The World's Largest Salad
Pulpi, in the Almeria province of Spain has entered the record books for having tossed the world's largest salad.
It contained 6,700kg of vegetables, and took 20 chefs over three hours to prepare it.
The salad was prepared in a container 18m (59ft) long and 4.8m (15.7ft) wide.
The salad was distributed to restaurants in Pulpi, to provide free to their clients, Mr Navarro told reporters.
Showing posts with label vegetables. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vegetables. Show all posts
Monday, October 01, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
World's Largest Soup
World's Largest Soup
Following on from Edinburgh's largest bowl of porridge, Venezuela have claimed the world record on Saturday for making the largest pot of soup; a giant cauldron of stew, prepared by President Hugo Chavez's government.
The soup was prepared outdoors in downtown Caracas, and contained about 3,960 gallons of "sancocho" stew. The current record-holder listed on the Guinness World Records Web site, a pot of 1,413 gallons of spicy soup prepared in Durango, Mexico, in July.
The soup, called "Bolivarian stew", was enough to feed 60,000 to 70,000 people.
It contained 6,600 pounds of chicken, 4,400 pounds of beef and tons of vegetables.
Following on from Edinburgh's largest bowl of porridge, Venezuela have claimed the world record on Saturday for making the largest pot of soup; a giant cauldron of stew, prepared by President Hugo Chavez's government.
The soup was prepared outdoors in downtown Caracas, and contained about 3,960 gallons of "sancocho" stew. The current record-holder listed on the Guinness World Records Web site, a pot of 1,413 gallons of spicy soup prepared in Durango, Mexico, in July.
The soup, called "Bolivarian stew", was enough to feed 60,000 to 70,000 people.
It contained 6,600 pounds of chicken, 4,400 pounds of beef and tons of vegetables.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Restaurant 7 Portes
Restaurant 7 Portes
Paseig Isabel II
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 319 30 33
Website www.7portes.com
Overview
Whilst Eva and I were on holiday in Spain we took the opportunity to study the hotel guidebook of recommended restaurants, and Eva came across the Restaurant 7 Portes.
Here is how they describe themselves on their website:
"Originally called "Cafe de les 7 Portes", this establishment opened in 1836. Its over 150 years of excellence since then have made today's "Restaurant de les 7 Portes" the most classic of Barcelona's eating-places. It is housed in the "Portics d'en Xifre", a building declared a national monument that was, incidentally, the first place in Barcelona where running water was installed and the back drop for the first photograph ever taken in Spain, In 1942, it became the property of Paco Parellada, founder of one of the fore most dynasties of restaurateurs in all of Catalonia.
At "7 Portes", any time without interruption from one in the afternoon to one in the morning every day of the year, you can enjoy the finest Catalan cooking in an intimate setting or in one of the spacious banquet halls, accompanied by Spain's best wines and "cavas" (sparking wines) from the well-stocked cellar."
With a write up like that we simply had to go along and try it out for ourselves.
By the way, the list of famous diners is quite entertaining eg; Bo Derek, John Wayne and Yoko Ono have all dined there.
Ambience
We went along on a Friday evening, rather boldly without booking. We were a tad concerned on arriving to see that there was a queue of people waiting outside the restaurant, being marshaled by a doorman and head waiter. The restaurant, as could be seen through the window, was very large but also very full. The question dominating our thoughts was whether we would get in or not.
Within two minutes of arriving in the queue, the head waiter appeared and took our names and placed them on a list. Less than five minutes later, he came out again and called us to a table.
Excellent!
Quite clearly the flow through of people, and size of the restaurant means that waiting times are not at all excessive. The additional plus point being that 7 Portes is open until 1:00. However, I would recommend that if you are in a large group you make a reservation, just to be on the safe side.
The 7 Portes has a number of private dining rooms (accommodating from between 2 to 70 people) and the main public dining room, which is fashioned in the style of a grand Victorian cafe. Absolutely delightful, bright, cheerful, stylish and full of energy and life. Cafe style dining of the "old school".
The tables were laid with linen clothes and napkins, and the waiters dressed in the white uniforms reminiscent of ships' stewards. All adding to the atmosphere.
Menu
The menu offered a magnificent selection of Catalan dishes including; ham, "Esqueixada" (salt cod salad), cannelloni, salt cod fritters, Black rice Emporda style (with cuttle-fish and its ink), paella, Senyor Cortina's oven-baked langoustines, black or white sausage with haricot beans, roast suckling pig, roast shoulder of kid etc.
The portions were of the hearty variety, I am pleased to say.
I was therefore quite concerned to observe the English gentleman on the table next to us, meandering around a most excellent and succulent sirloin steak in a most unsatisfactory manner. This place is not for people with poor, unhealthy appetites.
Service
The service was absolutely first class, efficient, friendly and polite. As already noted, we were handled very professionally at the door even though we had not made a reservation. Our waitress was absolutely delightful, complementing me on my incredibly poor grasp of the basics of the Spanish language (yes, I am easily flattered).
She was also very helpful with regard to Eva's special request for a paella without seafood but with some chicken, this was no problem at all (even though it wasn't on the menu).
Full marks, we couldn't have had better service.
Food
I started with the cannelloni, which was made in the "Spanish way" with pork. I have to say, this was a delightful starter; a good sized portion of pork mince flavoured with herbs, rolled in pasta bathed (not drowned) in a light bechamel sauce.
Splendid!
I chose the roast shoulder of kid for my main course. This was heaven on a plate. A truly magnificent joint of meat was presented to me, slow cooked so that the meat fell off the bone but cooked in manner that the meat was not dry. It had been infused with rosemary, which complimented and brought out the flavour of the kid magnificently. It came with saute potatoes and assorted vegetables.
I thoroughly recommend this dish.
Eva chose the Torronada for her starter. This was rather a jolly dish consisting of fried egg and ham, served atop a mound of fried mashed potato. I thought this rather reminiscent of an English breakfast, which in my view often makes rather a good starter for dinner.
Eva then had the specially made paella, which was a vegetable based paella with chicken pieces. It was both filling and flavoursome, a nice version of paella if you or your stomach is a little tired of seafood.
The meal, including a bottle of Torres Del Veguer, came to 93Euros.
Overall Opinion
In our view this is one of the best restaurants we have dined, in whilst in Barcelona. It has everything that you could could wish for; ambience, good service, good food and energy.
Under no circumstances miss out on the opportunity of dining there, if you ever have the good fortune to be visiting Barcelona.
We most certainly will be coming back!
Paseig Isabel II
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 319 30 33
Website www.7portes.com
Overview
Whilst Eva and I were on holiday in Spain we took the opportunity to study the hotel guidebook of recommended restaurants, and Eva came across the Restaurant 7 Portes.
Here is how they describe themselves on their website:
"Originally called "Cafe de les 7 Portes", this establishment opened in 1836. Its over 150 years of excellence since then have made today's "Restaurant de les 7 Portes" the most classic of Barcelona's eating-places. It is housed in the "Portics d'en Xifre", a building declared a national monument that was, incidentally, the first place in Barcelona where running water was installed and the back drop for the first photograph ever taken in Spain, In 1942, it became the property of Paco Parellada, founder of one of the fore most dynasties of restaurateurs in all of Catalonia.
At "7 Portes", any time without interruption from one in the afternoon to one in the morning every day of the year, you can enjoy the finest Catalan cooking in an intimate setting or in one of the spacious banquet halls, accompanied by Spain's best wines and "cavas" (sparking wines) from the well-stocked cellar."
With a write up like that we simply had to go along and try it out for ourselves.
By the way, the list of famous diners is quite entertaining eg; Bo Derek, John Wayne and Yoko Ono have all dined there.
Ambience
We went along on a Friday evening, rather boldly without booking. We were a tad concerned on arriving to see that there was a queue of people waiting outside the restaurant, being marshaled by a doorman and head waiter. The restaurant, as could be seen through the window, was very large but also very full. The question dominating our thoughts was whether we would get in or not.
