sketch.uk.com

In 2002, French master chef Pierre Gagnaire adapted an international menu from his Michelin three-star-rated Paris establishment for the quadruple threat that is London’s Sketch: an art gallery, bar, and restaurant with some members-only club spaces. A space-age, mostly white décor, complete with igloo-shaped bars, projected video art installations (that change every few weeks), and attractive wait staff make Sketch a consistent, high-end favorite of locals and travelers with an affinity for quirk and creativity. Attire is dressy, but not black tie. Perennial favorites include: a classic ceviche, venison with poached pear in red wine, and desserts that match the atmosphere’s funky, innovative bent — like “bubble gum ice cream with lemon Wurtz, orange blossom marshmallow, panna cotta, and crispy green tea.” Sketch’s mixed drinks and wine are considered expensive even by London standards, but are exquisitely paired with the seasonal menu by exacting sommeliers.

9 Conduit Street    +0870.777.4488

Kill Rock Stars

With their latest LP venerable experimentalists Deerhoof reheat the brilliant recipe from last year’s breakthrough Friend Opportunity: classic meets indie rock, east vs. west, soft-loud dynamics, and complicated rhythmic work. The lyrics, however, span a topical and bilingual range surpassing their previous efforts, including the all Japanese-language opener and a two-part narrative (“Don’t Get Born” and “Fresh Born”) wherein a baby worries about its lack of planning. Satomi Matzusaki’s off-kilter vocals sound sturdier than ever throughout, and the gently destroyed closer “Jagged Fruit” stuns, with drummer Greg Saunier’s nuanced cymbal shivers creating electrical currents between guitar and bass before exploding.

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