Love Food Love Drink

Newsletter 9 May 2012

PriteshM — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:59:16 +0000

Edible Cinema, World’s Best Indian Restaurant comes to London plus the latest foodie news and openings!

For this week’s coolest events, latest restaurants & bar news, as well as delicious food & drink ideas and exclusive offers, check out our free weekly e-magazine! (And don’t forget, this is just the archive version. If you want this news delivered to your inbox on-time every Wednesday, simply subscribe to the newsletter by filling in your details in the form on the right!)

News & Events…

Edible Cinema @ The Electric, 13 May

We’ve had Secret Cinema and ‘scratch and sniff’ cinema – now we’ve got Edible Cinema. Renowned experience organiser Polly Betton and experimental food designer Andrew Stellitano have teamed up with Soho House Group to launch a series of foodie film experiences at The Electric on Portobello Road. The first one is the fantasy favourite Pan’s Labyrinth on 13 May. Guests are given a series of numbered ‘packages’ containing a whole variety of foods, props and other sensory aids to be experienced throughout the film; for example, viewers will open a packet of smoked pine popcorn whilst Ofelia and Carmen travel through the Spanish woodland onscreen. Tickets start at £22.50. www.electriccinema.co.uk

Bukhara Pop-Up @ Sheraton Park Tower, 17 May-1 June

Having experienced what I can quite simply describe as the best Indian food of my life (sorry Mum!) at Bukhara in Delhi, it’s safe to say that I am more than a little excited that the restaurant is coming to delight Londoners with its mind-blowing array of dishes. For two weeks only, Executive Chef Manjit Gill will bring the flavours of India to London, taking diners on an epicurean adventure with tasting menus that feature Bukhara’s rustic Indian cuisine. Dishes include the mouth-watering Sikandri Raan, a braised and grilled whole leg of spring lamb, marinated in a mixture of malt vinegar, cinnamon and black cumin; and their renowned 18 hour slow-cooked Black Dal. www.luxurycollection.com/bukhara

Shaun Rankin pop-up at The Grill @ The Dorchester, 14-19 May

Despite being based in his beloved Jersey, Shaun Rankin’s regular TV appearances have seen him become one of the most recognisable chefs around. Now, with his new pop-up at The Dorchester, foodies living on the mainland can experience the Michelin-starred chef’s food. Working with The Grill’s head chef Brian Hughson, Michelin-starred Shaun will bring the taste of Jersey to London, using the best new season produce. Dishes will include new season Jersey asparagus; three hour cooked duck egg with morel mushrooms & herb sabayon; and his signature Treacle tart with Jersey clotted cream ice cream, which wowed the judges in BBC Two’s Great British Menu. www.thedorchester.com/the-grill

Pret A Diner: ‘Italians Do It Better’ @ 50 St. James, 9 May-30 June

A combination of world-class Italian food and cutting-edge Italian art, Pret A Diner has set out to prove that Italians Do It Better – the ‘It’, in this case, referring to their ability to wine, dine and entertain. Michelin-starred chef Giorgio Locatelli has invited over five of Italy’s most dynamic chefs to create an innovative menu that will give guests a chance to compare old-world Italian cuisine to newer forward-thinking dishes. Cocktails will also be given the Italian treatment courtesy of Tony Conigliaro’s team from 69 Colebrooke Row. Hosted at the iconic 50 St James’s Street ‘Italians Do It Better’ will be the final event within the decadent Grade II listed building before it is closed for a full transformation this autumn. www.pretadiner.com

New Openings…

Market House, SW9

Market House has opened to provide an unpretentious ‘speakeasy’ bar, bistro and music hall in central Brixton, supporting local and independent suppliers of organic beers, ales, ciders and wines. The menu takes a simple, but eclectic approach, offering everything from burgers and sandwiches to Mediterranean salads. The interior re-ignites the trend for all things vintage with a mad cap selection of eclectic furnishings, light fittings and reclaimed materials, offering cosy hideaways, dining areas and lounge seating. Music promises to be a more left-of-centre affair with DJs and live acts steering away from the more traditional weekend anthems to a wider range of vintage/modern global sounds played until closing time at 4am. www.market-house.co.uk

