The Best Avocado Toast

Spring has sprung! Each morning I have been opening the shutters and throwing up the sash {well, we have no shutters, but I have been swiftly unlocking and opening our big bay windows to let the fresh air and occasional flying creature in}. The sweaters are put away and we’ve been dining solely on lighter fare. For lunch, enter avocado toast. By now, we all know this has become a menu staple {lucky for restaurants, this must be a steal to make}. I’ve been doing my due diligence to find the very best in London, or at least in W8 and W11 should you find yourself in this part of town:

1. Le Pain Quotidien – This is my go to. There are two Le Pains within very easy walking distance of us, plus with so many locations in London and really everywhere else – hi New York! – this is a great choice. It’s under the Tartines section of the menu and comes out in four halves, two slices of toast. The citrus cumin salt {sea salt, cumin, lemon zest and red pepper flakes} they sprinkle on top of the mashed up avocados makes it a blue ribbon winner for me. Also, you can probably tell by the photos I really dig green juices. Get LPQ’s Revitalizer {it may just be seasonal, so go quick!}. It’s the best: tart, delicious and healthy tasting all in one sip. (Most visited location by yours truly: 81-85 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3JS, Tele: 020 3657 6938)

2. The Daylesford – If I could have this every day, I would. It’s one of my favorite shops in London and I’m really dying to explore their organic farm out in Gloucestershire. The only downside {for consumption of avocado toast, and life overall} is the limited amount of time I’m able to spend down on Westbourne Grove. If it were closer — even though it’s just a 15 minute walk from our home — this would take over as numero uno. It mixes slightly mashed avocados with fresh heritage tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil and fresh greens on top. Pair with one of their delicious lattes or green juices and prepare to dream about it in your sleep. Ps – go downstairs in their home goods section for beautiful wares. The lavender candle is my favorite, and upstairs in the store I always purchase a bag of their linseed porridge. (208-212 Westbourne Grove, London W11 2RH, Tele 020 7313 8050)

3. Granger & Co. – Ben quotes Yogi Berra whenever I mention Granger — ‘that place, it’s so crowded no one ever goes there anymore.’ It’s true! Whenever there’s talk of brunch/lunch, this place is sadly quickly discarded due to the long lines of visitors wrapped around the block by 10am. However, if you can sneak in there on a weekday morning like I do, you’ll find yourself an Aussie version of avocado toast: two thick pieces of rye bread, sliced avocados on top like little solders, a blanket of freshly snipped parsley, and served with a lime wedge. Bonus: have it with the poached egg. Divine. (175 Westbourne Grove, London W11 2SB, Tele 020 7229 9111)

Happy eating! x.