Of Course I Will Try Anything Once!

After 'Six Female Chefs, Three London Dinners' super chef Angela Hartnett kindly invited me to dine at The Whitechapel Dining Room. What a treat.

Whitechapel is a simple dining room, with small tables all set out without fuss or ceremony , the simplicity creating an intimate, homely ambiance.

The staff are relaxed and friendly, happy to have a laugh and a joke while been effortlessly attentive.

I love going for tea with non-foodies, it gives the menu a whole new life, questions arise that would normally never be asked, even if the said foodie has no clue of the answer!

The enjoyment of a friend trying something for the first time is a wonderful thing and getting to that point can be full of hilarity,  "truffle on chips, WHY?" and "What the hell is onglet?" were two of my favorite questions. 

Kermack eventually decided to start with the lamb, which just melted in the mouth. I chose the special, Wood Pigeon, much to Kermack's despair, images were conjured of a Trafalgar Square pigeon massacre. Brilliant. The dish was a delight, the prunes complimenting the strong game flavor.

The only way to go for a couple of meat lovers was the cote de boeuf and what a treat, high quality beef, medium rare, of course a little bit of food porn, yes. 

Why not mix up your night with a visit to the gallery first followed by some seriously good food, awesome for the soul. 

So it's nearly Taste Of London time again and what better than to head to one of it's favorite restaurants, L'anima.

I've known Francesco the Owner for several years now and he is certainly a vibrant, full of life character, he had headed back to the homeland for his Easter holidays and left Chappers and I in the very capable hands of his staff, what a treat.

I would say that 99% of his staff are Italian, very passionate and seriously knowledgeable. We were greeted and shown to the bar area where an array of snacks arrived to wet our appetites, gladly welcomed as we had both held off on our food intake that day to prepare! Along with a surprise visit from Luca Terraneo, Head chef, the night started very well.

The restaurant is huge, open and very white, this could be mistaken to sound clinical but quite the opposite I would say elegant and stylish.

In the restaurant you can see all the action in the kitchen through the giant windows adding to the atmosphere and bringing the open space to life.

Now to the food, of course Chappers and I went for the tasting menu, described as 'A journey through Southern Italian gastronomy' how could we resist, with the wonderful softly spoken sommelier at our side, matching food with wine and getting us slowly but surely sozzled!

I've had courgette flower before but never with baccala and it's beautiful, a delicate mouthful with the anchovy and chilli compote coming through to create a layered taste explosion. I opted out of the black truffle which I am 100% sure makes this dish so the simple tortelli was well made but, well simple, however better that I wasn't sick on their beautiful white linen!

Now the Octopus rocked my mouth, I loved the smoked ricotta fighting through the perfectly cooked octopus meat. By the time the rabbit arrived I was starting to feel pretty full to be honest but the tender meat and country style casserole veg won the battle, it really did melt in my mouth.

Finishing with the light pistachio icecream and some really good desert wine, I just wanted to die and go to heaven.

My advise is to go, have the tasting menu, experience Southern Italian Gastronomy accompanied by specifically chosen wines but what ever you do, don't order a second desert wine it just tips you over the edge. Ha ha totally worth it ;-)

Tasting Menu

Diver Scallop, courgette flower stuffed with baccala, anchovy sauce & chilli compote

Wine; Gavi Oro, La Scolca

Stracciatella & ricotta tortelli, brown butter & norcia black truffle

Wine; Montecarlo Bianco Fattoria Michi

Octopus A La Plancha with cannellini beans & ricotta mustia

Wine; Lugana, Ca'Lojera

Rabbit Siciliana

Wine; Pinot Nero, Franz Haas

Liquorice Zabaglione with pistachio icecream

I think if you are going to write a food blog it is important to be varied and honest in your discovery of different dining experiences.

So here goes. Chinese Buffet.

I am, it's no lie, not a fan of buffets. I dislike serving myself and the thought that the food could potentially have had an all night party in the steel tins makes me slightly green around the gills!

Saying that when your hungry and it's open, sat there calling at you. What the hell give it a go.

After been shown to what only can be described as school science high stools, bringing instantly back memories of been told to sit up right with a little wack to the lower back, we moved to the slightly safer school benches.

The waiters, attentive and polite asked immediately if we would like drinks, the conversation went like this.