Kitchen 264 @ The Collection, SW3

Following the recent re-launch of its bar area with cutting edge design by Tom Dixon, Chelsea institution The Collection has completed its makeover with the opening of its new restaurant offering – Kitchen 264. One of Israel’s most talented chefs, Oded Oren, has moved to the UK to take charge of the kitchen and has created a modern Mediterranean menu perfect for the restaurant’s Chelsea location. Dishes include appetizers of Sea bream tartare and Octopus salad, as well as mains of Grilled lamb stuffed calamari & caraway and Lemon marinated poussin with sauce vierge. Diners can also take advantage of the lounge bar pre or post-dinner, where they can enjoy a few cocktails to the sound of the DJ’s beats. www.the-collection.co.uk

Draft House East Dulwich, SE22

With successful venues already under his belt in Tower Bridge, Clapham and Battersea, Charlie McVeigh has launched the latest outpost of his Draft House concept in increasingly trendy East Dulwich. Beer is at the centre of the offering, with provenance, cellaring and serving taken extremely seriously, resulting in an extensive selection of weird and wonderful brews to choose from. The food offering keeps things beer friendly too, including their famous foot-long scratchings, Scotch eggs with curried mayo and their popular ‘Yolk’, ‘Smoke’ and ‘Poke’ hamburgers. www.drafthouse.co.uk

Try This Week…

Montezuma’s ‘Monkey Bars’

Can you Adam and Eve it – these new ‘Monkey Bars’ from Montezuma’s are bigger than an iPad! These half-kilo slabs of great British chocolate take their name from Cockney rhyming slang for ’500′ and judging by the size of them, they could probably feed about that many people! Inspired by a year filled with key events and celebrations, they’ll be handy to have around when you’ve got your friends and family round to watch the Olympics or The Queen doing her thing. The 5 flavours are less than conventional too, including Venezuelan Milk Chocolate with Salted Peanuts & Butterscotch and Ecuadorian Dark chocolate with Cherry & Almond Slices. Available for £13.99 from Montezuma’s stores, John Lewis and www.montezumas.co.uk

Sipsmith Summer Cup

Given the number of great spirits that the Sipsmith boys produce, one could scarcely believe that they operate out of a diminutive garage/distillery in Hammersmith. The latest liquid to pour out of their distillery is Summer Cup, a classic British drink made with homegrown Lemon Verbena, Earl Grey tea, Cardamom, Cucumber, Orange and a few other secret ingredients. Harking back to the quintessentially English ‘cups’ of the 1800s, Summer Cup’s ingredients are blended with Sipsmith London Dry Gin in Prudence, London’s first copper pot still since 1820, to produce a drink that provides an interesting and delicious alternative to everyone’s favourite summer drink (the one that rhymes with Timms!). £18.50 from Waitrose, Majestic and online from www.sipsmith.com

Newsletter 2 May 2012

PriteshM — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:05:43 +0000

East London Night Food Market, Bollywood Party, Burlesque Dinner plus the latest foodie news and openings!

News & Events…

Street Feast Night Market, E1, every Friday from 5pm-midnight

The Street Feast night market provides a hotbed of energy, exotic flavours, some great drinks and the hedonism of a Friday evening on the site of a former Victorian bird market off Brick Lane. The market will feature eight of the capital’s leading street food traders offering a mouth-watering mix of Vietnamese, Thai, Mexican and West-Indian cuisines and a ‘Car Wash’ dining room. A lengthy bar will serve choice wine, cocktails and draught beer from leading microbrewery Camden Town Breweries and the team behind the respected Moniker Art Fair will take care of visuals with their live street art. www.streetfeastlondon.com

Bollywood Bitesized @ Village Underground, EC2. 4 May

Village Underground has been given a Bollywood makeover to transport visitors to the mean streets of 70′s Bombay. The event will take you to the dark side of Bollywood, where you will meet gangsters and their molls and experience the underground parties borne out of the slums. The evening will also include a screening of Deewar, the Bollywood classic that Danny Boyle credits as the inspiration behind Slumdog Millionaire, followed by street-food, themed cocktails and Bollywood dancing. Guests will also be able to party into the night with DJs playing nu-disco, house and electronica with a retro Bollywood twist. Tickets are £17.50. www.bollywoodbitesized.com

The World Burlesque Games @ Floradita, W1. 8 May

Floridita in Soho is welcoming some of the world’s most eclectic and diverse acts in burlesque as part of the sixth annual edition of the London Burlesque Festival that will be sweeping the Capital from 7th-13th May. Guests will be introduced to ‘Triple Crown’, a competition that challenges burlesquers to showcase new twists and hidden talents to their signature routines. Acts providing the evening’s entertainment include some of the world’s finest performers, including Miss Behave, Anna the Hulagan and Bunny. Tickets are priced at £50 per person, which includes a full evening of entertainment and a two course dinner. www.floriditalondon.com/whatsOn/eventDetail/id/868

