Food & Drink - House Of Coco Magazine

Food & Drink November 9, 2023

3 Unusual Ways to Use Avocado

For those who can’t get enough of everyone’s favourite brunch staple, here are a few uses for the creamy green goodness that don’t involve spreading it on sourdough. Consider this a little inspiration for avocado lovers everywhere.

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1. Try an avocado facial for a superfood boost. Packed with vitamins E, A and B, avocados are perfect for protecting skin, removing dead skin cells and the high fat content means moisture is locked in for longer. Also suitable for those with sensitive skin, keep you face hydrated by making your own avocado mask at home. Alternatively for a professional fix try the Avocado Firming Facial at Karkloof Safari Villas and Spa which promises to boost elasticity, suppleness and hydration.

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2. From avocado brownies to no bake avocado cheesecake, if you haven’t tried mixing avocado into your sweet recipes you are seriously missing out. Avocado offers the key ingredient for many delicious, easy and no mess sweet treats. To make an avocado pudding mix up some avocado, cacao for sweetness and a squeeze of lemon to create a rich, smooth and creamy dessert.

• 2 large ripe avocados
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 50g cacao powder

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3. Create a delicious ice cream alternative with avocado suitable for vegans, plus you don’t even need an ice cream maker for it. Get ready for summer with this perfect mix of sweet and savoury.

Simply blend 2 ripe avocados, condensed milk and lemon juice together, add cream and mix together. Pop into the freezer and leave overnight to set. Keep in the freezer for a delicious summer pick me up!

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Denmark November 9, 2023

#COCOEATS: The Best Things We’ve Ever Eaten

If there’s one thing we pride ourselves on here at House of Coco, it’s good taste – and we’re not just talking about our heels. Whether we’re jetting around the world or checking out our hometown haunts, food is an integral part of what gives any destination its sense of place. To celebrate the launch of our food issue, we asked #TeamCoco to tell us about their ultimate dish. Here are the best things we’ve ever eaten…

Rachael Lindsay – The hot chocolate served at Angelina’s in Paris is so dark, devilish and divine that I recommend it to everybody who mentions they are going to the French capital. It is served in an antique china jug, full of thick, melted chocolate, and comes with a huge plate of whipped cream. Stir up the perfect chocolate to cream ratio and you will be in chocolate heaven. Unbeatable during winter when the cold French wind chills, or for any time of year really. For those with a real sweet tooth, it is perfectly accompanied by a Mont Blanc, a dessert of pureed sweet chestnuts and yet more cream, that resembles the snowy peaks of the French Alps. Tip: get to Angelina’s early in the morning to beat the queues.

Emma Harrison – The tasting menus at Textur in Aalborg, Denmark (pictured above) – not only is the food delicious, but they have a great approach to food waste and use only the best seasonal products. I really enjoyed Thompson’s in Newport on the Isle of Wight too – he did an amazing fillet of John Dory with a beautiful fennel choucroute and raisin purée as well as a chilled pea mousse. Lastly, in Georgia, I recently discovered, and loved grits!

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Rachel McAlley – My absolute favourite food I’ve ever eaten while away was in North Goa on Anjuna Beach. I caught a little boat from Calangute to the famous flea market at Anjuna Beach and it was lunchtime, so I went to a little shack inside the market and ordered a Goan Fish Curry. It was served it as a Thali, and OMG it was the fittest food I have ever experienced. There were around 7 or 8 little dishes presented in a large silver tray, the main dish was Goan Fish Curry and then there were 3 different vegetarian dishes, a rice dish, a dish of hot chillies, some bread (Goan Pita and Chapati), and a glass of lassi. Seriously, I want to go back right now, just to eat this.

Alexandra Delf – Mine has to be eating SUPER fresh sushi at Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo. We got up early for breakfast and had the most insanely delicious breakfast of mixed sushi, no one spoke English so we pointed at pictures above the little shops and hoped for the best. What we got was a selection of freshest sashimi on a bed of rice. The best thing was exploring all the nooks of the marketplace to choose where to eat – a breakfast with a difference, which I literally crave every morning now!

Laura Bartlett – One of the best things I have ever eaten has to be lobster on the beach in Grenada. It had been freshly caught and cooked with Caribbean spices and we ate it whilst listening to people playing steel pans as the sunset. I’ve never had lobster since as I just know it will never be as good!

