Tavolino, a new London neighbourhood restaurant located in the heart of London Bridge will open the doors and outdoor terrace on Friday 31st July. The kitchen will be headed up by Louis Korovilas, formerly Head Chef of Bancone and godson of famed chef, Giorgio Locatelli. Tavolino – meaning ‘small table’, will serve simple dishes cooked with produce from across Italy and the UK, carefully sourced by Louis from individual suppliers.
“I respect the Italian approach to cooking: a dedication to quality ingredients, eaten at their peak, with the flavours coaxed from each one. At Tavolino, we’ll be steering away from using overused produce of mediocre quality and have spent the last six months going directly to suppliers who have been perfecting their produce for several generations. For example, we’ve found the best Pecorino Sardo DOP and a 24-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano for our pastas, and our lemons are sourced directly from a farmer on the Almalfi coast,” says Louis.
For lunch and dinner, guests can begin as the Italians do with a selection of bread baked in-house by pastry chef Taylor Sessegnon-Shakespeare including honeyed garlic focaccia, and an olive and parmesan roll. Dishes for the table can include cured salume such as Tuscan fennel salami, or lardo and parmesan bombolini and zucchini fritti and starters including fresh burrata from an artisanal dairy in Puglia, served with grilled zucchini scarpece.
Every morning, Louis and his team will make their own fresh pasta from scratch for dishes including his signature dish of silk handkerchief pasta sheets with walnut butter and Burford Brown yolk (served in Bancone); tagliatelle, spicy ‘nduja and pork ragù; and hand-rolled potato gnocchi with tomato, basil and Barilotto cheese. A selection of pizzas are made Romagna-style on thin, crispy sourdough base, topped with ingredients such as Puglian burratta, ‘nduja from Spilinga, black Taggiasca olives and Gorgonzola Riserva. Desserts include all the crowd pleasers; an Amalfi lemon meringue, tiramisu, balsamic chocolate mousse and skillet polenta cake with cherries and caramelised white chocolate made to share. La Dolce Vita!
On the south bank of the River Thames, Tavolino will be split across two floors with floor-to-ceiling windows with sensational views of the water and the the interiors will take inspiration from classic Milanese coffee bars and the traditional trattorias of Florence.
After months of isolation, never in my life have been more excited about brunch in my life. It is only fitting then that my return to the quintessential weekend brunch date was at Ham West Hampstead, because it’s the perfect neighbourhood spot that balances timeless brunch favourites with contemporary British twists.
Located in buzzy, charming (yet not too hectic) West End Lane, Hâm looks exactly like something from your ‘stylish brunch Pinterest board.’ Picture mint green banquettes, pastel-hued arts, exposed brick walls, low-hanging gold pendant lamps and gold-toned countertops. It is exactly what I pictured when imagining my first London brunch after lockdown.
The menu reflects the same kind of casual yet sophisticated atmosphere, offering simple but imaginative modern British cuisine. Don’t expect any fancy foams here, because each dish really allows each ingredient to shine.
Head Chef Matt Osborne creates a weekly menu with highlights including the Burrata, courgette, with pea and mint pesto; Buttermilk fried chicken with satay sauce and lime coleslaw; roasted monkfish with gnocchi; lemongrass strawberry and honeycomb panacotta.
For brunch, we sampled the Lambton and Jackson smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, fried potato and kale and also tried the signature Hâm breakfast. The breakfast is comprised of sourdough toast, fried eggs, streaky bacon, sausage, avocado and tomato relish, a healthier twist to the classic full-English. Both brunch dishes were perfectly executed, highlighting the rich flavours of each ingredient, and without overpowering you with a crazy portion too.
No brunch is complete without drinks and we recommend trying the ‘Skin Contact’ Cantine Rallo, Ciello Bianco, Catarratto ‘orange’ wine. It is a naturally cloudy, vegan and organic white wine that is perfect complement to Hâm’s delicious brunch offer. We will certainly be coming back, not just for the delicious brunch, but also for the casual yet vibrant neighbourhood vibe we’ve been so deprived of during this truly crazy year.
The Lockdown has hit the restaurant industry hard and with the restrictions finally easing, plenty of our favourite London spots are finally opening their doors once again. To help these creative and truly special foodie spots keep their doors open, we’re giving you the lowdown on exactly which London restaurants are reopening in each neighbourhood – so you can get to booking ASAP.
Our favourite Portuguese restaurant has reopened its doors in London Bridge, bringing the taste of the Mediterranean back to weary Londoners. Bar Douro now offers an updated menu and an extended terrace area to adhere to social-distancing guidelines. The new terraço is the perfect spot for a Bifana sandwich and White Port Tonic this summer.
Japanese Mayfair staple Taka has reopened in mid-July boasting a new and improved menu from Chef Taji Maruyama. The new menu was designed around the traditional Japanese ‘shun’ food philosophy, which states that food should be eaten only when in season (to enhance the flavour). You’ll be happy to know that Taka favourites such as the A5 Kagoshima Wagyu or Maitake Mushrooms are once again available along with an exciting new 8-course tasting menu.