New Openings…

Bricole, W1

Chef Maurizio Morelli, who has owned Latium restaurant in Fitzrovia, for the past eight years, has embarked on his second venture with the opening of Bricole. In contrast to the upmarket approach of first venue, Bricole provides an informal Italian trattoria with an adjacent deli to create a relaxed and friendly neighbourhood restaurant with modest prices and unpretentious Italian food. Typical dishes include Focaccia bruschetta with burrata, grilled aubergines and olives; Potato gnocchi with fresh tomatoes and smoked scamorza; and Sausage in tomato sauce with polenta and pecorino. The wine list also champions the best of Italy, with over 150 bins available. www.briciole.co.uk

Yoobi, W1

Yoobi has opened as London’s first ‘temakeria’ – an idea originating from Brazil that provides an interesting take on sushi by taking the popular temaki sushi role and creating an entire restaurant concept out of it. The temaki are hand-rolled to order as you wait (in under 60 seconds) and are available in a variety of recipes ranging from the familiar to the more interesting, including the Spanish influenced Tuna Tartar and Japanese Pear with 20-hour cured Salmon. Perfect for a quick, tasty and healthy lunch in Soho, visitors can grab a takeaway or take a seat in the colourful restaurant. www.loveyoobi.com

Try This Week…

Stewed! ‘Beans, Bacon and Bangers’ Breakfast Pots

Those who remember the tins of ‘London Grill’ that made up a large portion of our diets in the early 90′s will either look at these new breakfast pots in horror or affection. Updated with the obligatory healthy twist that modern day consumers require, they are gluten-free, contain 2 of your 5-a-day and have just 325 calories. Just chuck them in the microwave and 3 minutes later you can have a ‘hearty fry-up’ without the heart failure (and the washing up!). With a few bank holidays approaching, they sound like they could be pretty useful for the ‘morning after syndrome’ too! Widely available from supermarkets and www.Ocado.com for £3.79

G.H. Mumm 2004

As a summer of celebration approaches, including events like the Olympics and the Queen’s Jubilee, there’s no doubt going to be a fair bit of Champagne being poured. When it comes to bubbly it doesn’t get better than a fine vintage, so we couldn’t ignore the latest offering from G.H. Mumm when we heard that it could be had for less than £40. In line with house style, it is the full-bodied Pinot Noir (70%) that dominates the blend with Chardonnay (30%) adding elegance and freshness; the Pinot bias also makes it ideal for matching with savoury foods. Available for around £40 from quality wine and drinks outlets including www.thedrinkshop.com

Reviews…

Aubaine Mayfair, W1

Renowned for its delectable selection of fresh patisserie, desserts and cakes, Aubaine’s latest launch will no doubt test the resolve of the skinny model types of nearby Bond Street! Open daily from breakfast through to dinner, those who make it past the sweet treats into the main restaurant will find a suitably sophisticated but easy going menu full of delicious traditional Mediterranean dishes. CLICK HERE TO READ FULL REVIEW

Iberica Canary Wharf, E14

Following the success of Iberica Food & Culture in Great Portland Street, Iberica has chosen to add a little Spanish culture to the concrete and glass jungle that is Canary Wharf. Led by its executive chef, Nacho Manzano of 2 Michelin starred Casa Marcial in Spain, the laid back restaurant serves a mixture of tapas that celebrates both the tradition of Spanish gastronomy as well as more modern styles. CLICK HERE TO READ FULL REVIEW

GH Mumm 2004 Champagne

PriteshM — Tue, 01 May 2012 20:18:56 +0000

Aubaine Mayfair, W1

PriteshM — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:17:10 +0000

Renowned for its delectable selection of fresh patisserie, desserts and cakes, Aubaine’s latest launch will no doubt test the resolve of the skinny model types of nearby Bond Street!

Giving passing by shoppers a clear view of the delights that await them are the floor to ceiling glass windows that also create a light and airy room in which to dine. Aubaine also features a 25-seat atrium at the rear of the restaurant that will open as a covered terrace during the summer months.

