Portobello Pearls: January 2013

It seems odd to be writing about the Notting Hill Carnival when it's snowing outside, but I wanted to share a few photos from last year's celebration. I wasn't in blogging mode at the time so I only got a few of questionable quality, but for some better ones check out my 2011 post.

I didn't see as many floats as I would have liked to this year as we went on a bit of a pub crawl instead but I did get my fair share of fried plantain, grape soda, Jerk chicken and rice and peas. And someone might have brought a bottle of Cherry Brandy for sharing.

NHC is always on the Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday at the end of August. I can't wait for 2013!

Last weekend one of my crazy homies, Mark, took me to Crazy Homies.

I can't believe this place has been around the corner for me for years but I've never ventured in. Half way through our street dance class Mark conspirationally whispered the fevered words 'do you want to go to Crazy Homies for lunch?!'

I had planned to take it easy that day as I needed to leave space for cocktails at Floripa that night, but the flesh is weak, and I was very curious about this local unexplored Mexican joint.

We assured one another that we would 'share the food' and not have a greedy chow down.

Well, there was sharing. Sharing of a greedy chow down!

We hadn't pre-booked so we sat at the bar while we waited for a table and ordered up some of their famously yummy Margaritas.

We had Pomegranate Margaritas and Tommys Margarita which is a little sweeter than the original as its sweetened with agave. They were yummy but I wasn't blown away.

Totopos (basically tortilla chips) and a small pot of guacamole were £6.50. Not great value.

The Shrimp Tacos were lovely, but they coukd have packed more of a spicy punch. I didn't want to share!

And of course we had to get Mexican Rice.

The spiced chicken Taco Salad was amazing, served in a deep fried edible tortilla bowl. Delist and definitely enough for one as it's a little tricky to share.

We left full but not pukey-full. The bill came to over £50. I don't think this was great value as we shared our starter, main and side. If you go with a super hungry person, be prepared to pay more.

While we were there loads of Americans came and went. I'm guessing it must be in some hipster guide book. I can imagine Shoreditch types caving and heading west to seek out this joint. I wouldn't trek to get to it, around the corner yes, but I wouldn't leave the borough if y'know what I mean.

I wasn't massively impressed by the breadth of the menu - they didn't even have Chimichangas! Gotta have the Chimis!

It's a decent Mexican and I love the kitsch factor, but I prefer the food and value at El Loco Mexicano over on Westbourne Grove and if I just want a quick Mexi bite I'd rather the totally flavoursome El Camion on Portobello Road under the Westway, but that's more of a take-away option as its not the most comfortable spot.

One of the best things about Crazy's is the staff. They're lovely. The bar tender is really cool and super hot and the waitresses are really friendly, in a genuine non-cringey way.

If you're around Notting Hill and looking for a quirky, fun place for lunch or dinner give Crazy Homies a look in. It's at 125 Westbourne Park Road (W2 5QL) - nearer the Chepstow Road end. If you're going at the weekend, it would be a good idea to book (020 7727 6771 / www.crazyhomies.com).

The Round Up:
Food: 6.5/10
The Look: 6/10
Comfort: 5.5/10

Atmosphere: 6/10
Service: 8/10

Overall it gets a 'C+' (6.4/10)

For dessert we popped across the road to the newsagents and got down with some retro 1990s mini hamburger jelly sweets. Wicked man!

21 January 2013

Snowy Notting Hill & Portobello Market

20 January 2013

Around Portobello | Notting Hill Carnival 2012

17 January 2013

Restaurant | Crazy Homies on Westbourne Park Road