I have never drunk so much ginger beer in one sitting in my life. Even the waiters at Benares are barely concealing their mirth as they crack open yet another bottle of Crabbies to pour into my glass. ‘Do you drink it yourself?’ I ask one of them ‘Oh no!’ he replies, horrified, then mindful of the fact his boss Atul Kochhar head chef at this award winning Indian restaurant is lending his name to the product, quickly explains his defiant rejection. ‘I am a Muslim!’
Six courses, six spirits, three nights
The Providores restaurant and Sipsmith Spirits have announced an exclusive three night pop up restaurant at the Sipsmith distillery in Hammersmith. Only 90 people will have the chance to experience The Providores & Prudence soirees, so if you are interested and intrigued you will need to book early to avoid disappointment.
Enoteca Turi, Putney, London
Enoteca Turi is situated in Putney High Street, close to Putney Bridge, just a short walk from the main line station. As you enter the restaurant you are struck by its crisp but stylish homelike decor, it has a warm comfortable feel to it that is very inviting.This an excellent local restaurant, serving good regional Italian food and certainly an enjoyable place to visit.
Shilpa Shetty launches V8’s flagship Bombay Bicycle restaurant in Chelsea
With our glasses of chilled bubbly in hand we proceeded to explore this latest venture of the V8 group, We wandered through this newly fashioned eatery, struck by the bold vibrant decor, with its strong colour palate softened by yards of sheer curtaining. It all comes together well.
Buffalo Mozzarella from Campania – it should be eaten fresh!
24th February had been augustly designated as European day of Mozzarrella di Bufala Campana PDO. Its significance is to recognise and protect the provenance of this white soft cheese made from Buffalo milk in the Campania region of Italy.
Kick your high salt intake with Kikkoman’s umami effect
Soy sauce delivers all the flavour of salt, but at up to half the quantity thanks to the umami effect. This is good news as in the West we all apparently eat too much salt. At the Westminster Kingsway Catering College we find out more, come close to being asphyxiated by a radio host, eat a fine student made meal and learn how to make the perfect gravy.
El Pirata Detapas, Westbourne Grove, Paddington
What does the name mean? The Pirate of Tapas? Does the chef look like Johnny Depp and have a cutlass clamped between his teeth? Are the prices High Seas’ robbery? Do staff say ‘Ahh harr matey!’ in Spanish when chef calls a ticket? Who knows, what is certain is that this second branch of the Mayfair original is a modern tapas restaurant all the way from its cool interior to its Bulli boy food. Tapas reconstructed in a way that marks it out from the patatas bravas brigade so prevalent in London.
Letters to a young chef – Daniel Boulud
Boulud is a great chef, as London will discover later this year. Before he comes to the UK discover how he got where he is right now. A great read for the young chef in the title and a great read for food lovers, Letters to a Young Chef is a letter of love of cooking.
Mother’s Day. Tickle the old trout with some top restaurants
Yes it’s that time again, the old dear needs taking out for a treat. This year why not push the boat out a bit and take her somewhere nice? We have done a bit of digging about and present a selection of locations that will tickle her taste buds for sure
Chicken and Vegetable Laksa
Comfort food, for me personally, does not always fall into the usual British ‘stodge’ categories of mash potatoes, stews and pies etc. I love Asian and Oriental dishes like noodles and soups and stews and this week my recipe comes from the farthest reaches of Southeast Asia, brimming with goodness and totally satisfying to boot.