I need to venture out a bit more, I also need to stop eating out. My wallet and bank balance is suffering just to keep you guys happy. So I was lazy and didn't want to cook and didn't want to drive too far so I went to Izgara in Finchley central.

Izgara, is a Turkish restaurant which serves up takeaway as well as delicious kebabs and Mezes.
A guarantee here is a full stomach and lots of meat. I ordered the Meze for two and had so much left over, it was ridiculous. The starters consisted of dips and lots of it. Humous, Taramaslata, Tzatiki and many more accompanied by bread. You know you shouldn't have too much bread because it will feel you up but the lovely dips are crying out for a firm base.

After this comes the platter of meat. When the plate arrived I was shocked, there wasn't much time to rest in between and the plate as you can see below was more than enough for two people. There was Lamb, chicken and more lamb and chicken in the form of chops and wings respectively. The  minced kofte and rice all add up to being a monster of a meal and the side salad which was more like a main course led to two bloated stomachs.

I have had the doner takeaway here too and this is also very nice; the thin bread and stacks of veg and meat make it a hearty meal. The queue for takeaway was almost as busy as the restaurant itself and the sign of a police van waiting to get their order showed that the quality and demand is there.

Local eats are really good, you just need to search and also talk to people to find them. I would say don't go off the internet for a good local, word of mouth is a lot better.

I have wanted to go to Soho Diner for a while and I finally did last night. As a collective I was given responsibility for where to eat and I think I chose well.

I had read the reviews and was keen to try both the burger and the American Classic, the Philly cheesesteak. I wanted both  at the same time to be honest but knew that it would be too greedy and too much for me to handle, so I went for the burger.

Now the burger: it was really, really good. I went for a double patty with bacon and cheese and it was so juicy, so big and so tasty, which are the three important needs for a burger. The glazed bun to top it off was awesome and the jalapeños made it extra awesome. Awesome!? I know with other sites they give you the low-down on each aspect of the burger but I can't write well enough to do that and I would just repeat myself over and over again anyway. The Burger as a package is GOOD!

I am still not sure I understand the idea of the pickle on the side, Byron do it too and I think I would rather they put it in the Burger. This has to be in the top five burgers for me in London, a great addition to the Burger scene here and at a great location too.

Look at the size of that fish. In this picture, Laura looks slightly scared and apprehensive. At the time I wasn't sure if this was just based on the size of the fish or based on the quality. (That is a fried lemon sole in the picture).

We wanted to try somewhere different and being in North London and not too far I suggested Two Brothers in Finchley central. I have driven past this place many times and thought let us try something new. I did a bit of research and it all seemed promising. This feeling continued to when we arrived; the restaurant was busy and it had the feel of an American restaurant.

The starters continued the good feeling. We ordered between us Battered prawns with mango and Crayfish ceviche. These two were really nice and offered Asian flavours with the mango chutney in the prawns to the lemon and chilli alongside the crayfish. Both light starters and a good way to begin a new experience. From here, however the two brothers experiment went downhill.

The main course started badly from the off due to communication problems. Laura had enquired about the lemon sole and had heard pan fried in butter. This obviously surprised us when instead it was pan fried batter. you say butter I say batter. Ooooooohhh!? This along with my cod and chips were just both very dry and felt quite greasy at the same time too. The fish didn't taste fresh and the new restaurant experience didn't work. The size of both fish were very impressive but when it becomes a challenge due to it being dry then it stops being enjoyable.

It is always good to try out something new and not have burgers all the time. But this time round we left feeling dissatisified and we won't be back.

Top of the league, winning in the fantasy league (for now) and my company won their first football match. I'm loving it for now so let me enjoy it while it lasts.

All in all I have had a lot worse Mondays. The morning started as per usual in London, cold and grey. Next part throughout the day was heavy rain and the odd bursts of sun. Next was the big football game, the IAB against mobile marketing magazine. We have played four games before tonight and we hadnt won a single game; until tonight. We won 12-7 and we thoroughly deserved it, it wasn't easy but we played well and although it was a bit nervy at stages we won quite comfortably in the end. All we need now is for Mike to score.

So we won and I really wanted to celebrate a lot more but we as a team are gracious and understanding. So we have won our first game and I am very proud.

Last but by no means least, Liverpool managed a draw against Swansea. We are still top of the league and I know it won't last but I want to enjoy it. I am proud of myself, my team and Liverpool.

On a side note, I try a few football bets and its not going so well. I've lost a bit of money here and there which shows I'm not too much in the know. There is a game by Sky Sports called Super 6. This is where you have to predict 6 correct scores to win £100,000. I have never been close but it is quite exciting (that is what all gamblers say) and makes my lonely Saturdays quite enjoyable.

Another game based on my predictions is the fantasy football league and my team which I have managed and predicted to perform is doing reasonably well. Top of the league, I'm having a laugh.

Goodnight