Wednesday 31 December 2014

The Wolesley, Piccadilly, London

It was almost Christmas and as if there isn’t going to be enough eating and drinking, Gipsy Spread and I also had a wedding anniversary to celebrate. Whilst we don’t normally head out for dinner on Valentine’s day, the day of forced romance, we do like to head out on the 4th December. So, it started with a kiss (of course), followed by a glass or two of wine at the exquisite 1707 Wine Bar at Fortnum and Masons, where we wiled away our time waiting for our table at the wonderfully decadent and over the top art deco space that is the Wolseley.

 
I have been here many times before, but usually only for afternoon tea or some variation of this topic and each time we discussed that we should return for dinner. So, wedding anniversary number three was the night for our reappearance.

 
We wafted through the heavy curtain that sits behind the door and were immediately assaulted by all the clinking and clanging that resonates through the high ceilinged venue. The lights bedazzled and the mirrors twinkled with gilt around the dining hall. We were expertly shown to our table and provided with menus. The good news is that there is a very extensive separate vegetarian menu. The bad news however, is that I had far too much choice and spent far too long deliberating.
 
 
I ordered a half bottle of the Pommery Brut Champagne, we were celebrating after all. We received a glass each and sipped slowly enjoying the tiny bubble and fresh crispness of the vintage. We then proceeded to order. Gipsy Spread chose the classic steak tartare with the egg yolk atop. I after much deliberation went for the aubergine and gruyere schnitzel out of curiosity.


It was whilst we were waiting for the arrival of our mains that the waiter asked us if we wanted the wine list. We both looked at each other curiously as two glasses of Champagne does not constitute half a bottle. We enquired and the order had been taken for two glasses, SO we given these on the house and an additional half bottle of Pommery was brought forth.


Our mains arrived and whilst Gipsy Spread thoroughly enjoyed his meal, I did not get was I was expecting and didn't find the meal particularly mind blowing, but rather average. This of course did not dampen our moods after a lovely time at 1707, and enjoying the Champagne and classic ambience of the current environs.



The service was second to none and as if by magic, we were brought some fantastic macaroons with a marzipan sign wishing us a happy anniversary. These were as good as I've had in France and an unexpected treat.

I shall most definitely return for dinner, however, I think I will steer clear of the schnitzel. I think I thought it was some kind of sausage!? The Wolseley is definitely one of the better places to visit if you wish to dine in central London. Its prices are more reasonable than the Savoy, however the service is comparably good.

1707 Wine Bar, Fortnum and Masons, Piccadilly, London

It was our three year wedding anniversary and as if we needed any excuse; we stepped out arm in arm for some fancy drinks and food in central London. Now, where else to go for that Christmas feeling than Piccadilly and Fortnum and Masons in particular. Fortnum and Masons is not just a fantastic food hall at Christmas, but also a fantastic venue to visit for some food, afternoon tea or even just simply some drinks. With this in mind we headed to the 1707 Wine Bar to sample from their extensive and exquisite wine list. The bar had generously allowed us to reserve a table for a drink before we headed off to our equally fancy dinner.
 

The bar itself is bijou with cosy wood panels and mirrors to add depth and height. It is surprisingly serene compared to the chaos as you enter the store at this time of year.


 

I, of course, am a red wine girl, whilst Gipsy Spread is a white wine boy. We both perused the menus and that's where I actually spotted my favourite Sancerre rose. Gipsy Spread also opted for one his favourite wines the Pouilly fume.  As you would expect, from the menu and the prices (let’s not forget), we both had considerably enjoyed our choices.

 
The glasses are small, but perfectly formed and if you are in this part of Town and want to take yourself away from the hubbub of the City, this is a wonderful recluse to head to and unwind in the knowledge that the world is a whirling dervish outside whilst you are in a sea of serenity.

Our additional gifting on this visit was the nibbles, as the olives we'd ordered with the wines didn't arrived and so the house treated us these along with a bowl of pistachios. Perfect before heading on for dinner on this cold December evening. This tiny wine bar really is a hidden gem worth exploring.


