Gilga's

Last night after a few drinks at a bar in Camden which hosted a disproportionate number of clientele sporting “school girl” and “school boy” uniforms – hen* and bachelor parties, I believe. The WBQ crew with the addition of a few extra friends headed over to Gilgamesh (Gilga's for those in the know). I had been there before with RL and had absolutely loved it. The venue is a massive restaurant and bar right in the heart of Camden. It’s surrounded by carved wood and ornate designs and rightly feels like a Babylonian palace. It’s a very sexy place from the seating to the lighting to the mix of western and eastern music.

The star of the night both this and the last time I was there were the Spicy Crunchy Tuna Rolls. I have had many a tuna roll in my day, and the ones served at Gilga’s might just be the best. The tuna is silky smooth and is surrounded by a teensy bit of the most gorgeous tempura crunch. The spiciness tingles the mouth without overpowering it. It is quite simply, a little bit orgasmic.

Tied for the best bit of an evening at Gilga’s are their cocktails. I think after drinking a cocktail at Gilga’s you realise that 90% of the drinks you order at other bars are pretty much cr@p. Order anything fruity and the fruit is so fresh you feel as if it’s been same-day couriered from some exotic tropical climate – just for your consumption. My first drink of choice, chosen by DU, and enjoyed by 3 of the 5 of us was a Strawberry, Passionfruit Caiparoska. Oh my god, so good. I had a taste of GF’s Ararat Cocktail which consisted of Green Apple, Tanqueray Gin, Nijizaki Lime sake and ginger and elderflower. Amazing! We finished off the evening with Passionfruit martinis – served quite appropriately with a freshly opened passionfruit floating at the top of the martini like a little cherry on our grown-up sundaes. OH MY GOD. (Yes, it really was that good).

Of course as the 80’s rock band Poison once sang – “Every rose has its thorn” – our thorn was the £9.50 price tag of each cocktail – for you lovely yanks – that’s (eek!) $19 a drink. Was feeling a bit guilty about it today, but then thought of all the vitamins I must have received from all of that fresh fruit. Can’t really feel guilty about that now can I?

*Bachelorette