Within two minutes of arriving in the queue, the head waiter appeared and took our names and placed them on a list. Less than five minutes later, he came out again and called us to a table.
Excellent!
Quite clearly the flow through of people, and size of the restaurant means that waiting times are not at all excessive. The additional plus point being that 7 Portes is open until 1:00. However, I would recommend that if you are in a large group you make a reservation, just to be on the safe side.
The 7 Portes has a number of private dining rooms (accommodating from between 2 to 70 people) and the main public dining room, which is fashioned in the style of a grand Victorian cafe. Absolutely delightful, bright, cheerful, stylish and full of energy and life. Cafe style dining of the "old school".
The tables were laid with linen clothes and napkins, and the waiters dressed in the white uniforms reminiscent of ships' stewards. All adding to the atmosphere.
Menu
The menu offered a magnificent selection of Catalan dishes including; ham, "Esqueixada" (salt cod salad), cannelloni, salt cod fritters, Black rice Emporda style (with cuttle-fish and its ink), paella, Senyor Cortina's oven-baked langoustines, black or white sausage with haricot beans, roast suckling pig, roast shoulder of kid etc.
The portions were of the hearty variety, I am pleased to say.
I was therefore quite concerned to observe the English gentleman on the table next to us, meandering around a most excellent and succulent sirloin steak in a most unsatisfactory manner. This place is not for people with poor, unhealthy appetites.
Service
The service was absolutely first class, efficient, friendly and polite. As already noted, we were handled very professionally at the door even though we had not made a reservation. Our waitress was absolutely delightful, complementing me on my incredibly poor grasp of the basics of the Spanish language (yes, I am easily flattered).
She was also very helpful with regard to Eva's special request for a paella without seafood but with some chicken, this was no problem at all (even though it wasn't on the menu).
Full marks, we couldn't have had better service.
Food
I started with the cannelloni, which was made in the "Spanish way" with pork. I have to say, this was a delightful starter; a good sized portion of pork mince flavoured with herbs, rolled in pasta bathed (not drowned) in a light bechamel sauce.
Splendid!
I chose the roast shoulder of kid for my main course. This was heaven on a plate. A truly magnificent joint of meat was presented to me, slow cooked so that the meat fell off the bone but cooked in manner that the meat was not dry. It had been infused with rosemary, which complimented and brought out the flavour of the kid magnificently. It came with saute potatoes and assorted vegetables.
I thoroughly recommend this dish.
Eva chose the Torronada for her starter. This was rather a jolly dish consisting of fried egg and ham, served atop a mound of fried mashed potato. I thought this rather reminiscent of an English breakfast, which in my view often makes rather a good starter for dinner.
Eva then had the specially made paella, which was a vegetable based paella with chicken pieces. It was both filling and flavoursome, a nice version of paella if you or your stomach is a little tired of seafood.
The meal, including a bottle of Torres Del Veguer, came to 93Euros.
Overall Opinion
In our view this is one of the best restaurants we have dined, in whilst in Barcelona. It has everything that you could could wish for; ambience, good service, good food and energy.
Under no circumstances miss out on the opportunity of dining there, if you ever have the good fortune to be visiting Barcelona.
We most certainly will be coming back!
Monday, August 06, 2007
Sedna
Sedna
Paseo Colon 5
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 268 9372
Website www.restaurantesedna.com
Overview
As noted earlier, Eva and I spent our summer vacation in Barcelona this year. Here is another place that we dined in during our time there in July.
We were ambling around late one evening and came across Sedna, which afforded us the opportunity to eat outside.
Restaurante Sedna is located on the ground floor of an 18th century building, that has been catalogued by UNESCO as Gothic Catalan art heritage. It is in front of Port Vell (Old Port) in the oldest part of the Barcelona sea facade, and is surrounded by monuments and historical buildings eg; the Colon's Monument (1888), the Church of La Merced (XII centure), the Duke of Medinaceli Place (1851), the Militar Government (1847), the Post Office Building (1927), the Via Layetana Street and the Palau Place.
It is, according to the restaurant website, the place where Don Miguel de Cervantes author of the novel Don Quijote de la Mancha went to write when he lived in Paseo Colon.
Sedna has both inside dining, for 45 persons, and outside dining for 52 persons in the terrace.
Ambience
Sedna was lively and busy, both in the terrace and inside, even though it was quite late (around 23:00).
The atmosphere was friendly, the terrace comfortable, pleasant and the tables laid with linen clothes.
Despite the fact that it was quite late, and that it was busy, there was no problem in finding a table and ordering a meal at a leisurely unhurried pace.
Menu
The menu offered a variety of Spanish dishes ranging from Tapas to main courses of meat, fish and paella. I would note that in contrast to some of the other restaurants that we visited the food, although Spanish, had been given more of an "international" twist in its presentation/style (ie more attention to presentation, and slightly less hearty than some other establishments).
The menu included such dishes as; goat's milk cheese & lettuce salad with honey and pine nuts vinaigrette, salad of mozarella bufala and pesto with tomatoes and small lettuces, Iberico cured ham, Magret of duck roasted with apples and Calvados, entrecote with small vegetables, ham croquettes, mussels vinaigrette style and grilled small blood sausages with onions etc.
Service
The service was very friendly, attentive and efficient; I could not fault it. Our waiter was happy to have chat with us about Barcelona and the food.
Food
I started with the Gazpacho soup, which was refreshing and piquant.
I chose the lamb for my main course. This consisted of four lamb cutlets served with vegetables and potatoes. The lamb was perfect, tender and succulent cooked just right. However, since I had been spoilt on my holiday, and had enjoyed some rather hearty portions of meat in other establishments, I couldn't help but feel that another couple of cutlets would have been in order. That, of course, is just me being greedy!
Eva opted for a selection of Tapas dishes that evening; croquettes, hams, chorizos and cheese. All of which were of good quality and fresh.
The meal, including a bottle of Vinasol, came to 91Euros.
Overall Opinion
Sedna is a good quality restaurant, located in a nice part of town. It is worth a visit should you happen to be in the area.
Paseo Colon 5
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 268 9372
Website www.restaurantesedna.com
Overview
As noted earlier, Eva and I spent our summer vacation in Barcelona this year. Here is another place that we dined in during our time there in July.
We were ambling around late one evening and came across Sedna, which afforded us the opportunity to eat outside.
Restaurante Sedna is located on the ground floor of an 18th century building, that has been catalogued by UNESCO as Gothic Catalan art heritage. It is in front of Port Vell (Old Port) in the oldest part of the Barcelona sea facade, and is surrounded by monuments and historical buildings eg; the Colon's Monument (1888), the Church of La Merced (XII centure), the Duke of Medinaceli Place (1851), the Militar Government (1847), the Post Office Building (1927), the Via Layetana Street and the Palau Place.
It is, according to the restaurant website, the place where Don Miguel de Cervantes author of the novel Don Quijote de la Mancha went to write when he lived in Paseo Colon.
Sedna has both inside dining, for 45 persons, and outside dining for 52 persons in the terrace.
Ambience
Sedna was lively and busy, both in the terrace and inside, even though it was quite late (around 23:00).
The atmosphere was friendly, the terrace comfortable, pleasant and the tables laid with linen clothes.
Despite the fact that it was quite late, and that it was busy, there was no problem in finding a table and ordering a meal at a leisurely unhurried pace.
Menu
The menu offered a variety of Spanish dishes ranging from Tapas to main courses of meat, fish and paella. I would note that in contrast to some of the other restaurants that we visited the food, although Spanish, had been given more of an "international" twist in its presentation/style (ie more attention to presentation, and slightly less hearty than some other establishments).