Jenna Clarke – I’d have to say my favourite food experience this year was definitely eating fresh Sashimi straight from the Caribbean Sea whilst in St Lucia. Sitting by the pool at Marigot Bay Resort, sipping on prosecco and eating freshly caught salmon was an absolute dream.

Vanessa Gainford – By far, it has to be the ‘Loaded Tater Tots’ in Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at Universal Studios, Orlando – a steampunk themed eatery specialising in extraordinary culinary creations.

Beth Roberts – I’m never sure if it’s the setting that makes the restaurant or the food, but either way – Hotel Esencia on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula has it down. Slow-cooked pork tacos with sweet salsa, avocado fries and a cold local beer is always going to be delicious. But eaten overlooking the blindingly white sand of Xpu-Ha beach after a dip in their secret cenote? Unbeatable. A close second would have to be the huevos chilaquiles (spicy Mexican eggs) at local cafe Colibri in Mexico’s Isla Holbox – the prettiest pink cafe peppered with hand-painted hummingbirds.

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Australia November 9, 2023

The Coral Room: A Splash of colour in Bloomsbury

There’s nothing like London in the fall, and when the autumn leaves are turning and everyone whips out their chunkiest scarves, we’re making our way to The Coral Room at the BloomsburyHotel for a taste of the tropics and the best cocktails intown.

Located in The Bloomsbury Hotel, the Coral Room is the result of a head-to-toe renovation of the original Edward Lutyens designed hotel lobby. Helmed by Martin Brudnizki, this building has been utterly transformed into a stylish oasis right in the heart of Bloomsbury. Everything about The Coral Room pops; from the art deco inspired touches, the bright coloured walls, and alluring textures. Everything makes you feel like you have stepped into a Wes Anderson film scene (the Darjeeling Limited and the Grand Budapest Hotel come to mind) Tropical motifs add a cheeky element of warmth, and the ample amount of foliage allows some reprieve from even chilliest London afternoon. The focal point however is definitely the stylish Calcutta marble bar. Interior designer Martin Brudnizki definitely outdid himself here, by successfully making the cavernous 2,100 double ceilinged space feel both glamorous and inviting. The key? — colour, and lot’s of it.The Coral walls are accented with brass, gold, Murano glass, and the clever pink-tinted details; all making The Coral Room one of the most Instagrammable spots town.

Moving from interior design to the menu, let’s talk about the brunch. We tried the delightful Chicory Salad, the veggie Shakshuka, accompanied by a generous helping of truffle fries (of course!)Although it was almost impossible to decide because the brunch menu offers a concise but tempting selection of some revamped classics. I helped myself to a couple martini glasses of the fabulous Gin Lane cocktail. A perfect mixture of Hendricks gin, St. Germain, rose syrup, and Viognier, the Gin Lane is delicious and danger in equal measure. As one can easily knock back a few of these sinfully saccharine concoctions without even thinking twice. If you are feeling a little extra indulgent, do check out their extensive list of English sparkling wines, which is one of the largest London has to offer. Take a few recommendations from the absolutely charming bar manager, Giovanni Spezziga, whose infectious Italian charm will not just provide you with some truly fantastic sparkling wine choices, but will also leave you feeling absolutely pampered.This and so much more make The Coral Room the most stylish place in Bloomsbury for a drink, afternoon tea, brunch, or everything all at once.

The Coral Room

Food & Drink November 9, 2023

Five Immersive Food Experiences to Try At Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort and Spa, Mauritius

If you’re looking for a bit more than the chance to soak in the sun on a relaxing holiday on an Indian Ocean island, then check out these five immersive food experiences offered by Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, Mauritius. This five-star deluxe property, located at Trou d’Eau Douce on the island’s eastern coast delivers on hospitality, relaxation and soft adventure.

For many people, visiting Mauritius means prioritising relaxation over adventure. This is one reason why Mauritius remains popular for resort holidays – the island has around 150 resorts dotted around its stunning 330 kilometres of coastline.

However, with a little curiosity, visitors will find many opportunities to step away from the beach and sun loungers to experience some adventure. Activities are a great way to get acquainted with this gem of an island.

With travel activities a focus in recent travel trends, TripAdvisor has projected a 47% increase in the demand for food and wine experiences in 2019. Those trends also suggest that these experiences should preferably be local, authentic and provide opportunities to learn something new.