Jo "Oh yes red wine please and a beer" (the beer was for Kermack, it hadn't quite got to that time in the day that I ordered two drinks to avoid the wait!)

Waiter "Ah yes white wine"

Jo "No sorry red wine"

Waiter "white"

Jo " red"

I was about to play wine charades when he got it!

The buffet experience in this restaurant I found entertaining to say the least, with commentary from Kermack about what each dish could potentially be made from. Ranging from next doors cat to my all time favorite the classic Chinese dish, pigeon penis. My stomach hurt from laughing more than hunger which is always a result.

The food was pretty standard take away fare, all piled up fighting to be eaten, on one smaller than average plate.

Moritz is a cool, edgy Spanish Beer bar with an open brewery downstairs, brewing some great simple, light but tasty beers, coming from a lady that doesn't particularity dig beer is saying something. 

The staff including the chefs seen at work from the open kitchen all look a little like they are auditioning for Mario Cart the restaurant game, the chef had the most awesome mustache and waiting staff wore garage gear. This gave the place a quirky feel that worked really well with the cool art and exposed brick throughout the restaurant and bar.

Tapas was on the menu and they really did so it well, although if you are vegetarian be prepared to eat salad and tomato bread, as in much of Spain they don't really get the concept. Unlucky.

Here is our menu, dishes that stood out were the patatas bravas, spicy as hell but really good, Flammkuchen very delicate, almost a melt in the mouth pizza, that means there are no calories, right?  

By sweet time I was about full to burst, but for blog purposes I tried a bite of the pestinos but not really my kind of desert so opted for another Moritz beer.

You can take the tour not matter when you dine, they are really excited about showing you round, this I think makes this restaurant stand out from other beer bars in Barcelona.

4Gats or Four Cats was recommended to me by our landlord as soon as we checked into the apartment in Barcelona last week. What a star.

It's super central, literally just a minutes walk off the main high street La Rambla on a beautiful old cobbled street instantly taking you back to the 1800's.

Walking through the bar you can hear the buzz from the packed restaurant. A man sits playing a grand piano, having a lovely old time interacting with the diners and really showing off the theatrical element of this place.

Picasso aged 17 hung out here having his first exhibition in the great room, the original poster now the menu cover. You can either sit in the main part of the restaurant or on the galleries overlooking. 

I decided to let the waiter choose the wine, mainly because he didn't speak very good English and why should he, my Spanish is terrible but thankfully the 4Gats labeled Red wine was not. Not massively traditional to have sea-bass with red but it worked with the oily serving which melted in my mouth.

I did have food envy, Dudley ordered the confit duck and after a wee taste I decided to stop trying to be healthy in Spain, it just wasn't going to work! 

So of course the chocolate desert had my name on it. The best way to describe the taste is Chocolate, layered with chocolate, with chocolate sauce, chocolate sprinkles and oh wait some more chocolate. I felt sick but it was totally worth it! 

The day before I flew back to chilly London to reenter the real world, I was taken for lunch by a wonderful old friend.

After a heavy Christmas and New Year then rolling, literally into January when asked what I would like for lunch I cried "Sushi".

Jen was excited, and we almost ran to Industry Zen, centrally situated a stones throw away from the ferry terminal.

The heavy wooden door creaked open to reveal a beautiful, modern twist on Japanese traditional decor. The restaurant was busy not just with people but things, umbrellas, warrior statues and art but immaculate and streamline at the same time. 

We ordered off the lunch menu and for 23 NZ dollars a mere £12.00 per person we ate like an Emperor. Miso soup, salad and the following photos are the only way to really do our main course justice! Edible art, scrumptious, fresh, bursting with flavor beautiful cuisine.

Upstairs in Hotel DeBrett at the house bar you will find Ming, friendly cocktail waiter and all round super star.

Morgan Burrett, Travel show presenter extraordinaire had filmed there the day before and as my dear friend pointed out it would be rude not to pay him a visit. So we did.

The bar, as has the rest of the hotel kept a lot of it's original features which to be honest is a rarity in New Zealand. The lift is like standing inside a giant glitter ball and the bar although simple has an Art Deco charm, I felt really at home sat on tall stools at the bar here.

The restaurant I loved, walking though it reminded me of Venice and the waterways and streets with bridges and windows protruding above.