The menu included such dishes as; goat's milk cheese & lettuce salad with honey and pine nuts vinaigrette, salad of mozarella bufala and pesto with tomatoes and small lettuces, Iberico cured ham, Magret of duck roasted with apples and Calvados, entrecote with small vegetables, ham croquettes, mussels vinaigrette style and grilled small blood sausages with onions etc.
Service
The service was very friendly, attentive and efficient; I could not fault it. Our waiter was happy to have chat with us about Barcelona and the food.
Food
I started with the Gazpacho soup, which was refreshing and piquant.
I chose the lamb for my main course. This consisted of four lamb cutlets served with vegetables and potatoes. The lamb was perfect, tender and succulent cooked just right. However, since I had been spoilt on my holiday, and had enjoyed some rather hearty portions of meat in other establishments, I couldn't help but feel that another couple of cutlets would have been in order. That, of course, is just me being greedy!
Eva opted for a selection of Tapas dishes that evening; croquettes, hams, chorizos and cheese. All of which were of good quality and fresh.
The meal, including a bottle of Vinasol, came to 91Euros.
Overall Opinion
Sedna is a good quality restaurant, located in a nice part of town. It is worth a visit should you happen to be in the area.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Chinese Food Scare
Chinese Food Scare
Another food scare has hit the already badly dented reputation of Chinese food companies.
China's quality control watchdog found excessive amounts of preservatives in 13% of 46 chili products tested across the country recently.
The products came from 38 companies in 12 provinces and municipalities, including Beijing and Shanghai.
The administration also found that 8% of dried vegetables and dried fruits had failed safety tests, due mainly to excessive colour additives and the presence of sulphur dioxide.
China last month said it would tighten up inspections nationwide after a number of dangerous food products was found in domestic and export markets.
In one of the highest-profile cases, pet food contaminated by additives originating in China is suspected of killing thousands of dogs and cats in the United States.
Another food scare has hit the already badly dented reputation of Chinese food companies.
China's quality control watchdog found excessive amounts of preservatives in 13% of 46 chili products tested across the country recently.
The products came from 38 companies in 12 provinces and municipalities, including Beijing and Shanghai.
The administration also found that 8% of dried vegetables and dried fruits had failed safety tests, due mainly to excessive colour additives and the presence of sulphur dioxide.
China last month said it would tighten up inspections nationwide after a number of dangerous food products was found in domestic and export markets.
In one of the highest-profile cases, pet food contaminated by additives originating in China is suspected of killing thousands of dogs and cats in the United States.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Lilla Pakistan
Restaurant
Restaurant Lilla Pakistan
Sankt Eriksgatan 66
113 20 Stockholm
Sweden
Phone (46) (8) 30 56 46
Website www.lillapakistan.com
Overview
Stockholm has a paucity of good quality Indian/Pakistani restaurants, usually the food is too bland or the decor is that of a cold and uninviting cafe. After some considerable searching on the net, for anything resembling quality, Eva and I came across Restaurant Lilla Pakistan which we decided to try out a few weeks ago.
Lilla Pakistan was established in the early 1990's, and specialises in Pakistani food.
Ambience
Lilla Pakistan is a small, intimate restaurant with dark polished wooden tables, mirrors on the walls and a part open kitchen all of which contribute to a pleasant and inviting atmosphere.
Menu
The menu provided a good selection of Pakistani main courses; fish, meat, chicken and vegetables. However, there were only three appetisers to choose from.
Service
The service was professional and friendly, and advice was also on hand should we have needed it in respect of which wine to accompany our meal.
Food
I chose the Mezban Kae Teen Shorbe to start with. This consisted of 3 different types of soups seasoned with fresh herbs. The soups came in miniature bowls and were excellent. However, one was tomato soup and I would question as to what this really has to do with Pakistani cuisine.
Eva chose the Golshan Barre to start with. This is described on the menu as:
"Lentil dumplings soaked in yoghurt served with freshly chopped onions, tomatoes, chilies, herbs and chaat masala."
Quite honestly this was a complete disappointment, the dumplings were minuscule and hard to detect within the mound of chopped onions etc. Eva was not happy with her choice.
To our view, the appetiser section of the menu requires more attention in terms of choices of dishes on offer, and what actually goes into them.
Fortunately our main courses were better!
I chose the Zafrani Pasanda Fruita; which consisted of marinated tender chunks of lamb roast in a saffron gravy, garnished with fried fruits with ginger, roasted Pakistani pine kernels, with marinated cheese. This was first class, the meat was exceptional tender and flavoursome and was well complemented by the fruits and ginger.
Eva chose the Dahi Gosht for her main course. This was beef cooked in garam masala and yoghurt, a fine dish spicy and stimulating.
To accompany our meal we had Sabzi Ka Pakwan vegetables, potatoes baked with raisins,
fresh herbs and mushrooms; together with two nan breads and rice.
The meal, which included a bottle of sweet German wine, came to 1230SEK before tip.
Overall Opinion
A good quality Asian restaurant, one that Stockholm badly needs. However, as noted, we do feel that the appetisers need more work in terms of choice and content.
Restaurant Lilla Pakistan
Sankt Eriksgatan 66
113 20 Stockholm
Sweden
Phone (46) (8) 30 56 46
Website www.lillapakistan.com
Overview
Stockholm has a paucity of good quality Indian/Pakistani restaurants, usually the food is too bland or the decor is that of a cold and uninviting cafe. After some considerable searching on the net, for anything resembling quality, Eva and I came across Restaurant Lilla Pakistan which we decided to try out a few weeks ago.
Lilla Pakistan was established in the early 1990's, and specialises in Pakistani food.
Ambience
Lilla Pakistan is a small, intimate restaurant with dark polished wooden tables, mirrors on the walls and a part open kitchen all of which contribute to a pleasant and inviting atmosphere.
Menu
The menu provided a good selection of Pakistani main courses; fish, meat, chicken and vegetables. However, there were only three appetisers to choose from.
Service
The service was professional and friendly, and advice was also on hand should we have needed it in respect of which wine to accompany our meal.
Food
I chose the Mezban Kae Teen Shorbe to start with. This consisted of 3 different types of soups seasoned with fresh herbs. The soups came in miniature bowls and were excellent. However, one was tomato soup and I would question as to what this really has to do with Pakistani cuisine.
Eva chose the Golshan Barre to start with. This is described on the menu as:
"Lentil dumplings soaked in yoghurt served with freshly chopped onions, tomatoes, chilies, herbs and chaat masala."
Quite honestly this was a complete disappointment, the dumplings were minuscule and hard to detect within the mound of chopped onions etc. Eva was not happy with her choice.
To our view, the appetiser section of the menu requires more attention in terms of choices of dishes on offer, and what actually goes into them.
Fortunately our main courses were better!
I chose the Zafrani Pasanda Fruita; which consisted of marinated tender chunks of lamb roast in a saffron gravy, garnished with fried fruits with ginger, roasted Pakistani pine kernels, with marinated cheese. This was first class, the meat was exceptional tender and flavoursome and was well complemented by the fruits and ginger.
Eva chose the Dahi Gosht for her main course. This was beef cooked in garam masala and yoghurt, a fine dish spicy and stimulating.
To accompany our meal we had Sabzi Ka Pakwan vegetables, potatoes baked with raisins,
fresh herbs and mushrooms; together with two nan breads and rice.
The meal, which included a bottle of sweet German wine, came to 1230SEK before tip.
Overall Opinion
A good quality Asian restaurant, one that Stockholm badly needs. However, as noted, we do feel that the appetisers need more work in terms of choice and content.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Sakura
Restaurant
Sakura
Luntmakargatan 59
113 58 Stockholm
Sweden
Phone (46) (8) 673 45 55
Website www.sakura.gastrogate.com
Overview
Eva and I, whilst we were in Stockholm the other week, decided to go Japanese and tried out Sakura.
Sakura is a Japanese restaurant and karaoke bar.