 

Thursday 18 December 2014

The Albion, Bankside, London

It is that time of year again, when restaurants force you to have a set menu of too much food at a price that is hugely inflated compared to the rest of the year. So this year my team took a stand. No Christmas set menu for us, just really delicious good food that we can get at all times of the year. With this in mind, we booked and decamped to The Albion in Southwark for a really wholesome and hearty seasonal menu.
 
We arrived and were promptly shown to our table for 10. We sat down and weren’t slow to order, having all keenly perused the menu on line for days in advance. We were informed of the specials which were Christmas dinner witht he works and the roast pork with crackling. This almost threw some of the party of kilter after having already decided on their meal. However, they mostly stood fast. In fact the array of dishes around the table was truly astounding. There was a traditional turkey dinner, a chicken roast, as well fish and chips, a game stew with dumplings and a shoulder of lamb.

 
The slightly less conventional all day breakfast was ordered by not one, but two of our group and I opted for the sweet potato, spinach and pumpkin seed bake with a side of green salad. I did not insist on taking photos of all the dishes as we were all ravenous at the time of our late lunch.

 
I can only really comment on my dish, but I can report that everyone around the table mmmmm-ed and ahhhh-ed that they thoroughly enjoyed their meal. For my part, my bake was very satisfying. I had though, not been prepared for the sneaky taste of some kind of blue cheese in there, which would have stopped me ordering it in the first place if known. However, it was cooked through the bake and I could not see the blue and I was therefore truly happy with my dish, which was a tad more interesting vegetarian dish than others I have come across.

So, we were all extremely thankful to the Albion for not forcing a Christmas set menu on us and for delivering excellent food and service ensuring we had a truly good and festive time together. Their parting gift to us was also a 20% off discount when dining there in January, which we have decided we will most definitely be doing to sample January’s seasonal fare.

Tas, Southbank, London

My time in my current office is coming to an end and with this little gem just around the corner, the team felt we needed just another outing (as if there aren’t enough in December!) to celebrate our time together. This lovely little family run Anatolian restaurant also does a fantastic set menu which is excellent value.
 
We booked a table, fearing the onslaught of christmas parties would make walking in unfeasible. However, we did not need to worry; they had tables of parties, simple lunchers and walk-ins alike.

 
I had had a late breakfast of toast from the canteen which is highly irregular for me so could face the set menu which did look delicious. I instead nibbled on the amuse bouche of bread, dip and yoghurt olives that was presented. Others chose the Greek salad, hummus and baked mushrooms. Each was generous in portion and looked and I am informed tasted fresh and flavoursome.




We did all in unison opt for the Turkish pizza known as pide. I, for my life couldn’t understand how I have not had this before? I am seasoned mezze muncher and holidayed in Turkey last year? Truly scandalous. Regardless, I opted for a simple sundried tomatoes and cheese pizza which was delicious. The bread was crisp on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. The classic combo of cheese and tomatoes was gooey and tangy.
Others had mince, but meat free pide, great for non-cheese lovers (I know, there is apparently such a thing!?) and aubergine varieties, which they reported were delicious. Once again, we were all extremely happy with our meal.

 
For those that had the set menu, and in fact some it was having the dainty little stuffed apricots to finish that informed their menu choice. I was lucky enough to share the portion delivered to a colleague. These sun dried apricots and fresh, slightly chewy and sweet, filled with cream honey and nuts. The perfect way to finish this meal.
 

So whether you work in the area or are just visiting as a tourist, this is a fantastic value eaterie in the high priced Borough area. I shall be returning.

Sunday 23 November 2014

Mexican penne aka mac n cheese

I spotted a Mexican mac n cheese on the menu of the Breakfast Club when visiting recently with work (review to follow). I did not order this, mainly because I thought I could make it myself, so that's exactly what I undertook to do this weekend. It was cold and wet outside and steaming hot, spicy pasta bake was exactly what we needed to warm the cockles.


