Of Course I Will Try Anything Once!

Boozy lunch at The Thomas Cubitt

Out for a boozy lunch at The Thomas Cubitt in Belgravia, started with a rather nice Sauvignon Blanc , chilled perfectly and served by an attentive waitress.

The bar has an open farmhouse kitchen feel to it, with big old wooden tables and some communal dining. They hadn’t gone all out with Christmas decorations but when your brought up but a mother who believes you can never have enough Christmas sparkle, I suppose I expect a grotto, how would they know!

The menu choice was small but varied which I enjoy at lunchtime, quick decisions with more time for natter. The special took my fancy, a haddock souffle with a leek puree. Then Remy went and ordered the fish and chips and I instantly had food envy and it hadn’t even arrived!

My souffle was delicious, light and delicate, food that is aesthetically pleasing as well as tasty. The fish didn’t over power either, which is nice.

I couldn’t help noticing that Remy’s fish was winking at me and when a chunk kindly landed on my plate, I remembered that fish and chips done well really are a delight! With a nice dollop of mushy peas, what more does a man want.

Oh yeah, that’s right, a girl not to eat his food ;-)

At this point the service dropped off, they were busy but not unmanageable, maybe it was break time, who knows. 

After lunch we sampled the mulled wine, which I felt was served in glasses meant for children at parties so they don’t have too much juice and need to pee! Maybe that’s my inner alcoholic talking, but hey, the truth! 

All in all I enjoyed the TC, what a lovely lunch.

http://www.thethomascubitt.co.uk/

Dinner at Mishkins

Mishkins opened on the 25^th November 2011, on Catherine Street bang opposite the Novello Theatre in Covent Garden.

If I’m honest I hadn’t heard of the Polpo restaurants, of which there are now five, owned by Russell Norman and Richard Beatty, however last week Mishkins came onto my radar several times, the buzz around their new place is spreading like wild fire!

As I entered the already busy, casual, simple but engaging restaurant I was immediately greeted by Russell Norman and a giant smile, making me feel like I was entering a family home. The gang were already in position at the back of the restaurant in the delightful private booth; open allowing the ambience of the main floor to seep in but a little privacy all in the mix.

When I asked Russell to recommend a cocktail, one of his favorites, he laughed and made me his wife’s all time favorite, gin fizz. Now girls and boys listen up, this is one not just to try but to try, try and try again. I am hooked. Mrs Norman you rock. Alex our only boy, turned his nose up until it arrived in a freezing cold, super cool classic tanker, he is also now a convert.

So Mishkins describes itself as a kind of Jewish Deli and that it is, with the addition of Pork to the menu! We ordered an array of different dishes to share and as they arrived I began to understand the draw of the Jewish Deli.

Cod cheek popcorn, scattered in chilli and really Moorish arrived first. Followed by a salt beef sandwich, I have to admit I really didn’t want to share this, I did of course but there is something a bit special about the simplicity of really good salt beef on fresh bread and garnished to perfection. The meatballs need some work for my palate, you can’t win them all!

The piece de resistance however was the hotdog! I would never have put money on this but there was something wonderful about this dish that added to the at home feel of Mishkins.

Mishkins is a 100% YES, simple but effective. An evening you would die to create in your own home.

@mishkinsWC2 

http://www.mishkins.co.uk/

Snails and Rice Pudding!

After having the pleasure of visiting the newly opened Soif on Battersea Rise when the opportunity came to try out one of Oli Barker and Ed Wilsons other restaurants, Terroirs, I nearly fell over myself to get there!

Arriving into the busy but relaxed upstairs wine bar I instantly warmed to the simple but honest décor. Greeted by friends who had pre ordered a glass of bubbles, natural of course, Ed and Oli’s philosophy, and a selection of charcuterie, what a great start.

The food as advertised is simple but seriously tasty, I could have eaten the pork terrine all night. The chef then sent out a special dish of snails and pigs trotters, which I think may have to go in my top 10 best dishes to date! Normally you find snails over powered by garlic and butter and may as well be eating slugs but this was a carefully balanced dish marrying the texture and taste of both ingredients perfectly.

I have to be honest as far as the Christian Parra Boudin Noir was concerned  I wasn’t blown away, as I thought I would be, maybe I was distracted by my snail love!

Cheese as always you can’t go wrong with if treated well and this was but the real desert surprise came when Thierry ordered Rice pudding. My god I thought to myself why do all my friends insist on taking me back to the food that would make me shudder as a child!

The spoon with lashings of lumps and jam was passed my way and politely I made to swallow quickly and smile then wash down with the remaining red wine (which was delightful and would have been a waste!) then to my great surprise I adored it. Very light not like Yorkshire dinner ladies would make and the jam thin but with a tart spice addition made it Moorish.

Terroirs gave me an evening of pleasure the staff were effortlessly attentive, knowledgeable and fun. The food although simple was done very well, all round central London winner.

 http://www.terroirswinebar.com/index.htm

When ‘TheTravel Bug’ came to town!

What a girl needs on a night out or just in general to be honest is a nice surprise.

When I walked into The Pink Chihuahua the other day that is exactly what I got, in the form of two Kiwi guys, fresh in off the boat!

Morgan Burrett, high energy, will try anything Presenter of The Travel Bug and Andy Grant cameraman extraordinaire spun on their bar stools to meet an excitable Joe Wadsack and I!

