Tried and Tasted

Tried and Tasted

With a business in the area for over 30 years, Steve Willsdon of Shades Window Couture is well placed to pick out some local dining hot spots

PROFILE

Name:Steve Willsdon

Age:Old enough

Job Title:Proprietor

Company:Shades Window Couture of Chingford

The coffee break

Restaurant:Cafe Delice

Location:141 Station Road, Chingford E4 6AG, 020 8523 9660

My favourite from their menu is the Baguette Anglais - the cafes speciality. It makes an excellent snack with a cup of their fine coffee.

This is the kind of place to disappear to for a few quiet moments in the middle of a hectic day. Not only do they serve the freshest snacks and light meals but there is always a nice welcome from the staff.

Lunch with friends

Restaurant:Orford SaloonTapas Bar

Location:32 Orford Road, Walthamstow Village E17 9NJ, 020 8503 6542

Its almost impossible to choose one dish from the superb menu of tapas dishes. My advice is to make sure that you order a variety of different dishes. And if you are anything like me, you will be tempted by so many that there will be some left over.

This is the kind of place to go with good friends who love spending a few hours over splendid food. This restaurant is hidden away in Walthamstow Village and together with the genial maitre d, its a great find; the problem is, too many people are hearing about it!

A family meal

Restaurant:The Avenue Indian Restaurant

Location:1 The Avenue, Highams Park E4 9LB, 020 8531 0404

You can be assured of something special with any one of the chefs specialties. The Avenue is the one restaurant where the chefs recommendations are exactly that.

I go there with my family and close friends; we all rate this as one of the best restaurants in the area. With so many Indian restaurants around, this has to be the best. We all love Indian food in varying degrees and Jay, the manager knows how to look after his customers and makes sure that all our tastes are catered for.

Business dinner

Restaurant: Ninos

Location:18 Electric Parade, George Lane, South Woodford E18 2LY,020 8989 6192

At Ninos I always go for one of the days specials as they are fresh and imaginative and something I wouldnt normally go for.

Having run Shades for over 30 years in the area I have many customers who have become good friends and when we are looking for a restaurant to discuss business or celebrate an order, its usually Ninos. Its an impressive local Italian restaurant with attentive, but not over zealous staff who make sure that your dining experience suits the event.

Living it up

Restaurant:Smiths of Smithfield

Location:67-77 Charterhouse Street, London EC1M 6HJ, 020 7251 7950

The obvious choice at Smiths would be their perfect cuts of meat, but surprisingly my choice would be one of the very best eggs Benedict I have ever eaten. A great start to a perfect meal.

This is one place that cannot fail to impress. It has three floors of food - all in varying degrees of sophistication - one to suit every occasion. Its perfect for parties or special occasions as the top floor has an open terrace overlooking the city which is fabulous in the summer; this is one of Londons better restaurants - but beware! With the fine choice of meat on the menu, its a vegetarians nightmare!