81. From Manhattan to the West End

26th March 2014, Balthazar Brasserie, Covent Garden, London

With a New York trip coming on soon and my abstinence growing stronger and stronger, I needed a Manhattan fix urgently.

I rarely go to New York without visiting the Steak Frites Heaven that is Balthazar at least once. In fact, one of the most ideal days I will ever have when visiting is a late 3 hour lunch with myself, a big old steak, a couple of glasses of something red and French and of course, the latest copy of Vogue. This will be after a very long day of shopping and it's also an excellent opportunity to relax and pretend like you'll never have to deal with the credit card bill following your grand tour of the Marc Jacobs store.

I knew saving my first visit to Balthazar Covent Garden until a time of need would prove to have been a good move.

Immediately upon my arrival I am presented with a complimentary glass of champagne as a single diner. Finally, someone is getting us singles freebies!

Not only did the waiter bring me free bubbles he was also adorably funny, polite, charming and really helpful. In fact, Balthazar always has brilliant staff even though it's definitely fancy enough to get away with having much snootier personnel.

The guests however, not so adorable. Or funny. Or polite. Or charming. Or helpful. Apparently, being on BBC every afternoon entitles you to skip out on maintaining any level of manners. And apparently it also entitles the girlfriend who is most certainly not your wife to be incredibly rude to absolutely everyone on the staff without any trace of the self-perception probably needed to recognise your own vile behaviour. Perhaps next time, eat your garden salad rather than pick at it and you may come out happier and more enjoyable as a human being on the other side.

Apart from the couple at the next table, I spent the next two hours revelling in joy over Balthazar London satisfying my wealthy housewife fantasy almost as well as it's brother across the pond.

More Steak Frites for the people!

A lovely glass of red and the even lovelier free glass of champers

The Steak. The Frites. The Love.