At last, shopping in London says Lana (Day 6)

No real reason to be too ambitious early this morning as we had nothing organized until dinner later. Weather is overcast but mild temperatures. My goal is to purchase a Haglöfs shirt for hiking and wearing when travelling. There is a Cotswold store near Piccadilly Circus station that sells them. I can't make contact by phone first though, but we head off in the Tube. We arrive at Piccadilly Circus tube station and there are thousands of people lining the street and barricades. We find out it is their St. Patrick's Day annual parade. Wow, our timing is terrible.

Haglöfs long-sleeve shirt

We are on the wrong side of the street to get to the store and with the barricades we can't cross. Back down into the Tube station and then up and out on the other side of the street. Very difficult to locate the block/street we want. We do find the street and Cotswold's store. Regrettably, they don't have any Haglöfs shirts in stock in the store.   :-(  They have many online of course. My friend's shirt is excellent for hiking and you can pack it in a suitcase and it doesn't wrinkle. We tried finding a shirt in Barcelona and struct out there. I think there is an omen for me not to buy a shirt.

It is lunch time and we haven't eaten. We decide to head back into the Tube and get away from these crowds. We pop up at Oxford Circus station and look for a restaurant. The one restaurant we wanted to try based on a friend's recommendation we discover is too many blocks away. We decide to try an Itsu restaurant for a quick bite. Casual chain restaurant known for healthier Asian food. It hits the spot and eventually we are back in the Tube for Shepherd's Bush Central line station. Lana wants to do more shopping at the Westfield Mall. I buy a London Sunday Times newspaper for 2.50 Pounds and take it home to read. Lana returns with clothes from one of her favourite stores COS which currently only has a location in Montreal--although there is a rumour that one is opening in Vancouver soon. Lana's score = a dress, sweater and a top. Not too bad.

We have a dinner appointment at Jikoni with our friends and Maxwell for 18:00. Walk to Shepherd's Bush station and then out at Bond Street station. I had written down directions yet we get lost. We are now late so we grab a black cab. In not too much time we are at the restaurant. I ask the cab driver how long it will take and he replies "if we hit all the green lights, five minutes. If we hit all the red lights, ten minutes". 

Randy in a black cab! Yes, they are huge on the inside. There is a microphone the driver uses to communicate. Glass between driver and passenger. There is a glass tray where you place your cash for payment. 

This describes Jakoni:  "Cosy kitchen-style diner serving Asian comfort food with British, African and Middle Eastern twists." Their menu is very interesting and does represent the above statement. It was an a very unique meal with new flavours in a very cozy space. The staff are eager to please and answer all questions. 

                                                                     Jikoni Restaurant

Venison Scotch Egg (quail) with pork and smoked beetroot raita. A unique version of a classic scotch egg and very tasty. 

Slow-cooked Brisket Lamb with home-ground Ras El Hanout and Burnt Aubergine. Lana ordered this plate and it was delicious!!

Mujadarra (a type of indian rice), Yoghurt and Crispy Shallots. 

Crispy Pig's Cheek with Turnip Polenta and Puffed Pig Skin. Randy's main order and the sauce was delicious and unusual. A flavour I have never savoured previously.

Green Bean and Cashew Nut Thoran. Side Dish.

Okra Fries and Curry Leaf Mayonnaise. Side dish.

Saffron Prawn and Fish Pie. Side dish. Tina's order.

 

Mutton Keema Sloppy Joe with pickled onion, mint and mango chutney, toasted brioche, fried padrons. Adrian's order.

Kheer Crème Brûlée dessert (with grated carrot!)

Adrian and Maxwell

We actually arrive back to our flat around 21:20 so easily the earliest we have returned home so far during our trip. My Fitbit shows almost 11km so not too much walking today. 48 stairwells during the day. Not a hectic day today.