Evans and Peel, Earls Court, London

If a format works well, then it is inevitably going to be copied. We had a wonderful time when in San Francisco in Branch and Bourban the detective agency come-secret speakeasy. It was with this experience in mind that I was really excited to head to the Evans and Peel detective agency in Earls Court. As before, we had to make a reservation as walk-in seating is limited and as before, we were only able to book a two hour slot.

 

 

There were about 10 of us and we had already been out for dinner and were heading to the detective agency for cocktails. I had read reviews, which stated that we might be asked why we were visiting the detective agency. The story unfolded over the table at dinner with Davinhos III taking the lead on our explanation.

 

 

So, we buzzed at the unassuming white door and were let in and asked to head down the narrow stairwell. It was at this point that we were greeted by the detective agency secretary. She enquired after our sorry tale for which we needed assistance. Well, as you can imagine, the eight of us had convened as we suspected that we were all Lord Lucan’s love children and we wished to locate him.

 

 

Satisfied with this explanation, plus the fact that we all use the same brand of tissues to add to our suspicions regarding our joint paternity, she went across the bookshelf, pulled a book out out and released the door for our entry in to the secret speakeasy out back.

 

 

We were led to our table and were able to take in the wooden panels and vintage décor. The chandeliers oozed 1920s prohibition glamour, as did the patrons. We sat beside an old radio in wooden fold down cinema seats under the eaves. We all decided that the venue elicited the ordering of cocktails, old fashioned and bourbon based ones at that. We were not disappointed the mixologist knows his prohibition cocktails. We partook in making merry and managed to sink a couple of excellent cocktails each, before it was time to open up the space for some other lucky clients.

 

 

We seeped out of the venue slinkily and discretely, not wanting to draw the attention of the Bureau of Prohibition. So, back out into the brash London night, we all discussed the excitement of the event. I should also mention that they do also have a fantastic menu which offers up some traditional delights such as the beef burger with chips, plus vegetarian option. I will most definitely be returning to Evans and Peel to sample both the food and cocktails next time, perhaps the gin? Also, not least because I’m sure we’ll need an update on progress to find our father Lord Lucan.

The Paxton, Gipsy Hill, London

So, the inevitable happened as we were in the process of making arrangements to return to work after the Christmas break. The dishwasher was fully loaded, the washing machine was set to go and the sink was clogged… Gipsy Spread being environmentally minded, decided to go buy a plunger rather than use materials that might affect the land. I had no issue with this. So, home he returned with plunger in hand. I left him to it. However after 30 minutes, I wondered what he was up to and went to have a poke.  I found him under the sink with bits of plumbing in hand. So joy of joy, we had need of a plumber on a Saturday evening. So, that’s the long story, but the short of it is, that with no dishwashing facilities, we headed for Sunday lunch to the Paxton.

 

 

We were both thinking that we’d have the foot long hot dog (mine veggie) with the lovely skin on chips that has historically been a favourite. However on arrival, this delectable guilty pleasure was not on the menu. I am hopeful that this is because it was a Sunday and the roast options were paraded in their place.

 

 

So we arrived to the usual family friendly environment at the Paxton on a Sunday lunch time. The pub is large but homely and comfortable. It has an excellent quiz night on a Wednesday and also shows the football.

 

 

So, as we had both been hankering after the fries, we went for the equally guilt inducing burger (mine was veggie) and fries. There’s not much to say about Gipsy Spread’s, it was bun, burger, accoutrements and fries and an excellent burger plate at that. Mine though was rather special; a sweet potato patty with a crisp crust, bejewelled with fresh whole broad beans. An absolute delight and more so because this low GI dish lessened some of my guilt.

 

The rest of the menu at the Paxton is also exciting and I am often grateful for the thought and consideration that is given to the vegetarian options. Thank fully risottos do not abound. They also have children’s menu, as well a play area in the garden which does make it an excellent choice for families.

 

 

So, how did it all end? Well, with this delicious meal and with an entirely new set of plumbing; the money needed for which, will surely have had an impact on the environment!

Egyptian dukkah aka nut and spice mix condiment

Dukkah is a North African aromatic nut and spice blend that has an infinite number of uses. The name literally means ‘to pound’, which is how you combine all the ingredients together in a pestle and mortar. It is traditionally served alongside flat bread which is dipped in olive oil and then into this nutty mix as a hors d’oeuvres or with vegetables as a snack. It also however, an excellent addition to many salads, eggs and even as a pasta topping. I use this interchangeably with za’atar, the other Middle Eastern condiment that has come very much into favour of late. It can be bought commercially, but when it is so easy to make, why bother. As with other spice and herb blends, put in a little more of what you fancy and little less of what you don’t and make it your own by introducing some other untraditional flavours.


What you will need
70g hazelnuts
2 table spoons sunflower seeds
1 tea spoon fennel seeds
1 table spoon cumin seeds
3 table spoons coriander seeds
1½ table spoons sesame seeds
½ tea spoon nigella seeds
1 table spoons chilli flakes (optional)
½ tea spoon sea salt
½ tea spoon ground black pepper
1 tea spoon paprika


Put the seeds and nuts on separate trays and roast them in a preheated oven at 250c for 5-10 minutes until they have browned lightly and begun releasing an aroma and their unctuous oils.

Put them together whilst still warm in a large pestle and mortar with the salt, pepper, paprika and chilli flakes and grind until they form the consistency of a crumble, not too fine. A blender might be used, but again, be careful to maintain texture and crunch.

 

 

You can keep the mix in an air tight jar for up to a month and as I stated before, sprinkle over your cilbir, manti (in place of pine nuts) or even green bean, beetroot and feta salad; in fact on any of my dinner in 10 minute specials!.