So what if, through a combination of curated activities, visitors could get insights into the local food culture in Mauritius, pick up some culinary inspiration and enjoy unique dining experiences while still prioritising relaxation?

Resorts like Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, Mauritius offer this very combination.

In this roundup, we share five immersive food experiences to try at Shangri-La’s signature property in Mauritius.

#1. Start Your Day With a Floating Breakfast

The three secluded beach villas – the most exclusive accommodations – at Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa have been known to host royals and celebrities. However, in between guest appearances by the stars, the beach villas are selectively opened to guests seeking a different type of breakfast experience.

A golf-cart picks you up from the hotel reception and takes you through to the ultra-private residences on the other side of the resort. Upon arrival, you are greeted by a dedicated villa team made up of a butler and chef there to cater to your every need.

Your preferred drink (turns out, it’s never too early for a mimosa so we ordered a few) is handed to you as you emerge from one of the adjoining rooms in your swimwear.

Rays from the morning sun filter between swaying palm trees, gently caressing your skin as you glide into your own private infinity pool surrounded by sounds from tropical birds and the soothing repetitiveness of the early tide.

As your mind and body become acquainted with your new surroundings, a floating tray with your breakfast – soft cheeses, smoked salmon, croissants, scrambled eggs and fresh fruit – is gently set adrift. You literally begin your trip with an immersive food experience.

#2. Pick Your Own Ingredients in the Chef’s Garden

Mauritian cuisine perfectly reflects the cultural diversity of the island. Cooking styles and ingredients from Indian, Chinese, French and Creole cultures have blended over centuries resulting in an equally diverse local cuisine.

Ramesh Bundi is an acclaimed chef who heads up Safran, Shangri-La Le Touessrok’s Indian-Mauritian fusion restaurant. When he’s not preparing for his evening-only feast at the resort, he can often be found scouting the resort’s on-site vegetable garden for ingredients.

We tagged along after breakfast to explore this green patch of goodness that supplements the resort’s five restaurants with freshly picked ingredients. We watched Chef Ramesh pick a few items including chillies, a popular feature in many Mauritian curries.

Looking for an immersive food experience while in Mauritius? Find a local chef and go foraging for local ingredients. Learn how ingredients such as garlic, turmeric, coriander, lemongrass and of course, chillies are used in various local dishes and hear the stories surrounding them.

#3. Participate in a Cooking Class with a Local Chef

Following our visit to the vegetable garden, we headed back to Safran for a cooking class with Chef Ramesh and his colleague Chef Ravi. The recipe? A simple Mauritian chicken curry.

Putting their skills to work, the chefs built the dish’s flavours layer by layer using some of the ingredients earlier picked from the garden and other signature spices from the Safran kitchen (Chef Ramesh insists on making his own).

While chatting about their favourite local dishes, the chefs surprised us with a treat, a dish called Salade Palmiste. Also known as ‘millionaire’s salad’, this Mauritian delicacy is a feast of delicate flavours with the chopped-up, raw heart of a palm tree as the main highlight.

Cooking with locals is a great way to learn about life in Mauritius and perhaps pick up a secret family recipe or two. Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa simulates that experience with on-site cooking classes led by local chefs.

#4. Visit a Local Market and Sample Street Food

Fancy a bit more activity? Jump on electric bikes and head to a local market to feast your senses on local flavours and delicacies and to feel the vibe.

Our guide on this excursion was the resort’s lead fitness instructor, Jean Philippe Nazira, who expertly managed a small group of enthusiastic cyclists on our journey to the Central Flacq Market.

The flat tyres of our electric bikes were useful for both on and off-road situations and the electric motor made pedalling (especially uphill) such a breeze. Our six-mile route through sugarcane plantations and small fishing villages eventually brought us into Centre de Flacq, a busy town with just over 16,000 inhabitants.

The Central Flacq Market is the biggest outdoor market in Mauritius and as expected, was bustling with activity. Enjoy browsing through local textiles, tropical fruit, vegetables, fresh fish and seafood and spices without pressure.

This is the place to sample dholl puri (or dholl purée), thin pancakes made from wheat flour dough and ground split peas. This popular street food is cooked on a girdle called a tawa and served plain or with a spoonful of rougaille, a spicy-sweet tomato sauce and wrapped in paper.

Other treats to sample include gâteau patate, a wafer-like pastry made from sweet potato and coconut and fried gato piments (a combination of split peas, spring onion, turmeric, and chilli) served on a warm baguette with a drizzle of hot sauce.

