You had me at roasted artichoke..
A souvenir of my lunch at Gail's, because I didn't get a pic of
the sandwich that this post is really about. A girl has to make do.
I know, it seems as though all I ever talk about is some place or other in Notting Hill. But geez, it's so damn charming, can you blame me?
I fully intended to go back to Book for Cooks for lunch the other day, but as we made our way there, my friend and I noticed this cute little bakery/lunch spot and couldn't help but peek our heads in. I tell you, once you pop your noggin' in there, there's no resisting.
Gail's is not new to London but it is relatively new to Portobello Road. Take one look at their range of artisanal breads, pastries and sandwiches and I dare you to try to walk out of there empty handed.
Let it be said that I do not take sandwiches lightly. I am a very complicated, sandwich-loving woman.
In fact, I will only buy a sandwich if it meets very exacting standards. This happens maybe once or twice a year, except for that dry spell of 2004. Because nothing upsets me more than a poorly executed sandwich.
So there I was. In Gail's. Man, it sure smelled bready and good in there. There were sandwiches that seemed to be tailored made for a picky girl like me:
Charcoal ham and guacamole
Gorgonzola and pear
Greek feta and courgette
I wiped the dribble off of my chin and I swear the skies parted and a heavenly (or maybe just fluorescent) beam of light shone down on this one:
Bresaola, Roasted Artichoke, and Rocket Sandwich.
As if that weren't enough, we washed it down with a glass of freshly squeezed blood orange juice and finished it all off with a yogurt and granola cup.
Let's pause to appreciate the fabulousness of this lunch.
It was such a healthy meal I was forced to restore balance in my universe by indulging in that red velvet cupcake later that afternoon.
I left Gail's with not just a full belly-- but also a fresh baguette and a plump sausage roll to bring home for G.
I'd never been to Gail's before, but I'm happy to be able to find them on Portobello Road. Since I never seem to go anywhere else.
Gail's
138 Portobello Road
London, W11 2DZ
64 Hampstead High Street
London, NW3 1QH
________
Note: you can sit down and enjoy your lunch in their cute little space or take any of this home with you. Their website has a menu of their offerings.
Labels: london, London bakeries, London restaurants, sandwiches, vegetarian
posted by Michèle at 11:31 AM
11 Comments:
Oh goodness. You're no help. I come here, hungry, and not only do I see a cupcake, but now a baguette too! My resolve is fading fast, my dear.
Now I want lunch.
I just don't know how good charcoal would be on a sandwich. I use like guacamole, though, so maybe that would mitigate the flavor.
Boy, those Brits eat some weird things, don't they...
I love that you're exploring Notting Hill coz I live round the area and it's nice to read about the places I know :) That said, I didn't know about Gail's! Now that's some place new to try.
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Tara, ha! I aim to torture ;)
David, charcoal is my favourite sandwich ingredient--second only to chalk. Now chalk and guacamole--yumm...
Enuwy, I admit I feel like I could go on and on forever just talking about my favourite places in Notting Hill. But Im glad to have pointed you to a new place in your neighbourhood--I hope you like it!
I am writing down all these places on my "to visit" list :) Thanks for sharing!
thanks for sharing this with us. it's nice to hear of another spot that serves good sandwiches. maybe it's just me but i do find it awfully hard sometimes to find a good sandwich. it's seems like most places would rather concentrate on the salads and the hot menu items instead.
Hey Michele, I have an assignment for you (away from Notting Hill!). Your mission, should you accept it, is to check these guys out http://www.hbros.co.uk/. Last time I was in London I didn't have the chance to go there myself but I read some good reviews. Feeling up to the task? ; )
K & S, to make it a bit easier to keep track I just made a link on the side called My London Favourites, so you can check that as well!
Chris, I hear you on the sandwich thing, that's why I find myself rarely buying them. I have only tried the one sandwich at Gail's but it was definitely worth it.
Ales, I have read about the Hummus Brothers too and heard good things. I can't say no to any assignment involving food, so I will happily post about it once I've gone there!
so glad to hear you ordered the artichoke one! I am glad to see that you are back blogging again, as I like your way with words, and with food. I always wondered whether or not you mastered the artichoke... after your post about your first experience with one, back months ago.
And I have even thought of you, as my 5 year old has now discovered that he loves artichokes, but then refuses to eat the heart- much to my delight!!!
would have loved a photo of the sandwich... maybe you will go back there :)
~Lindsey
Lindsey, thanks for the kind words! I do believe I have mastered the artichoke--who knew it could be so easy? ;) As for Gail's I'm sure I will go back there and I'll try to get some pics next time!
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