What you will need
1 large red pepper
1 large onion
1-2 cloves garlic
2 jalapeño peppers
2 red chillis (optional)
1 large handful of sun dried tomatoes (c9-10)
300g penne/macaroni pasta
100g cheddar 
20g parmesan cheese
30g butter
30g plain flour
500ml milk


Start by slicing the peppers in halt lengthways, then again widthways. Slice each quarter into 1/2cm slices and set aside. Next slice the onion into similar 1/2cm slices. Add both to an oven tray with a table spoon of olive oil, salt and the garlic and roast in a preheated oven at 180 degrees for 20-30 minutes until softened.


Next chop the chillies and sundries tomatoes and add to the peppers and onions and set aside.

Cook the pasta as advised on the packet and meanwhile turn to the cheese sauce.


Grate the cheddar and parmesan and also set aside.


Next, melt the butter in a large sauce pan, before slowly adding the flour, whisking all the time. After 30 seconds, slowly add the milk, making sure to whisk out any lumps as you go. They will cook out and thicken the sauce. After 3-4 minutes,  season with salt and pepper and add in most of the cheese, reserving a large handful for the top. Cook for a further 1-2 minutes.

Finally add all the vegetables to the drained pasta and stir through  the cheese sauce. Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top and then bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes at 200 degrees.

Serve steaming hot, garnished with fresh coriander and with a delicious fresh green salad.



Wetherspoons, Petersfield

Wetherspoons. Really? You might ask. Well yes, I had dinner for the first time EVER here the other day.  Mother in law Spread likes to head here once a week for their bargain deal of £10 for a main course plus large glass of wine. So this is where she chose to go for her birthday dinner. Situated in Petersfield, this is not your usual Wetherspoons, my mind conjures up images of patterned carpets and older gentlemen in cardigans drinking cheap pints during the day or the young lads on a night out sinking shots at the weekend.


It was in fact full of a variety of sorts. This being Petersfield, the historic market town, the building itself is also made of the historic brick and the clientele represented the local make up.


It was Thursday, which was a curry night. However, being slightly suspicious of curries not produced by chefs I would consider specialists, I opted for the pub classic of (veggie) bangers and mash. My choice was much derided by my fellow diners who perhaps have this dish as a staple, however, much of what else was on the menu was more like my staple dinners.


As you can see, the portions were really hearty. My veggie sausages were delicious, my mash creamy and my peas crunchy and fresh. Just what you would expect from a good pub bangers and mash and delivered at a fantastic price. The carnivores went for various other options, including the large mixed grill, which could not be finished.

The hotdog, which was not advertised as foot long, because perhaps it was even larger than that, with chips.


The gammon, egg and chips were also another hit as the birthday girl's choice.

So, all in all, not a bad visit. Surprisingly hearty food, at great value. Everyone raved about the wine on tap, however as my dish did not come with a glass of this, I opted for the Faustino VII, which is a tried and tested wine, but never at the Wetherspoons price - what a bargain! I'll happily return for cheap and cheerful meal with swift service. Most likely to the cavernous Petersfield branch.



This is a formula that works, so who am I to comment on others motivations for visiting. It clearly meets the needs of a diverse range of people and good for it for doing so.

Wednesday 5 November 2014

Thai green roasted pepper and halloumi salad

I had made a large batch up my thai curry paste and frozen some of it. I had also bought what can only be described as gigantium peppers from Borough market last week and with my new discovery of halloumi at Lidl for only £1.69 a packet, I want a roasted pepper and halloumi salad. This is where the thai curry paste became handy! I know you can buy this stuff from the supermarket in jars, but there really is nothing like the freshness of blending it yourself. You can also buy (the slight cheat) lemongrass in jars.
 
What you will need
3 table spoons of groundnut oil
1 large red pepper
1 large yellow pepper
2 onions
1 packet of halloumi cheese
2 handfuls of cherry toamtoes
2 table spoons sesame seeds
2 table spoon lemon juice
Fresh coriander
 
Firstly chop the peppers into chunks and slice the onions into chunky slices.
 
Next toss through with two tablespoons of the oil and the two tea spoons of thai green curry paste. Season with salt and roast in a pre heated oven at 200 degrees for 20 minutes.


Meanwhile cube the halloumi. After twenty minutes, add these to the roasting pan with the tomatoes, toss through the oil and paste and roast for a further 10-15 minutes.
 
