Overall the Rookery seems to be doing the right things in the right way to become a popular neighbourhood joint. There’s a lot of middle-class, recession immune, money in Abbeville village but the restaurants there have mostly got complacent, giving the Rookery a chance to fly in successfully.
Suda Rice Bar in Covent Garden
Being at the ambassador’s party among life size marionettes, not to mention the piles of indigo butterfly pea rice, was a warming experience for an early winter evening. This was the Thai ambassador and the party was at Suda, the ‘Siamese rice bar”, or more correctly, swanky Thai restaurant, officially opened in autumn at London’s Covent Garden.
Tasting India Christine Mansfield
We often hear that recipe books are dead and that everyone goes online to find recipes now. Well this book is a counter-argument to that, offering you something beyond mere information, but instead a tangible sensory experience too, a feast for the eyes, a tactile treat and something to curl up in a chair with. Just make sure it’s a strong chair.
Mongoose Beer, your new favourite curry house drink?
If you remember your Jungle Book, the film or the book, you’ll recall that the only creature brave enough and tough enough to take on the fearsome Cobra was the mighty Mongoose. So it’s a cheeky bit of branding for Wells & Young to call their new beer, one aimed at the curry loving market, Mongoose beer. They clearly have their sites set on the big snake of curry house lager
Top Ten Christmas Gifts under £20
Christmas gift ideas to ensure that you remain the pillar of generosity and good taste this festive season. From salt platters to gold-dusted candies, you can impress everyone this year with your innovative gift ideas and all for under £20.
Chakra opens in West London
Chakra opened in November, marking the celebration of the Hindu festival of light, Diwali. and is situated on the border of Notting Hill and Holland Park
Kikkomans Soy sauce recipes
Here are some recipes for Tamari and Chilli Glazed Lamb with Shredded Vegetable Pickle, Salmon and Cucumber Salad, and Pork with a spicy crust, served with mushrooms and onions in a sweet soy glaze and root vegetable mash.
Eating the truffles at Refettorio
Refettorio’s truffle tasting menu may sound expensive at £125 a head and of course no one can deny that sort of cost is not for everybody. But if you’re on the right side of the great UK rich/poor divide, then actually it’s not bad, as Refettorio have kept the cost the same as last year, despite truffles being more expensive owing to the poor crops.
Kikkoman’s Soy sauce. Don’t save it for stir-fries
‘I use it in bolognaise sauce,’ says Silvena Rowe, her trademark hair for once not in rapid motion around the kitchen of the May Fair Hotel where she’s head chef. She’s taking five minutes out to tell us how she used Kikkoman’s Soy Sauce in the dishes just served us to add salt, umami and the delicious vibrancy good soy brings.
Top Five Venues for Christmas Drinks and Parties
London loves a party, especially a Christmas themed one, and so we’ve made a list of the top 5 places to go this Christmas for an after work drink or a Saturday night social. From cloistered booths to large open spaces, cabarets to ski lodges this selection will have something for everyone from Chelsea to Canary Wharf.