Traveling Thursday: London It Is (Or, My Brush with Gordon Ramsay)
January 28, 2010 | 24 comments
So I decided to go to London for my getaway in February. I was still looking around for places to stay when I saw that I had bookmarked York & Albany, Gordon Ramsay’s hotel and restaurant that he opened a little over a year ago.
Gordon Ramsay is one of those personalities that people either love or hate. I happen to love him. For starters, I find him and all of his shows highly entertaining and in a strange way, there’s something kind of sexy about him. But more importantly, his food is out of this world.
We tried a bunch of times to make reservations at a couple of his London restaurants when we lived in Paris but it was impossible. We finally got to have the Gordon Ramsay experience at his restaurant in New York right after it opened and I know he took a pounding from the critics but I swear to you it was one the best meals ever. (And I’ve put away a lot of good food in my day!) What made the meal even more memorable was that he was there in the flesh. He rushed through the room a couple of times and I was just about to say something to him as he passed by our table when the sommelier got between us to check on our wine. Damn him! So I didn’t get to chat him up but I did catch his eye and shot him an all-approving look. I think he got it. 
(Oh, and that thing about him being sexy? Even more so in person!)
About a year after that, I ate at his restaurant in Tokyo and I’m telling you, the man can do no wrong.
So I think it’s high time I finally go to at least one of his restaurants in London. (Stalker much?)
Put a few nice, well-appointed hotel rooms above it and hell, how can I stay away?
So tell me, do you love him or hate him?
24 comments on “Traveling Thursday: London It Is (Or, My Brush with Gordon Ramsay)”
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January 28th, 2010 @ 1:09 pm
love him!! his shows are so fun to watch! never been to any of his restaurants unfortunately but will have to go soon! great hotel, didnt know abt it so thanks!!
Helena´s last post ..Hermes S/S 2010
January 28th, 2010 @ 1:33 pm
I have never seen his shows, nor tasted his food. I must live in a bubble, or under a rock. But I love good food, and anything british (married to a brit even!) so I’m sure I’d love to stay at that fabulous hotel and eat his delicious food!
christy´s last post ..Food, glorious food!
January 28th, 2010 @ 1:35 pm
He’s a beast. A big sexy beast.
On another note…..jealous. Have fun!
gatherings home´s last post ..Mind over matter
January 28th, 2010 @ 1:45 pm
I’m TOTALLY with YOU… LOVE him… and there is something SEXY about him! Would love to try out one of his restaurants!!!
ENJOY!
Fifi
Fifi Flowers´s last post ..More Colour Decor…
January 28th, 2010 @ 2:24 pm
Love his food and business savvy, but the ex-footballer swears for England!
January 28th, 2010 @ 2:24 pm
LOVE him. While he is not physically attractive to me, there is certainly something sexy about him. I think anyone who is as passionate about their vocation as he is…and as good at it as he is…is undeniably attractive on an intellectual level. Have a great time! I’m so excited for you…I’d love to eat at one of his restaurants one of these days!
January 28th, 2010 @ 2:32 pm
i’m with you on the sexy thing and so jealous that you’ve seen him in person! this time i’ll be expecting a full conversation and pictures to follow!
January 28th, 2010 @ 2:54 pm
Ally,
I know what you mean and I’m completely jealous! I adore Chef Ramsay and you exactly right, there’s definitely something sexy there. I’ve always wanted to eat at Foxtrot Oscar’s mainly because I think the entrance is so darn cute!
Ms. Bright´s last post ..Sneakum’ Peekum’ of the Asian Persuasion, “The Semi-Reveal”
January 28th, 2010 @ 2:56 pm
LOVE HIM! Dave and I went to his restaurant (The Boxwood Cafe) at The Berkley when we were in London last summer and the food was divine (and we didn’t have trouble getting in!). If you go, be sure to visit the Blue Bar right next door for a pre- or post- dinner drink. The decor is out of this world.
Averill´s last post ..I’m Feeling Flighty…
January 28th, 2010 @ 3:13 pm
i welcome you to london with wide open arms…
gordon, as you said, is someone you either hate or love: i happen to have no opinion about him, maybe i should try his food to them make my choice.
very interesting spaces you’ve chosen, all very british.
Eliana Tomas´s last post ..Gervasoni @ imm Cologne, Germany.
January 28th, 2010 @ 4:03 pm
You should check out luxurylink.com for deals on hotels in London. Some of the places on there offer great deals! Good luck! What a fun city!