Ming took us on a cocktail journey intersecting little stories of his past in Cambodia, his wife whilst making sure we didn't miss out on essential liquors and some amazing maraschino cherries.

This bar is a must visit if you are anywhere near Auckland, I had a magical evening, filled with any cocktail I desired from a knowledgeable bartender, a well thought through platter to line the stomach and great stories.

Scott's of Mayfair has been on my food radar for sometime now. I am a huge fish lover and this is one of the finest seafood restaurants in town!

The Oyster bar looks fab, it has a real decadent feel, pillars with 1920's style tiles surround it and in the middle there is a huge center piece with cascading ice topped with an array of seafood. 

The menu is like food porn, crude I know but it is! I would happily try it all if the time and budget allowed!

I've never tried Caviar! I've just never had the opportunity. So when my friend Tim ordered the Beluga Caviar with blinis and sour cream as a surprise I nearly fell off my chair! 

It was, well, urm, interesting! I understand the whole delicacy bit and I am chuffed that I have now tried it but I wouldn't order it again. To be honest I was more excited about the beautiful little pancakes it came with!

For starter I went for the seared scallops in the shell with garlic and chilli butter. This dish did not disappoint. The scallops were huge and super tasty.

For main I had to go for the Lobster Thermidor, it hates me but I just love it. Scott's literally blew me away.

So this is how the conversation went.....

Fiona; Hey lovely, fancy coming to the Playboy Club Christmas party?

Jo; Hell yes.

Fiona; Great

Jo; Oh wait on, what's the dress code? I wouldn't want to turn up looking like Bridget Jones in her dodgy inappropriate bunny outfit!!!

And so it began!

So my imagination created this soft focus world of beautiful ladies with fury behinds floating around serving martinis, and I was bang on. With the addition of glamorous decor, fab dirty martinis that nearly blew my head off, a casino and superb food, made by the wonderfully talented and super lovely Judy Joo. Iron Chef and Head Chef at the Playboy Bunny Club. 

She put on a "lovely spread" to say the least, varied, high quality, super tasty and with cakes to die for!

The buzz in the club was infectious and the clientele varied and exciting. We moved downstairs with the flow of people to the club, where the powerful voice of Paloma Faith could be heard. She played a great set to a full and ecstatic audience, singing along, in or out of tune, no one cared!

I dig the Playboy Club. Great Christmas Party.

Cheers, Monica for Mother Bunny! 

Out for a boozy lunch at The Thomas Cubitt in Belgravia, started with a rather nice Sauvignon Blanc , chilled perfectly and served by an attentive waitress.

The bar has an open farmhouse kitchen feel to it, with big old wooden tables and some communal dining. They hadn't gone all out with Christmas decorations but when your brought up but a mother who believes you can never have enough Christmas sparkle, I suppose I expect a grotto, how would they know!

The menu choice was small but varied which I enjoy at lunchtime, quick decisions with more time for natter. The special took my fancy, a haddock souffle with a leek puree. Then Remy went and ordered the fish and chips and I instantly had food envy and it hadn't even arrived!

My souffle was delicious, light and delicate, food that is aesthetically pleasing as well as tasty. The fish didn't over power either, which is nice.

I couldn't help noticing that Remy's fish was winking at me and when a chunk kindly landed on my plate, I remembered that fish and chips done well really are a delight! With a nice dollop of mushy peas, what more does a man want.

Oh yeah, that's right, a girl not to eat his food ;-)

At this point the service dropped off, they were busy but not unmanageable, maybe it was break time, who knows. 

After lunch we sampled the mulled wine, which I felt was served in glasses meant for children at parties so they don't have too much juice and need to pee! Maybe that's my inner alcoholic talking, but hey, the truth! 

All in all I enjoyed the TC, what a lovely lunch.

Mishkins opened on the 25th November 2011, on Catherine Street bang opposite the Novello Theatre in Covent Garden.

If I’m honest I hadn't heard of the Polpo restaurants, of which there are now five, owned by Russell Norman and Richard Beatty, however last week Mishkins came onto my radar several times, the buzz around their new place is spreading like wild fire!

As I entered the already busy, casual, simple but engaging restaurant I was immediately greeted by Russell Norman and a giant smile, making me feel like I was entering a family home. The gang were already in position at the back of the restaurant in the delightful private booth; open allowing the ambience of the main floor to seep in but a little privacy all in the mix.