Ambience
Sakura occupies two floors; the ground floor contains the main restaurant and the basement contains the karaoke bar and a smaller function room for private karaoke parties.
It is laid out and decorated in a traditional Japanese manner, with cherry wood tables (each containing a small grill cut into the centre) and wooden fittings. However, chairs are provided so you don't have to sit in the more traditional Japanese manner on the floor.
The restaurant was quite busy, but given its size there was no problem with fitting two more guests in. Although both karaoke bars were in full swing, the noise from downstairs was not intrusive.
Menu
The menu offered an excellent selection of Japanese dishes including; sushi, small grill dishes, sukiyaki and a few Western style grills dishes. The menu was in English and Swedish.
Service
Our waitresses were very friendly, efficient and pleasant. They helped us understand what was what on the menu, and explained how to cook and enjoy our main dish.
Food
We started with two dishes from the small grill menu, scampi and ox tongue; together with salmon, beef and sweet shrimp sushi.
The grill was heated up and we placed our cut pieces of scampi and ox tongue on the grill to cook. These came with soy sauce and some salad. The meat and the scampi were tasty, tender and succulent; it was rather fun to cook them ourselves, and made the meal more enjoyable being able to share the dishes.
The sushi were absolutely first class, my own favourite being the shrimp.
We chose to share the sukiyaki for our main course. This consisted of thin slices of raw beef, fresh mushrooms, cabbage, glass noodles and other vegetables.
All of the ingredients were raw, and needed to be cooked in the sukiyaki sauce that was placed in a stew pot in the grill on the table.
When this had become hot enough we placed various ingredients into the pot, a few at a time, then (when cooked) dipped them into raw egg and ate them with the accompanying boiled rice.
There were ample portions of both meat and vegetables, all of which were fresh and tasty. The sukiyaki sauce was unctuous and did not overpower the flavours of the ingredients.
We thoroughly enjoyed our main course, and would most certainly chose it again.
The bill, which included a bottle of Mateus Rose and a bottle of sake, came to 827SEK before service.
Overall Opinion
A splendid evening in a splendid restaurant, well worth visiting again.
Sakura
Luntmakargatan 59
113 58 Stockholm
Sweden
Phone (46) (8) 673 45 55
Website www.sakura.gastrogate.com
Overview
Eva and I, whilst we were in Stockholm the other week, decided to go Japanese and tried out Sakura.
Sakura is a Japanese restaurant and karaoke bar.
Ambience
Sakura occupies two floors; the ground floor contains the main restaurant and the basement contains the karaoke bar and a smaller function room for private karaoke parties.
It is laid out and decorated in a traditional Japanese manner, with cherry wood tables (each containing a small grill cut into the centre) and wooden fittings. However, chairs are provided so you don't have to sit in the more traditional Japanese manner on the floor.
The restaurant was quite busy, but given its size there was no problem with fitting two more guests in. Although both karaoke bars were in full swing, the noise from downstairs was not intrusive.
Menu
The menu offered an excellent selection of Japanese dishes including; sushi, small grill dishes, sukiyaki and a few Western style grills dishes. The menu was in English and Swedish.
Service
Our waitresses were very friendly, efficient and pleasant. They helped us understand what was what on the menu, and explained how to cook and enjoy our main dish.
Food
We started with two dishes from the small grill menu, scampi and ox tongue; together with salmon, beef and sweet shrimp sushi.
The grill was heated up and we placed our cut pieces of scampi and ox tongue on the grill to cook. These came with soy sauce and some salad. The meat and the scampi were tasty, tender and succulent; it was rather fun to cook them ourselves, and made the meal more enjoyable being able to share the dishes.
The sushi were absolutely first class, my own favourite being the shrimp.
We chose to share the sukiyaki for our main course. This consisted of thin slices of raw beef, fresh mushrooms, cabbage, glass noodles and other vegetables.
All of the ingredients were raw, and needed to be cooked in the sukiyaki sauce that was placed in a stew pot in the grill on the table.
When this had become hot enough we placed various ingredients into the pot, a few at a time, then (when cooked) dipped them into raw egg and ate them with the accompanying boiled rice.
There were ample portions of both meat and vegetables, all of which were fresh and tasty. The sukiyaki sauce was unctuous and did not overpower the flavours of the ingredients.
We thoroughly enjoyed our main course, and would most certainly chose it again.
The bill, which included a bottle of Mateus Rose and a bottle of sake, came to 827SEK before service.
Overall Opinion
A splendid evening in a splendid restaurant, well worth visiting again.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
The Curry Mushroom
The Curry Mushroom
Those of you with a penchant for curry may find the so called "curry mushroom" a must have in your storecupboards.
Thee small brown curry scented milkcap, Lactarius camphoratus, is to be collected and sold commercially by Wildfoods a Scottish company specialising in foods gathered from the wild.
Liz Walsh, director Wildfoods, said:
"We believe we are the first company to sell the curry-scented milk-cap commercially. It is a fascinating natural food that really does smell and taste of curry and grows alongside many other mushrooms in the wonderful forests we have here in Scotland.
We strongly believe there could be an excellent market for it out there among food lovers."
Wildfoods believes that the curry mushroom has many potential uses eg; vegetable curries, a spicy condiment or to add heat to risotto.
Wildfoods will sell the curry mushrooms at £10 for 250 grams.
The curry mushroom has a strong smell and has a taste that brings to mind coriander, cumin, turmeric, ginger and chilli. I would suggest that it may be cheaper to use those ingredients directly, rather than buy the mushroom.
Those of you with a penchant for curry may find the so called "curry mushroom" a must have in your storecupboards.
Thee small brown curry scented milkcap, Lactarius camphoratus, is to be collected and sold commercially by Wildfoods a Scottish company specialising in foods gathered from the wild.
Liz Walsh, director Wildfoods, said:
"We believe we are the first company to sell the curry-scented milk-cap commercially. It is a fascinating natural food that really does smell and taste of curry and grows alongside many other mushrooms in the wonderful forests we have here in Scotland.
We strongly believe there could be an excellent market for it out there among food lovers."
Wildfoods believes that the curry mushroom has many potential uses eg; vegetable curries, a spicy condiment or to add heat to risotto.
Wildfoods will sell the curry mushrooms at £10 for 250 grams.
The curry mushroom has a strong smell and has a taste that brings to mind coriander, cumin, turmeric, ginger and chilli. I would suggest that it may be cheaper to use those ingredients directly, rather than buy the mushroom.
Friday, September 15, 2006
A Tasty Takeaway
A Tasty Takeaway
Those of you who enjoy an Indian takeaway may balk at the price being paid by Steve Francis, a New York dance music producer for Stush Music.
He is paying over £8K for a takeaway meal consisting of; 1 fish bhuna (using 2 extra large Bangladeshi tiger fish), 12 vegetable birianis and various other side dishes.
The reason that this meal is so expensive, is that it is being flown from the Indie Spice restaurant in Belfast to New York.
Seemingly Mr Francis once sampled the food of the Indie Spice, when he was at a music festival in England.
Well, they do say that curries are addictive!
Those of you who enjoy an Indian takeaway may balk at the price being paid by Steve Francis, a New York dance music producer for Stush Music.
He is paying over £8K for a takeaway meal consisting of; 1 fish bhuna (using 2 extra large Bangladeshi tiger fish), 12 vegetable birianis and various other side dishes.
The reason that this meal is so expensive, is that it is being flown from the Indie Spice restaurant in Belfast to New York.
Seemingly Mr Francis once sampled the food of the Indie Spice, when he was at a music festival in England.
Well, they do say that curries are addictive!
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
el Yantar de la ribera
Restaurant
el Yantar de la ribera
Roger de Flor
08013 Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 265 63 09
Website www.elyantardelaribera.com This contains a video of the chef cooking.