Before you leave, remember to replace those electrolytes for the return trip with fresh coconut water.

#5. Relax, Recharge and Revive on a Private Island

After your cycling exertions, you’ll want to jump back into chill mode. No problem. There’s another food experience to give you one more taste of Mauritius…a relaxing lunch on a private island. Ilôt Mangénie is a privately owned island to which guests at Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa have exclusive access.

A ten-minute shuttle boat service transports guests from the main resort, across a crystal clear lagoon and into an intimate dining and relaxation experience. This experience comes with a beach cabana equipped with a bed big enough to sleep four people and private butler service.

Upon arrival, you’re welcomed with a glass of chilled sparkling South African rosé wine and a fresh fruit basket. Your butler takes your lunch order before disappearing to let you enjoy your privacy and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

As you relax, recharge and revive, he may then reappear bearing the most delicate truffle pizza you’ve ever tasted or an aromatic and well seasoned grilled red snapper accompanied with fresh vegetables.

On Ilôt Mangénie, the concept of time seems foreign. When you’re done with your meal, take a walk along the quiet beach or simply immerse yourself in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

Travel information

We flew directly to Mauritius from London Heathrow with Air Mauritius (12 hours). Excursions to Ilôt Mangénie and Central Flacq Market were pre-arranged but are available to all guests. Rates for a 5-night stay in a Junior Suite Frangipani Beach Access room start from £920 per night for half-board (includes breakfast and dinner, golf club access and water sports). Costs are based on 2 adults visiting in November 2019.

For enquiries and bookings, visit www.shangri-la.com/mauritius

Food & Drink November 9, 2023

Extend the summer feeling with Florangeries at Radio Rooftop

“Don’t you think it’s beginning to feel more autumnal?” is a question I am hearing more and more of, and a question I am choosing to ignore. It’s early September and it’s still summer. Word on the street is that over the next few weeks the UK may even see an Indian summer.

ME London’s iconic Radio Rooftop is just the place to go extend that al-fresco, summery feeling over the next few weeks. It has been transformed into a beautiful inner-city summer oasis mirroring the dreamiest of summer gardens, complete with three Florangeries. The Spanish-inspired Florangeries have been draped in floral installations created by florist Cyrill Tronchet, providing the perfect venue for end of summer celebrations and parties, with spectacular views overlooking the London skyline.

Innovative cocktails and small plates of delicious bites can be found in the tailored ‘Florangerie’ menu. For food; think a spread of spicy tuna tartare canapés, tempura tiger prawns with a sweet mango dip, and sumptuous chicken satay. The cocktails themselves are like a summer garden, with edible flowers decorating the colourful drinks. Guests going would be fools not to try the espresso martini ice cream which is incredibly indulgent, but so very delicious.

#TeamCoco’s tip: Make sure to try the Italian Garden cocktail…

The central location and slick finesse of the bartenders make Radio Rooftop the type of venue that’s perfect to take someone you’re looking to impress to lap up the views and take in the last of the summer (or snuggle under a blanket once the sun goes down). Just remember to reserve in advance as tables book up early!

The Summer Garden at Radio Rooftop can be enjoyed by all guests visiting with a special hot or cold menu offering alongside the pop-up, priced from £25 or £40 for 2-4 people. It will be there until 30 September 2018, so don’t miss out.

Afternoon Tea November 9, 2023

Take a tour of London’s famous landmarks over Afternoon Tea

Town House at The Kensington launched their new London Landmarks Afternoon Tea this week on board one of the cities infamous icons, The London Eye and Team Coco were invited along to try the menu.

Following the success of their record-breaking Tale As Old As Time offering, the new Afternoon Tea takes inspiration from London’s most recognisable and historic landmarks, taking diners on a tour of the capital’s most famed structures.

On board the London Eye we were served a selection of sandwiches to start, so far pretty standard but the jewel in the crown of this Afternoon Tea comes in their sweet offering. High above the Thames with views stretching as far as Wembley we were served architectural triumphs such as The Gherkin, crafted from White Chocolate with a Dark Chocolate Ganache and The Shard made of Carrot Cake & Milk Chocolate. Alongside an iconic London Telephone Box imagined in Rhubarb Mousse and Big Ben-inspired Lemon Curd Tart, the new London Landmarks Afternoon Tea menu is complete with London’s quintessential treat, Scones served with Heather Hills Strawberry Jam & Clotted Cream. The design and creativity behind the menu is fantastic, these tasty sweet morsels look too good to eat. Town House has successfully captured the London skyline on a plate.

