The Many Things I’ll Miss about London (And a Contest!)
***Hey! Leave a comment and win a fab box of American and London(ish) goodies! See end.***
Yes, it's official. After six years, four months, and seven days, on Friday, I'm moving "back" to Chicago. (I say "back" because I'm not a native Chicagoan but rather lived and worked there for eight years before moving to London in 2004. My hometown is somewhere between Long Island, NY and Fort Lauderdale, FL.)
If given the choice, I would stay here in London. But we aren't always masters of our own destiny. (That being said, in 1998, a palm reader in Hong Kong told me, "Whenever given the choice to move, MOVE. Change is good for you.") And so it is that I go. (The abbreviated story is that I'm moving back for an excellent job opportunity.)
I debated this post for ages. How do you say goodbye when although you might be physically moving, your heart is still with a place and you are sure you will be back? I started out with "10 Things I'll Miss about London." But then the list got too long, and I couldn't narrow it down. Nor did I want to. It's a rambling list, but I'm in a rambling sort of mood these days and well, it's my list, not yours. So bear with me. Here's what I think I'll miss. (And I have permission to update this.)
Marks & Spencer Roast Chicken. Olive Magazine. (I'm hoping they'll deliver to Chicago.) Welsh Rarebit at St. John. The comte at the Borough Cheese Company. Macarons from Laduree and Pierre Herme. (Still so sad that Yauatcha stopped doing them. I'm waiting for a savvy person to start doing macarons at markets, and I'm looking forward to trying the ones from Macaron Chicago when I get back to the States.)
Direct debits. Pizza Express Salad Dressing. Living etc magazine. The 55 bus, especially from the front row at the top. Liberty. Waitrose. Penn State Sour Cream & Chive Pretzels. Green Valley. Pret's Scrambled Egg and Roasted Tomato breakfast baguette. My old flat at the top of a converted spice warehouse in Shad Thames, The "never a dull moment" stories from my building in Clerkenwell. (Rats. Dead people in cardboard boxes. The brothel.) Grazia. The bike scheme! (Hey, I'll at least get a couple of days out of it, assuming my key arrives by Tuesday or so.) And how no matter what day or time it is, CSI is ALWAYS on.
Broadway Market on Saturdays. Borough on Saturdays. Columbia Road and the Sunday Up Market on Sundays. The (nearly) yearly Orla Kiely sample sale. My landlord. My 15 minute walk into work. The roses in King Square. M&S underwear. M&S flavored sparkling water. The Jerusalem Tavern. The Westbourne. Crazy Homies' margaritas. The lounge area at Eyre Brothers. (Skip the restaurant. Just go for the bar snacks.) The (burned to a crisp) East Room. The bartenders at Milk & Honey. The London Bloggers' Meetup. Freecycle. The London Eye.
The sweethearts who work at my local Indian and say hi to me every time I walk by even though I haven't eaten there in AGES. (They take too long, but it is good food.) My dry cleaner, Ty, who helped me out when the hookers downstairs were really getting to me. The singapore noodles and the chili spareribs at my local Chinese. The Japanese ladies on Brick Lane. Rob Ryan. Cheshire Street. Did I mention Green Valley? Fernandez & Wells. Spitalfields. Come Dine with Me. Concerts at Kenwood House. The waterbus between Camden and Little Venice.
The staff at Nicolas, the wine shop. The Sampler. How easy it is to split the check here. How close we are to France. The "new" Kings X. Whitecross Street. The crunchy tuna rolls at Pham. Terminal 5. The fishcakes at Plane Food. (I've had them three times now.)
You know I could go on and on, I will stop there because I can barely see the screen through the tears. But again, I reserve the right to come back and edit this post and add more as it occurs to me!
Now this is the contest bit. Over the years, have I entertained you? Made you sad or glad or mad? Please say hello (and goodbye) and leave a comment! I'll pick a random commentator using Random.org and send them a box of London and American surprises in the post, as long as the winner lives in the UK. (Please include a valid e-mail address in your comment and if you don't respond to my "You've won!" email within 48 hours, I will pick another number.) Contest will close Monday, August 9th, 2010 at 12 noon Chicago time/6 p.m. London time.
Aug 02, 2010
My comment appears to have been eaten, so here’s the second try (sorry if it appears twice)! Good luck back home in the States. I’ll miss your yummy posts!
Aug 02, 2010
Thanks, Marsha! Best of luck with your 24 hour London and Paris books! And still waiting for your novel set in a certain West London spa…
Aug 02, 2010
Hi, wow I’m not a commenter but I am one of the ones who reads all your posts in my RSS. Did make me sad to read the start of this and even worse by the end. But change is good, have a wonderful time and please keep writing in Chicago.