This vibrant Peruvian restaurant in Angel Court, City of London has once again welcoming customers. It offers a seasonal changing fusion menu inspired by a blend of Latin American and Incan culture. Guests can once again enjoy Coya’s popular ‘Lomo des Res’, a spicy beef fillet with crispy shallots and aji limo, and sip on a cocktail or two in the restaurant’s extended outdoor terrace.
Wine lovers rejoice, because independent wine specialists 28°-50° has reopened in Covent Garden, boosted with an updated wine list and a new array of fresh summer dishes. We recommend the Artichoke tempura with aioli or the crab salad with mango and avocado. If you’re looking for an excellent summer wine recommendation? There’s no one better than the wine experts at 28°-50°, so better get booking and fast.
Michelin Starred Chef Atul Kochhar’s colourful contemporary Indian restaurant Kanishka has reopened in Mayfair and we can’t wait to make our return. It offers an unconventional menu that uses seasonal British ingredients to showcase the unexplored cuisine of North East India’s ‘Sister States,’. Highlights include Lake District lamb patties, New Forest venison and Kentish goat. The restaurant has also been updated with a new outside bar, where guests can enjoy Cobra beers, wines, and spirits.
Flour & Grape, the Bermondsey restaurant famous for its delicious, yet affordable and authentic pasta and wine, has launched Flour & Grape At Home, giving Londoners the chance to recreate their favourite dishes in the comfort of their own home. The move to create an At Home range allows Flour & Grape to stand out even further amongst London pasta purveyors. The restaurants website will be live for pre-orders on Tuesday 28th July 2020.
Perfect for cosy date nights in, dinner parties or for simply savouring the pasta flavours and expertly matched wines from the comfort of a sofa, Flour & Grape is offering a selection of crowd-pleasing pasta dishes, as well as a bespoke selection of antipasti, scrumptious desserts and cocktails. Cocktails include the Bermondsey Grapefruit Americano (£12) and the Nectarine Negroni (£15), which both serve two people. The choice of products is designed to bring restaurant standard freshness and quality straight to every London home.
Each pasta dish can be paired with a specially chosen wine to help elevate the tasting experience. Choices range from a ‘posh Pinot Grigio’ to a delectable and ‘very gulpable’ Catarratto. With only regional Italian wines on the menu, the team at Flour & Grape are truly passionate about serving the best options and strive to feature more unusual choices at a reasonable price in order to make exciting flavours more accessible. The At Home range gives customers the confidence to sample different types of wines alongside their dishes, without breaking the bank.
Pasta dishes to cook up at home in less than ten minutes will be available to collect from the restaurant, or those who live within a five-mile radius of the pasta powerhouse can have it delivered straight to their door. Each kit includes everything needed to create the highest quality dish, including pasta made freshly that day, alongside sauce and parmesan, with step-by-step recipe cards so that lovers of the carb can enjoy hassle free indulgence.
With staying in being the new going out and many consumers still feeling cautious about returning to restaurants, as well as tables at Flour & Grape being like gold dust even on the quietest of days, the team is looking to recreate the tasty and indulgent experience at home. After months of experimenting, the restaurant has perfected the preparation process and have developed clever packaging, allowing the freshest ingredients to be delivered without compromising on taste. Flour & Grape uses only the finest ingredients and produce to ensure the best tasting and freshest flavours each time. Dishes are also affordable as well as delicious, starting from only £7.
Founder and trained chef Nick Crispini commented: “Flour & Grape Pasta At Home has been something we were looking to develop long before lockdown – so it was imperative we got it exactly right rather than rushing to get something over the line. This is very much a long-term shift in our business model rather than a stop-gap response to the pandemic. With many consumers staying in during this time, we are looking to bring the experience of eating out to their door.”
The menu features a range of Flour & Grape’s most iconic pasta dishes, including:
After (who knows how many) months of lockdown, three postponed destination weddings and one cancelled romantic getaway (with my better half), to say I was excited when I was invited to review the cheeky London outpost of Mama Shelter in Hackney, is an understatement! It’s been on my bucket list for some time and it didn’t disappoint.
On arrival, I was instantly greeted by all of the things that helped propel Mama Shelter as one of the world’s leading hotel brands: bombastic décor, welcoming and knowledgeable staff and of course, incredible location in London’s culture hub of Hackney. Needless to say, it offered a more subdued version of its usual self, but that’s fair given it now has to operate in a COVID-19 world, but they still did well to retain the playful personality it’s known and loved for. This included the team’s mandatory face masks, each emblazoned with its own unique mouth design (tongue out, lip biting, smiling with braces) turning a dull and restrictive item into a fun and desirable accessory.
The overall style of the played on its location in the heart of trendy east end with a mixture of mid-century and vintage furnishing throughout. The ground floor was a kaleidoscope of colours with a mish-mash of lampshades, long tables (which also double-up as great workspace), booths and chalkboard ceilings, along with an open plan kitchen. The Greenhouse, where I was met by their resident mixologist trying out new concoctions, was airy and bright with a retractable roof – a perfect space for dining with friends and drinking cocktails al-fresco. In winter, I can imagine it also offers a cosy alternative.
My room was 70’s inspired with playful little touches, including a novel corner booth with lush velvet emerald green cushions, super comfy bedding and perfectly proportioned (and very well lit bathroom). The room also had a great view over the old gasworks synonymous with nearby Regents Canal. And of course, it wouldn’t be a stay with Mama without their lovely selection of Mama Organic Skin Range (along with their suggestive namesakes, ‘Mama wants to cream you up’).
