restaurants in London

Just returned from a quick trip to London, where we
lived for a few years until last September. Thought I'd
share some recommendations in case anyone overwhelmed
by the whole new food scene needed ideas:

(1) Sugar Club - on Warwick Street near Piccadilly
Circus. The decor is stark and spare, in contrast to
its original address on the grungier edge of Notting
Hill, but the food remains top-notch as ever. The
seared scallops starter melted in our mouths while our
favorite entrees included the John Dory filet, trelough
of duck breast, and the organic salmon filet. A great
selection of wines, too. Book well in advance.

(2) Club Gascon - near Spitafields in the hip
Clerkenwell area. Can be upmarket as well as cosy and
informal. Specializes in southwestern French cuisine,
notably foie gras and pate. A dozen or so choices
of foie gras served in a tapas style; it's a
veritable heart attack in the making so choose
carefully and wisely. We were especially impressed
with the lobster sauce version. For starters the
watercress soup with broad beans was a nice cool touch
to the palate.

(3) Wagamama's - perennial favorite with four or five
locations including Soho, Bloomsbury (the original),
Camden, South Kensington. Minimalist cafeteria
specializing in giant noodle soups and dishes. Not
strictly Japanese - mixes Southeast Asian ingredients
and spices with ramen, soba or udon. Long lines during
peak hours, but good value for money.