Big city on a raining day. London, UK

Raining in London is not the most uncommon thing. One day I will write something about visiting big cities under the rain…I have some experience: NY, Tokyo, Berlin... Nevertheless, our raining day in London in the Christmas season end up in a magnificent food experience. We went to Fifteen restaurant. Everybody knows about Jamie Olivier from the TV shows at cable TV, where he cooks at the speed of sound some delicious things, which even may sound easy to the common men. In 2002, Jamie Oliver combined two ambitions and opened a top class restaurant. But Fifteen is much more that a simple “bistrot”. Fifteen Foundation as a second goal, allowing to the disadvantaged youngsters the chance to gain professional training that would set them up for an independent, inspired and productive life in the cooking world. In 2008, Fifteen is still achieving these two goals. We have to options in discovering this magnificent experience: The Trattoria, on the ground floor, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner where we can enjoy great food in the typical Italian style. This space is rustic and relaxed and has a friendly service. The Trattoria is a great place to meet friends at any time of the day. The Trattoria opens from 7.30am Monday to Saturday (8am on Sunday) for coffees and breakfast, moving on to serve some truly delicious lunch and dinner dishes from “á la carte” menus. Downstairs we have more at Fifteen! The Dining Room, the retro styling and open kitchen where combine to make a relaxed and friendly environment. The emphasis is on top quality seasonal produce, simply prepared with care and passion to create the best in modern Mediterranean dishes with an Italian influence. For something more extravagant, in the evenings they serve an amazing tasting menu giving our guests the opportunity to taste all of Fifteen's favorites. I was impressed for the food, for the “ambiance” but mainly for this social enterprise that has directly supported and helped transform the lives of many young persons. For the moment they are running Fifteen restaurants (each with their own foundation and apprenticeship schemes) in Amsterdam, Cornwall and Melbourne. Once here’s so much more to do, I hope Lisbon can be in the Fifteen map too. I offer my self to help. Well done Jamie. Fifteen London is at 15 Westland Place, London N1 7LP, just under 600m from the Old Street roundabout.