Good food in London

This article has been submitted for publication by Diario El Universal, in Caracas. It was originally written in Spanish and I will put up the link to the article as soon as it is published. Bear in mind that London has a bad food reputation among Venezuelans, which I think is undeserved! Maybe this article will help change minds...

Don’t believe the pessimists, British culinary tradition has changed
By Isabel Garcia-Nevett

The British capital is known for its big museums, unique historical monuments, charismatic royal family, fabulous parks and tons of shopping opportunities.
London is not really famous for gourmet cuisine. In fact, for many Venezuelans English food is limited to fish and chips and steak and kidney pie. However, the great mix of cultures that co-exist in London today has given birth to a wonderful variety of world cuisine. This is especially true of the Asian culinary tradition. Following are some options, from luxurious restaurants to cheaper, yet charming, fare.

Indian
The United Kingdom has inherited a special taste for Indian curries and exotic spices from its imperial days. This is probably why one can find restaurants serving this type of cuisine in almost every corner of the country. In London, Veeraswamy restaurant (99 Regent Street) boasts the title of first Indian restaurant in town, opened since 1926. This is an elegant place, with a menu of international Indian cuisine with a modern touch. Also on the map is the wonderful Tamarind (20 Queen Street), a luxurious restaurant in fancy Mayfair that specializes in Tandoori dishes. Tamarind has received accolades as one of the best Indian restaurants in London.
From the people at Veeraswamy, comes a good option for those on a tighter budget. The chain Masala Zone (with places in Soho, Earl’s Court and Islington) offers a good variety of classic Indian dishes at very reasonable prices in hip surroundings.

Chinese
The culinary tradition of this vast country is well represented in the streets of London. The famous Kai of Mayfair (65 South Audley Street) was named 2004’s best Chinese restaurant by the prestigious Zagat Guide. Their dishes go from perfect classics, such as sweet and sour pork and spicy chicken and cashew nuts, to less conventional dishes like shark’s fin soup and ostrich steak. However, if you are looking for atmosphere, there is nothing quite like the new China Tang (at The Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane). With an interior inspired by 1920s Shangai and an extensive dim sum menu and other traditional dishes, this is a wonderful dining experience.
For a more economic option, the best thing is to head towards Chinatown (Gerrard Street, Soho) where you can find numerous locales offering Cantonese, Pekingese and Szechwan cuisine. Chinatown is a cool place in itself, with tons of Chinese shops and markets. Many of the restaurants serve all-you-can-eat buffets and are open till late.

Thai
Although there are less Thai restaurants, this culinary tradition is still easily found in London. For a unique time, head to the Blue Elephant (3-6 Fulham Broadway). The entrance is like stepping inside a tropical forest in the middle of the city. The menu is quite extensive and includes all the classic Thai dishes. Another positively charming choice is the Churchill Arms (119 Kensington Church Street), a traditional English pub that has rented out its kitchen to an army of Thais that are in charge of serving big helpings of delicious dishes form their country at really great prices.

Venezuela red-flagged by Human Rights Watch

Due process is to be suspended if and when the Government declares a state of emergency and such a state may be declared for an indefenite amount of time and actions will not be restricted by international human rights legislation. This is the latest news from the on-going Venezuelan constitutional reform and this time it has aroused international opinion.
According to Jose Miguel Vivancos, Americas director at Human Rights Watch, “This amendment, if approved, would allow President Chávez to invoke a state of emergency to justify suspending certain rights that are untouchable under international law”.
It is worrying to think that a government already known for disliking opponents and cristicisms, will now have the liberty to declare a state in which it will be able to repress any sort of public manifestations. It is impossible not to wonder whether the recent awakening of the student movement (largely opposed to major Bolivarian policies, especially the withdrawal of RCTV's open air signal - a privately owned television channel) influenced directly on this kind of legislation. Will it be Venezuela's young, independent and finally motivated students who suffer the consequences of this new law? For their sake, I hope not.
For more information on Human Rights Watch views on Venezuela:
http://hrw.org/doc/?t=americas&c=venezu

For objective cover on Venezuela: The Economist

It is my opinion that The Economist magazine in the UK offers the most accurate and objective coverage of Venezuelan news in the international media. This week there is an article about the Colombian hostages situation and the role of Chavez as a mediator.
Here is the link:
http://www.economist.com/world/la/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9769060