                                                   When I asked Russell to recommend a cocktail, one of his favorites, he laughed and made me his wife’s all time favorite, gin fizz. Now girls and boys listen up, this is one not just to try but to try, try and try again. I am hooked. Mrs Norman you rock. Alex our only boy, turned his nose up until it arrived in a freezing cold, super cool classic tanker, he is also now a convert.

So Mishkins describes itself as a kind of Jewish Deli and that it is, with the addition of Pork to the menu! We ordered an array of different dishes to share and as they arrived I began to understand the draw of the Jewish Deli.

Cod cheek popcorn, scattered in chilli and really Moorish arrived first. Followed by a salt beef sandwich, I have to admit I really didn’t want to share this, I did of course but there is something a bit special about the simplicity of really good salt beef on fresh bread and garnished to perfection. The meatballs need some work for my palate, you can’t win them all!

                                      The piece de resistance however was the hotdog! I would never have put money on this but there was something wonderful about this dish that added to the at home feel of Mishkins.

Mishkins is a 100% YES, simple but effective. An evening you would die to create in your own home.

  @mishkinsWC2

After having the pleasure of visiting the newly opened Soif on Battersea Rise when the opportunity came to try out one of Oli Barker and Ed Wilsons other restaurants, Terroirs, I nearly fell over myself to get there!

  Arriving into the busy but relaxed upstairs wine bar I instantly warmed to the simple but honest décor. Greeted by friends who had pre ordered a glass of bubbles, natural of course, Ed and Oli’s philosophy, and a selection of charcuterie, what a great start.

  The food as advertised is simple but seriously tasty, I could have eaten the pork terrine all night. The chef then sent out a special dish of snails and pigs trotters, which I think may have to go in my top 10 best dishes to date! Normally you find snails over powered by garlic and butter and may as well be eating slugs but this was a carefully balanced dish marrying the texture and taste of both ingredients perfectly.

  I have to be honest as far as the Christian Parra Boudin Noir was concerned  I wasn’t blown away, as I thought I would be, maybe I was distracted by my snail love!

  Cheese as always you can’t go wrong with if treated well and this was but the real desert surprise came when Thierry ordered Rice pudding. My god I thought to myself why do all my friends insist on taking me back to the food that would make me shudder as a child!

  The spoon with lashings of lumps and jam was passed my way and politely I made to swallow quickly and smile then wash down with the remaining red wine (which was delightful and would have been a waste!) then to my great surprise I adored it. Very light not like Yorkshire dinner ladies would make and the jam thin but with a tart spice addition made it Moorish.

  Terroirs gave me an evening of pleasure the staff were effortlessly attentive, knowledgeable and fun. The food although simple was done very well, all round central London winner.

What a girl needs on a night out or just in general to be honest is a nice surprise.

  When I walked into The Pink Chihuahua the other day that is exactly what I got, in the form of two Kiwi guys, fresh in off the boat!

  Morgan Burrett, high energy, will try anything Presenter of The Travel Bug and Andy Grant cameraman extraordinaire spun on their bar stools to meet an excitable Joe Wadsack and I!

  Little did I know until that moment that The Travel Bug Team had arrived into London! In all the bars in all the world……

    The dynamic duo became an electric troublesome quad, and boy was London about to know about it!

  It was a done deal within seconds that the lads would join our night and it quickly adopted a ‘Round the world in cocktails’ theme. Thanks to the expert knowledge of wine and sprit master Joe Wadsack and enthusiastic well-traveled sponges that surrounded him the challenge was on!

  Thank you to Morgan, Andy and Joe and if all goes to plan that was just a test drive and the main event is yet to come!

  To be continued…………………..

http://thetravelbugtv.com/

#MorganBurrett

#AndyGrant

#JoeWadsack

@vinesack

I love it when a text arrives asking if I would like to attend a restaurant opening, wait there give me a second, ohh how about YES.

  When I arrived my friends Theirry and Selma were running fashionably late and I, as always unfashionably early. After years of my parents making us late for every event in Yorkshire I refuse to be late if I can help it!

  Soif meaning Thirsty and seldom pronounced correctly, by me that is to the amusement of all that are proficient in French opened this week in Clapham Junction.

