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Hungry for London: A Perfect Lunch in Soho

[caption id="attachment_35961" align="aligncenter" width="595" caption="Welcome to Barrafina. And welcome to a really killer lunch."][/caption]

As a London visitor (particularly if you're of the poofter variety) chances are you'll end up in the traditonally central and gay-tastic 'hood of Soho at some point. If it's lunchtime, go for tapas and wine (Yes! Wine for lunch! You're on holiday!) at Barrafina.

[caption id="attachment_35946" align="alignright" width="300" caption="A few roasted, marinated peppers and a glass of wine will get you started..."][/caption]

My Londoner friend Ian met me at Barrafina (his suggestion) on a drizzly November weekday and the place was very busy. It's on Frith Street, a few blocks north of Old Compton and I arrived to find Ian standing against the wall opposite the long bar, sipping a glass of white wine and noshing on some cripsy little sauteed peppers. The place is narrow, so as we waited for our seats, we huddled next to the wall, sipping and chatting. A friendly staffer took my wine order, and within 10 minutes we had seats at the bar.

Lunch was fabulous. The bartender/waitress rattled of the specials merrily--all fresh tapas options including shellfish, salades, tortillas, suckling pig, meats and cheese. She suggested wines and when I was lurching to try and get a snapshot of the golden crusted suckling pig atop the bar counter, she offered to snap it for me, as her vantage point was better. Soooo nice!

[caption id="attachment_35947" align="alignleft" width="275" caption="Lunch may feature a special guest."][/caption]

Ian and I ordered an assortment of amazing treats, and all were exemplary. To be honest, the roster of what we ate was a blur as he and I were gossiping and catching up after not seeing each other in about two years, but our meal consisted of some version of... heavenly tortillas, divinely gooey cheesy ham croquettes, a big serving of pieces of roast suckling pig with potatoes and garlic, and marinated razor clams--and more white wine.

All the tapas items were pretty reasonable from £3-£7 each, except for the generous serving of pig (£16!). And like I said, it was great.

Don't go for lunch at Barrafina with a big group. There's not enough room. Go with one good friend who loves food, wine and a bustling fun meal.

Barrafina

54 Frith Street

London, W1D 4SL

tel. 020 7813 8016

http://www.barrafina.co.uk/

[caption id="attachment_35948" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Barrafina's counter: See you here for lunch."][/caption]

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