Aug 02, 2010
Awww it must be so bittersweet! I’m a long time reader and another American in London who has been loving your restaurant reviews since I moved here in the end of 2009.
Thanks for sharing all of your tips and ideas of where to eat – it’s been so helpful as a new person in town! Best of luck to you on your new adventures!
Here’s my address in case I’m lucky enough for some bi-national goodies! (kathryn79 at gmail dot com)
Thanks again!
Aug 02, 2010
Oh my goodness, I left London 8 months ago and now I’m biting my lip fighting back tears reading this. I loved your blog while I was there, and sympathise with you completely. Share so much from your list. The consolation comes from reassuring myself I’ll be back soon to visit.
All the best with your next adventures.
Aug 02, 2010
Uhh – I see there’s lots of things for me to try out before I move from here
Good luck with the move.
Aug 02, 2010
You have definitely entertained me, and reading your post my eyes got all misty.
Looking forward to reading about you exploring new pastures!
// Manne
Aug 02, 2010
um… i’ve literally only just stumbled upon your blog via eatlikeagirl on twitter… I assume you’ll continue to write in Chicago?… anyway… goodbye, so long, adieu x
Aug 02, 2010
Please don’t move – there’s still so much more to do! (Although if I ever do move back to the States, Chicago is where I’d go. I could spend hours with a cheese board and wine at Bin in Wicker Park. Oh, and brunch! Think of all the lovely brunches you’ll have!)
Aug 02, 2010
Change is a good thing. I’ll miss your occasional outbursts and focused posts that engage and delight but don’t waffle.
And I’m very jealous of what Chicago has in store for you. Especially as I never actually managed to check out Hot Dougs.
Aug 02, 2010
I am so very sad that you are leaving! It’s very exciting for you though. Great list – very comprehensive. No BBR?
Will you keep blogging here?
Aug 02, 2010
I’ve obviously come to your blog too late but will go back and read some of the past entries as I do like your style. Reading ‘things I’ll miss’ has made me pensive too, I don’t plan to leave for at least another year but already I find myself mentally tallying the things I will miss when I go. Fittingly some of the things that first frustrated me about this crazy ol city will probably end up in the list too. Challenges become quirks and with time you wouldn’t have it any other way. I am lucky enough to have a bit more time before I have to finalise my list but well done on yours and all the best for the next adventure.
Aug 02, 2010
Best of luck in Chicago! I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!
Aug 02, 2010
awww pity….i just found your blog a few months back and have been reading via RSS feed.
g’luck with your move and new job!
Aug 02, 2010
Good luck on your new adventure! Can’t wait to read your next venture.
Aug 02, 2010
I’m sad that you’ll be leaving the London blog scene. Yours was one of the blogs that inspired me to start blogging.
Wishing you the very best on your return to Chicago!
Aug 02, 2010
Oh WAH I’m so sorry you’re leaving! I’ve really enjoyed reading your Old Street area food reviews as they’ve been very helpful to me as I’ve transitioned into my new job! *sigh* Maybe I can have you and Lee over for tacos still before you leave?
Aug 02, 2010
Adieu Krista – we will miss you lots. London’s loss is Chicago’s gain. Looking forward though to religiously reading your new blog in its format.
Aug 02, 2010
That brought a little tear to my eye. It’s funny how many things we take for granted in London. Sorry to have missed your leaving drinks; I hope you’ll start a Chicago blog!
Aug 02, 2010
Only just discovered you and you are leaving – shame!
Will have to make do with reading your back catalogue!
Good luck!
Aug 02, 2010
I’ll miss you and your blog, but you’re right – change is good. And as the other commenters have said, I’m looking forward to reading whatever you create next. Surely a Chicago food blog, at the least! And it’s good to know you’ll be back to visit. xo
Aug 02, 2010
oooh you are leaving us!? How sad! I am an american living in England now (I lived in Chicago, too!) So, as a former Chicago resisdent if you haven’t lived there before..you will love it!
I miss my apartment on Lakeshore drive so much!
Happy travels!
Aug 02, 2010
Good luck with the move…that list alone has given me many things that I need to try out now and I’ve been here for 5 years already! It’s what everyone loves about London.
- CJ
Aug 02, 2010
Thanks Krista I have enjoyed your posts and probably read every one. Loobcom (Graham)
Aug 02, 2010
Thanks to your reviews, I have discovered some great food in London. I’ll miss your blog. Good luck in Chicago.
Aug 02, 2010
Do you have a list of things you want to do before you quit London? One last foodie adventure?
