Antonio Carluccio

A larger than life character, Antonio Carluccio speaks with a great deal of passion about his craft and, he believes north Londoners are starting to feel the same way. “People are more knowledgeable,” he says in his deep Italian accent,” have more aspirations and appreciate good quality food. Islington, in particular, is very sophisticated. We opened our cafe in Islington for that very reason!”

The Upper Street establishment certainly catches the eye with its hanging meat in the windows, and bright, airy interior. “I believe that people are starting to understand the difference between high quality fresh seasonal food, compared to mediocre food sold en-masse. This awareness of quality makes the higher demand a good establishment,” he comments, a reason that he feels north is now competing with west.

As long as the likes of Antonio , Ken Hom and Simon Woodroffe continue supporting these parts, there is a feeling that north London will be the place to be seen and eat… Carluccios, 305-307 Upper Street , N1. 020 7359 8167 / 12 West Smithfield , EC1. 020 7329 5904 .

See Antonio's BBC Interview  

Article by Angel Magazine

“North Londoners are a demanding and discerning lot – I know because I have been one!” Simon Woodroffe , founder and owner of the creative driving force that is YO! Sushi, is a man who Angel senses knows his stuff. His insider knowledge of this area has served him well to date. “ The O2 restaurant in Finchley Road was the third restaurant we opened against all advice and that has been incredibly successful for us!” The novelty of eating Japanese raw fish has certainly taken off in these parts, with many lunch breaks taken up by a quick nibble of the cuisine. “We do much more than raw fish,” Simon enlightens Angel views, “in fact we have a repertoire of over 100 dishes.” Simon feels such variety is perfectly at home in north London . “People are eating out locally more and more. North London , like many provincial towns, is maturing – Islington, for example, has the entertainment now of a large town like Leeds !” YO! Sushi, 95 Farrington Road , EC1. 020 7841 0785 / 02 Centre, 255 Finchley Road , NW3. 020 7431 4499 .  

Article by Angel Magazine