General Manager, Francesco Sardelli told us how his cycle route around London which takes in some of the city’s iconic sights, influenced the menu design. Town House’s new skyline of scones, sandwiches and sweets is available to book now. Paying homage to the capital’s famous buildings, London Landmarks is presented on a London Eye-inspired tea stand. The Afternoon Tea is served alongside a bespoke map of London, beautifully illustrated by Eleni Sofroniou. This pretty pocket map is a cute take-away for guests, highlighting Kensington Palace and The Tower of London as well as archetypal spots such as Covent Garden and Big Ben.

The entire new menu, carefully crafted by Head Chef, Adi Mandokhot is a celebration of London, with guests also able to enjoy a selection of savouries: a cockney staple Steak & London Ale Pie and a Colston Bassett Stilton & Broccoli Quiche alongside a bite-size Crab Cake with Tartare Sauce & Caperberries. Highlights of the sandwich selection include Smoked Salmon, Lovage Pesto & Cream Cheese on Brown Bread, Egg and Cress Bridge Roll using eggs from Heritage breed Copper Marans hens, Coronation Chicken Sandwich on Brown Loaf.

This menu is bound to be a big hit with Afternoon Tea aficionados who are looking for something special. Town House is the signature restaurant at The Kensington hotel and is spread across three classically designed drawing rooms, serving locally-sourced, seasonal modern British cuisine. Nestled in the heart of one of London’s most desirable neighbourhoods – complete with stylish décor, hand-picked furnishings and open fireplaces it’s the perfect setting to indulge in this offering of sweet and savoury delights.

London Landmarks Afternoon Tea Menu is available now at Town House, The Kensington Hotel, £42 per person or £54.50 with a glass of Perrier-Jouët, Grand Brut NV Champagne.

Coco Kitchen November 9, 2023

Coco Kitchen Weekend Bakes: Blackberry & White Chocolate Eclairs

Although blackberry and white chocolate may sound like unlikely bedfellows, this pairing is absolute marriage material. The flavour combination is summertime Sunday blackberry picking followed by Milky Bars on the back step. Shards of late afternoon sunlight poking through the curtains, which have been closed so mum can watch television whilst she does the ironing. Saying goodbye to our friends and having one last go on the garden swing, worrying that our blackberry stained hands won’t wash clean before school tomorrow. Even if you haven’t tried it before, this flavour tastes like summer and home.

Ingredients:
Serves 16

Choux pastry:
150g plain flour
250ml water
100g unsalted butter
4 eggs
1 tsp granulated sugar
1tsp salt

Filling:
310ml whole milk
200g granulated sugar
3 egg yolks
2 tbsp plain flour
2tbsp cornflour
1tsp vanilla extract
100g blackberries, chopped

Topping:
100g white chocolate
Few drops of juice from the blackberries
Edible flowers

Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 200C/180C(fan)/gas mark 6. Line a tray with baking paper and make sure you have a piping bag at the ready.
2. Start the choux pastry by combining the butter and water in a pan and bringing to a rapid boil. Sieve together the flour, sugar and salt in a separate bowl.
3. Remove the pan from the heat, add the dry ingredients, and stir briskly with a wooden spoon. You want to keep stirring until the dough forms a ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan. Leave to cool slightly.
4. Whisk the eggs together in a jug. Pour the beaten eggs into the dough mixture, stirring continuously until it comes together. Be patient, this can take a couple of minutes, but I assure you that you will be left with a smooth, glossy dough.
5. Spoon the dough into a piping bag and pipe long fingers onto the prepared sheet. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes.
6. Remove the shells from the oven and prick the base of each one with a fork to prevent them going soggy. Leave on a wire rack to cool completely.
7. For the filling, warm the milk over a low heat until hot, but not boiling. Whilst the milk is on the hob, whisk together the flour, egg yolks, cornflour and sugar until no lumps remain.
8. Add half of the milk to the egg mixture, stirring constantly. Pour the egg mixture into the pan with the rest of the milk and return to the heat. Continue to heat and stir until thick. Stir in the vanilla extract and leave to cool completely.
9. Cut the éclair shells in half lengthways and pipe a layer of cream over the top. Sprinkle with chopped blackberries and pop the pastry lid on top.
10. Melt the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl suspended over a pan of barely simmering water. Add a few drops of the residual juice from the blackberries to create a soft violet shade.
11. Pour the chocolate over the eclairs and decorate with edible flowers. Best enjoyed immediately with good company and a cold glass of wine.