Take as many photos as you can before you go!
Good luck with the move back, I look forward to reading about whatever you do next. You’ve entertained me muchly and I’ll miss your fun reviews.
Aug 02, 2010
Hi Krista,
I have been secretly following your adventures for the past year or so and will dearly miss your updates. Thanks for all the fab food recommendations and best of luck with your move.
Aug 02, 2010
Leaving a comment but not just because of the contest!
Must say your blog is one of the first food blogs dedicated to London that I ever started reading. And having lived in a similar location to you (I lived in the Barbican and Whitecross St for a few years) I think we had similar favourite foodie locations!
It’s been blogs like yours that have inspired me to start up one of my own and hopefully someday it will come to fruition!
Good luck with the big move. Will definitely miss your London blog posts!
Aug 02, 2010
This meal at L’Anima will stay in my mind forever. Francesco created for us one of the best meals I have ever had in London and I was very happy to share it with you. Sadly, he is married but I’m sure you can convince him to come visit you in Chigago. They make pizza there, right?
Have a fantastic time there and we will definitely miss you
Aug 02, 2010
I’m one of your (usually) silent readers and am sad to learn you’re moving back to the States, but have a great time there! Thanks for all the fantastic food writing in London.
Aug 02, 2010
I must say I disagree with you, Krista, you certainly are the mistress of your own destiny: remember you’re making the choice to go, and you can always make the choice to come back…
Cheers, friend!
Aug 02, 2010
Such a shame, but congratualtions! One of the many readers who stayed silent(ish – I think I left one comment way back…!)
Best of luck on the move; keep writing!
Aug 02, 2010
Aw, sorry to see you go — and we never managed to meet up! (Though I think we may have been in the same room once.)
Aug 02, 2010
Good luck in Chicago – your blog has inspired me to try many different places and I shall miss checking what you thought of places.
My best friend lives in Chicago and you will definately have plenty of places to eat – she is always talking about the fabulous food!
Best of luck
(my email address is Iheartcupcakes at hotmail.co.uk)
Aug 02, 2010
Good Luck in Chicago!!! I hope you will continue to blog.
I’m moving to London in 3 weeks and will be (and have before on visits) referencing your blog for places to go with friends, family, and my boyfriend.
I have a UK address so please enter my into the contest. My email is ashleytlondon@gmail.com
Aug 02, 2010
awww.. sad that you’re leaving.. your blog has been my go-to site for places to eat whilst in london (i live up north)..
but many congratulations on the new job and all the best!
Aug 02, 2010
I’ve enjoyed reading your tweets and blog for a while now – gutted that I didn’t get to meet you!
Aug 02, 2010
Thanks for all the great reviews and telling it like it is. As a fellow American living in London, I have appreciated your blog so much. I only have another 6 months to go in the UK, and after reading your post I am waxing nostalgic for all the things I will miss too. Good luck! You are returning to a very delicious city. Grab a big bag of Chicago Mix popcorn and deep dish pie. Yum.
nzywiec@gmail.com
Aug 02, 2010
This post brought a tear to my eye! It’s so lovely to hear from someone who has such great things to say about London! Goodbye and good luck and London will still be here and waiting for you when you next visit!
Jo
jokruczynska@hotmail.com
Aug 02, 2010
The very best of luck to you – so you’ll let us know when Chicagoelicious is set up, right?
Aug 02, 2010
good luck for this new adventure!! I don’t live in UK but rather in Paris (lucky enough to have Laduree & Pierre Herme all the ime, youpi)but I just wrote because I am a big fun of London and of the londonlicious
all the best!
Aug 02, 2010
I can totally understand the feeling of leaving when you are not quite done with a place. London will always be here, plus it’s gonna be a new adventure in Chicago. Good luck with the move
Aug 03, 2010
You’re leaving?? The London food blogging scene will be the worse for it & you will definitely be missed
Lucky you heading for Chicago though – I love the city!! (maybe not so much when it’s Arctic!!). I’m willing to bet that when you leave Chicago the Bean will be on your list of things you’ll miss. Have fun on your new adventure & keep on blogging!
Aug 03, 2010
Oh no
yet another “Londoner” jumps ship. I had to do this in Dec 2008, it wasn’t easy and I’ve tried to visit every quarter. I almost want to cry, my favourite london food blogger is gone! You’ll be missed but perhaps now I might just have a reason to visit chicago and eat through your recommendations!
Farewell foodie goddess! x
Aug 03, 2010
Ah. good luck with the move back. Once you’ve made those kinds of continental life moves you are destined to forever miss things for the rest of time.
You can get good Comte in the US – even at whole foods – that’s not something I miss. But London Indian food, always.