Sarah
http://www.pittsburgh-odds-and-sods.blogspot.com
sarah´s last post .."V" for Villanova, "V" for Victory!
January 28th, 2010 @ 4:07 pm
considering he is one of my free pass 5 i would say that yes i fucking love him. i am beyond jealous. really. there is an ally shaped voo doo doll in the works as we speak.
DAMN DUDE!!! he is super sexy. no ifs ands or butts(yes..butts). any man who could cook like that and look like that and be all tall like that and swear like that and seed 5 children like that needs to be made out with by me.
my favorite and my best´s last post ..craigslist yes or no?
January 28th, 2010 @ 6:56 pm
What a relief that I’m not the only one who thinks he’s sexy!
Design Darling: I think that was my one and only chance to see him and I blew it! But if I do run into him again, he won’t get away!
Averill: We tried to get into Claridge’s or Gordon Ramsay and you couldn’t get a reservation to save your life at those two – at least a couple of years ago.
Jenny: I can’t believe I posted about one of your five! You need to go to London with me so we can both stalk him . . .
January 28th, 2010 @ 7:14 pm
I love him.
For our son’s 30th birthday, we went to Maze Grill in Grosvenor Square in London….it was wonderful. Wonderful food. They have an array of steaks that they bring raw to the table and explain each cut. One of them is £100 per person. We didn’t have that one, but I had the fillet and it was divine, God knows what the £100 tastes like. !! It’s the Wagyu steak and when the cow is still alive, it is massaged, given ale to drink and lives the life of Riley !! That’s why it tastes so good. We had six of the tasting plates to start, fabulous cocktails and delicious desserts. If you have never been before, they ask you if you would like to look around the kitchen and all of the chefs are so lovely.
I would like to try Ramsay in Royal Hospital Road in Chelsea as that is his restaurant with 3 Michelin Stars.
Please let us know how you enjoy it when you go. XXXX
Jacqueline´s last post ..CRYSTAL DROPS and GUSTAVIAN CLOCKS ……..
January 28th, 2010 @ 8:29 pm
Love him, even though he’s such a cad.
Raina´s last post ..Why I love blogging
January 29th, 2010 @ 12:48 am
Love the F Word. That seems more the real him than Hell’s Kitchen which seems a lot of “reality” show posturing. On the F Word, his kids are so completely adorable and willing to eat anything he makes. Like you:)
January 29th, 2010 @ 12:49 pm
I love his shows!
Ana´s last post ..Handmade Friday
January 29th, 2010 @ 3:46 pm
OK seriously, where are all the Ramsay haters? I posted his pic twice on two different blog posts & the gals ripped him to shreds. I think Jacqueline was the only one @ the time that approved. I lust after the bugger. Anyone that can get that worked up over food and that creative, can put that to use in all areas, if you know what I mean? Shameful I know, but hey, it’s Friday xx
Deborah Milne´s last post ..Calling in the Design Masters
January 29th, 2010 @ 5:41 pm
Deb: you’re so funny – I totally know what you mean.
January 30th, 2010 @ 1:22 am
had dinner at the Boxwood Cafe last year. Absoutely delicious. Would have only been better if the man himself was in house. He is one sexy beast for sure!!! I read his bio “Humble Pie”. It really does give a perspective on him. Tough upbringing, he’s worked his ass off to be where he is. Also makes you see why he’s so tough on people. Love him, though!
January 30th, 2010 @ 11:29 am
hope you enjoy the email with GR interview i sent you.
Eliana Tomas´s last post ..Triple Style It @ imm Cologne, Germany.
January 30th, 2010 @ 6:17 pm
He’s a total butt, but I LOVE him.
susie Quillin´s last post ..Monday Mash-up: Formal + bone fide, but fun
February 2nd, 2010 @ 3:14 pm
Oh, I absolutely adore Gordon Ramsay — I watch all of his shows, and especially love the British version of “Kitchen Nightmares” that airs on BBC America! There’s definitely something sexy and charismatic about him.
So envious you’ll be making a trek to London, my most favorite of all places!
The hotel looks gorgeous. Hope you have a great time — and savor some fabulous meals!
Meg´s last post ..Book review: ‘Blankets’ by Craig Thompson
August 27th, 2010 @ 7:03 pm
love him!
and I too think he is a bit sexy!
I hope one day to eat in one of his London Restaurants.
xx
callie
callie grayson´s last post ..FRIDAY!