City breaks November 9, 2023

#CocoCityBreak : 10 Things We Love About Spring in Dublin

Yep, we’re part of the problem. We love jetting far away for an escape but really, this isn’t always feasible (have you seen my bank account at the end of the month?!) or the best thing to do if you are on the edge of burning out and don’t want to catch everyone’s germs on a long haul flight.

So, hooray, we’re upping our local city break content starting with the 10 things we love about springtime in Dublin. Anything we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments!

The Pubs

There’s nothing like an authentic Irish pub – and even the less authentic ones are still a hoot. The atmosphere is cosy, there will likely be a fire on on a chilly day and a sing-a-long in the corner. The perfect place to hide during those spring showers.

2. Getting Lost

While Temple Bar might feel like your average tourist trap, don’t be fooled. There are chinks of vibrant real city life here… when you get away from the massive Urban Outfitters, that is. Don’t miss Love Lane’s colourful murals and installations.

3. The calm beauty of Trinity College

In the heart of Dublin you’ll find the green oasis around Trinity College. Take a walk with a coffee or pop in for a tour of the College and the stunning Old Library and Book of Kells.

4. Off the beaten track gems

A short trip out of Dublin City, I dare you to not fall in love with the seaside village of Dalkey. Keep your eyes peeled for resident and visiting celebs who are known to pop by the local Finnegan’s to soak up the magic.

5. All the food

You won’t go hungry in Dublin with the city’s plentiful food markets and pubs serving up great grub. We stumbled across a few specific spots while in town like Brother Hubbard (2 locations in the city brotherhubbard.ie), the Avoca cafes (avoca.com) and 777 which might just be the best Mexican restaurant we’ve been to in Europe (777.ie), hidden in plain sight in the centre of town. If you are in town on a Sunday book a table here for tacos and margaritas – all dishes are only 7,77e!

6. Exploring on foot / by bike

You can’t fail to love a city that can be explored by foot. We pounded the pavements, getting lost down cobbled streets and even crossed a live band parading around town in the Spring showers. Of course, if you get tired (for that read, hungover!) , grab a pass for the DoDublin buses who will take you where you need to go.

7. The view from The Gravity Bar at The Guinness Storehouse

Sure, you may dismiss it as just a tourist trap but The Guinness Storehouse is a must do when in town. The experience itself is indepth and educational but the fun really starts as you learn how to pour your own perfect pint of Guinness. Don’t neck your pint in the bar downstairs but head up to the Gravity Bar for 360 views of the city. The Gravity Bar also hosts special events like the dinner pictured here – head to the Guinness Storehouse site for more info.

8. Whiskey A Go-Go

Once you’ve had enough of the black stuff, it’s time to move onto the hard stuff; whiskey. Of course, Dublin is home to the famous Jameson Distillery with their impressive multimedia tour and ‘theme park of whiskey’ bar area but, for us, Teeling Whiskey Distillery is the one.

The first distillery established in Dublin for 125 years, located in the historic Liberties area of town, the tour is insightful and real and the tasting room beautiful and airy. A spot to while away a few hours over an Irish coffee or skilfully made Old Fashioned.

9. Bedding down in the centre of the city at Fitzwilliam Hotel

The Fitzwilliam hotel was an unexpected delight situated on St Stephen’s Green. A little unprepossessing from the outside, the hotel rooms abound with quirky little touches like Irish Seaweed cookies on arrive and a lime green, free standing bath tub. The staff are incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable (big shout out to Maciej, the guy running breakfast service, who looked super perky at any time of the day and the bar manager who expertly guided me through their selection of Irish gins to find the most unusual one that I just HAD to try). The hotel is also home to the acclaimed restaurant Glovers Alley by Andy McFadden, voted Ireland’s Best Chef in 2018.

