Hello Serious Eaters, I spent a few days in NYC recently and regretted not having more local gen from New Yorkers on what was good and where to go. I'm hoping that if I can point a few of you in the right direction over here, you'll return the compliment.

In NY I think you have a better chance of striking gold than in London where particularly in the hot spots chains tend to dominate. For this reason I hope I can bring you a report from time to time on what's new, what's good and what's more what to avoid.

First off I went to The Opera Tavern in Catherine St Covent Garden this week. This is a modern tapas bar and restaurant opened in a victorian pub. 50% off all food until the end of the week.

We had skewers of pork, lamb and beef from the Rebata grill and a fabulous Pork and Foie Gras burger. Most meat served on the rare side even the pork, but I can cope with that after a wonderful pork fillet served rare at Brindisa in Borough Market.

All the usual tapas extras like Padron peppers and great olives.

Verdict: Worth a detour, service was a bit daffy but enthusiastic and caring.