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Our guest food blogger Melina Zachariou shares her thoughts and insights on a new vegan dish at Wagamama Noodle Lab.

A short walk from Oxford Circus station will take you to the Wagamama Noodle Lab on Dean Street, Soho.

This was no ordinary trip to your typical food joint. It was the opportunity to sit down with editor of My Soho Times magazine, The Soho Girl, and a small team of talented creatives with an interest in blogging.

Combined, there were eight of us with skills ranging across the board discussing food, culture, history, and fashion that will make it into the magazine along some exciting events, coming very soon to readers.

Accompanying the discussions, was of course, the food.

Wagamama. A name we’re all familiar with. But how many of us know of its Noodle lab? Wagamama’s innovative restaurant where all their new dishes are designed and trialled before going out to Wagamama menus across the nation. Soho is home to its very own Noodle Lab nestled along Dean street – and worth the visit. Long benches across the tables encourage conversation and the brightly lit neon signs dotted around, fit in with the Soho vibes of London.

The menu has a long red strip on the right side showcasing their test items whilst keeping the old favourites in the main menu. I was eager to test the vegan “suika” tuna. Not exactly a noodle lab special but I was interested nonetheless.

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Dehydrated watermelon steak is seasoned and wok seared. The steak sits atop a bed of sticky white rice; accompanied by miso sesame wok fried kale, tenderstem broccoli, a handful of pickled radish and a generous dollop of guacamole.

The guacamole wasn’t your average helping of avocado. Blended tofu explains the silkiness of the dip while edamame keeps the guacamole sweet. Add it to the bowl which is then topped with crispy fried shallots, sesame seeds, fresh chilli and lime.

But what of the star of the dish? The Suika tuna, in one word, could only be described as perplexing. Wok searing the watermelon transforms the watery sweetness of the fruit into the savoury, umami warmth of a gently fried skinless tomato. Something one could get used to after a couple of tastes.

What about the texture? Dehydrating a watermelon does something amazing to it. You go from an ice cold, fall apart freshness to a delightfully held together meat that actually does resemble a tuna. The slight ‘jelliness’ isn’t to my personal taste but it’s not a problem. I would definitely try the dish again.

The sticky white rice was simple and less flavourful than the rest of the bowl. A good thing given the remaining ingredients had enough flavour to pick it up. Wagamama always find ways to make veggies delicious and this time round was no exception. Top your sticky rice with a generous heap of the crunchy broccoli and soft, crispy kale and you have a very happy mouthful of food.

You should definitely try the Lab if they are looking to go vegan or simply want a bit of a break from meat.

Wagamama Menu drop!

We’ve partnered with Wagamama for six of our readers, to win an exclusive FREE tasting at Wagamama Noodle Lab for the launch of their new menu drop on Tuesday Feb 4 between 12 – 2pm. Interested in joining? Email info@mysohotimes.co.uk and we’ll get back to you! Limited availability, first come first served!

81 Dean St, Soho, London, W1D 3SW

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   Veganuary at Wagamama Noodle Lab | My Soho Times

Our guest food blogger Melina Zachariou shares her thoughts and insights on a new vegan dish at Wagamama Noodle Lab.

Veganuary at Wagamama Noodle Lab | My Soho Times Our guest food blogger Melina Zachariou shares her thoughts and insights on a new vegan dish at Wagamama Noodle Lab.

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Fafa's On a Friday Night | My Soho Times

Fafa’s On a Friday Night | My Soho Times

Our guest date and blogger, Naciza Masikini shares her experience dining at Fafa’s on a Friday night… (more…)

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Less than a week to go before we kick off with not just one – but two launch events to celebrate our official ‘coming out‘ with the release of the My Soho Times Winter issue! Here’s a peak at what you can expect to find inside…

Winter issue out 25th November

25th November 7pm at Experimental Cocktail Club is where the party’s at, and your opportunity to view the first issue of My Soho Times (FYI, our invite picture isn’t our front cover – all will be revealed at the launch!)  Tickets costs £10 and include a My Soho Times membership card and tote bag. CLICK HERE for your ticket!

