Around Town

The problem
Florence, Las Vegas ‘I’m spending a week in town with an old friend, and we’ll have three mid-week nights to ourselves. Living in Las Vegas, I’m all celebrity-chef’d out and would like something old school, something ethnic and something eclectic. We don’t need brand names or Michelin stars, but we do want something memorable.’

The prescription
If you’d like to experience some British nostalgia in the atmosphere of an English gentlemen’s club, then J Sheekey (28-32 St Martin’s Court, WC2; 020 7240 2565) is the ideal place to wine, dine and bask in the glory of a bygone era. It’s the sibling of The Ivy, but less well-known. The seafood platters are stupendous, but don’t overlook old-school favourites such as potted shrimps, fish pies, and, of course, spotted Dick.

For an antidote to Vegas glitz, take the road to Mandalay (444 Edgware Rd, W2; 020 7258 3696), one of our favourite London restaurants. Run by the gregarious and charming Ally family, this tiny but vibrant eatery specialises in home-style Burmese cuisine, which is like an amalgamation of Chinese, Thai and Indian influences. Try anything and everything – though we’d highly recommend the bottle gourd soup and minced chicken samosas.
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Finally, dress up for a night of fun at Sketch: The Gallery (9 Conduit St, W1; 020 7659 4500), where you’ll wonder if you’re in a restaurant masquerading as an art exhibit, or an art exhibit moonlighting as a restaurant. In their words: ‘art meets food meets fashion’. Pierre Gagnaire’s extraordinary dishes are a talking point, but really you come here for the scene. If you can, visit one evening towards the end of the week (Wednesday to Saturday), when there’s a live DJ from 10.30pm until late. And whatever you do, don’t miss a visit to the ‘rest rooms’– we promise that you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Charmaine Mok, Food & Drink journalist

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