Next dry toast the sesame seeds.
 
Finally, when the halloumi has browned, mix with the sesame seeds, the final table spoon of oil, the lemon juice and chopped coriander.
Dish up on a bed of leaves and enjoy, or savour with noodles simply dressed in soy.

Sunday 2 November 2014

Feta and olive stuffed tomatoes

I was handed some wonderfully home grown and organic large beefsteak tomatoes towards the end of the summer, as well as receiving a wonderful gift of fresh red chillies in the post from a friend. This all led me to this very simple, but fresh dish of tomatoes stuffed with feta cheese and olives. This is a perfect starter or side dish. I however had it as a main dish with plenty of crispy bread to soak up the succulent juices of the tomatoes. It could perhaps be served on a slice of toast to absorb all the wonderful flavours
What you will need
4 large beefsteak tomatoes
120g feta cheese
2 table spoons sliced black olives
Fresh lemon thyme
1 table spoon mixed seeds
1-2 fresh chillies
Firstly, slice the tops off the tomatoes and scoop out the seeds and some of the flesh in the middle.



Next, mix together the crumbled feta cheese, the black olives, the seeds and the chopped chillies. Mix through the lemon thyme and season well with salt and pepper.
Insert the mix back into the tomatoes and bake in the oven at 180 degrees for 8-10 minutes. You want the tomatoes to maintain their structure. Serve immediately, straight from the oven.

Thursday 30 October 2014

Vegetarian jeera 'chicken'

Jeera chicken as a dish originates from the Indian Kenyan community which included my gran in the 1950s. Jeera means cumin. I was reminded of it this weekend when Gipsy Spread was looking for a chicken curry to cook. He decided against jeera chicken for something a bit more saucy, but I was reminded of this dish when I spotted a reduced pack of quorn 'chicken pieces' in Waitrose. I don't normally buy these, as I generally don't buy vegetarian ingredients trying to replicate meat, but the promise of jeera 'chicken' the first time in 20 years was too much for me to ignore. Also, having now done this, I could also have been doing this the whole time with paneer aswell. D'oh!


What you will need
2 table spoons cumin seeds
5-6 black corns
4-5 cardommon
4 green chillies
3 cloves garlic
A thumb sized piece of ginger
1 tea spoon ground coriander
2 tea spoons ground cumin
450g 'chicken pieces' (I used quorn)
4 table spoons plain yoghurt (optional)
1 tea spoon garam masala
2 table spoons chopped coriander


Begin by toasting 1 table spoon of the cumin seeds in a dry pan for 1 minute. When toasted, set aside and break up slightly.


 
Next place the other table spoon of cumin seeds in a pan with 2 good table spoon of oil, the black peppercorns and the cumin seeds. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.


Next stir in the crushed garlic, grated ginger and chopped chillies, cooking for a further minute before adding in the ground cumin and coriander. 


After a minute when the spices become fragrent, stir in the 'chicken pieces' and cook for 3-4 minutes, until starting to take on some colour.
Finally stir in the yoghurt (if using), half a gls of water and the garam masala. Cook for 810 minutes to reduce the sauce/evaporate the liquid.

Before serving, stir through the toasted cumin and plenty of fresh coriander.


Serve with some hand made chapatis.

Monday 27 October 2014

Est.india, Southwark, London

The team was going around the corner from our office last week, to the Globe to see Shakespeare’s Anthony and Cleopatra. This of course necessitated a pre-theatre dinner, after which we were going to be sat on hard wooden benches in the open top site. It was whilst researching somewhere new to go (having exhausted many of the local eateries), that I stumbled upon this tiny little local gem tucked away on Union street. I’m a huge fan of dosas and you can’t find them at every Indian restaurant, but Est.India was clearly like no other Indian restaurant.

We made an early evening booking and arrived with our local workers buzz card in hand, which gave us 25% off the already reasonable prices. We were seated promptly at the modern wooden interior. There were five of us eating, but we were waiting for a colleague. Having looked at the menu all afternoon in the office deciding what we were going to have, we were chomping at the bit to exit the starting gate – so poppadums’ it was. These were wonderfully crisp (and not greasy) and came with a tomato, fresh mango and yoghurt chutney. We crunched, nibbled and chewed on these whilst awaiting the arrival of our colleague.