My beautiful room overlooking the famous gasworks on Regent’s Canal
After unpacking and freshening up, I headed to the Greenhouse for dinner. The (paperless QR) menu offers generous family-style dishes with some Turkish influences. My favourites: the burrata with borlotti beans, golden raising and gremolata and the simple (but delicious) cured sea trout with heritage beetroot, horseradish and lime. For the main, I devoured the Chicken Za’atar with harissa yoghurt, pickled cucumber and pistachio. The downstairs space and Greenhouse would also make a great brunch spot – the fluffy American pancakes were incredible! – with your friends or family and ideally located for exploring the area after.
As a former Hackney resident, I know the neighbourhood well and I couldn’t recommend it enough for readers looking to discover a new part of London or just fancied a fun night out without the hassle of getting a taxi home later. The hotel is perfectly placed between bustling Broadway Market (for lazy Saturday mornings) and Columbia Road (the infamous flower market runs on Sunday’s) and about a 15 minutes walk from Shoreditch High Street, offering endless art galleries, contemporary furniture and clothing stores and live music venues (although this is on pause for the time being).
Mama normally offers an unmissable program of events (currently on hold due to government guidelines) which has helped it to create a great sense of community among locals. Downstairs, Japanese-style karaoke rooms – they often host drag karaoke nights – are decked out with pinball machines, retro video games and classic 50s-style microphones and are available to hire for groups. Guests can also create personal souvenirs of their Mama Shelter experience with the photo and video booths, via the brand’s social platforms.
My first Mama experience was in Paris for my birthday a while back. It was one of their first hotels – Mama Shelter East – and I remember thinking then that it was ahead of its time, offering an affordable boutique hotel experience with all the trimmings you’d expect from a five-star hotel: great food, buzzing atmosphere, service and modern design (but without the hefty price tag).
The Mama Shelter journey started in 2008 with the launch of Mama Paris East. Founded by the Trigano family – co-Founder of Club Med – and world-renowned designer Philippe Starck, Mama Shelter believed in launching in lesser-known, ‘out of the way’ neighbourhoods in iconic cities, allowing guests to discover new creative corners with Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro, Belgrade, Prague and Toulouse soon added to the group’s portfolio. Today, MAMA’s international footprint continues to grow, with hotel openings in Lille and Paris West this year, and properties in Luxembourg, Dubaï, Santiago de Chile, Lisbon and further locations set to open by 2022.
It was lovely to see Mama’s managed to retain her charm even after global domination.
To celebrate their reopening, Mama London is offering stays from as little as £49* per night. The only condition is that you have dinner in their restaurant or via room service – seems fair to me!
The Different Ways That Minced Beef Can Be Prepared
If a family or individual is looking for meat that is convenient, economical, and can be cooked in many different ways, then minced meat is an excellent option. Minced meat is easy and can be cooked quickly. Kids of all ages enjoy eating minced meat. If an individual is hosting a birthday party or some small event at their house, minced meat can be prepared in multiple different ways for guests to eat and enjoy. Minced meats are also one of the most used meats on a global level. The way that minced meat is made is by using a meat grinder which is also known as an electric mincer to chop meat trimmings into minced meat finely.
When it comes to preparing minced meat, most people think that minced meat is prepared best when it is fried. It is said that fried minced meat is more flavorful, and it takes about 5 minutes to prepare. If minced meat is fried properly some of the best dishes that they can be used for are chilli con Carne and shepherd’s pie. If the minced meat that you are planning to fry has been previously stored inside of the freezer, make sure that you defrost it thoroughly before preparing.
The proper way to prepare minced meat is to first put a small amount of oil into a hot pan along with your minced meat. Once the minced meat is starting to cook, you want to stir it frequently to make sure that it browns evenly and does not stick to the pan. Once the minced meat is brown on one side and you notice that a lot of juices are in the pan you can remove the liquid by using a strainer. After the liquid is removed, then the minced meat should be cooked and browned on the other side. The juices from the minced meat can be added to your meal as a sauce after everything is prepared.
Minced Beef the Mexican Way!
There are many different recipes and ways to prepare minced meat. One of the recipes is minced meat Mexican tacos if you want more visit website. The reason why Mexican tacos are an excellent choice for the uses of minced meat is that minced beef goes excellent with hard or soft taco shells. Individuals can also be very creative with the making of these tacos because they can’t be spiced up in many different types of ingredients to enhance the flavour and taste of the tacos.
Mexican tacos made with minced meat are a very quick and easy thing to do. Another great dish that can be made from minced meat is cottage pie, and if you would like to spice it up a bit, you can make Mexican cottage pie.
The Mexican cottage pie that was made out of minced meat was actually first done by a travelling filmmaker who was in Mexico City by the name of Kylie. She has a YouTube video that can show an individual step by step how to make Mexican cottage pie from minced meat.
Beef ragout with rigatoni
Another great meal that can be prepared with minced meat is beef ragout with rigatoni. Beef ragout with rigatoni is simply a remake or a small twist on the original spag bol. What makes beef ragout with rigatoni and the original spag bol different is that beef ragout with rigatoni has more nutrients and flavour. As you can see, there are many ways that minced meat can be prepared. There are also many different recipes that use minced meat in general or for the enhancement of a dish.