Throw-in the liberal use of light colours and chic rustic furniture and you could almost be in a charming French country hotel. Well, a hotel with a very good bakery attached. One of the restaurant’s USPs is the on-site bakery, and quite cleverly, diners have to walk past various pastry displays to before taking their seat. This results in mouth-watering aromas that will tempt you towards the excellent breads, delicate pastries and cakes that will put 3 inches on your waist if you merely look at them!

Open daily from breakfast through to dinner, including afternoon tea, those who make it past the sweet treats into the main restaurant will find a suitably sophisticated but easy going menu full of seasonally-changing traditional Mediterranean dishes. Starters are mostly made up of lighter salads and clean seafood dishes such as Timbale of crab, broccoli, bitter leaves & shellfish bisque and Carpaccio de boeuf, vinaigrette de truffles. However, if you’re ignoring the calorie count, these dishes are juxtaposed by the Wild mushrooms, puff pastry, duck egg & hollandaise – a deliciously rich dish of truly artery destroying credentials!

Move onto mains and it’s a similar story. Simple and beautifully executed seafood dishes include Lobster spaghetti and Sea bass, steamed mussels, artichoke & tomato are balanced by classic meat dishes including well-cooked Steaks and Free range pig cheeks, spring greens & Dijon mustard. Again, throw caution to the wind and order the Dauphinoise potatoes for a properly creamy and dreamy version of this French classic. If you’ve got any more room, ask for the dessert menu and you will be presented by a selection of delights from their bakery and trust me, you will neither resist nor leave disappointed!

Food: 4/5
Venue: 3.5/5
Value: 3/5

Cuisine type – French
Dinner for 2 (ex. drinks) – £70
Wine – £4.50

Aubaine Mayfair
31 Dover Street
London, W1S 4ND
Tel: 020 7368 0955
www.aubaine.co.uk

Iberica Canary Wharf, E14

PriteshM — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:16:51 +0000

Following the success of Iberica Food & Culture in Great Portland Street, Iberica has chosen to add a little Spanish culture to the concrete and glass jungle that is Canary Wharf.

Led by its executive chef, Nacho Manzano of 2 Michelin starred Casa Marcial in Spain, Iberica Canary Wharf serves a mixture of tapas that celebrates both the tradition of Spanish gastronomy as well as the modern styles. In keeping with the ethos of the original, Iberica Canary Wharf champions the best of Spanish produce, and in this respect it certainly doesn’t disappoint.

Classic Spanish favourites such as Jamon Iberico – available in three different styles, ranging from sweet to rich and nutty – arrive ready to melt in the mouth. Similarly, other Spanish favourites, such as the Patatas bravas and Croquettes are perfect to nibble on. Truly outstanding are the Black rice with cuttlefish, prawns & alioli and the Iberica burger with secreto pork loin & Piparras peppers. For something a little different, the Gazpacho of red berries, beetroot & anchovy does a great job of tickling the tastebuds with its intriguing but successful combination of sweet and savoury flavours. The UK’s growing number of Spanish wine fans will also be impressed by the extensive choice, with many bottles exclusive to Iberica.

The interior is the perfect tonic for the depressing and high-pressure environment outside its doors. With the air of a modern converted warehouse with high ceilings, painted Spanish floor tiles, exposed brick and a kitchen visible from the main dining room, Iberica does a great job of helping guests put the dreary world of Canary Wharf behind them.

Food: 3.5/5
Venue: 5/5
Value: 3/5

Cuisine type: Spanish
Dinner for two (excluding drinks): £65
Wine: £6

Iberica Canary Wharf
10, Cabot Square
London E14 4QQ
Tel: 020 7636 8650
www.ibericalondon.co.uk

Newsletter 18 April 2012

PriteshM — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:05:09 +0000

Dine with Shakespeare, Bacon Jam, Whisky Festival plus the latest foodie news and openings!