10. Hanging out with Dubliners

Whether you have friends who live in town or fancy getting chatty with some local Dubliners, take their advice, follow their recommendations and prepare yourself for a seriously fun night out. One evening in the Smithfield area we started at 80s themed bar Thundercut Alley (@thundercutalley), then some rum and cokes at sticky, but delightful, dive bar Dice Bar (@dicebardublin) before dinner and retro gaming at over 18+ arcade alley TOKEN (@tokendublin). We then made tracks for the local secret The Hacienda Bar where a mediterrean restaurant facade hides a packed late night drinking den of pool tables, accessed only by ringing the bell and being greeted by the owner.

Behind the bar November 9, 2023

Behind the Bar: Shaman, London's first low/non alcoholic drinks spot

With the days getting lighter and summer just around the corner, where better to cleanse from winter over-indulgence and get your glow back than at London’s newest no/low alcohol bar. Hospitality trailblazers The Initiative bring us their latest opening, Shaman in Leman Locke Aldgate.

Shaman is set to shake up London’s hospitality scene in 2020. Shaman has been created with healing, rejuvenation and self care in mind. The space is serving up a selection of fresh juices, pastries created by renowned chef Robin Gill, coffee and low/now alcohol drinks, ready to shift the assumption that bars can only be enjoyed with alcohol. Each fresh Shaman juice has been designed to improve gut health, increase energy levels and reduce stress levels. The space is also an Instagram dream with bright coloured drinks, cascading pot plants and pretty pastels.

The space is multi-functional, friendly and fresh with health and vitality as the order of the day. The cocktails were more delicious than any alcoholic drink we had ever tried. The Lavanderia was sophisticated and refreshing and the Vermuteria was punchy and warming. Afterwards we ordered a drink to go. We opted for the ‘skin glow’ juice was much needed after a long winter without a tan, and without turmeric.

Located in Aldgate East at the Leman Locke Hotel, Shaman combines effortless service with exquisite interiors, envisaged and executed by award-winning interior design agency, Grzywinski + Pons. Shaman is open to the public from 7am – 10pm to keep guests energised and hydrated all day long.
www.shaman-coffee.com

Food & Drink November 9, 2023

Caribbean Dining is Having a Moment

Our Caribbean Reporter Kered Clement discovers the most authentic Caribbean dining experiences in London.

It is with great pleasure that I officially announce, Caribbean dining is having a moment! That tummy comforting Sunday dinner I couldn’t wait for granny to serve up. Those homemade crispy fried chicken legs I’d save for leftovers and that juicy Jerk chicken wrapped in foil, I devoured at a roadside stall in Jamaica, is finally being offered on the London foodie scene at these cool spots.

Levi Roots’ Caribbean Smokehouse | Westfield, Stratford, London

When you walk into a Caribbean restaurant, and most of the diners are Afro-Caribbean, then you’re in the right place, because let’s face it, competing with our home-cooking is a tall order (no pun intended). It’s no wonder ‘Reggae Reggae Sauce’ creator Levi Roots decided to partner with Eren Ali to bring authentic Caribbean cooking to as many people as possible.

The setting, similar to a traditional Caribbean living room scattered with vintage vinyl records, antique furnishing and red, green and gold memorabilia, was buzzing and vibrant. Even the huge pot filled to the brim with rice and peas resembled the dutch pots found on the burning stoves of most West Indians on a Sunday. Stepping into Caribbean Smokehouse was rather like stepping into the warms arms of Granny smothered with the scent of slowly cooked Caribbean food.

When our pleasant waitress Charlotte presented us with the menu, we were overwhelmed but in a nice way. One things’ for sure, the Caribbean Smokehouse team haven’t adopted the bad customer service habits that have made Caribbean takeaways notorious. But, be warned! Selecting a side to accompany your main is probably the same feeling an indecisive woman, in a shoe shop with a shoe fetish, gets. We contemplated for quite some time, before settling on the Veggie Food Platter, which allowed us to have a bit of everything from ‘Sweet Plantain Slices’ to ‘Jerk-spiced Mushrooms’. Pescetarians et al. will be pleased to know, that there’s a separate menu with vegetarian, vegan and Ital dishes.

From ‘Barbadian Fish Cakes’, ‘Trinidadian Doubles’ to ‘Martinique Coconut Chicken Curry’, there was a good representation of local favourites across the Caribbean and (queue drum roll), it tastes just like the cooking passed down through generations. What’s more, Levi also takes the liberty of introducing you a bit of patois while you release the ‘Reggae Rum Punch’ in the loos.