Overview
As noted previously, Eva and I went to Barcelona a few weeks ago for a well earned holiday. Despite being on holiday, we managed to continue on our mission to seek out new dining experiences and tried out a number of very enjoyable restaurants and eateries.
One of my personal favourites was this restaurant, situated near the Victory Arch some 30 minutes walk from the harbour.
el Yantar de la ribera is a traditional rustic restaurant, that specialises in Castilian cuisine cooked in open wooden fired ovens.
Ambience
el Yantar de la ribera is tucked away on rather quiet and unassuming road, unless you knew where you were going you would miss it. The entrance is modest, a thick old wooden door, behind which is a rather pleasant small entrance vestibule.
The entrance vestibule leads into the main dining rooms, one for smokers the other for non smokers. Now here is a tip, if you like to smoke you will need to book; as they reserve that part for their regulars, who come in at around 10:00pm, and stay to the small hours smoking and drinking after their meal.
The dining room resembles a rustic wine cellar, the tables were neatly laid with white linen cloths and towards the far end of the dining room the chefs laboured in the open plan kitchen (the wood fired oven clearly visible).
The restaurant is clearly very popular with local families, many of the tables were occupied by family groups of varying ages, Eva and I were the only non Spaniards there that evening.
Menu
The menu offered a most wonderful selection of hearty Castilian dishes; black pudding, roast lamb and suckling (spelt sucking) pig were on the menu. I saw no evidence of any form of vegetarian offerings.
Service
The service was of a high quality, although the staff had only a modest command of English. That being said we had no trouble ordering, as the menu was in English and we had a phrase book. I would also point out that of course I speak no more than a few words of Spanish, so it is not my place to criticise.
We were though made to feel very welcome.
Food
We both started with the selection of regional specialties these being ; black pudding and two types of chorizo (one spicy the other mild).
This dish was presented in one large dish in the centre of the table, from which we helped ourselves. The black pudding was rather like haggis, and the chorizos both spicy and mild provided a juicy and flavoursome contrast to the pudding.
The freshly baked bread that accompanied it was an unnecessary, but very pleasant, indulgence.
We selected another dish to share for our main course, this time the house specialtiy; a whole quarter joint of lamb (leg, ribs and shoulder) roasted in the oven.
The cooked joint was proudly borne to our table on a large earthenware dish by one of the staff, who asked us to approve it before he took it away for carving.
Given the size of the portions, the restaurant does not offer vegetables or potatoes as an accompaniment. Instead they provide a rather good quality green salad which, together with the bread, provides a more than adequate accompianmnt to this most noble of dishes.
The lamb itself was absolutely unctuous. The meat tender yet full of flavour, juicy and oozing with goodness; culinary heaven.
I make no apology in stating that we pigged out on this, and enjoyed sucking the bones dry at the end.
Quite unecessarily I opted to try the egg custard to round off my meal. This was rather an interesting dish, as it resembled in taste and texture a traditional school egg custard and a creme brulee all in one. Rather jolly I thought.
When we had finished our meal, we were rather impressed to see that the liqueurs consisted of a large wicker basket of quarter bottles of various spirits (such as vodka) that was deposited on our table together with two ice chilled shot glasses.
The basic idea being that we could have as much as we wanted, at no extra cost.
Now there's something that you don't encounter every day!
We managed a couple, then reluctantly decided that it was time to call it a night.
The meal, which included a bottle of good bottle of Cava and the basket of spirits, came to 80Euros before service.
Overall Opinion
An outstanding restaurant, you would be very foolish not to visit it if you have the opportunity.
el Yantar de la ribera
Roger de Flor
08013 Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93 265 63 09
Website www.elyantardelaribera.com This contains a video of the chef cooking.
Overview
As noted previously, Eva and I went to Barcelona a few weeks ago for a well earned holiday. Despite being on holiday, we managed to continue on our mission to seek out new dining experiences and tried out a number of very enjoyable restaurants and eateries.
One of my personal favourites was this restaurant, situated near the Victory Arch some 30 minutes walk from the harbour.
el Yantar de la ribera is a traditional rustic restaurant, that specialises in Castilian cuisine cooked in open wooden fired ovens.
Ambience
el Yantar de la ribera is tucked away on rather quiet and unassuming road, unless you knew where you were going you would miss it. The entrance is modest, a thick old wooden door, behind which is a rather pleasant small entrance vestibule.
The entrance vestibule leads into the main dining rooms, one for smokers the other for non smokers. Now here is a tip, if you like to smoke you will need to book; as they reserve that part for their regulars, who come in at around 10:00pm, and stay to the small hours smoking and drinking after their meal.
The dining room resembles a rustic wine cellar, the tables were neatly laid with white linen cloths and towards the far end of the dining room the chefs laboured in the open plan kitchen (the wood fired oven clearly visible).
The restaurant is clearly very popular with local families, many of the tables were occupied by family groups of varying ages, Eva and I were the only non Spaniards there that evening.
Menu
The menu offered a most wonderful selection of hearty Castilian dishes; black pudding, roast lamb and suckling (spelt sucking) pig were on the menu. I saw no evidence of any form of vegetarian offerings.
Service
The service was of a high quality, although the staff had only a modest command of English. That being said we had no trouble ordering, as the menu was in English and we had a phrase book. I would also point out that of course I speak no more than a few words of Spanish, so it is not my place to criticise.
We were though made to feel very welcome.
Food
We both started with the selection of regional specialties these being ; black pudding and two types of chorizo (one spicy the other mild).
This dish was presented in one large dish in the centre of the table, from which we helped ourselves. The black pudding was rather like haggis, and the chorizos both spicy and mild provided a juicy and flavoursome contrast to the pudding.
The freshly baked bread that accompanied it was an unnecessary, but very pleasant, indulgence.
We selected another dish to share for our main course, this time the house specialtiy; a whole quarter joint of lamb (leg, ribs and shoulder) roasted in the oven.
The cooked joint was proudly borne to our table on a large earthenware dish by one of the staff, who asked us to approve it before he took it away for carving.
Given the size of the portions, the restaurant does not offer vegetables or potatoes as an accompaniment. Instead they provide a rather good quality green salad which, together with the bread, provides a more than adequate accompianmnt to this most noble of dishes.
The lamb itself was absolutely unctuous. The meat tender yet full of flavour, juicy and oozing with goodness; culinary heaven.
I make no apology in stating that we pigged out on this, and enjoyed sucking the bones dry at the end.
Quite unecessarily I opted to try the egg custard to round off my meal. This was rather an interesting dish, as it resembled in taste and texture a traditional school egg custard and a creme brulee all in one. Rather jolly I thought.
When we had finished our meal, we were rather impressed to see that the liqueurs consisted of a large wicker basket of quarter bottles of various spirits (such as vodka) that was deposited on our table together with two ice chilled shot glasses.
The basic idea being that we could have as much as we wanted, at no extra cost.
Now there's something that you don't encounter every day!
We managed a couple, then reluctantly decided that it was time to call it a night.
The meal, which included a bottle of good bottle of Cava and the basket of spirits, came to 80Euros before service.
Overall Opinion
An outstanding restaurant, you would be very foolish not to visit it if you have the opportunity.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Mi Burrito y Yo
Restaurant
Mi Burrito y Yo (My Donkey and I)
Paso de la Ensenanza, 2
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93-318-2742
Overview
Eva and I went to Barcelona last week for a well earned holiday. Despite being on holiday, we managed to continue on our mission to seek out new dining experiences and tried out a number of very enjoyable restaurants and eateries.
One of these being Mi Burrito y Yo (My Donkey and I), a charming steak house near La Rambla.
Ambience
The surroundings were very quaint and rustic, the specialties on the menu were roast meats cooked on an open fire at the entrance level. Downstairs was a small dining room and bar area (with a most sucullent smoked ham sitting atop the bar) upstairs was a larger dining room with a piano for entertainment.