News & Events…

Shakespeare in the Sky @ Galvin at Windows , W1, starting 25 April

High-flying restaurant, Galvin at Windows, has teamed up with The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust to create a series of unique events and cook up a Tudor feast this spring as part of the 2012 World Shakespeare Festival. Four special ‘Shakespeare in the Sky’ evenings will combine sumptuous Shakespearean menus with live performances where guests will be seated amongst the dramatic action of some of Shakespeare’s most famous plays. The first event will be a Romeo and Juliet dinner on 25th April 2012, with scenes from the romantic tragedy dramatically played out between courses by actors. More events are planned in May, June and September. Tickets are around £150. To book, please email: andrea.letovancova@hilton.com

Whisky Lounge London Fest, SW1, 20 April

The Whisky Lounge is bringing back its immersive brand of ‘whisky love’ back to London with its whisky festival. Whisky is, of course, the main focus of the event, with producers from all over the world getting involved; drams from Ireland, Japan, India, USA and even England will be available to sample, as well as a huge array of Scotch whisky. The event also includes workshops, live demonstrations and a special presentation from the outrageously entertaining booze experts/accidental comedians from Dwink.com. The event also caters to a wider palette with a few other select ‘dark spirits’ being showcased, including Rum and Cognac. Event runs from 5-9pm. Tickets are £40 including plenty of whisky samples from: www.thewhiskylounge.com

Young British Foodies Awards – Entry Open until April 30

In contrast to the plethora of more established awards, the Young British Foodies Awards is scouting every pocket of Britain to embrace the new culinary personalities breaking boundaries in the food and drink world. With support and judging from some of the most recognised talents in their respective fields, including Nuno Mendes, Bompas and Parr and Tony Conigliaro, it certainly won’t be any easier to win an award. The eight categories include ‘The Rising Star of Mixology’, ‘New best alchemist of the oven’ and ‘Best Food Experience Artist’. From enthusiastic spare-time foodies to budding professionals, entry is open to all. For more details visit: www.the-ybfs.com

New Openings…

The Empress, E9

Independent owner-operator, Michael Buurman, has bought the well-established Empress pub from the ETM group and has transformed the gastro pub into a more laid-back bar/eatery to suit its hip Hackney surroundings. The most significant change is the food offering, which is now taken care of by Elliott Lidstone, former head chef of the Michelin starred L’ortolan in Berkshire. In his new role Elliot has eschewed his fine-dining background to create a far heartier and easy-going menu, with dishes including Bone marrow with snails; Pollock with curried cauliflower & lime; and Purple sprouting broccoli, sesame & goat’s curd salad. Coming out of the bar is a quirky, keenly priced wine list where you are more likely to find a Hungarian Olaszrizling than Chablis. Similarly, the more original choices of Brewdog, Redemption and Camden brews also feature. www.empresse9.com

Niko B’s Chocolate Lab @ Avo Hotel, E8

Award-winning chocolatier Niko B has created a sweeter side to Dalston with the opening of The Chocolate Lab. The ‘Lab’ is a shining beacon for chocolate fans in East London encompassing a chocolate shop, the Niko B chocolate kitchen and fresh hot chocolates and desserts served canteen-style at solid wood communal tables. On Sundays, the venue also offers Brunch, including American pancakes with a chocolate twist, flipped hot by American-born chocolatier Anthony Ferguson. www.nikobchocolates.com

Spaghetti House, W8

The latest addition to the Spaghetti House chain heralds a new look for London’s longest established restaurant group. Small but perfectly formed, this new-style restaurant sees a change from the traditional, with more colourful and stylish interiors to attract the discerning Kensington locals. However, the food is still very much the main focus, so the kitchen has found itself at the heart of the restaurant and in full view of the diners. Whilst still aiming to provide an authentic menu for which Spaghetti House has been known for five decades, dishes have also been given a contemporary makeover. Diners have the option of everything from assaggini and antipasti to stone-baked pizza, sharing platters and seafood specialities such as whole Seabass baked with lemon and thyme. www.spaghettihouse.co.uk

Try This Week…

Jeremiah Weed Brews

First we had cider, then came alcoholic ginger beer and now, vying for position as the quintessential drink of summer 2012 are the brilliantly named Jeremiah Weed Brews. Before you think it, there are no drugs involved in the production of these drinks! Instead, the brews are a mish mash of mellow and easy going ingredients put together to provide the taste of rural America. In the case of Jeremiah Weed Root Brew, they have added a hint of ginger, whilst the Sour Mash Brew includes a touch of bourbon flavour. For the full Deep South experience, dig out an old jam jar, fill with ice and your chosen flavour of Jeremiah Weed, stick on an episode of Dukes of Hazzard and enjoy! Widely available for around £2.20/500ml bottle. www.facebook.com/jeremiahweeduk

