Chirpily written packed full of useful information, clearly explained, and with 100 tempting recipes, this unassuming book can hold its own with the glossy fantasies we’re more used to seeing. It has practicality at its heart and it wants to help you look after yours. What’s not to like about that?
Rare Beef with Asian Crunchy Salad
With the spirit of a New Year detox in mind, here is my next offering to you proving to you that making healthy yet delicious meals, needn’t be a laborious task. I love this dish, the salad is zest, crunchy and bursting with flavour.
Kale – An Essential Green
Experts have long since known that a healthy diet should include five daily servings of fruit and vegetables, as studies show that enjoying ‘five-a-day’ can offer protection against a wide variety of cancers. But a new study indicates that some vegetables like kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts and cabbage may have greater cancer prevention properties than others.
Kitchen Italia, Seven Dials, London
With an express pre and post theatre menu for £9.95 including some wine, all bases are covered here. It’s not the spot for a romantic dinner a deux, but for honest, flavour packed, well-priced Italian food I can’t think of anywhere that competes in London right now. Rush in and waddle out.
Marking Burns Night
Head to West Sussex this Monday evening for a Burns night of Haggis, Neaps & Tatties at cosy, local star, Whites Bar & Kitchen, Steyning.
Haricot of Wedder Scotch Lamb
A warming and substantial dish using wedder lamb (mutton) that will leave you satisfied on a cold evening,
Wedder Scotch Lamb Broth
A hearty broth using wedder lamb (mutton) ideal for warming you up on those cold winter evenings. Ladle generous portions into deep bowls (garnish with chopped parsley) and enjoy!
Mennula, London
Charlotte Street is second only to Soho for the number of Italian eateries in and around it, many long-established and semi-legendary. Mennula is a new kid on the block, squeezed by the surrounding buildings, but delivering cooking that is already flexing its muscles and threatening to kick sand in the faces of the local competition
Wedder Scotch Lamb and Turnip Pie
A delicious winter warmer using wedder lamb (mutton) that is best served with buttered cabbage and mashed potato.
Burns Night Himalayan Fling at Babur – 25 January
Back by popular demand, Babur’s Burns Night Himalayan Fling is an event you won’t want to miss. In aid of the Gurkha Welfare Trust, the evening begins with a Gurkha piper heralding the entrance of the Nepalese bhuton, a haggis like dish.