Little did I know until that moment that The Travel Bug Team had arrived into London! In all the bars in all the world……

The dynamic duo became an electric troublesome quad, and boy was London about to know about it!

It was a done deal within seconds that the lads would join our night and it quickly adopted a ‘Round the world in cocktails’ theme. Thanks to the expert knowledge of wine and sprit master Joe Wadsack and enthusiastic well-traveled sponges that surrounded him the challenge was on!

Thank you to Morgan, Andy and Joe and if all goes to plan that was just a test drive and the main event is yet to come!

To be continued…………………..

http://thetravelbugtv.com/

#MorganBurrett

#AndyGrant

#JoeWadsack

@vinesack

@thetravelbugtv

A sneaky peak at Soif

I love it when a text arrives asking if I would like to attend a restaurant opening, wait there give me a second, ohh how about YES.

When I arrived my friends Theirry and Selma were running fashionably late and I, as always unfashionably early. After years of my parents making us late for every event in Yorkshire I refuse to be late if I can help it!

Soif meaning Thirsty and seldom pronounced correctly, by me that is to the amusement of all that are proficient in French opened this week in Clapham Junction.

I entered welcomed by friendly and relaxed staff serving natural sparkling wine with platters placed all around me filled with oysters, homemade bread, meats and cheese. A grazer’s paradise!

Oli Barker one half of the brains and brawn behind Soif smiling from behind the bar, hands on and attentive adding effortlessly to the relaxed homely feel of the restaurant. Ed Wilson the other half chatted stood cool as a cucumber in his Chef whites, the lad is from Yorkshire so got my vote straight away but quickly backed it up with his passion. 

I had the honor of Maureen Mills taking me under her wing, introducing me to Travel and Food writer and all round star Fiona Sims, I could taste the beginnings of a good night!

I couldn’t believe the size of the wonderful tree trunk stood in the entrance to the bar area, shipped in especially for the restaurant and weighing god knows how much but adding wonderfully to the simple décor.

We sat to a constant flow of natural wine and rustic courses including clams, a traditional cassoulet served with homemade bread, chesse, cheese and more wonderful French cheese, sod the potential nightmares that may arise eating cheese at such a late hour, enjoy I say and enjoy I did! Finishing with tarte tatin and lashings of more red wine.

Fiona describes natural wine as having a “fairy dust effect” and I couldn’t agree more. Soif is a huge yes.

Official opening tonight meaning you from now on can also have the pleasure of rustic France in the heart of South London.

Ed and Oli’s other restaurants Terroirs and Brawn are on my list to do. http://terroirswinebar.com/links.htm

Address: 27 Battersea Rise SW11 1HG

Transport: Clapham Junction rail/overground

On the town with Joe Wadsack

My day with Joe Wadsack started as it would finish with excitement, chatter and a glass of sparkles. First point of call after arriving at Masterchef Live was The Loch Ryan Oyster Fishery co, for possibly the juiciest set of Oysters I’ve ever slipped down!

Upstairs in the Wine Show, Joe took a large group through a hot to trot Wine Walk, which was engaging to all ages, tastes and personalities. Then I was kidnapped and introduced to an eclectic array of different wine producers, get in.

Theo Randall drew Joe and I back down to the main show, as always Theo is found working hard behind the scenes but always instantly warm and welcoming. Theo and Manuel who I always find such a delight treated us to;

Finocchiona Salami - fennel salami with San Marzano tomatoes, rocket and datterini tomatoes.

Cape Sante in Padella – pan fried scallops served in their shell with lentils de Castelluccio, pancetta, red chilli, parsley and chopped wild rocket.

Scallops are nearly always a winner with me, so with the addition of the pancetta and chilli I felt in food heaven. Accompanied by a chilled to perfection Sauvignon Blanc. Thank you very much.

Our epic adventure I realised had just begun, off into the hub, which is Soho and to The Pink Chihuahua. Tasting Cocktails made by the loving and talented hands of Dick Bradsell, known as the Cocktail guru. With a glint in his eye and a shaker in hand I decided instantly that I liked this place. Sandwiched between to such experts how could I go wrong, I promised myself that I would work off the calories the next day! Yeah right.

Quo Vadis was calling and the Heart Brothers Private Members Club, where we sat at the lounge room bar. I felt cozy and instantly at home, not that my home is this grand and well stocked but the ambience relaxed, helped of course by the round the world in cocktails by our super attentive bar man. Answering the 101 questions I had, effortlessly and with passion. Garlic chips and The QV burger seemed to partner the cocktail extravaganza perfectly! Not your average burger I may add!

Thrown in a pickled egg that Joe argued was the best in town. Coming from the North the thought of this made my mouth water, not in a good way. To my delight after a few deep breaths I sunk my teeth in and polished the entire egg (I could have had seconds but didn’t want to let Joe think he was right, but he was dam it!) Pickled Eggs are officially back in my life. 

To finish, Milk and Honey Members Bar gave a chilled, candlelit atmosphere with the subtle and refreshing mix of tequila and champagne cocktails and our second Manuel of the evening this one Mexican filled with equal passion and knowledge.

 All in all a whistle stop delightful tour of London’s finest. What a cheeky treat. 

#vinesack

#Mastercheflive http://www.mastercheflive.com/

#theorandall http://www.theorandall.com/

#ThePinkChihuahua http://www.elcamion.co.uk/Soho.html

#quovadis  http://www.quovadissoho.co.uk/

#Milkandhoney http://www.mlkhny.com/london/