London is a great food city, don't believe the press of uninteresting food in the UK, it is a myth of the misinformed.

Beyond fish and chips, Yorkshire pudding, steak & kidney pie, and treacle, there lies an incredible reservoir of fantastic restaurants and great ingredients. And at the epicenter, sits Borough Market.

The original Borough Market was located literally on the famous London Bridge, around 1014. 300 years later it moved to the grounds of St Thomas Hospital on what is now Borough High Street. It stayed at the Hospital until 1801, when it moved to where it is now, off of Southwark Street. The glass enclosure was constructed in 1875, and later split by the installation of the rail line.

Today, trains still pass over the market on a regular basis. So with nearly 1000 years of history behind it, a visit to Borough Market is nearly a required trek for the true foodie. In May and June, English strawberries are everywhere. If you haven't had a true English scone with true English strawberries you haven't lived. Better yet, try the best Tea in London at the Grosvenor House. No better scones in London!

Fish fresh from the Atlantic, cheese and cream from Devon, fresh produce and flowers, and British meat pies share the market grounds with grill stands, mezze dealers, and breads from Rose Bakery.

Famous for the carrot cake, the breads offered at the market are unbelievable as well. Line up by 10:30 in front of Brindisa for a grilled chorizo, roasted pepper and arugula sandwich, a true example of food that is a simple combination of three ingredients destined to be together.

Cheese? Steps off the Market is Neal's Yard. Cheese lovers should make the trip to London just for this. I am a huge fan of Montgomery's Cheddar, made by Jamie Montgomery in Somerset. Drier than most and with an unmistakable crunch from the crystalline salts in the interior, this cheese will forever change any preconceived notions of what a cheddar should be.

The appropriately named restaurant Roast sits above the market. Not a surprise, Roast specializes in sustainable, naturally raised meats and organic produce. Fresh laid hens' eggs adorn their impressive breakfast menu, and breakfast at Roast is a great way to start the day foraging through the stalls. As a farmers market, Borough has to be on the "10 markets to see in the world list."

Check out a few photos taken on a beautifully sunny spring day at Borough Market.

What's on YOUR Plate today? On mine, it's a huge chunk of Montgomery Cheddar.

Brad Nelson is the vice president culinary and corporate chef of Marriott International, he has worked to build an international culinary team that continues to raise the bar in dining. He takes his respect for nature's simple, clean flavors and instill it into the philosophy of the numerous kitchens he oversees.

www.chefblog.marriott.com/aboutBrad