Homesickness

One more month left in London and the homesickness is really starting to set in. I've only barely experienced the tip of the iceberg that is the London restaurant scene and yet images of dirty water dogs and chicken & rice have been wafting through my dreams. Here are some suitable replacements to stave of the pangs of nostalgia hunger during this final stretch.

From seriouseats.com

1. Shake Shack burgers -> Byron burgers

There's nothing more American than a franchise burger. In NYC, most would say the representative burger is the Shake Shack burger. Among the many burger substitutes to be found in London, one higher end burger chain, Byron Burger, has become an oasis in the desert for me. Juicy, flavorful, and with NYC prices to boot (sigh).

From cdn.opinsy.com

2.  Everything bagels with cream cheese ->  Marmite & cheddar butty

Okay, I admit that comparing cream cheese and Marmite is like comparing apples and donkeys. Marmite, a poorly described "yeast spread", is a favorite of many Brits (and Aussies as well). Pungently salty to say the least, the spread is a love-hate affair. At first taste, I ended up raking the spread off my tongue but when placed in a toasted sandwich with sharp cheddar cheese....it was actually alright. Delicious actually. A filling breakfast sandwich that is just as regional as NYC's everything bagels with cream cheese.

From thearmoury.me.uk

3. Soul food -> Pub grub
Rich, hearty, stick to ribs food can be found in nearly all cultures. The transition from Harlem soul food to London pub grub was not a hard one.

From guestofaguest.com

4. Speakeasy mixology bars -> Speakeasy mixology bars!

Although it may be hard to find some of your NYC favorites here in London, when it comes to mixology bars you should have no problems. London is home to some of the world's best mixologists. Whether they will be as hipster and moustachioed as those in Manhattan, that part isn't guaranteed, but they can all mix you a refreshing respite from beer. In fact, one of the top private mixology membership bars in NYC, Milk & Honey, has a twin bar right here in London. And you can actually call the London Milk & Honey for a reservation instead of sending an email.