Bacon Jam by Eat 17

You may think the concept of Bacon Jam is more than a little bizarre, but if our American cousins can get away with serving strips of pork with their pancakes and maple syrup, there is no reason that we can’t combine bacon with our conserve making skills! More than a fun fad, Bacon Jam is genuinely delicious when paired with crusty bread, cheese or crackers. Made using British ingredients, the versatile, umami-packed relish is also a great addition to a burger, base for a canapé or secret ingredient for stews, pies and casseroles. Around £3.50 from Selfridges, Harrods and good delis nationwide. www.bacon-jam.com

Reviews…

Bedford & Strand, WC2

Having launched to widespread critical acclaim back in 2005, Bedford & Strand has managed the enviable trick of keeping a low-profile whilst still remaining popular amongst those in the know, particularly as London’s foodies get sucked in by the ever glitzier new restaurant openings in the city. However, those who do find the steps to the basement restaurant and wine bar are unlikely to look back because Bedford & Strand’s combination of delicious every-day food, lively atmosphere and great wine makes it a definite keeper! CLICK HERE TO READ FULL REVIEW…

Bam-Bou, W1

Housed in an elegant Georgian town-house and styled with colonial French-Vietnamese inspired furnishings, Bam-Bou’s unique offering has seen it firmly established itself as a favourite amongst the glut of restaurants in Fitzrovia. Featuring a labyrinth of dining and drinking areas, including a stylish top-floor bar and various private rooms, Bam-Bou is just as suited to a romantic dinner as it is a lively evening meal with friends. With its unique yet familiar menu, Bam-Bou also provides a welcome alternative to the multitude of mediocre Thai restaurants in town. CLICK HERE TO READ FULL REVIEW…

Bedford & Strand, WC2

PriteshM — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 23:03:40 +0000

Being located on the edge of Covent Garden and The Strand, many a hungry Londoner has probably unwittingly walked past the inconspicuous doors of the basement venue on numerous occasions as they seek somewhere good for dinner. However, those who do take the steps downstairs into the restaurant are unlikely to look back because Bedford & Strand is a definite keeper!

Bedford & Strand is a wine room and bistro that answers the trend for honest and straightforward bars and restaurants. It specialises in offering an extensive variety of well-priced wines, complemented by affordable bistro dishes. Having been an occasional visitor for some years, its popularity never ceases to amaze; whether visiting on Wednesday or Friday night, every inch of the place is likely to be buzzing with regulars who realise the gem they have chanced upon.

A quick look at the drinks reveals that over 20 of the 70 wines listed are available by the glass, with many in the £4 region. If you’ve got something to celebrate, they’ve also got Perrier Jouet at just £10.50 a glass, whilst a concise selection of classic cocktails can also be enjoyed. The bar also houses a deli-counter full of delicious meats, cheese, small bites and now legendary pork scratchings that are ideal for nibbling on with a few drinks.

Chef Tim O’Brien’s restaurant menu is equally tempting, with a range of traditional rustic British and French dishes that you could happily eat every day. Braun fritters with gribiche sauce are an absolute must for starters, although you won’t be disappointed with the rich Chicken liver partfait or the Warm house smoked salmon with fennel & cauliflower purée. Similarly, the mains such Coq au Vin and Fish Pie may sound fairly pedestrian to those who expect a Masterchef style ensemble from their meals, but more than deliver on flavour and execution. Leave some room for puddings such as Chocolate orange fondant, and you most certainly will be left with a sweet ending to your meal!

Food: 4/5
Venue: 3/5
Value: 4/5

Cuisine type: British
Dinner for two (excluding drinks): £60
Wine: £4.15
Cocktails: £9

Bedford & Strand
1 Bedford Street
London, WC2E 9HH
Tel: 020 7836 3033
www.bedford-strand.com

Bam-Bou, W1

PriteshM — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 23:03:28 +0000

Housed in an elegant Georgian town-house and styled with colonial French-Vietnamese inspired furnishings, Bam-Bou’s unique offering has seen it firmly establish itself as a favourite amongst the glut of restaurants in Fitzrovia. It’s no surprise really, given that its labyrinth layout of two dining rooms, four private rooms and the top-floor Red Bar makes Bam-Bou ideal for the secret trysts and deals taking place amongst the media-set who dominate the locality. The various dining room options also makes Bam-Bou just as suited to a romantic dinner as it is a lively evening meal with friends.

Visit at lunch-time or for early supper and you can expect quick and tasty options such as dim sum and hearty noodle bowls. However, it’s well worth heading down for a proper meal to experience the eclectic South-East Asian menu, with many dishes taken from the cuisine of Thailand, China and Vietnam.

