Dining Dispatch {September}

The Wolseley, London

My favorite culinary experiences and meals to remember from September:

The Wolseley, London

(photo above) This buzzy spot looks as though it’s been around for centuries, with gilded wall panels & chandelier-clad vaulted ceilings… but it actually opened in 2003, and has been a favorite of celebs & socialistas ever since.  Thankfully, the modern European food is as good as the scene: lamb chops served British-style with “bubble & squeak,” peppery seared boeuf au poivre, & tuna nicoise (one of my all-time favorite things) was simple & satisfying.  Oh-so-glamorous, and in the tradition of the “Grand Cafe,” serves breakfast, lunch, & dinner from 7am to midnight.

The Wolseley, 160 Piccadilly, +44 20 7499 6996.

Cecconi’s, London

Since Cecconi’s in West Hollywood is one of my fave Italian spots around, I couldn’t wait to experience the original in London.  This is the spot for classic Italian food served in old-school romantic surroundings.  We were seated in a cozy little nook next to a window perfect for people-watching, and feasted on caprese salad with buffalo mozzarella, cod with cherry tomatoes, olives, & capers; & ricotta raviola drizzled with brown butter sauce.  And what’s not to love about prosecco on tap?

Cecconi’s, 5A Burlington Gdns, +44 20 74341500.

Local, Dallas

Local, Dallas

This was the perfect, low-key-and-delish venue for last month’s mother/daughter weekend.  Housed in the historic Boyd Hotel, Local boasts a hip, unpretentious vibe and the most seasonal and, well, local ingredients.  Wild arugula salad with melt-in-your-mouth blue cheese, panko-crusted sea bass with english pea + meyer lemon risotto, rosemary-infused lamb chops with lavender-madeira reduction, this is comfort food with very gourmet taste.  The bill came with the most buttery raspberry thumbprint cookie… southern hospitality at its finest.

Local, 2936 Elm St, (214) 752-7500.