The street food feast began at this point; with three of my colleagues all keen to try the Desi burger and masala fries. I opted for the vegetarian dosa, whilst another colleague chose chicken. I had worried that these might get mixed up on the way out, but no fear, we received the right ones.

The dosas were exceptionally light, with really crisp, thin pancakes which were almost translucent. These came with the traditional coconut chutney and sambal and mine was filled wonderful Indian spiced potatoes and chickpeas. It was deceptively filling for both of us dosa eaters.

The Desi burger went down equally as well, with all those having ordered it being enamoured. We felt very well nourished for the show ahead and left (having paid our discounted bill) content with visions of coming again to sample of their wonderful street food offerings. In fact there was talk of lunches as they do lunchtime tiffin boxes and naan rolls, as well as takeaways being delivered to the office. I bet they’re heaving at lunchtime and we already have a date in the diary to visit Est.India again. What a fabulous addition to the local culinary landscape.

Sunday 26 October 2014

La Strada, Agios Nikolaos, Crete

You may well have thought that you had now read the last of all of Gipsy Spread's birthday shenanigans. Well, you were wrong. I also can't guarantee that this will be the last post about it. But, further to the US Road trip, the Cotswolds and the Eco-camping, we also took an all inclusive trip to Agios Nikolaos. Now, I'm not going to write about the all inclusive buffet, but rather the bijou little family run restaurant we visitied the two times we at out in the Town.


All restaurants in Crete have extensive menus, incorporating both all the Greek specialities with a full range of Italian dishes. This might seem a bit odd, but does in fact harp back to the colonisation of the Island by the Italians.


So, we were ambling around the harbour and the picturesque little town when we stumbled across La Strada. The owner who spoke to us told us that, whilst the restaurant did not have the best views (it was not in the tourist centre around the lake) that it did have the best food in the town at the best price.


We took away the menu and said we'd take a look and come back. We, of course did, the menu had various options for both of us (Gipsy Spread wanted fish) and so we booked the best table in the restaurant and returned of an evening, having all ready chosen our courses. Our table was reserved for us and we sat in the centre of the rustic taverna, with the table facing outwards onto the street.



I had chosen the cheese saganaki as my starter (partly because I loved saying the name). It was on the promise of some fried cheese, which I knew would not be feta and which I thought be reminiscent of halloumi. I  was not wrong. What I had not anticipated was the size of the starter. It was huge. Gipsy Spread had the mussels al pesto as he was after a fresh fish dinner. We both thoroughly enjoyed our starters.


 
I had already ordered the vegetarian lasagne, not having anticipated the size of the dishes. It arrived and was massive. I was daunted. I, however, dug in and it was most possibly the best vegetarian lasagne I have had. The sauce was so rich (was it a reduced wine sauce?) and the pasta so fresh, it was a wonderous delight and quite a surprise to find here in Crete. Sadly I only managed, even at a push to eat half of it. If I'd been at home, it would have most definitely constituted a doggy bag.
 
 
Gipsy Spread continued his fishy feast with the white fish in a rich creamy sauce, which he also revelled in however, by that point, it was a fairly rich dish as we had both eaten too much.
 
 
The food was truly delicious and the owner had been right, the restaurants around the lake with the views had similar menus, but at a much higher price. Also, we didn't know if the food was going to be any better. So, as we had enjoyed the food, the atmosphere and the excellent service at La Strada, we returned for our final supper in Agios Nikolaos on our last night. We had learnt our lesson though and so ordered a selection of mezze dishes to share with the delicious freshly made rosemary bread and another bottle of the local rose wine. We also noted the many conversations around us, with returning and regular diners, each praising the quality of the food.
 
So, if you're ever in this sleepy little harbour town, a visit to La Strada is highly recommended. It can be found just off the main square of the town, and you will smell the delicious aromas of he cooking before you see it.