If you’re yearning for authentic Caribbean cooking, then Caribbean Smokehouse have got it on lock. The good news is, expansion is on the horizon. And as they say in Jamaica ‘Once You Go You’ll Know’. caribbeansmokehouse.com

The Rum Kitchen | Notting Hill, Carnaby Street and Brixton

When serial restaurateurs with a fondness for the Caribbean region, food and dining experiences open restaurants, you get ‘Roti Pizza’ topped with jerk chicken. And #TeamCoco can’t get enough of it!

Founders Alex Potter and Jonny Boud have cleverly merged the best bits of Island life and dining in London, and plot it under a Caribbean beach shack style roof, to give Londoner’s a place where they can leave their worries at the door. To sum it up they’d say, ‘No rain, no rainbow’.

With over 100 varieties of rum, mouth watering dishes and the latest Soca, Reggae and Dancehall tunes playing over the chatter. Rum Kitchen stands out amongst the rest as a spot that gives you a sense of Caribbean lifestyle and dear I say it, a feeling that it’s all “No Problem”, in the stress-induced heart of London.

Opening the door to Rum Kitchen’s branch in Kingly Court, Carnaby Street is like entering a travel machine that zaps you to a Caribbean rum shop near the beach. The atmosphere was warm; people were smiling, the latest hit from soca mogul Machel Montano was blazing, Jerk chicken was sizzling on the grill, with a box of Bajan beers stacked on the side. We almost knelt down to dust the sand off our feet before remembering we were still in Westminster and not the West Indies.

The menu is easy to understand and reasonably priced, very similar to the uncomplicated chalkboard menus of Caribbean food huts. From ‘Proper Jerk’ with watermelon, pineapple and jerk gravy to ‘Curry Mutton’ with coconut and black-eyed pea rice, each dish flavoured with something to remind you of the tropics. While we nursed a hibiscus and coconut water mocktail and a ‘Zombie’ cocktail served up in a skull glass complete with a flaming passion fruit (we kid you not), we had high hopes for the food. After all, what’s a Caribbean restaurant with all the right aesthetic if it doesn’t nail the recipe that leaves you pining for paradise.

A simple request about how spicy the jerk chicken is shattered all our doubts when the chef gave us a taste of jerk chicken straight from the grill. We got sold after one bite! Not only were we sold, but our mouths and minds had also hoped in the time machine, and as far as they were concerned we were in Jamaica, on a beach, under a thatched roof, experiencing the real thing.

Everything about Rum Kitchen was so spot on, so much so that we ended up interrogating the manager with a raised Jack Sparrow eyebrow. Simply put, if a trip to the Caribbean is a distant memory or a long shot, Rum kitchen’s three cool locations are the place for you. therumkitchen.com

Turtle Bay Restaurant | Ealing | Nationwide

Turtle Bay Restaurant is by far the largest Caribbean chain with 18 restaurants across the country that set out to offer something new and exciting to the food scene that would appeal to everyone.

What stands out the most is their ability to capture the creativity of Caribbean people in a restaurant setting that leaves you gawking at the attention to detail and Instagramming everything you see. When we popped into the Ealing branch, the artistic smartphone snap onslaught began instantly! From the Red Stripe beer cans flattened to create table tops, a mural of old speaker boxes and TV’s, collaged iron containers and our favourite, sinks made of steel drum barrels, it was like entering an exhibition on the resourcefulness of Caribbean people. Turtle Bay Restaurants do a good job at showing dinners how Caribbean people make the most of their resources through up-cycling and transforming what’s available to them.

From Trinidadian style doubles to ‘Jamaican Browned Chicken’ and rums from Barbados to Bermuda, the menu draws inspiration from dishes across the region. The key word is inspiration. Our waiter explained, the idea is not to try to emulate the home-cooking styles of the Caribbean, but offer diners a unique experience and take on Caribbean food.

Our ‘Prawn and Mango Wrap’ sauteed with herbs, spices and fresh mango and ‘Mo Bay Chicken’ cooked in a spiced jerk sauce with sweet plantain went down a treat and served as a great light bite for lunch. If you’re looking for authentic Caribbean cooking, then you won’t find it at Turtle Bay, but if you’re looking for a pretty impressive, artistic setting that transcends you to the dancehalls and block parties of Jamaica, with a wide selection of rum. Then this is the place for group celebrations, after work drinks and any occasion that needs a sprinkle of island vibes. www.turtlebay.co.uk