The Lower-Ground Floor and the Sky

Tonight we decided to hit a few cultural freebies and go out for dinner. First we went to The Photographers' Gallery--it actually should be plural, since their exhibition spaces are in separate buildings nearly next door, separated by a theatre. It's definitely the type of place whose exhibits always seem worth seeing (nice bookshop too). Then it was dinnertime. But before you get visions of linen tablecloths in your head, I should tell you that the place we went to isn't that kind of place. It's much better! We'd been to Food for Thought in July 2005 when we visited London and remembered it as a place definitely worth a return visit. As usual, it was very very busy. When you enter, there are just a few seats on the ground floor and the permanent line leading down to the lower-ground floor and the main seating area (communal tables, low ceilings, and very elbow-to-elbow in every way). There are actually two lines, for for eat-in and one for takeaway, along with the London phenomenon of slightly lower prices for takeaway. Here's the line for eating in:

You get to the bottom of the stairs, get served your food cafeteria-style, ask someone if that seat is taken, share their table, eat, and then clear out so more people can sit. A bit hectic, but worth it. The food is great--huge servings of vegetarian, non-GMO, good-for-you food. Nice people and a 100% non-smoking room (the latter is hard to come by in London). I had butternut squash risotto (if I see an interesting looking risotto on a menu, I tend to get it, since I love its rich texture but hate making it--all that stirring--all that standing by the stove) with aubergine and pesto, along with a radicchio salad and garlic bread. Mmm...

Bob had the spinach quiche along with three salads (bean, slaw, and filled pasta). Also mmm!
After emerging onto the street with full tummies, we headed over to the National Portrait Gallery, which wouldn't usually be a high-ranking destination on my list, but I was interested in one particular exhibit. When we exited the building, we caught an odd view of the moon and a figure atop a building, the two brightest objects in the sky.