Anyone who knows me will know that 'Follow the Butterflies' has been my mantra for quite some time.I believe that if anything gives you that fluttery feeling in your belly, goosebumps or just a little excitement it is worth following up.
So when my good friend told me there was an entire restaurant dedicated to the butterfly, I simply had to check it out.
Itsu is renowned for it's wonderful take away Sushi and Salad, however last month they have opened their fourth restaurant in Notting Hill, London.
I was lucky enough to bag myself and some friends an invitation to their pre opening taster session and we were not disappointed.
From the moment you see the restaurant from the other side of the road you can tell that whatever is inside is pure class. The bright and colourful interior is decorated with innovative and colourful lighting, the walls are adorned with frames and frames of posters, all individual but all connected with a butterfly somehow. The enormous Disco Ball above the restaurant downstairs adds a sprinkling of glitz to the entire evening, whilst the huge, classy graffiti mural is fantastically lit by it's own little light show.
Our coats were taken for us and we were escorted upstairs to the bar area, sign posted with a bright neon light which read 'Thrills'. If suitcases were allowed as handbags I would have tried to pinch half of the decorations, including gorgeous orchids and candle holders. Our drinks were brought to our table and it was only then that I noticed the rather large cage in the middle of the room. I'm ever so observant like that. We were assured by a member of management (who, by the way, is an incredibly gorgeous french man worth going just to oggle him!) that they would be getting a pair of real and living parrots to live here. The first one of you who can go and teach it to say a swear word will get a fiver.
Now we all know that we're supposed to eat things that are good for us, but how often do we REALLY enjoy it? I would have said not as often as I am forced to endure eating it, however all that changed when I started to eat from ITSU.Their sushi is so fresh and succulent which, coupled with the ambience of their brand new restaurant, really has me drooling as I type this. (Is it frowned upon for me to go for there for my breakfast?)
For any newbies to the world of Sushi, not only do their intelligent staff have a good knowledge of what goes into each dish, but each table is decorated with an extensive menu to make your choice much easier. I would highly reccommend the Teriyaki Chicken from Notting Hill, especially if you're not sure if you like Sushi. This hot and sticky dish will really have you coming back for more!
So, to sum up what has been a complete drenching of praise, ITSU in Notting Hill is really something. Perfect for a group of friends or as an intimate and classy date, it is one healthy restaurant I can't wait to go back to. read more