Menu
The menu offered a good selection of steaks, pork, fish and other Spanish dishes.
Service
The service was friendly and efficient, the menu was in English and although our waitress did not speak that much English we had no trouble making ourselves understood.
Food
We were given a large basket of freshly baked bread, two fresh tomatoes, two large fresh garlic cloves and a bottle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar at the outset.
The idea being to cut the tomatoes and garlic up, place them on the bread and drizzle the combination with oil and vinegar (DIY brushetta).
What may seem to be rather simple idea was in fact absolutely glorious on the taste buds, and is something that we are inclined to institute at home for our own meals.
Having munched our way through our "Spanish canape", we then proceeded with the serious business of eating our meal.
Eva started with a hearty bowl of vegetable soup with fried croutons. This was a splendid dish, not too thick but neither was it too watery. The balance of vegetables and potatoes were just right, with the croutons added a crunchy texture to the dish.
I started with the tortilla, a homemade omelette filled with cheese and mushrooms. This was unctuous, the omelette (as it should be) was still a little runny and combined perfectly with the mushrooms and cheese. An ideal starter.
Eva chose a light dish of carpaccio for her main course. This being Spain it was not that "light", and consisted of a good sized dish of thinly sliced beef interspersed with cheese shavings and drizzled with olive oil. She was very happy with this dish, the more so because the soup had been very filling.
I chose the pork fillet for my main course. This consisted of two very generous cuts of pork, seasoned with herbs, which had been cooked on the open barbecue. The taste was superb, and the meat very tender and succulent. In my view it had been cooked to perfection. The dish was accompanied by a baked potato and grilled tomatoes.
The meal, which included a bottle of good bottle of Spanish wine, came to 70Euro before service.
Overall Opinion
A splendid restaurant, we heartily recommend it.
Mi Burrito y Yo (My Donkey and I)
Paso de la Ensenanza, 2
Barcelona
Spain
Phone 93-318-2742
Overview
Eva and I went to Barcelona last week for a well earned holiday. Despite being on holiday, we managed to continue on our mission to seek out new dining experiences and tried out a number of very enjoyable restaurants and eateries.
One of these being Mi Burrito y Yo (My Donkey and I), a charming steak house near La Rambla.
Ambience
The surroundings were very quaint and rustic, the specialties on the menu were roast meats cooked on an open fire at the entrance level. Downstairs was a small dining room and bar area (with a most sucullent smoked ham sitting atop the bar) upstairs was a larger dining room with a piano for entertainment.
Menu
The menu offered a good selection of steaks, pork, fish and other Spanish dishes.
Service
The service was friendly and efficient, the menu was in English and although our waitress did not speak that much English we had no trouble making ourselves understood.
Food
We were given a large basket of freshly baked bread, two fresh tomatoes, two large fresh garlic cloves and a bottle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar at the outset.
The idea being to cut the tomatoes and garlic up, place them on the bread and drizzle the combination with oil and vinegar (DIY brushetta).
What may seem to be rather simple idea was in fact absolutely glorious on the taste buds, and is something that we are inclined to institute at home for our own meals.
Having munched our way through our "Spanish canape", we then proceeded with the serious business of eating our meal.
Eva started with a hearty bowl of vegetable soup with fried croutons. This was a splendid dish, not too thick but neither was it too watery. The balance of vegetables and potatoes were just right, with the croutons added a crunchy texture to the dish.
I started with the tortilla, a homemade omelette filled with cheese and mushrooms. This was unctuous, the omelette (as it should be) was still a little runny and combined perfectly with the mushrooms and cheese. An ideal starter.
Eva chose a light dish of carpaccio for her main course. This being Spain it was not that "light", and consisted of a good sized dish of thinly sliced beef interspersed with cheese shavings and drizzled with olive oil. She was very happy with this dish, the more so because the soup had been very filling.
I chose the pork fillet for my main course. This consisted of two very generous cuts of pork, seasoned with herbs, which had been cooked on the open barbecue. The taste was superb, and the meat very tender and succulent. In my view it had been cooked to perfection. The dish was accompanied by a baked potato and grilled tomatoes.
The meal, which included a bottle of good bottle of Spanish wine, came to 70Euro before service.
Overall Opinion
A splendid restaurant, we heartily recommend it.
Friday, June 16, 2006
KFC Trans Fat Issue
KFC Trans Fat Issue
It is reported in the US that The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is suing KFC, on the basis that the fried chicken and fries that KFC serves are cooked in oil containing trans fats. These trans fats are deemed to to more unhealthy than other forms of fat.
In the lawsuit, CSPI asked a Kentucky judge to order KFC to use other types of cooking oils and to make sure that the customers know how much trans fats KFC's food contains. CSPI allege that trans fats, vegetable oils that have been altered to be firm at room temperature, increase the risk of heart disease.
KFC have stated that they will fight the lawsuit, and that they are committed to maintaining "KFC's unique taste and flavour."
I would say that like any other food, if you eat too much it is bound to be unhealthy. However, I enjoy the occasional box of chicken and fries and doubt that once in a while it will kill you.
Common sense should be applied.
It is reported in the US that The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is suing KFC, on the basis that the fried chicken and fries that KFC serves are cooked in oil containing trans fats. These trans fats are deemed to to more unhealthy than other forms of fat.
In the lawsuit, CSPI asked a Kentucky judge to order KFC to use other types of cooking oils and to make sure that the customers know how much trans fats KFC's food contains. CSPI allege that trans fats, vegetable oils that have been altered to be firm at room temperature, increase the risk of heart disease.
KFC have stated that they will fight the lawsuit, and that they are committed to maintaining "KFC's unique taste and flavour."
I would say that like any other food, if you eat too much it is bound to be unhealthy. However, I enjoy the occasional box of chicken and fries and doubt that once in a while it will kill you.
Common sense should be applied.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Summer Vegetable Recipe
Summer Vegetable Recipe
Now that summer is finally upon us, I thought that you may like to try this very simple summer vegetable recipe that is both colourful and tasty. I made a pot of it myself yesterday.
Ingredients
- 10 courgettes, washed and cut into thick slices
- 6 large tomatoes, cut coarsely
- 1 head of fresh garlic, peeled and chopped coarsely
- 4 medium onions, peeled and chopped coarsely
- olive oil, salt and black pepper
Method
- Lightly saute the onions and garlic witht he oil, until soft, in a large stew pot
- Add the remaining ingredients
- Season
- Simmer with the lid on for around 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the courgettes are soft
Serve with pork or chicken, or just enjoy a bowl of it as it is.
Now that summer is finally upon us, I thought that you may like to try this very simple summer vegetable recipe that is both colourful and tasty. I made a pot of it myself yesterday.
Ingredients
- 10 courgettes, washed and cut into thick slices
- 6 large tomatoes, cut coarsely
- 1 head of fresh garlic, peeled and chopped coarsely
- 4 medium onions, peeled and chopped coarsely
- olive oil, salt and black pepper
Method
- Lightly saute the onions and garlic witht he oil, until soft, in a large stew pot
- Add the remaining ingredients
- Season
- Simmer with the lid on for around 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the courgettes are soft
Serve with pork or chicken, or just enjoy a bowl of it as it is.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Roast
Restaurant
Roast
The Floral Hall
Borough Market
Stoney Street
London
Phone:- 0207 940 1300
Website: www.roast-restaurant.com
Overview
Eva and I decided to try out the newly opened Roast restaurant in Borough Market last Friday.
Roast is the brainchild creation of Iqbal Wahhab, who founded The Cinnamon Club in Westminster. Roast has 120 seats, and is constructed on the site of Britain's oldest surviving food market, by London Bridge.
Edward Barry designed the Floral Hall in 1858, to house flowers for resale by the market traders; the upper floor now houses Roast, whilst the ground floor will house market traders.
Roast serves traditional British food in a modern lively setting, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
I would advise you to book, as the restaurant was packed when we went there.