Even though most individuals prefer minced meat to be fried and brown, there are other ways that it can be prepared as well. To find out more about the ways to prepare minced meat, it is just a simple Google search.
Lockdown is relaxing and people are getting more comfortable about venturing outside the house – but perhaps you’re still avoiding the shops? Maybe you’ve grown accustomed to having your groceries delivery coming every week? Or maybe you switched from the generic supermarket brands to straight from the source and you can’t bear to go back?
Whatever the reason, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to get your meat, dairy, fruit and veg – whatever your kitchen cupboards need. If your fridge shelves are short of a few ingredients, we’ve got the best places for you to stock up; if you’re looking for restaurant-quality items, there are a few pantry shops of your favourite eateries of which you might want to make a note.
Odysea
Get your Greek (and Mediterranean in general) fix from Odysea Ltd. Scour the website to find a variety of kitchen cupboard ingredients, as well as a wide selection of wines, meze dips, breads and much more. Indulge in the rarer Greek cheeses (as well as the classic feta) and stock up on quality olive oils and sauces. If you’re a vinegar snob, you’ll be in your element sifting through this site, as well as checking out the different bottles of molasses, such as pomegranate, carob, grape and date. Don’t miss out on the meze dip selections too; we’re drooling over the red pepper and feta and the aubergine tubs.
Back to the Butcher
Lake District Farmers
The only danger with ordering from Lake District Farmers is that once you’ve had this quality of meat, going back to the supermarket will be something you’re going to be less inclined to do. The size, colour and quality of all of the meats is impeccable. Pork chops that get a not so porky person enjoying every mouthful? These guys have got to be doing something right. Enjoy tasty Cumberland sausages, succulent lamb chops and streaky bacon. You can choose pre-put together boxes, focusing on beef, steak, BBQ or essentials, as well building your own box and choose from various quality cuts of beef, pork, lamb and chicken.
HG Walter
Bored of the meat selection at the supermarket? Or you simply are just avoiding it despite lockdown restrictions relaxing? Either way, HG Walter could be your one-stop shop for all things meaty. A family-run butchers which is one of London’s most respected, supplying to some of the best restaurants in the city such as The River Café and Kricket. Enjoy the ‘à la carte’ option, choosing your preferred cuts or opt for one of the pre-selected boxes such as the Meat Survival Kit or the BBQ Box. HG Walter offer everything from pork to poultry; veal to venison. It’s all there.
CasaCosta
Restauranteur Roberto Costa has launched CasaCosta, which will allow you to get the best ingredients used in an Italian kitchen to your home. Known for heading up Macellaio RC, the artisan steak spot, Costa is focusing on home delivery given the current situation. Ensuring that your kitchen cupboards and fridge are well stocked with the likes of Fassona beef, a favourite of Roberto’s throughout his career, as well as other quality, approved chicken, lamb and sausages. Make space in your larder for an array of charcuterie, fresh bread, pasta and sauces, as well as essentials like eggs, flour, bacon, balsamic, cheese and other dairy products. Don’t forget the fruit and vegetables and there’s even freshly made pizzas, focaccia and pesto for you to feast on. Indulge in classic dishes on the days you don’t want to cook, such as lasagna, cannelloni, polpette and parmigiana. Everything comes in environmentally-friendly packaging which can be reused and recycled, thanks to Woolcool.
Fish to Your Door
Even without Covid, the local Sainsbury’s Local and Tesco Express house few options when it comes to fish. Unless you’re after the basic cod and salmon; perhaps some haddock and prawns if you’re feeling ‘fancy’, it’s hard to get adventurous with the smaller supermarkets. Whether you’re after a wider variety or if you’re also someone who is still wary of going to your local shop under the current circumstances, Fish to Your Door could be the answer for you. A family-run business, having been operating out of Sussex for over 25 years, find the likes of turbot, squid and clams on the website – as well as much more. Buying the majority of their fish directly from local fisherman, they are proud to support these coastal communities and stock responsibly-sourced fish. Shop dover sole, crab and swordfish individually or take advantage of the Family Fish Boxes, which range from £30 to £50, depending on how much you’re planning to stock in the freezer.
Pale Green Dot
Fruit and vegetables are a little trickier to order online, during a regular supermarket delivery. You’re most likely to realise you need things before the online order arrives – or you risk over-ordering in the greens department and having things go off before you’ve had a chance to use them in your new career as a quarantine chef. This is where Pale Green Dot comes in: not only are you getting fruit and vegetables that are supplied to some of the best restaurants in the UK but order before 8pm and you’ll get your box the next day. Pale Green Dot sells a variety of fruit and vegetable boxes, as well as meat, dairy and cheese and boxes by cuisine. Prices start from £15 for fruit and vegetables and go up to £60 for meat. You can also organise weekly subscriptions so you never are stuck short of produce again.
Wolf & Lamb
In partnership with artisan producers, offering top quality produce, Wolf and Lamb delivery service means you can access fresh produce directly at home. No need to go to the shop or trek a little further to your favourite local shop as Wolf and Lamb includes a selection of fruit, vegetables, meat, pasta, deli and dairy products from independent specialists such as The Cheese Merchant, The Estate Dairy, Jones The Butcher and Brindisa. Customers can either curate their own boxes or choose from a pre-made bundle and have these delivered in 48 hours across London, within the M25 and in some parts of Essex and Hertfordshire. The cost of each bundle ranges from £20 to £39.50.