29th November 6.30pm at The Piano Bar Soho is an event to say a big thank you to our partners, contributors and invite local businesses to learn more about what My Soho Times is about! Feel free to join us for an evening jazzed up with music and networking! Tickets cost £10 and include a My Soho Times membership card and tote bag. CLICK HERE for your ticket! (Limited comp tickets available for both events. To request one please email info@mysohotimes.co.uk)

What can you expect to find inside the Winter issue?… Here’s a sneak peak!

El Sabor

Chef Nieves Barragan of Michelin Star restaurant Sabor talks about Spanish flavours, gaining a Michelin Star and giving back as an ambassador of Action Against Hunger. Look out for our video interview filmed by DoGoodFilms coming out soon. Behind the scenes pictures by The Soho Girl.

Mr Mullans General Store

We discovered Soho’s very own likeness to Covent Garden’s Neal’s Yard – Smith’s Court! It’s here that we stumbled upon this gem of a shop and its name sake owner… Lose yourself in the eclectic world of Mr Mullans General Store! Behind the scenes pictures by photographer Ari Gurdon Lindey and Kai Lutterodt, The Soho Girl.

Buy fresh this festive season!

Berwick Street Market has a 300 years history. This season is the perfect opportunity to support its traditional vendors by buying your fresh fruit, veg and cut flowers from them! Behind the scenes photos my photographer Ari Gurdon Lindey and The Soho Girl.

The Art of Looking Dapper

After 30+ years in the fashion industry Mark Powell is Dapper than ever… Soho’s legendary tailor reveals the secrets of dressing up in style. Behind the scenes photos captured by photographer Lewis Inman and The Soho Girl.

Your guide through Soho

We join My London Walks guide Nikka Garrett on a tour through Soho… If you think you know the area well, bet there are some secrets you’re yet to discover (like where to get the best Express Martini in Soho!) Behind the scenes photos by The Soho Girl.

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The Talentbanqer

Ray Jones has been known as ‘Mr London’ for decades, but we prefer to call him the ‘Talentbanqer’… Find out why! Behind the scenes pictures taken at L’escargot, by The Soho Girl.

Find Faith in Soho

We explore Soho’s places of spiritual wellbeing, faith, and religion, including the Radha Krishna Temple as they prepare for their 50th anniversary in London…

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Soho’s 2020 vision…

We bring out the crystal ball to predict Soho’s future in 2020 and beyond, with the help of people who come here to LIVE, WORK and PLAY. Look out for our 2020 Vision of Soho event on the 20.02.2020 at House of St Barnabas to hear more! Join our mailing list for ticket release date CLICK HERE. Photos by The Soho Girl.

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You can expect this and so much more in the Winter issue of My Soho Times out 25th November! For a listing of local businesses stocking our magazine CLICK HERE!

A special ‘thank you’ to our Winter issue contributors: Ari Gurdon Lindey @ari55 | Ivo Belohoubek @dogoodfilmsworldwide | Gillian Smith | Freya Starr @freyastarr | Syahna Yahya @syahnayahya | Sabrina Hamilton @iamsabrinaham | Samuel Sasiharan @samuelsasiharan | Maria Vole  @miamariasv | Lewis Inman @lewisinman_ | Rev’d Simon Buckley | Tony Shrimplin @themuseumofsoho | Amru Sabbah @our.sangha | Jessica Lee @jessicialee.yoga | Beverly Elie

For opportunities to contribute content for our blog and print publication please email info@mysohotimes.co.uk

See you at our launch party?

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   A Sneak Peak of what’s inside the My Soho Times Winter issue!

Less than a week to go before we kick off with not just one – but two launch events to celebrate our official ‘

A Sneak Peak of what’s inside the My Soho Times Winter issue! Less than a week to go before we kick off with not just one - but two launch events to celebrate our official '

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Everything on the menu sounded inviting as we stood outside Lima, mentally debating which of the many good restaurants on Charlotte Street was worthy of our custom for the much awaited catch up between me and my good friend and mentor, Gerry Haag.

