled rocket and that gooey oohy runny to perfection fried egg.  Ahhhhhh. 

So its safe to say that my first experience at Umami Burger was a great one and I cannot wait for a return visit. 

Click here to find a location near you and be sure to check out their Facebook page for the latest news on new store openings.

Little Prince

This past week I was lucky enough have my lovely mummy visit from London. I'm not the type to get homesick, with FaceTime, Skype, e-Mail, it makes any long distance relationship just so easy and effortless. However, I do have to say that getting to hug my tinny 5ft nothing mummy was amazing. I don't think I realised how missed a good cuddle from my mummy. 

Anyway enough of that. 

With mummy in town what better to do than visit as many restaurants as possible, breakfast, brunch, coffee, lunch, dinner, drinks. 

It's safe to say that no eating opportunity was missed. 

First stop, Soho for a little shop and a quick bite at Little Prince. 

Now having had 'The Little Prince' read to me as a child (by my mummy no less) I thought this was the perfect place to go. 

And even better. They are famous for their french onion soup burger. 

Yes I know. How unreal does that sound. 

I'll have you know that it seriously lives up to its name also. 

Gosh I would kill for one right now.

Stepping into the cosy bistro, I was recognised instantly by the waiter who served me in my last visit and bought over a bottle of sparkling water and lemon slices completely unpromted. The English service industry has soooo much to learn. 

Only wanting a quick bite we opted for the Butternut Squash soup and of course their infamous burger.

Flavoursome and delicious. The perfect winter warmer for the cold cold winds of New York.

Next. This handsome little chap arrived to the envy of our neighbouring table. Who ordered their own burger almost instantly.

Just look at it.
Melted emmental and gooey caramelised onions on top of a perfectly cooked and succulent beef patty.

Despite it being a pretty substantial burger, I think I blinked and it was gone. Just so good. No talking, just eating.

Fingers licked and the bill was presented to us in none other thank a cute little book, adding to the ever so cute charm of the darling restaurant.
Already looking forward to a return visit, a big recommendation in my book.

Flesh & Buns

Smack bang in the middle of London's Covent garden is Ross Shonan's new little Izakaya baby. Following his success with meaty-eatery Bone Daddies - just a few minutes round the corner - Shonan launched his Japanese come burger bar restaurant, Flesh & Buns. 

Hidden just behind the hustle and bustle of Neal Street, Earlham Street boasts a rather dinky entrance naaat leading to a vast cellar of sharer tables, booths and an extremely generous bar.

Super huge grin in anticipation of the ridiculous amount of food to be consumed.

What I'm Wearing: Cos T-shirt, Gap Forever Stretch Legging Jeans & Zara Metallic Brogues.

Hop into the booth and get ordering a few 'hard' but super pretty drinks.

That little yellow guy on the right. Yeah. That's a frozen yuzu margartia. Pure frozen delicious heaven. Just keep 'em coming.

And now for some starters.

Well these lasted all about 5 seconds. As soon as they were snapped, the girls dove in like vultures to get their hands on some of the tempura goodness.

The most devine soft shell crab. One of my favourite foods and cooked to perfection here.

Fried squid dusted in Japanese pepper.

Chicken yakitori skewers.

 Humongous tempura prawns with yuzu ponzo.

Rae and Em thoroughly enjoying their pretty drinks.

A few cocktails down and the anticipation slighlty building for the infamous dish...

BUN TIME!

Steamed & slightly sweet, these Chinese bāozi buns are the Western answer to brioche pattys. Good enough to scoff down on their own, but wait and see all the goodies they give you to put inside.

Jesse and I opted for the Sirloin Steak complete with wafu dress which is melt in the mouth delicious. 

The others went for the Peking duck, pulled off the bone at the table. 

I am a huge burger fan, and getting to build my own just the way I like it is way more fun!

Just look at that bad boy.

Perfection!

Just look at Laura's hoisin drizzling talent.

Baskets of buns later and its desert time!

Naturally we had to go for the smores. Hello! They come with your very own fire pit. Who in their right mind could possibly resist?! 

Marshmallow on a stick and slices of green tea chocolate and crackers to build your very own campfire treat. 

Just a quick 'How-To' for those less experienced smore sandwich makers...

1. Toast to perfection (whilst avoiding setting it alight).

2. Place in-between the two crackers and of course add the slither of green tea chocolate for some extra deliciousness.

3. Squeeze and demolish. 

Don't eat it all in one go, as you'll want to seriously savour every last bite. 

Let's not forget to mention the black sugar donuts.

Bigger than my entire fist and jam-packed full of deliciously creamy black sugar sauce.

Ahhh I'm in desert heaven.

Whether you're looking for a laid back escape in the centre of London, or a cool location to impress your friends, then this place for you. With mouthwateringly exciting food, great atmosphere and delicious cocktails, this little restaurant is quickly becoming one of my favourite eatiers in London. 

I dare you not to love it.

Find Flesh & Buns at 41 Earlham Street and be sure to book online (click here) or call up (020 7632 9500) for a booking to avoid disappointment as they are bursting at the seams at peak times.

Getting super hungry writing this post, click here to check out their tantalising menu. Cannot wait for my return visit next week.