We’re deep in the heart of winter at the moment, and I’m pretty sure I have a case of the seasonal doldrums. It’s bleak and icy out there, and for some reason, New York has been in the deep freeze for weeks. Since I have no imminent plans to escape, I’m thinking about trips I’ve taken recently. One of the best was to London. The skies were gray most of the time, but the combination of excellent dining, great museums, breathtaking architecture, and beautiful parks made it a joy to behold. Here are some of the places I loved.
Grato: This charming spot near the Kensington High Street is spread over two levels, and there’s a patio for when (if?) the weather cooperates. Grato is not a dedicated gluten-free restaurant, but the staff is careful with food allergies and intolerances, and they are well aware of potential cross-contamination issues. There’s a special allergen menu with details not only about gluten, but about sesame, sulphites, mustard, nuts, and other common allergens. Grato means “gratitude” or “thankful” in Italian, and the atmosphere is incredibly warm and welcoming. I had an arugula salad with prosciutto and pear to start and the veal Milanese as my main. (The menu changes with what’s in season, but the veal Milanese is still on offer.) For dessert, I had delicious vanilla panna cotta; there’s also gluten-free polenta cake and a selection of ice creams and sorbets. Dining at Grato was technically an accident — I ended up there after my original dining plans fell through — but it was one of the best meals of my trip.