All posts filed under: London

Smith and Wollensky: creators of excellent cocktails!

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      Smith & Wollensky Smith & Wollensky is renowned for being a first-rate American steakhouse, similar, some might say, to an aircraft carrier: infinitely mighty and full of self-confidence. The original Smith & Wollensky has been that kind of place since its inception in Manhattan (1977). However, since then it has managed to travel many miles across the great pond that divides our two great nations and finally docked, off Strand, in the Adelphi Terrace. As we were escorted into the restaurant by a very pleasant and animated member of staff, our hearts sank as we were taken past the crowds of young couples and families tucking into their mouthwateringly juicy veal chops. The smell of greasy food and delicious BBQ sauce was enough to make even the most uncompromising of vegans go weak at the knees, but we knew tonight, we wouldn’t be setting off on a meat-lovers pilgrimage, but rather (a cocktail crusade?) With the taste of delicious Iowa beef still lingering on our tongues, we were ushered downstairs to a …

Diana’s press launch, Covent Garden

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Located in the heart of Covent Garden lies the reincarnated ‘Diana’s Diner’, which until Wednesday evening had closed its doors for good. Historically known for being a popular greasy spoon owned by a buxom red head, what has been re-established couldn’t be further from its heritage.  At least on the surface anyway, as despite the chic ‘low key, high end’ ambiance, a hint of the infamous Diana remains. Whether it be the dimmed lights and sexy pop-up art splashed boldly across the walls, or the lipstick kiss prints pressed onto their menus and marketing. Hence the insiders nickname… Dirty Diana’s.   On arrival, we were warmly greeted by owners James Bulmer and Matt Tebbutt, who were only too happy to walk us through Diana’s journey. Executive Chef Chen Ng is the creative mind behind the menu- Savoy trained but with a passion for exceptional, explosive food that can be created in the back of a van following a stint doing just that in Singapore, Chen’s food was exceptional.  James and Matt had fallen in love …

Cuisson presents POPdown

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Where 15 Charles Street, London SW1Y The Experience Located just north of St James of Park, is the latest concept on the London pop up scene. Cuisson, the Michelin star caterers have made their mark on the concept with the interactive POPdown, where they have created beautiful food, an interactive fun experience at affordable prices. The menu at POPdown will comprise of four extraordinary courses along with a signature Cuisson cocktail. Designed by the Cuisson team, who collectively trained in some of the world’s top restaurants (The Fat Duck, Galvin at windows, Le Gavroche, The Square, Maze and Adam Simmons), the POPdown menu fuses classic French cooking with modernist techniques and it far from disappoints . Cuisson’s aim is to inject an element of playfulness into technical gourmet food which creates small delicious bites. On arrival the atmosphere is rustic, with wooden tables sitting eight people and tumblers on the table for wine. We were greeted with a small carefully selected wine list and selected the 2014 Pena Blanco, which was delightful throughout the evening …

A Tasty Tipple at Temple Brew House

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Where Temple Brew House, London What Artisan beer-loving Londoners are invited down to Essex Street where they will find Temple Brew House, an on-site brewery in the heart of central London. Experience Temple Brew House is now offering private brewery tours by their very own house brewers. Food for Think was lucky enough to be invited on a tour with head brewer Venesa de Blas Montoya. As she took us to where the magic happens, Venesa explained that beer originated back in 7000BC though “It was the Egyptians who actually mastered the beer making process. They had 80 different recipes to make different beers and they took it quite seriously”. We are so grateful! Venesa revealed her brewing routine and provided some trade secrets for those considering experimenting at home. Tours are held routinely every month and also on request. What would a brewery tour be without the tasting? Visitors can select a variety of tipples by ordering a ‘paddle’ of three 1/3 pint glasses. The Temp Ale, smooth and easy drinking, is brewed on …

Music, Poetry and British Grub at The Forge, Camden

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Where The Forge, Camden What Camden culture vultures are being encouraged to dine at The Forge. Located just off Camden High Street is the beautifully designed concert venue offering lucky North London visitors top quality classical, jazz, folk and spoken word events – and first-rate British cuisine. Experience The menu is almost split in two. On the left is a choice of sophisticated modern British cuisine for those looking to have a relaxed meal and on the right is a selection of homemade burgers, for those wanting to grab a quick bite before the show. For starter, my friend ordered the cured gravlax seasoned with dill and pepper which was fresh, light and smoky. It was accompanied by a side of indulgent horseradish cream, capers, a lemon wedge and tonnes of lightly toasted doorstep granary bread. I opted for the roasted Portobello mushroom topped with goats cheese and stuffed with thyme, garlic, more mushrooms and served with salad leaves and caramelised onions. Each mouthful was a joy to eat and I even wiped my plate …