When you think of Belgium, you likely conjure images of waffles laden with toppings galore, glasses brimming with beer but, most importantly, chocolate! Yes, Belgium, famous for its many wonderful chocolateries, is a delight for all the senses when it comes to the sweet treat, and a trip there is sure to leave you licking your lips as you head home (hopefully with a bag of cocoa as a souvenir).
Alas, how did chocolate become Belgium’s ‘thing’? Well, it’s been a major industry over there since the 19th century and has since gained an international reputation for its produce being incredibly yummy, to put it simply! In the 17th century, explorers brought chocolate from South America when it was a sign of luxury. These wow-worthy beans were then used to rustle up steaming cups of hot chocolate in a bid to impress new visitors.
The raw materials used in chocolate production in Belgium are mostly produced in Africa, Central America and South America and using this moreish cocoa means we tourists get to taste chocolate like we’ve never tasted before. However, the eclectic, beautiful city that is Brussels, Belgium’s capital, has a tremendous array of chocolatiers, making it hard for us tourists to know where to search. So, for now, here are five of the best to get you started…
La Belgique Gourmande
If a simple bar of chocolate doesn’t quite cut the cloth then La Belgique Gourmande is likely your bag. This epic chocolatier looks like something from a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory movie and brings together all of the best Belgian artisan products into one spot. We’re talking pralines, almonds, waffles and more, oh and chocolate, of course!
The chocolate here is so delicious and boy is there a lot of it. You can even bag yourself a personalised vintage box to house your lip-smacking treats, and if it gets too filling then why not wash it all down with one of the 250 plus bottles of beer on offer.
Rue de l’Etuve 49-51, 1000 Brussels
Elisabeth
Elisabeth is quite the spot for some chocolate and there’s a real selection on offer at this Brussels bolthole. Wander inside and you’ll be transported to a shop abuzz with pots upon pots upon pots of chocolate, as well as same-day whipped meringues and fluffy marshmallow cakes.
You can delve into the finery of Brussels chocolate by feasting on the likes of chocolate coffee beans, chocolate spoons, praline bars and even bowls of chocolate flowers in milk, white and dark. And even if you’re stuffed, Elisabeth is so pretty and Instagrammable that you’ll be sure to get some snaps to tempt your appetite at a later date.
Boterstraat 43 Rue au Beurre, 1000 Brussels
Pierre Marcolini
This chocolatier uses some of the rarest chocolate beans and experimental flavours to create, well, miracle chocolate! You’ll find exquisite offerings including cardamom, passion fruit and liquorice.
Pierre Marcolini roasts coffee beans himself and packages them in the most beautiful boxes, meaning they’ll make sensational gifts for family or friends. If you’re visiting, give the chocolate tablets a try, £6, with classic flavours of milk and white chocolate for those erring away from experimental, to Sambirano Madagascar tablet and Cocoa flower tablet for those wanting to try something new.
Galerie de la Reine 21, 1000 Bruxelles
Chocolaterie Mary
Just over 100 years ago, something delicious evolved in Brussels, thanks to the creative passion of Mary Delluc, who opened her first chocolate shop on rue Royale, selling tea and bon bons. Heaven! Holding a Belgian Royal Warrant, since 1942, and with chocolates neatly presented in its iconic flower-patterned, or heart shaped boxes, the Chocolaterie Mary has an appreciated and esteemed level of craftmanship found inside.
Although situated throughout Belgium, the Brussels Mary chocolateries include Mary – Galarie de la Reine, Mary – Grand Place, Mary – Lombard, Mary – Royal and Mary – Toison d’Or. Walk your way around them all and the calories won’t stay on too long, whilst you snarf down a delicious day of chocky history!
73 Royalstreet, 1000 Brussels
Chocopolis
If you’ve toured Brussels but have surprisingly forgotten to buy your friends and family chocky box gifts, then fear not! Close to Central Station on Rue du Marché Aux, is the Chocopolis chocolate factory, opened in 2006. Don’t be put off if you see a large, scary elephant statue outside! Walk right in to this chic little palace of taste bud tantalisation, put your credit card into the card slot and treat all your loved ones to a box each of handmade delights.
This can easily be done with the Chocopolis promo bundles of Artisanal chocolates, or a few limited-edition wooden casks of tasty treats. Yes, it’s a bit pricey but it will keep you in favour (and flavour) for a century! You might have to miss your train to stay awhile here!
Moist sponge and a decadently thick layer of dark chocolate mousse, this cake to filling ratio is a game changer.
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
For the sponge:
115g self raising flour
115g caster sugar
115g cake margarine
2 medium eggs
2tsp cocoa mixed with 1tsp boiled water
For the filling:
200g dark chocolate
6 eggs, separated
25g caster sugar
Pinch of salt
For the topping: 200ml double cream
20g dark chocolate, grated
Method:
Preheat the oven to 160C/140C (fan)/gas mark 3. Grease and line two 15cm round cake tins in preparation.
