Spuntino, Soho

I like secrets, beholding something that others don't know about, makes me feel special. There has been an influx in secret things in London lately - it seems the way forward, apparently it's not just me who likes secrets. I've been to Secret Cinema, I've attended secret supper clubs and I've kept secrets by only telling people who I know won't tell.

Which is why I'm telling you about Spuntino, it's not a secret per se, but only cool people know about it and Sean who works there said that once the chalked-on door sign has washed away it won't be replaced.

There are no reservations to be made so don't call to make one, you can't call anyway - there's no phone line to call. Despite the lack of PR in the lead up to the opening there has been a queue for the 26 cover restaurant since it opened two weeks ago. Perhaps this has something to do with the fact that Spuntino comes from the man behind Polpo and Polpetto - Russell Norman.

On Saturday night it was no different for us, a table for two took about 20 minutes, just enough time for a drink and a look at what the other diners were ordering.

The first drink for me, a Hendricks gin and tonic served with fresh slices of cucumber and Fever tree tonic - the tonic made naturally and with natural quinine.

For my James Bond, a gin martini served dirty - of course.

We hadn't even finished our drinks when our spot became available - prime place at the head of the table with views over the whole bar. We also had the two corners so it was nice that we could see eachother rather than being next to each other.

While we made our menu choices we nibbled on the complimentary popcorn, the seasoning of which changes but on the night we had paprika.

Our view from the bar - busy busy. We were also by the front door - it was good to see how many people were trying to get in on the secret but were put off by the wait, it's definitely worth the wait.

And so to eat, to start - breaded olives stuffed with anchovies - salty little bite of heaven.

And the next drink, our bartender/waiter Sean's favourite - a negroni. A mix of gin, vermouth, bitters and campari - it was lethal to say the least.

After the olives came the soft shell crab served with a delicious dip and fresh fennel salad. The crab was tender on the inside and encased in a crunchy batter. It was no Yauatcha soft shell crab - the best in London, but certainly comes a close second, especially with the lashings of Tabasco aioli to dip in to.

The pièce de résistance was the truffle egg toast, a huge hunk of white bread smothered in rich fontina cheese, drizzled with truffle oil and when you cut in to a perfect egg is waiting for you in the middle. This is delicious but you can not manage this by yourself. Well I certainly couldn't and I would be amazed at anyone who could, it's very rich and it's a huge portion - perfect for sharing.

The beef and bone marrow slider was next to grace us at the bar, a sweet soft bun sandwiches a cheese covered burger, the bone marrow enhancing the rich flavours of the beef. On the contrary to the truffled egg toast, this one wasn't big enough - especially when sharing with an 'orrible boy.
To finish us off we tucked in to a steaming hot mac and cheese. Served in a skillet the cheese was still bubbling when it was set down, huge tubes of macaroni doused in a bechamel sauce and toppped cheese, cheese, more cheese and bread crumbs. We added some tomato sauce mixed with tabasco as a dip to the main meal. One thing I would have liked to have seen gone is the Heinz tomato ketchup - it's not cool, the Tiptree tomato sauce would feel much more at home here.

An old fashioned was the next drink of the night, the fruity tones doing well to cut through that creamy cheesy dish.

To finish us off, we ordered a dessert to share - the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. But don't be fooled by the bread on this sandwich... it's ice cream! Anyone who knows me knows that I love salty and sweet together so this was success on a plate and of course, completely tantalising on the taste buds!

We had some really good chats with Sean and although the place was rammed he always found time to tell us about the food, drinks or the restaurant. One of the many things we discussed was that, as good as the cocktails are, you can't just go there to drink - you have to order food too. That's fine by me!

Even though the queue never faded while we were there, we never felt rushed and spent about two hours devouring all the food and drinks. All of which came to £80.

It's worth a visit to Rupert Street but make sure you go before the name chalked on the front has washed away. If you do go, remember to keep it a secret.