Hedonistic Heddon Street

More often than not, the best travel experiences are found not in the planned moments, but in the accidental discoveries.

Walking down Regent Street in London (which had not been planned, but happened upon while visiting Piccadilly Circus, also not planned), my family and I fell across a charming, unobtrusive entryway to a side alley off the main street. Curious (as the best open-minded tourists are), wide-eyed, and observant, we meandered down the well-lighted, inviting cobblestonewalk, and stumbled upon one of the most delightful foodie-appealing areas of our entire European tour.

Filled with culinary delights, including the infamous Absolut Ice Bar, the pedestrianized small side street is lined with cozy outdoor seating (think couches and semi-concealing greenery), twinkling indigo LED lights overhead, and trendy gorgeous Londoners and tourists alike.

We contemplated our choices, ultimately narrowed down to a homey family-style bistro and the tall inviting windows perfectly framing enthusiastic diners and to-die-for dishes in a vegetarian enclave across the way. We ultimately chose the gorgeous layout of the veggies-only extravaganza known as "Tidbits".

The whole experience can be summarized in two words: welcoming and fresh. The decor was modern but comfortable, the vegetables tasted like they'd been plucked off the vine and trimmed from their roots a mere hours before, and service was prompt and eagerly friendly. The variety at the bar was pleasantly surprising as well (this is a serve-yourself, pay-the-cashier type of place). Perky vegetable salads shared equal space with warm curries, fluffy couscous, and stuffed fried jalapenos, and a classic Pimm's and Lemonade was a perfect complement to the relatively light menu. The menu wasn't the only thing that left me feeling giddily effervescent: the check was surprisingly light as well. The entire meal for three women, including a typically overpriced drink (6 pounds), was about 20 pounds, extremely cheap compared to London (and I'm guessing Heddon Street) standards.

My sister said it best on Facebook: "A pay-by-weight vegetarian restaurant that we weren't expecting to find in London! Would def go back". Visitors and natives alike, here is a refreshing break from the fish'n'chips, bangers and mash, and shepherd's pie fare that comforts, but does not satisfy the farmer's-market-cultivated-palate.

If ever on an extended trip in London again, I also "would def go back".