Aug 03, 2010
As someone who did the London back to Chicago move about 4 1/2 years ago, I completely sympathize on everything you are going to miss (although you can buy Living Etc at the Borders in the Loop for $9!). I’ve loved reading your blog as a good London fix, when I am missing the UK.
Good luck with the transition and I am looking forward to Chicagolicious!
Aug 03, 2010
A great list, there is indeed much to love here in London but Chicago has foodie treats a-plenty awaiting – I look forward to reading about your culinary escapades there! Shame you’re leaving before we’ve met though…
Aug 03, 2010
Yet another usually silent reader of your blog, but also wanted to say good luck! As a fellow ex-Londoner, and more specifically ex-Clerkenweller, I read your blog avidly to keep up with what was going on in “my patch” (which building did you live in BTW – sounds fascinating)… Great list as well – all the things I miss about the place also (agree 100% about the staff at Nicholas – especially the lovely guy who works at the one on Cowcross Sreet). Happy travels and I am sure that the Smoke will welcome you back any time. Enjoy Chicago – we will look forward to many more entertaining posts
Aug 03, 2010
Good luck with the move. Always hard to tear oneself away but very exciting to discover/rediscover a new city. I’m hoping you’ll blog from there and lead us round food places and palaces of Chicago. I’ve mentally divided your list into the “yes fabulous I’ll be their guardian” and the “please take them with you I wouldn’t miss them ever”
Aug 03, 2010
Best of luck with the move Krista. Change is indeed good – but your post brought tears to my eyes! Having left London a year ago myself, I still miss it. However, I’m only in Derbyshire so really not far at all. Your blog is wonderful and I hope we can continue to read about your new adventures in Chicago and Ed and I will update you on the progress of the Rose & Crown!
Aug 03, 2010
ok…another quiet and loyal reader of your blog over the last couple of years who will miss the london updates. weirdly after reading your blog forever and a couple of entries where you would mention your friends bryan and stacey i realized that they were in fact my next door neighbors/bryan and stacey here in N1…all very small world. they’ve moved back and now you…thinking i’m next. best of luck.
Aug 03, 2010
Goodbye! I hope you have a fab time “back” in Chicago – I have never commented but have to admit that the lure of treats made me do it!!
I have only just found your blog about 6 weeks ago (which incidentally is the same time I moved to London – well obviously not incidentally, but oh well I like the word) and I’m sad that you’ll no longer be there recommending things for me to eat! Thank you
Aug 03, 2010
Bryan and Stace told me that story! Thought that was awesome. Yes, hoping to visit them in DC at some point!
Aug 03, 2010
9 bucks! That’s highway robbery!
Aug 03, 2010
Hey there – of course you have entertained me and made my food life in London better! Well, I am not far behind you, both in dates (mid-Sept) and places (NY, not quite as far as Chicago). There are tons of things I will miss as well, and I really enjoyed reading your list of things
You will always have a place in NY if you need one! Not too far away from the (other) City.
Best,
LF
Aug 03, 2010
Yours was one of the first food blogs I started reading Krista, probably around 2006. How am I going to know who has nice loo’s now?
All the best
Aug 03, 2010
omg, I just saw this as I was away this weekend – you’ll be missed!
What’s the blog going to be called then – Chicagolicious?
Aug 03, 2010
Krista
So sad to see you go! so hello and goodbye and good luck. I’m only sorry I havn’t been reading your blog for longer!
Paul
Aug 03, 2010
thanks for everything
Aug 03, 2010
Oh nooo!!! Sorry you are going..I loved reading your reviews and loved the part about the loos
.
Good luck in Chicago!
Aug 03, 2010
Hey Krista,
I discovered your blog a few years ago when I needed to find a decent restaurant in Leicester Square to take my boyfriend to and break up with him – I came across your review of Abeno Too and though I’m sure at the time I was sad to break up with the boy, in hindsight, all I remember now is how great the restaurant was! I have been hooked ever since and get the little emaily thing with your posts most mornings when I’m on my way to work. You have a really funny writing style that at times has made me laugh out loud, and I really hope you continue writing from Chicago. I’d also really miss London if I were you, but the palm reader is right – change is good. Onwards and upwards!
Best of luck for the move, the future and most of all the blog!
Vicky x
Aug 03, 2010
Thanks for telling it like it is. Enjoy some Chicago Mix popcorn and deep dish back in the US of A.
Aug 04, 2010
Great post.
I enjoyed reading your blog and your tweets.
Wishing you bonne chance with the new adventures in Chicago.
Aug 04, 2010
Great post.