Ambience
Roast is situated on the first floor of the Floral Hall of Borough Market. It consists of a large split level dining room and open fronted spit roast kitchen, together with a bar placed mid centre of the main part of the dining room.
The building has been given a stunning frontage in the form of the portico of the old Covent Garden flower market, which offers diners views onto the market on one side and over into St Paul's Cathedral on the other.
If you like the colour scheme white, then you are in for a treat; white is the order of the day for the walls and high ceilings, together with the linen napkins and tablecloths.
This, coupled with the large glass windows, gives Roast an airy and spacious atmosphere.
The layout of the restaurant means that those diners who are placed on the upper split level by the windows are afforded an excellent view of the market and St Paul's, whilst many of those on the lower level are afforded an excellent view of the bar and kitchen.
I would therefore advise you to specify your preference when booking your table.
As noted the restaurant was very lively, bright and spacious; as such it may not be first choice for a romantic cosy meal for two.
We were given a very good table on the "upper deck" by the window. I was more than pleased to note that, despite the fact the restaurant has a high ceiling and large glass frontage, it was not cold.
Menu
The menu was unashamedly British, and contained a variety of traditional dishes such as; roast pork with black pudding, potted shrimps, roast pheasant, steak and fish.
However, rather bizarrely for a restaurant that calls itself Roast, the one dish that was missing was Roast Beef!
I find this omission to be more than a little daft, and indeed said as much to the staff.
I really would suggest that this dish, that is widely regarded as the national dish of Britain, should be included on Roast's menu as soon as possible.
One other point that I would suggest that Roast address, is the fact that their website does not at the time of writing have a sample menu uploaded. The key feature of any well designed restaurant website is the menu page.
Service
We were warmly greeted, and promptly shown to our table.
The staff were very friendly and efficient. The service and attention to detail was smooth and well co-ordinated as it needed to be, given the number of covers.
Eva's dropped butter knife, was replaced immediately without prompting.
Food
I started with the green split pea soup with salt beef and vegetables. This was a little too thin and watery for my taste; I have been brought up eating yellow split pea soup, which had a much thicker consistency.
I would also suggest that the split peas and vegetables could have benefited from being cooked for a little longer; as they were, to my view/taste, a touch underdone.
I chose the roast suckling pig with black pudding for my main course.
This consisted of several slices of good quality pork, a good cut with just the right amount of fat and crackling, served with a thin slice of black pudding which had been placed atop half an apple.
The pork was very good, the taste and texture was first class.
I would, however, make two observations:
Unlike the pork, they were hot.
The slices of roast pumpkin were splendid, and had been roasted to perfection.
Eva started with the potted shrimps, which came with a lemon wedge and a little toast. They were delightfully indulgent, rich, tasty and filling.
Eva then chose the roast pheasant for her main course, she chose mashed potatoes to accompany it.
The pheasant consisted of a generous portion of both breast and leg, served on top of sherry glazed parsnips. The bird had been well, but not over, cooked. It was succulent, tender and had a delicate game flavour. The size of the portion defeated Eva; so we made off with the remainder in a doggy bag, and had it the next day in a sandwich.
The mashed potatoes were smooth and creamy, and had a better taste and consistency than many that we have had elsewhere.
The meal, which included a bottle of Pinot Grigio (unaccountably they had no Chablis on the wine list) and a liqueur, came to £100 including service.
Overall Opinion
We enjoyed our evening; once the few “teething” issues that I have raised above are addressed, Roast will enjoy commercial and culinary success.
Roast
The Floral Hall
Borough Market
Stoney Street
London
Phone:- 0207 940 1300
Website: www.roast-restaurant.com
Overview
Eva and I decided to try out the newly opened Roast restaurant in Borough Market last Friday.
Roast is the brainchild creation of Iqbal Wahhab, who founded The Cinnamon Club in Westminster. Roast has 120 seats, and is constructed on the site of Britain's oldest surviving food market, by London Bridge.
Edward Barry designed the Floral Hall in 1858, to house flowers for resale by the market traders; the upper floor now houses Roast, whilst the ground floor will house market traders.
Roast serves traditional British food in a modern lively setting, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
I would advise you to book, as the restaurant was packed when we went there.
Ambience
Roast is situated on the first floor of the Floral Hall of Borough Market. It consists of a large split level dining room and open fronted spit roast kitchen, together with a bar placed mid centre of the main part of the dining room.
The building has been given a stunning frontage in the form of the portico of the old Covent Garden flower market, which offers diners views onto the market on one side and over into St Paul's Cathedral on the other.
If you like the colour scheme white, then you are in for a treat; white is the order of the day for the walls and high ceilings, together with the linen napkins and tablecloths.
This, coupled with the large glass windows, gives Roast an airy and spacious atmosphere.
The layout of the restaurant means that those diners who are placed on the upper split level by the windows are afforded an excellent view of the market and St Paul's, whilst many of those on the lower level are afforded an excellent view of the bar and kitchen.
I would therefore advise you to specify your preference when booking your table.
As noted the restaurant was very lively, bright and spacious; as such it may not be first choice for a romantic cosy meal for two.
We were given a very good table on the "upper deck" by the window. I was more than pleased to note that, despite the fact the restaurant has a high ceiling and large glass frontage, it was not cold.
Menu
The menu was unashamedly British, and contained a variety of traditional dishes such as; roast pork with black pudding, potted shrimps, roast pheasant, steak and fish.
However, rather bizarrely for a restaurant that calls itself Roast, the one dish that was missing was Roast Beef!
I find this omission to be more than a little daft, and indeed said as much to the staff.
I really would suggest that this dish, that is widely regarded as the national dish of Britain, should be included on Roast's menu as soon as possible.
One other point that I would suggest that Roast address, is the fact that their website does not at the time of writing have a sample menu uploaded. The key feature of any well designed restaurant website is the menu page.
Service
We were warmly greeted, and promptly shown to our table.
The staff were very friendly and efficient. The service and attention to detail was smooth and well co-ordinated as it needed to be, given the number of covers.
Eva's dropped butter knife, was replaced immediately without prompting.
Food
I started with the green split pea soup with salt beef and vegetables. This was a little too thin and watery for my taste; I have been brought up eating yellow split pea soup, which had a much thicker consistency.
I would also suggest that the split peas and vegetables could have benefited from being cooked for a little longer; as they were, to my view/taste, a touch underdone.
I chose the roast suckling pig with black pudding for my main course.
This consisted of several slices of good quality pork, a good cut with just the right amount of fat and crackling, served with a thin slice of black pudding which had been placed atop half an apple.
The pork was very good, the taste and texture was first class.
I would, however, make two observations:
- The majority of the crackling did not crackle
- The pork was luke warm rather than hot, I suspect that it had been left a little too long on the plate before being taken from the kitchen to our table
Unlike the pork, they were hot.
The slices of roast pumpkin were splendid, and had been roasted to perfection.
Eva started with the potted shrimps, which came with a lemon wedge and a little toast. They were delightfully indulgent, rich, tasty and filling.
Eva then chose the roast pheasant for her main course, she chose mashed potatoes to accompany it.
The pheasant consisted of a generous portion of both breast and leg, served on top of sherry glazed parsnips. The bird had been well, but not over, cooked. It was succulent, tender and had a delicate game flavour. The size of the portion defeated Eva; so we made off with the remainder in a doggy bag, and had it the next day in a sandwich.
The mashed potatoes were smooth and creamy, and had a better taste and consistency than many that we have had elsewhere.
The meal, which included a bottle of Pinot Grigio (unaccountably they had no Chablis on the wine list) and a liqueur, came to £100 including service.
Overall Opinion
We enjoyed our evening; once the few “teething” issues that I have raised above are addressed, Roast will enjoy commercial and culinary success.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Pasties Go Mexican
Pasties Go Mexican
It seems that the traditional Cornish Pasty, once the staple diet of Cornish tin miners, has now become the staple diet of Mexican silver miners.