Whisk together the baking margarine and caster sugar until pale and fluffy. Beat in the flour, 2 medium eggs, and cocoa until a smooth batter has formed.
Divide the batter between the two cake tins. Bake in the oven for 20-25 mins, or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Leave to cool completely.
Break the dark chocolate into squares. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl suspended over a pan of simmering water (being careful not to let the bowl touch the water). Set aside to cool.
Separate the egg whites and yolks into two bowls. Whisk the caster sugar into the egg yolks.
Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and whisk until soft peaks form.
Whisk the melted chocolate into the egg yolk mixture. Add the egg whites a third at a time, gently folding into the chocolate mixture to retain as much of the air as possible. Refrigerate for one hour.
Line a cake tin with a strip of greaseproof paper. Place one of the cakes at the bottom of the tin. Add the mousse and top with the second cake. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
Whip the double cream until firm peaks form. Remove the cake from the tin and paper. Top the cake with the whipped cream and chocolate shavings. In the unlikely event of having any left over, refrigerate and consume within 2 days.
With restaurants across the UK set to open for business tomorrow and over the next week, one might wonder if the DIY food kits our favourite eateries had been offering might become obsolete. However, the home cooking kits remain to stay for the time being – which is excellent news for anyone who is shielding or does not feel comfortable dining out at restaurants just yet. Plus, is it just us who has enjoyed a few extra nights in recently? DIY home cooking kits allow you to get the best your favourite restaurants have to offer while eating at home in your pyjamas (or dress up for date night, your choice).
So many restaurants are offering these home cooking kits so if what you’re craving isn’t on this list, it’s always worth checking the restaurants’ websites and social media pages as it has been a great way of keeping Londoners fed well (and as they are used to!), as well as making sure ingredients don’t go to waste. But for the time being, we’ve got you covered for kits ranging from burgers to pizza; ramen to curry night.
Quo Vadis At Home
Don’t fret about not being able to dine at Quo Vadis amidst rumours of Tier 3 hitting London, thanks to the at-home menu chef proprietor Jeremy Lee, head chef Doug Sims and their team have created. Celebrating the same seasonal, British produce, this menu has been specifically designed to give Quo Vadis fans their fix, with delightful dishes that require the slightest bit of ‘finishing off’ at home. Hey, see this as your moment to take a bit of credit for the meal you’re about to devour. The menu includes baked salsify and parmesan to start; a choice between cured salmon with pickled cucumbers, mustard and dill or goose and pork rilettes with pickled figs and cornichons (our vote!) before moving onto the main course where you can choose between the classic turkey and bacon pie (that, quite frankly, has us drooling over our keyboard) and winter vegetable cannelloni – both served with a choice of mash or broccoli. Don’t forget dessert now: there’s a real Sophie’s choice here with options including an almond tart with berries, custard and cream or Quo Vadis’ own recipe St Emilion au chocolat. As we’re nearing Christmas, there’s another pudding to pick from: Jeremy’s figgy pudding – with plenty of sherry and brandy to accompany, don’t you worry. Well, we’ve let you know about dinner, you just have to choose.
Cost: £95 for two people.
El Pastor Taco Party
‘Tacos to go’ is music to our ears but to learn that you can also enjoy a Mexican feast at home, courtesy of El Pastor is the exactly the news we needed. The Taco Party by London’s beloved Mexican restaurant is aptly named as it includes, the chips (or totopos) with guacamole; a choice of the divine tuna tostadas or the chicken tinga; one of the sharing plates El Pastor serves: Al Pastor, Short Rib or the Yucatan classic Cochinita Pibil. Enjoy esquites or frijoles refritos on the side, the trio of salsas and copious tortillas to create your delicious tacos. Wash it down with their classic – and dangerous! – margaritas and mezcals, as well as beer and wine being available to add on to your order. If you’re in London, you can receive this all ready to eat – or for those with a longer delivery time, you can ‘finish’ the dishes at home, whereby a little reheating is required – and that’s what those chips, guacamole and margaritas are there for as you do this.
Dishoom Breakfast Naans
Everyone’s favourite breakfast sandwich is now available at home. Dishoom has joined the ranks of restaurants creating DIY kits to recreate your much-loved and missed meals at your favourite eateries in the comfort of your own home. Does anyone get anything other than the breakfast naan when dining at Dishoom in the morning? We definitely don’t. But now you can make your own breakfast naans – choosing between the classic bacon (adding an egg, if you wish) or opting for the new vegan sausage naan. We tried both and both are delicious. We couldn’t choose and we don’t think anyone should have to. One of the more fairly priced DIY kits, these breakfast naan packages come with all of the ingredients and both written instructions and links to a video online. Dishoom is even kind enough to give you an extra doughball – in case your first try doesn’t go exactly to plan. Find all the condiments – cream cheese, tomato chilli jam, coriander – the works – included, as well as loose-leaf Darjeeling tea, chai spices and fresh ginger slices for brewing everyone’s favourite Masala Chai. It’s not bottomless but it does the trick. What’s even better is that even though this is a DIY kit, Dishoom still makes its donation to Magic Breakfast as if you were dining in the restaurant.
