How much for the Crocodile Curry?

Soon after Henry VIII built St James Palace the surrounding area became one of London's most exclusive neighbourhoods. Today, almost 500 years later, the area remains home to some of London's more fashionable landmarks. Here you'll find the likes of The Ritz Hotel, the Burlington Arcade and Fortnum & Mason.

This afternoon Garry and I went for a wander through St James. Our excursion rapidly became a gourmet tour, taking in some of the world's more exotic delicacies. Our first stop was the famous cheesemonger, Paxton & Whitfield on Jermyn Street. Since 1797, this store has supplied the English gentry with many of the world's most popular, and sometimes more obscure, cheeses.

Today samples of Mont D'Or were on offer. This creamy seasonal cheese comes from the Jura region in the French Alps (close to the shores of Lake Geneva). It's made every August and is generally available for five months. The last of this season's cheese were on sale, each wrapped in muslin cloth and packed in a small wooden box. Delicious. Much like a nutty Brie cheese. We bought a box.

We also picked up some Barkham Blue, an almost liquid blue cheese made using the milk of Jersey Island cows. It's brown, crusty surface mould makes it look like a dusty old potato. It's delicious with a glass of Jamieson Run Cabernet Sauvignon. Garry isn't a fan of blue cheese so we bought him a large wedge of Raclette - the perfect melting cheese for winter meals.

Our next gourmet stop was just up the road at Fortnum & Mason, the Queen's official grocer. This department store is also famous for its spectacular Christmas Hampers, available for shipping anywhere in the world. However, today we were fascinated by some of the more unusual items on sale including Chocolate Covered Scorpions, Reindeer Pate, Giant Toasted Ants and barbecue-flavoured Worms. Sadly, no samples were on offer and we weren't in a hurry to spend £13.95 for a tin of Crocodile Curry.

You known you're in the Queen's grocery store when you see bottle of vintage Dom Perignon champagne on sale for £400. That would be the 1976 vintage. The 1980 harvest was clearly rubbish at less than £150. We fortified ourselves with samples of Goat Cheese toast before departing for a late lunch on St Christopher's Lane. We've wandered past cafes here on several occasions but never stopped to dine.

Lunch was at Sofra, a popular Turkish restaurant chain. This is the only place in London where we've been able to find authentic turkish bread. We miss our Sydney weekends toasting tasty Turkish Bread for brunch. Garry dined on the Borek pastries and Mixed Grill, while I sampled the Lamb Kofta and Feta Salad. Another gourmet meal in the bag. Delicious.