The seasonal menus include delicious starters of burger-style Chilli sauce coated lamb in Chinese steamed buns and properly meaty Hanoi-style short ribs; both packed full of flavour, we’d happily sit and eat them all day. A bit cheeky, however is charging £4 for the giant and pretty bland prawn crackers. Mains are of a good standard too, with the option of curries, stir fries, noodles and grills. Seared scallops with sweet pork & perilla cress was beautifully cooked and presented, with large sweet scallops and delicious cubes of melting pork. Spiced slow-roast duck with salted plum sauce and sugar snaps was a little dry through the middle, but well spiced and ideally accompanied by a big plate of Bok choi with tamari & chilli.

With its interesting décor and unique yet familiar menu, Bam-Bou is well worth a visit, particularly if you fancy a change from the multitude of mediocre Thai restaurants in town .

Food: 3.5/5
Venue: 4/5
Value: 3/5

Cuisine type – South-east Asian
Dinner for 2 (ex. drinks) – £55
Wine – £4.50
Cocktails – £8.50

Bam-Bou
1 Percy Street
W1T 1DB
Fitzrovia
020 7323 9130
www.bam-bou.co.uk

Newsletter 4 April 2012

PriteshM — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 18:06:44 +0000

Easter events and ideas, Pizza by the Meter, new music venues, plus the latest foodie news and openings!

News & Events…

Monkey Shoulder Chocolate Trail, W1, 6-9 April.

Monkey Shoulder whisky and a seemingly rebellious Easter bunny have let their imaginations loose in a private space in Soho, transforming it with specially grown moss and grass sculptures to bring the outdoors indoors! If you find an Easter egg hidden amongst the foliage, you can swap it for a bespoke Monkey Shoulder whisky cocktail paired with a handmade chocolate to compliment your drink. Visitors can explore the space for themselves, or let the Monkey Shoulder Ambassador Dean Callan guide them through the undergrowth, pointing out the best flavours and garnishes to complement whisky cocktails. For more details visit www.facebook.com/events/306339706097075

The World’s Smallest Ever Easter Egg Hunt @ Barts, SW3. 8 April

Notoriously hard to find, this Easter Sunday Barts will raise the level of secrecy yet another notch, with an egg hunt that will leave participants searching not only for the bar but for hidden eggs filled with prizes. Given the diminutive size of the venue, it may sound easy, but the Egg Hunt will still have its challenges, with potential hiding spots including everywhere from the cuckoo clocks, behind paintings and in their signature teapots (no clues there then!). www.barts-london.com

Cadbury Easter Egg Trails, Nationwide, 6-9 April

Perfect for grown-ups and kids alike, experience the beauty and culture of the great British outdoors whilst getting into the Easter spirit with these trails. Cadbury are supporting the National Trust in bringing the magic back to Easter with traditional fun, games and Easter Egg Trails at over 250 locations nationwide.

www.eastereggtrails.com

New Openings…

XO @ XOYO, EC2

East London venue XOYO has launched XO, a new contemporary cultural hub situated on the upper level of the venue that will serve as a café/gallery by day, and a bar & lounge by night. Head down between 7.30am and 5pm and the venue will provide a serene space in which to hang-out, grab a coffee and a sandwich, and check out the various art installations. As the evening approaches, the venue takes a dramatic turn into a hub for entertainment and fun, with the space being dedicated to live acts, DJs, comedy and film. There is also a well-stocked bar serving a great selection of local beers, quality spirits and cocktails to keep guests lubricated until the early hours. www.xoyo.co.uk

Demoiselle @ Harrods, SW1

Demoiselle is the fifth London offering from Galvin Restaurants, the collection of restaurants founded in 2005 by Michelin-starred chef brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin. True to the tradition of Galvin Restaurants, Demoiselle offers some of the finest French cuisine combined with the Galvin’s famed personal hospitality. The menu includes Chris and Jeff’s signature dishes, such as Confit pork cheeks with pommes mousseline and Tarte Tatin, as well as a few new creations. The restaurant will also cater for those after a quick bite whilst they shop, with a lighter menu of ‘Soups & Potages’, charcuterie and afternoon tea. www.galvinrestaurants.com

Meter Bar & Eatery, EC1

What do you get when you let a DJ open a restaurant? A meter of pizza apparently!