I enjoyed reading your blog and your tweets.
Wishing you bonne chance with the new adventures in Chicago.
Aug 04, 2010
I’m really sorry to hear you and your witty London updates are leaving us but I look forward to reading what you have in store for us in your new home town.
Aug 04, 2010
change is definitely good – all the best in your new adventures!
Aug 04, 2010
change is definitely good – all the best in your new adventure!
Aug 04, 2010
How could you forget Pret’s Tomato soup and most importantly sparkling wine. At your leaving drinks we are drinking nothing but bubbly. I hope you convert Chicagoans that champagne is not just for New Year’s Eve. Now what I will miss-I’ll miss having a good friend who is always up for anything in London or anywhere in Europe. Come back soon like say a few weeks?
Aug 04, 2010
Best of luck in Chicago! Because I am lucky enough to know you well (and work in the same company) I know this is just goodbye for now. I will miss reading your blog, having someone to go to for the best restaurants and fun things to do around the city. London will always be here and I know your heart will be too! Good luck, Jen
Aug 04, 2010
Hi there,
New reader here and have spent a bit too long browsing through your archives – not good for productivity! Really enjoy your reviews and hope you carry on in Chicago. So many of the things you’ll miss in London are things I’ve only recently discovered since moving here back in September, and I identify a lot – especially the first flat in Shad Thames bit!
Cheers,
Catriona
Aug 04, 2010
Oh, I’ll miss Londonelicious. Good luck with the move and your new projects in Chicago. Keep us posted of your gastronomic experiences over there!
Aug 05, 2010
Best of luck with your move! I also lived in Chicago for a number of years before moving to London…and I also have to move back to the US soon – a little sooner than my liking! I have treasured your blog while I’ve been here. Chicago is a fantastic foodie, culture, music, and people town – as you know. Soak it up, and I’ll look forward to seeing some States-side musings!
Aug 05, 2010
Thanks, Chris. Where are you moving to?
Aug 05, 2010
I have just today discovered this blog! I was so happy and now i discover you are going and i am actually quite sad. I have only known this site for 5 minutes so i feel i have missed out!
Aug 05, 2010
have not been an avid reader of your blog like most but one thing i can say is that i have had the privelige of having meet you many times. will miss the many chats that we used to have and look forward to when you come back. good luck with the move.
Aug 05, 2010
I first read your blog when you wrote about Gourmet San and have been there a dozen times ever since. Great recommendation!
Really hope that you’ll start a food blog in Chicago, especially as I’ll be there in the near future.
All the best!
Aug 06, 2010
Good luck with the move and best wishes for your new life (and job) in Chicago.
Aug 06, 2010
This was one of the first food blogs I started to read, and one of the few that I still enjoy. Hope your move back to Chicago goes well and that you carry on blogging.
Aug 07, 2010
Dear Krista,
Moving is a strange place to be. The actions everywhere are the same- going to shops, sitting at our desks, having a coffee. We nest. The little discoveries in our day make us secure of our place in this city, like we own it but really London was here before us, and will remain after us.
Hoping all goes well in chicago! Been trying to think of a good Chicago blog name but nothing’s come up yet.(Chicagoyumyum? Chica-go-where?) Keep writing though please!
Aug 09, 2010
Krista,
I stumbled upon your column a couple of years ago and have been a regular reader ever since. It has not only brought back fond memories of London but I’ve tried several new places based on your recommendations.
I too was an expat in London; I moved back to the States almost 10 years ago. London definitely gets under your skin. When you get back to the State, if things seem a bit weird, hang in there. I definitely experience some reverse culture shock on re-entry.
It has been a delight reading your blog. Best wishes to you in Chicago. I look forward to reading about your Chicago dining experiences.
Aug 09, 2010
thanks for a very well-written and entertaining blog; please keep in up in chicago and roll the london blog over so your very useful reviews don’t get lost.
Aug 20, 2010
This is not for the contest but just a note to say I will bee sooo sad to se you go When my best friend Nic left for NY 5 years ago you filled that vacuum as I do believe you were sisters spearted at birth (nuff said) Your blogs on London made me feel liek she was still here (Shes in Dallas atm) and I am so sad to see you go as well
Thanks so much for brightening my days with food love and laughter..I have a blog that is on storytelling feel free to read when you miss whingeing Brits at http://www.michaelbragawrites.blogspot.com
Miss you and enjoy the Windy City
x
Oct 14, 2010
I was feeling a little “homesick” for London, rereading this post sort of rejuiced that feeling. Its not a bad thing..
Walkers crisps
Grazia as well
London walks tours
the Scarsdale pub in kensington * sigh*