London - Monmouth Coffee

When researching where to eat and drink in London, Monmouth Coffee, was mentioned over and over again as the best coffee in the city. Best of all it's located right across the street from Borough Market, our first stop in London. Queues are often long, so it's not the cup for you if you're in a hurry. We waited around fifteen minutes on our first trip, maybe ten for the second. When you get close to the entrance, a waiter will come through to write down your order. So if you have in mind what you'd like to order, you'll get through the line a little speedier.

London - Ottolenghi

So, Ottolenghi, if you read many food blogs or food publications you've surely heard the name. Last year Yotam Ottolenghi's cookbook, Jerusalem, was on just about everyone's 2012 best of list, just as his previous cookbook, Plenty, was in 2011. Plenty is full of gorgeously photographed, Middle Eastern inspired recipes served at the Ottolenghi shops scattered around the posher areas of London. They're mostly take-away, but there's also the fancier Nopi, a sit down restaurant that requires a reservation or a super long wait in line.

Ottolenghi's windows are lined with beautiful, drool-worthy desserts. It was the best kind of trial deciding which treats to take with us. How we each picked just one apiece, I couldn't tell you. Inside it's pretty tight, chock full of giant white platters of prepared meats and fish, huge bowls of colorful, uber-fresh salads. After loading up on food we found ourselves right in front of the big Whole Foods on Kensington High Street. I picked up a chewy pretzel roll, and both Katy and I bought fancy Fentimans sodas. If we hadn't already spent loads of money at Ottolenghi I'm sure we would have gone crazy at Whole Foods.