Meter offers a slice of Italy in urban Shoreditch, where Italy’s finest export – pizza – will be served by the meter alongside an exciting drinks list, all set to a discerning soundtrack thanks to owner, acclaimed DJ James Priestley. Fortunately James isn’t in the kitchen and his love of proper pizza will be translated through chef Valentino Fontana. Having been brought-up in the home of pizza in Naples, Valentino is dedicated to using the finest ingredients for his creations. Those averse to dough based foods can still visit Meter, with other dishes to enjoy including homemade Scamorza croquettes and Veal & almond meatballs. www.meterlondon.com

Try This Week…

Vom-Fass Easter Liqueurs

For a truly grown-up Easter egg experience, check out these inspired boozy Easter ideas from Vom-Fass. Combine their chocolate, Vanilla or Whisky Cream liqueurs with one of their fine spirits, including Whisky and Calvados, for a sweet yet robust Easter treat. Fill half of a glass with the cream liqueur and fill the other half with the spirit for an indulgent yet simple cocktail idea. Vom-Fass have also introduced Easter bunny shaped bottles that can be filled with a range of delicious creamy liqueurs including Chocolate, Tiramisu and Marzipan. They are as dangerously easy to drink as they sound, so just make sure you don’t mistake it for milkshake and give it to the kids! Starting at £12 from Vom-Fass stores. More details at www.vomfassuk.com

Hummingbird Cupcakes

Hummingbird has combined the best of Easter with their legendary cupcakes with these delicious little creations. Combining sugar-coated chocolate mini eggs, delicate spring blooms and hand-piped Easter messages, these chocolate vanilla cupcakes are perfect Easter time treat and ideal for cleansing the palette in between your Easter egg feast! £19.50 for a box of 6. www.hummingbirdbakery.com

Heston from Waitrose Earl Grey Tea and Mandarin Hot Cross Buns

Having conquered Christmas with his weird and wonderful Christmas puddings, Heston’s at it again with his version of the hot cross bun. The brioche textured buns are bulging in Earl Grey soaked raisins and sultanas to give the fruits an added juiciness and the buns a friendly fragrance. To balance the overall taste, a blend of orange zest, mandarin and bergamot extracts and orange pieces are added. Well, it was never going to be simple was it! £1.59 from Waitrose

Easter Flip Cocktail by Salvatore Calabrese…

Godfather of the cocktail world, Salvatore Calabrese, has come-up with this delicious concoction to enjoy over Easter. Of course, you can save yourself the effort and just get him to make you one by visit Salvatore’s Bar in Mayfair. www.salvatore-calabrese.co.uk

Click here for the recipe…

Easter Flip Cocktail by Salvatore Calabrese

PriteshM — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:29:11 +0000

Godfather of the cocktail world, Salvatore Calabrese, has come-up with this delicious concoction to enjoy over Easter. Of course, you can save yourself the effort and just get him to make you one by visiting Salvatore’s Bar in Mayfair! www.salvatore-calabrese.co.uk

Recipe / Method

Dating right back to the 17th century, The Flip featured beaten egg, sugar, spices, rum and hot ale. To make this delicious concoction, the innkeeper would mull the mixture with a hot iron ‘loggerhead’ before serving it.

There is no doubt that the cocktail has changed dramatically since then and it is now a short drink, served cold with a sprinkling of nutmeg. True to form it can be made with any spirit and an egg yolk.

I usually pick up a free range egg (as large as possible) and cut the egg very gently and evenly around the top to create a lid….if you are skilful, don’t separate the lid fully from the shell so when the cocktail is complete, you can close the lid and create an air of mystery. Pre-prepare the egg shell the night before by popping it into the fridge or freezer so it is chilled.

My Flip consists of 25ml of dark aged rum, 25ml of Marsala (Italian sweet wine…I am Italian after all!), 1 egg-yolk, 2 teaspoons of caster sugar (if you have a sweet tooth…one if not!), 10ml of white chocolate liquor and 1 pinch of grated nutmeg.

Place all the ingredients in a shaker filled with ice – and shake long and sharp to allow the egg to bond with the liquid before straining into the shell. Once complete, you can place the filled egg into an egg-cup to present…but not before you grate chocolate to garnish – I like to use white chocolate for the ladies and dark for the gentlemen!

Then you are ready… close the lid so they don’t know what to expect and watch their faces as this adult surprise is revealed.