Crazy Pizza Tiramisu Kit
Bring some Italian indulgence to your kitchen with Crazy Pizza’s ‘At Home Tiramisu’ kit. Available in both kids and adult version, this homemade dessert kit features Savoiardi fingers biscuits, quality grade coffee, a pre-piped bag of vanilla cream and rich cocoa powder. Bring the magic of Crazy Pizza home with an apron and sieve to ensure that your tiramisu dessert is as perfect as the restaurant’s. So easy to make, the tiramisu involves soaking the biscuits in coffee goodness, layering over the vanilla cream – before leaving in the fridge for half an hour. Remove and sprinkle over rich cocoa powder and grab a spoon – or two.
Cost: Kids kit – £28 / Adult kit – £30
Spicebox Vegan Curry Box
Spicebox At Home gives you and your family an entire box of ingredients needed to make the perfect plant-based curry in the comfort of your own home. The box comes with instructions, meaning in just 60 minutes, your family feast will be sorted. There are two options to choose from; the Tikka Masala and the Korma and it wouldn’t be a proper curry night if the boxes weren’t complete with naan bread, kachoris and samosas. The Tikka Masala box is great for anyone who loves cauliflower and peppers while the Korma option offers sweet potato, mushrooms and cannellini beans. Each box comes with a step-by-step recipe card but there are videos on Spicebox’s website as well, if you prefer a cook-along vibe. All that’s left to do is get creative with the curry sauces, chutneys and building your own curry. It’s a hard choice so maybe Tikka Masala this week and Korma the next?
Cost: £39.95 for six people.
Eat Crudo DIY Bowls
There are certain meals that sometimes feel a little trickier to recreate at home and ceviche is one of them. However it’s actually quite simple – if you have the right ingredients. The team at Crudo Cevicheria has come up with DIY crudo bowls to enjoy Aguachile in your home – or garden, if this weather keeps going strong. Aguachile is Crudo’s shrimp ceviche dish but you can also select a sea bass option online (they also have sea bass, salmon and a vegan option if you’re looking to eat in or take away). The kits include shrimp (or sea bass), Mexicana Leche de Tigre (ceviche sauce), quinoa, salad, corn chips and jalapeños to create and enjoy this refreshing dish at home. What we love about it is how quick it is to make – so your tummy won’t have to rumble for long!
Cost: £18 for two people, £34 for four.
Crudo has also just launched a Pisco Sour DIY kit – right in time for National Pisco Sour Day. Mark your calendars for 6th February and order your kit now so you can celebrate the occasion properly. Since we’re likely to be in lockdown for a bit longer, who could say no to this delicious and popular cocktail in the comfort of your own home?! The Pisco Sour kit contains everything you need to make the perfect drink; pisco, lime juice, egg whites, Angostura bitters, sugar syrup, passion fruit syrup – the works. There’s even canca corn snacks so you can nibble on something tasty as you knock back a few. Cocktail glasses are option as well, if you’re looking to emulate the full bar experience.
Who hasn’t been craving their favourite burger during lockdown? Luckily, if you’re not keen to go out to eat at restaurants, the best burger spots are still offering their DIY food kits so you can enjoy a good burger at home. Perk’d Up is no exception with their build-your-own-burger kits (BYOB has an entirely different meaning, right now!) Currently only available for delivery to London postcodes, those living in the capital can sink their teeth into a classic cheeseburger, the brand’s signature Espresso Jam burger or even a plant-based patty. The cheeseburger DIY kits come with mince to make your patties, brioche buns, burger cheese slices, Wagyunnaise sauce and crispy onions – although you’ll have to source your own lettuce and any other salad or garnish you might enjoy in your burger. If you’ve gone for the Espresso Jam food kit, you can enjoy streaky bacon and Espresso plum jam too. It’s whisky butter mayonnaise for the plant-based burgers – it’s important to note that this option is vegetarian but not vegan. We’ll take one of each kit, please.
Cost: £30 for four burgers.
Polú Poké Ramen Kit
If you’ve been missing poké or ramen during the lockdown and still don’t want to venture to a restaurant, Polú’ Poké is your go-to for creating the delicious dishes at home. The DIY food kits include all the ingredients you need to make a refreshing bowl of poké or steaming bowl of ramen at home. You’ll be sorted with pickles, marinades, seasonings and fish for a high quality, sustainable poké. If you’re a ramen-lover, enjoy a 12-hour slow roast Chashu pork belly, fresh handmade noodles and garnishes such as chillies, sweetcorn and spring onion – as well as a ramen egg with which to top off the bowl of comfort.
Cost: £20 for two people.
Al Dente
Our favourite Fitzrovia-based pastificio has launched its own DIY kits so you can create its much-loved pasta dishes at home. Customers can choose from four options: a classic Carbonara dish; the Amatriciana (with guanciale, pecorino cheese from Amatrice and tomato); a truffle ravioli and the restaurant’s best-selling special dish: broccoli and sausage pasta. These kits can be picked up from the restaurant or you can order via Deliveroo. The traditional pasta place is, indeed, open again for bookings but if you’re still spending time at home, you don’t have to miss out on a delicious dinner.
Cost: £18-22, depending on choice of pasta, for two people.