However just to be sure we weren’t missing out on something else new in and as intriguing in Fitzrovia or as it’s sometimes called Noho (no no – a failed attempt to rebrand the area north of Soho), we strolled further down the street. Charlotte Street has been one of my favourite off-the-beaten tracks of Oxford Street since I’ve lived in Central London for over 10 years. Located just a stone-throws away from Tottenham Court Road and Goodge Street Station, it is a cleaner slate north of its iconic counterpart Soho.

Within 5 minutes we were back outside Lima, confirming from the menu and the ambiance visible from its glass façade that this was were we could sit and catch up with good food to fuel us.

Lima has received 4 accolades which include 1 Michelin Star and Best new Restaurant. I was unaware of the high status of this restaurant until I looked it up this morning. And that speaks volumes – the food (and drink; those Pisco Cocktails took me right back to Chile), spoke for itself. Beautifully presented contemporary Peruvian cuisine without losing the essence of flavour.

I’ll admit, this restaurant isn’t in the average price budget – it’s £££. But for good quality food and a taste of South America without the airfare price tag,  it was worth the compromise to perhaps miss out on eating out this week, just to savour good quality Michelin Star food!

A taste of Lima from Charlotte Street, W1…

Hake “plancha”

Salmon “hot ceviche”

Sea Bream Ceviche

Scallop Tiradito

Fruity cocktails: pisco sours

Great food & drink with great company and pleasant staff… You might want to pop over for a stroll on Charlotte street to visit Lima.

Words Kai Lutterodt @the.soho.girl

📍Lima, Rathbone Place, London W1T 1JH

www.limalondon.com

Let me know your thoughts in the comment box below… Don’t forget to hit the ‘share’ button!

Down Charlotte Street to Peru, the taste of Lima in W1

Everything on the menu sounded inviting as we stood outside Lima, mentally debating which of the many good restaurants on Charlotte Street was worthy of our custom for the much awaited catch up between me and my good friend and mentor,

Down Charlotte Street to Peru, the taste of Lima in W1 Everything on the menu sounded inviting as we stood outside Lima, mentally debating which of the many good restaurants on Charlotte Street was worthy of our custom for the much awaited catch up between me and my good friend and mentor,

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Introducing The Soho Girl

Introducing The Soho Girl

You know you need an online presence for your business, yet the thought of setting up and self-managing these platforms seems daunting… If that’s you, I’m here to help! (more…)

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Introducing The Soho Girl

Introducing The Soho Girl

You know you need an online presence for your business, yet the thought of setting up and self-managing these platforms seems daunting… If that’s you, I’m here to help! (more…)

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@NexHypeTV out and about in Soho!

@NexHypeTV out and about in Soho!

If you’re looking for diversity, fresh views and well, honest opinions – Soho is the place to be! It’s no wonder @NexHypeTV chose to wonder the the back streets of the central London district to get people’s view on Beyoncé’s recent Super Bowl half-time performance show… Seems Beyoncé’s “blackness” isn’t as obvious to many as her “bootiliciousness“!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=km5jc0_…

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https://vimeo.com/143459100

Hi everyone!

Well it’s been a while – hope you don’t feel neglected! I’ve been busy setting up “Let’s do Lunch” – an urban girl’s guide to making contacts (don’t look at me, I have no idea where to even begin)! Part of this project is about networking via social media and what better why to do that than via blogging!

The first blogging workshops facilitated by Let’s do Lunch is in collaboration with UAL Language Centre. Students are part of a project called UAL London Project, which showcases their writing skills as well as their thoughts and experiences in London!

From food & restaurant reviewing at Chipotle Mexican Grill, to Street Fashion and capturing quirky interesting things in Soho! www.UALLondonProject.wordpress.com #UALLondonProject #MySohoTimes

Find out more about the blogging workshops or 1-2-1 sessions for businesses or individuals, contact me k.lutterodt1@arts.ac.uk

Kai :)

Out and About in Soho: inspiration for blogging!