  I entered welcomed by friendly and relaxed staff serving natural sparkling wine with platters placed all around me filled with oysters, homemade bread, meats and cheese. A grazer’s paradise!

  Oli Barker one half of the brains and brawn behind Soif smiling from behind the bar, hands on and attentive adding effortlessly to the relaxed homely feel of the restaurant. Ed Wilson the other half chatted stood cool as a cucumber in his Chef whites, the lad is from Yorkshire so got my vote straight away but quickly backed it up with his passion. 

  I had the honor of Maureen Mills taking me under her wing, introducing me to Travel and Food writer and all round star Fiona Sims, I could taste the beginnings of a good night!

  I couldn’t believe the size of the wonderful tree trunk stood in the entrance to the bar area, shipped in especially for the restaurant and weighing god knows how much but adding wonderfully to the simple décor.

  We sat to a constant flow of natural wine and rustic courses including clams, a traditional cassoulet served with homemade bread, chesse, cheese and more wonderful French cheese, sod the potential nightmares that may arise eating cheese at such a late hour, enjoy I say and enjoy I did! Finishing with tarte tatin and lashings of more red wine.

  Fiona describes natural wine as having a “fairy dust effect” and I couldn’t agree more. Soif is a huge yes.

  Official opening tonight meaning you from now on can also have the pleasure of rustic France in the heart of South London.

                                  Ed and Oli’s other restaurants Terroirs and Brawn are on my list to do. http://terroirswinebar.com/links.htm

  Address: 27 Battersea Rise SW11 1HG

My day with Joe Wadsack started as it would finish with excitement, chatter and a glass of sparkles. First point of call after arriving at Masterchef Live was The Loch Ryan Oyster Fishery co, for possibly the juiciest set of Oysters I’ve ever slipped down!

                          Upstairs in the Wine Show, Joe took a large group through a hot to trot Wine Walk, which was engaging to all ages, tastes and personalities. Then I was kidnapped and introduced to an eclectic array of different wine producers, get in.

  Theo Randall drew Joe and I back down to the main show, as always Theo is found working hard behind the scenes but always instantly warm and welcoming. Theo and Manuel who I always find such a delight treated us to;

                                                    Finocchiona Salami - fennel salami with San Marzano tomatoes, rocket and datterini tomatoes.

  Cape Sante in Padella – pan fried scallops served in their shell with lentils de Castelluccio, pancetta, red chilli, parsley and chopped wild rocket.

  Scallops are nearly always a winner with me, so with the addition of the pancetta and chilli I felt in food heaven. Accompanied by a chilled to perfection Sauvignon Blanc. Thank you very much.

                      Our epic adventure I realised had just begun, off into the hub, which is Soho and to The Pink Chihuahua. Tasting Cocktails made by the loving and talented hands of Dick Bradsell, known as the Cocktail guru. With a glint in his eye and a shaker in hand I decided instantly that I liked this place. Sandwiched between to such experts how could I go wrong, I promised myself that I would work off the calories the next day! Yeah right.

                        Quo Vadis was calling and the Heart Brothers Private Members Club, where we sat at the lounge room bar. I felt cozy and instantly at home, not that my home is this grand and well stocked but the ambience relaxed, helped of course by the round the world in cocktails by our super attentive bar man. Answering the 101 questions I had, effortlessly and with passion. Garlic chips and The QV burger seemed to partner the cocktail extravaganza perfectly! Not your average burger I may add!

  Thrown in a pickled egg that Joe argued was the best in town. Coming from the North the thought of this made my mouth water, not in a good way. To my delight after a few deep breaths I sunk my teeth in and polished the entire egg (I could have had seconds but didn’t want to let Joe think he was right, but he was dam it!) Pickled Eggs are officially back in my life. 

  To finish, Milk and Honey Members Bar gave a chilled, candlelit atmosphere with the subtle and refreshing mix of tequila and champagne cocktails and our second Manuel of the evening this one Mexican filled with equal passion and knowledge.

 All in all a whistle stop delightful tour of London’s finest. What a cheeky treat. 

  #vinesack

#Mastercheflive http://www.mastercheflive.com/

#theorandall http://www.theorandall.com/

#ThePinkChihuahua http://www.elcamion.co.uk/Soho.html

#quovadis  http://www.quovadissoho.co.uk/