The Sparrowhawk, Crystal Palace, London

Not content with all the Christmas Eating and drinking and essentially at a loss for what to do on New Year’s Eve Eve, we headed to one of our many locals the Sparrowhawk for a libation and lunch.

 

 

We had booked ahead as the pub is usually teeming with diners. We took our seat, ordered a drink and perused the 7 at £7 lunch menu whilst we were waiting for the a la carte. It turned out in the end, that the 7 at £7 dishes were so enticing that we did not need to the other menu.

 

 

I decided to have the wild mushroom and truffle oil linguine whilst Gipsy Spread (who was hankering after chips) opted for the chicken and chips. We were both delighted with our lunches. It has been some time since we dined at the Sparrowhawk as I think I had been slightly disappointed on my previous visit; perhaps only because with a pub on each corner of the Crystal Palace triangle, the Sparrowhawk is the pricier option and I therefore expect more from it.

 

 

As if then by magic, the Sparrowhawk appeared on groupon for 2 courses at the price of one with a glass of wine. I think this was an introductory offer for those unacquainted with it, however, I took it as opportunity to return for the full menu.

 
 

We arrived and were seated at the same little corner table, which I like as I can keep one eye on Gipsy Spread and one eye on the passers by outside going about their business. The service as before was prompt and when we told them we had a groupon, we were pleasantly surprised that it meant that short of a supplement for the steak, we could order anything from the seasonal menu.

 
 

I wanted to be seasonal as the menu was, so I chose the jerusalum artichoke soup with truffle oil whilst Gipsy Spread had the special of crab fritters with aioli. My soup was rich, earthy and creamy, with the onion bread and butter. A suitably hearty and nourishing winter starter. Gipsy Spread’s dishes looked delightful and he thoroughly enjoyed his fresh crab starter, which was not scrimped on.

 

It was clearly a fish day for Gipsy Spread (perhaps after all the steak, gammon and turkey over Christmas) as he selected the sea bass for his main course with a potato rosti and salsa. Normally at £15.50 a dish, this groupon deal was really good value. The fish was cooked perfectly and even though he didn’t eat it, the skin was suitably crisp.

 

 

My main was massive. I normally have a starter followed by a starter portion for main, so I was assaulted by the size of my main of gnocchi with wild mushrooms and spinach in a cream sauce. This is not to say the size was undesirable, but rather that it did defeat me in the one sitting. The good news is that I sampled the delicious creamy and rich dish twice more over lunch at work as I was able to take it away.
 

 

So, for me, we had two excellent dining experiences at the Sparrowhawk over as many weeks. The recent groupon offer is great value for the uninitiated and of course, the pub is also a fantastic venue without the offer. It is a local stalwart, having arrived at Crystal Palace not long after we did. Keep up the good work The Sparrowhawk.

La Piazzetta, Petersfield

We had had the heavy Christmas period and with jaunting between my family in the Midlands and Gipsy Spread's in the South, we wanted nothing else on the 27th than to relax and have our feasting needs catered for. It was with this in mind, that we decamped with Father, Sister, brother and Mon-in-law Spread to this small Italian restaurant in Petersfield.


We had booked a table, which turned out to be lucky as the restaurant was heaving with families doing the same as us. It appeared fully booked to me, but our table was ready for us, if a little bit snug.


We sat down and ordered drinks. Whilst assessing the extensive Italian menu which includes pasta, pizzas primis and secondis etc., we were seductively lured in by the garlic pizza bread starter to share as there were seven of us. So lured in were we, that we ordered two. Suffice to say, it took us some time to get through this bread, whilst also speculating about the whereabouts of our main courses. It only struck us after we had almost finished that the staff were probably waiting for us to finish before bringing out our main courses.

 

 

There had been unanimous cheers around the table when the linguine all marinara had been sighted on the menu. We had three of these around the table, as well as the tagliatelle al salmon, two Caprino pizzas, and an order of veal.

 

Everyone was pleased with their dishes upon arrival and we were all thoroughly complementary about the food and the service. I for one thoroughly enjoyed the slight saltiness to the sourdough pizza base and the quality of the goats’ cheese on my pizza. It all seemed to provide value for money.


After that, whilst only three desserts were ordered around the table, I think everyone had a little taste of something sweet.

 

This little restaurant is located in an old part of the historic market down and whilst unassuming, is clearly in the local’s consciousness. It won the 2014 award for the best local Italian restaurant and punches well above its weight in terms of its menu, the quality of its food and the excellence of its service. We are all thrilled to have discovered this little gem and will most definitely be returning.

Sundried tomato, olive and parmesan frittata

I’m a huge fan of frittatas for a weekend brunch. They are so simple and satisfying, and any type of store cupboard ingredient can be incorporated. On this occasion I opted for an Italian themed frittata with my stash of fruity sun dried tomatoes and salty olives. This is a perfect meal at this time of year where rising late means that breakfast bleeds into lunch!

What you will need

2 small potatoes

6 eggs

2 handfuls of chopped sundried tomatoes

2 handfuls of sliced olives

40g parmesan cheese

A splash of milk

Fresh basils leave.

Start by peeling and slicing the potatoes. Place these on to boil for 5-10 minutes until cooked.

 

Meanwhile combine all the other ingredients with plenty of salt and ground black pepper.

 

When the potatoes are cooked, add them to a large frying pan with some oil, spacing out evenly. Pour over the egg mix and cook on the hob until the underside has cooked and you can see browning around the edges for about 4-5 minutes.

 

Next, place the pan under a hot grill to brown the top a further 4-5 minutes.

 

Serve with a fresh green salad or some crisp warm toast.