Dirty Bones x Dirty Vegan
Craving your NYC-inspired comfort food but not ready to go into Central London for it? Not to worry; Dirty Bones has launched its Dirty at Home DIY kits to cook your favourite dishes at home. Not only can you enjoy the classic Mac Daddy burger (complete with mac ‘n’ cheese and pulled rib short rib) and lamb fries, you can also opt to ‘get down and dirty’, with a pouch of an Old Fashioned cocktail – and a condom is even included. Vegans don’t have to turn away either as the restaurant’s collaboration with Dirty Vegan (which launched in February earlier this year), means you can get your hands on the Dirty Vegan DIY kit too, featuring plant-based chilli cheeseburgers.
Cost: Mac Daddy Kit for four people: £25; Dirty Vegan Chilli Cheeseburger Kit for four people; £25; Get Down and Dirty Kit for two people: £35; Lamb Fries kit: £10.
Arabica Falafel Wraps
Create one of Arabica’s most iconic dishes with their DIY falafel wrap kit. Falafel is one of those things that makes a great snack or main course; fitting into a sandwich or alongside a bowl of couscous. Arabica’s classic mix of chickpeas, broad beans, onions, sweet peppers, garlic, green chilli and fresh herbs and spices is packed full of flavour and simply requires building on the flatbread, alongside the included chopped salad, crunchy pickles, chilli and tahini dressings. Best enjoyed on the same day you make the falafel out of the restaurant’s mix, the question remains: will you ever be able to eat store-bought falafel again?
Cost: £20 for five wraps.
Passyunk Avenue Philly Cheesesteak
Another American food you might be craving is the famous Philadelphia cheesesteak. Thanks to Passyunk, you can enjoy one of its LOVEbundles – which includes everything you need to make your own iconic sandwich. The bundle kits will ensure you’re fully prepared with prime rib eye steak, homemade Wiz Cheese sauce (it is said to be to a cheesesteak what mayonnaise is to a BLT), chopped onions and, of course, a hoagie roll (no cutting corners when it comes to this DIY sandwich creation). If a Philly cheesesteak doesn’t take your fancy, there are also DIY kits for Buffalo wings; steak and wings; and hoagie and wings to enjoy at home too.
Cost: Cheesesteak LOVEbundle kit £32.99 for four people, £42.99 for six; other bundle kits available from £19.99.
The Ninth Truffle Pasta
Chef Jun Tanaka’s The Ninth At Home will feature a DIY truffle pasta kit – in addition to some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. Truffle pasta is a classic favourite for most of us and is the perfect measure of lockdown luxury – if you’re still avoiding dining out but don’t want to miss out on the chance to indulge. While we’ve been in lockdown, people seem to have developed their chef skills but there are certain dishes signature to restaurants that we have all been guilty of craving. The kit includes freshly made Conchiglie pasta, 10g of Australian winter truffle, truffle velouté, egg yolk and parmesan, so everything you need to make that bowl of cheesy, truffle goodness you’ve been craving.
Cost: £38.
Rudy’s Vegan Diner
Craving something plant-based this lockdown? Rudy’s Vegan Diner has launched its DIY delivery kits, featuring four of its favourite meals – ready for you to cook/assemble at home. Chef Matthew Foster’s recipes will be easily recreated in the comfort of your own kitchen, witht he kits featuring Rudy’s Reuben, the Dirty Burger, the Grilled Chick’n Caesar Burger and the Broccoli Mac ‘n’ Cheeze. We opted to try the classic Reuben, which came complete with a whole loaf of rye bread, vegan pastrami, sliced cheeze, pickles, sauerkraut, grilled and crispy onion and Russian and creamy ‘cheese’ dressings – allowing us to pile high a fair few sandwiches! Every kit comes with the necessary ingredients, as well as a recipe card so you know exactly what to do. If you’re feeling a little out of depth, there’s also a QR code which takes you straight to Rudy’s YouTube channel for a cook-along with Chef Matthew. As if this vegan DIY goodness wasn’t enough, £1 from every box sold is donated to Friend Farm Animal Sanctuary; a long-time partner of Rudy’s.
Costs: £18.
Shuk Via Plateaway
Plateaway launched in July 2020 and now hosts a wide range of restaurant partners, all offering DIY kits of their meals to make at home. We tried Shuk, an Israeli-style pita stall, offering its fish tagine, spiced lamb meatball or sabich (roasted aubergine) sandwiches on the Plateaway website. All kits include all the ingredients needed to create your delicious pita pocket, including sauces like harissa and tahini and garnishes, such as coriander; mint and dill. A full set of instructions comes with each kit so you’re in safe hands when building your sandwich and if you listen carefully, you’ll be almost able to hear the buzz of Borough Market.
If you’re looking for recipe boxes to make cooking at home easy but don’t fancy the subscription, look no further than The Cookaway. A particularly good choice for those trying to cut down on meat, there are a lot of vegan and vegetarian recipe boxes (along with meat and pescatarian options) and the boxes are available for delivery across the UK. Perfect for home chefs wanting to expand their repertoire, every recipe box in The Cookaway’s Healthy range has been created by chef May Simpkin and is deemed healthy but delicious. May has a Masters in Personalised Nutition and has worked with hundreds of clients, supporting them develop healthy eating habits. We tried the jackfruit stew – which is a great meal choice for anyone new to cutting down on meat, given jackfruit’s texture – with Italian-style couscous and chickpea and green bean salad. It’s a hearty selection that will keep you full and free from snacking later on in the day/evening.