Hi everyone! Well it’s been a while – hope you don’t feel neglected! I’ve been busy setting up…

Out and About in Soho: inspiration for blogging! Hi everyone! Well it's been a while - hope you don't feel neglected! I've been busy setting up…

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We were at SUARTS Freshers Fair at Chelsea College of Arts yesterday speaking to lots of students! My Soho Times is going through a revamp, sort of like a refurbishment, with an exciting project of turning it into a mobile phone app! In the mean time the blog will remain, and we’re seeking bloggers to share their “Soho experience“ to be published on our site! So whether you Live, Work, or Play in Soho – we’d love to hear your stories!

Let’s do Lunch and My Soho Times collaboration

Interested in blogging but don’t know where to start? Let’s do Lunch, a platform created for students, recent graduates and young professionals to network, has a FREE “Blogging for complete beginners” workshop at UAL High Holborn this Friday 2nd Oct 3pm – 5pm. Find out more at www.Facebook.com/LetsdolunchUrbanguide and www.LetsdolunchUrbanguide.com

Get in touch by emailing me, Kai k.lutterodt1@arts.ac.uk and look out for the social I’ll be organising soon!

Like us on Facebook =>> www.facebook.com/mysohotimes

My Soho Times at SUARTS Freshers Fair – blog for us!

We were at SUARTS Freshers Fair at Chelsea College of Arts yesterday speaking to lots of students!

My Soho Times at SUARTS Freshers Fair – blog for us! We were at SUARTS Freshers Fair at Chelsea College of Arts yesterday speaking to lots of students!

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Soho Bloggers meet: My Soho Times and Soho Strut in NYC!

Soho Bloggers meet: My Soho Times and Soho Strut in NYC!

Who would have thought that across the other side of the world, another young enterprising woman is connecting her local community through unique and exciting events – in SoHo NYC! (more…)

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#PrideIdol: Julius Reuben

“A rainbow flag it plays such a significant role in my life as it represent what could have been and would have been in my life if… And when I touch it today, I will thank it of its existence and remembering the life of many include friends of mine who have died quite young just because of their sexuality… (more…)

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Dani from South America (Brazil and Chile) shares why she loves Soho:

“Soho isn’t just about partying! I love to come here during the day for a coffee and people watch. It’s also the most central place to meet up with friends and head to the pub for drinks!”

Share your Soho Times with us! Email info@mysohotimes.co.uk “My Soho Times” subject

To become a member and join us for Meet ups, buy your Membership card online for only £15 per year!

My Soho Times: Dany from Brazil/Chile

Dani from South America (Brazil and Chile) shares why she loves Soho: “Soho isn’t just about partying!

My Soho Times: Dany from Brazil/Chile Dani from South America (Brazil and Chile) shares why she loves Soho: "Soho isn't just about partying!

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Fancy a cuppa?

Brits drink a whopping 165 million cups of tea each day, ranking us in the top 5 tea-drinking countries across the globe! Often referred to in British slag as a “cuppa”, which is basically short for cup of tea.

Here are some other definitions of “tea” in British society: (more…)

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Well that was fun!

A whole weekend of pure indulgence sampling a variety of small signature dish from some of Soho’s best restaurants and bars. Not to mention the ‘guilt-free’ part since it’s all for a good cause to raise funds for Soho Parish Primary School. A great weekend bringing local residents, industry professional and visitors together in a vibrant atmosphere… And in case you didn’t notice, My Soho Times was there too!

Anto in disguise

Natoora

Ceviche and Andina

Natoora

Belvedere “sparkling” vodka

Lina Stores

Visit www.sohofoodfeast.co.uk for more info

Soho Food Feast weekender!

Well that was fun! A whole weekend of pure indulgence sampling a variety of small signature dish from some of Soho’s best restaurants and bars.

Soho Food Feast weekender! Well that was fun! A whole weekend of pure indulgence sampling a variety of small signature dish from some of Soho's best restaurants and bars.

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Share your Soho Times with us by email info@mysohotimes.co.uk or using the hashtag #MySohoTimes on social media!