The pasty is now classified as a local delicacy, alongside tacos and beans.
There is of course a Mexican twist to the dish that normally contains meat, potatoes and swede; they have added a few chillis.
Those of you who wish to try out the Mexican version should go to Real del Monte in Mexico, where the pasty was first imported by Cornish tin miners in the 19th century.
Traditional Cornish Pasty Recipe
Cornish Pasties originated in Cornwall as a handy way for miners to take their lunch to work.
Shortcrust pastry encases a mixture of finely chopped meat and vegetables.
Ingredients
10 oz flour
A pinch of salt
4 oz of cold butter
1 to 3 tablespoons of water
8 oz of cubed beef
2 potatoes 1 swede/turnip
1 medium onion
salt & pepper
2 tablespoons of fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon of mustard
2 teaspoons of tomato sauce / ketchup (optional)
1 egg
Short Pastry
In a large bowl or food processor sift the flour and salt, cut the cold butter into small cubes and add to the flour.
Rub the butter into the flour with your hands or using the food processor, until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Make a well in the centre and add sufficient water to mix to a firm dough.
Handle as little as possible as this prevents the pastry from becoming hard when it is baked.
Roll into a ball, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Filling
Preheat oven to 200 degrees C.
Put the cubed meat into a large bowl.
Chop the onion finely, and add to the meat.
Peel the potatoes and swede turnip, cut into very small cubes.
Mix thoroughly with the meat, add the seasonings (a little water may be added to moisten) and cover.
On a lightly floured bench or board roll the pastry out to around 1/8 inch thick.
Cut 6 rounds, using a 6 1/2 inch diameter plate as a guide.
Arrange the filling evenly in the centre of each round.
Lightly beat the egg and glaze the edge of each round with a pastry brush.
Lift the two opposite edges of the pastry and pull together over the filling.
Pinch at regular intervals along the edge to form a frill.
Brush each pasty with egg and place on a baking tray.
Bake for 3/4 to 1 hour.
Eat hot or cold.
It seems that the traditional Cornish Pasty, once the staple diet of Cornish tin miners, has now become the staple diet of Mexican silver miners.
The pasty is now classified as a local delicacy, alongside tacos and beans.
There is of course a Mexican twist to the dish that normally contains meat, potatoes and swede; they have added a few chillis.
Those of you who wish to try out the Mexican version should go to Real del Monte in Mexico, where the pasty was first imported by Cornish tin miners in the 19th century.
Traditional Cornish Pasty Recipe
Cornish Pasties originated in Cornwall as a handy way for miners to take their lunch to work.
Shortcrust pastry encases a mixture of finely chopped meat and vegetables.
Ingredients
10 oz flour
A pinch of salt
4 oz of cold butter
1 to 3 tablespoons of water
8 oz of cubed beef
2 potatoes 1 swede/turnip
1 medium onion
salt & pepper
2 tablespoons of fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon of mustard
2 teaspoons of tomato sauce / ketchup (optional)
1 egg
Short Pastry
In a large bowl or food processor sift the flour and salt, cut the cold butter into small cubes and add to the flour.
Rub the butter into the flour with your hands or using the food processor, until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Make a well in the centre and add sufficient water to mix to a firm dough.
Handle as little as possible as this prevents the pastry from becoming hard when it is baked.
Roll into a ball, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Filling
Preheat oven to 200 degrees C.
Put the cubed meat into a large bowl.
Chop the onion finely, and add to the meat.
Peel the potatoes and swede turnip, cut into very small cubes.
Mix thoroughly with the meat, add the seasonings (a little water may be added to moisten) and cover.
On a lightly floured bench or board roll the pastry out to around 1/8 inch thick.
Cut 6 rounds, using a 6 1/2 inch diameter plate as a guide.
Arrange the filling evenly in the centre of each round.
Lightly beat the egg and glaze the edge of each round with a pastry brush.
Lift the two opposite edges of the pastry and pull together over the filling.
Pinch at regular intervals along the edge to form a frill.
Brush each pasty with egg and place on a baking tray.
Bake for 3/4 to 1 hour.
Eat hot or cold.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Stallmastaregarden
Restaurant
Stallmastaregarden
Norrtull
113 47 Stockholm
Sweden
Phone:- +46 8 610 1300
Website www.stallmastaregarden.se
Overview
Eva and I celebrated Midsummer in Stockholm this year. As the weather was exceptionally fine, we dined alfresco at the Stallmastaregarden (Stable Master) Restaurant.
Stallmastaregarden is Stockholm’s oldest inn, and features a hotel and several restaurants.
Stallmastaregarden Inn has been in existence since the 17th century and is one of Stockholm’s, as well as Sweden’s, most well known restaurants. Many famous Swedish chefs began their careers there. With an emphasis on Swedish produce of the highest quality together with their very own smokehouse, rotisserie and grill, traditional Swedish cuisine is kept alive with inspirations from the present day.
Ambience
The restaurant and hotel is made up of several buildings, styled in the manner of an 18th century inn.
There are a number of dining rooms available; some for private functions, a water front café (The "Lill-Stallis café" by Brunnsviken bay), a main dining room with an open terrace overlooking the water front and the “lust” house, a stand alone dining room that can accommodate up to six people.
We dined on the open terrace of the main restaurant.
The atmosphere was cosy and inviting; the fact that it was summer, and that most diners were on the terrace, gave the place a more informal and relaxed atmosphere.
Menu
The menu (presented in both English and Swedish) contained a variety of Swedish and European dishes including; a herring buffet, lobster salad, asparagus and crayfish, halibut, chicken, veal served with duck liver sauce and lamb.
The homemade bread presented to us in a bread basket, whilst we perused the menu, was of a good quality; consisting of a variety of Swedish crisp breads and dark rye breads,
Service
The staff were very friendly and helpful, they were attentive but not intrusive. As you would expect in a good quality Stockholm restaurant, their English was impeccable.
Food
I chose the smoked tenderloin for my starter. This consisted of wafer thin slices of delicately smoked beef, served with roasted cashew nuts and a Dijon mustard dressing. It was a delight to eat, the taste was sublime; it proved to be an ideal starter for a warm summer’s evening.
I chose the lamb for my main course. This consisted of a variety of cuts of lamb, including cutlets and carved shoulder.
The lamb was cooked to perfection, and was succulent and flavoursome. The lamb was served with jus, pickled onions and avocado cream; these complimented the delicate flavour of the meat without overpowering it.
The dish was accompanied by sauté potatoes and vegetables; an excellent combination.
Eva chose the grilled chicken, with morel cream sauce, for her main course. The chicken was moist and perfectly cooked, the flavour enhanced by the morel sauce. The dish came with a delightful potato cake and fresh asparagus.
I indulgently concluded my repast with strawberries, marinated in Grand Marnier, served with homemade vanilla ice cream.
The meal, which included a bottle of Chablis and liqueurs, came to SEK1840 including service.
Overall Opinion
We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and evening there, and will happily visit again. We recommend that you visit it the next time that your are in Stockholm.
Stallmastaregarden
Norrtull
113 47 Stockholm
Sweden
Phone:- +46 8 610 1300
Website www.stallmastaregarden.se
Overview
Eva and I celebrated Midsummer in Stockholm this year. As the weather was exceptionally fine, we dined alfresco at the Stallmastaregarden (Stable Master) Restaurant.
Stallmastaregarden is Stockholm’s oldest inn, and features a hotel and several restaurants.
Stallmastaregarden Inn has been in existence since the 17th century and is one of Stockholm’s, as well as Sweden’s, most well known restaurants. Many famous Swedish chefs began their careers there. With an emphasis on Swedish produce of the highest quality together with their very own smokehouse, rotisserie and grill, traditional Swedish cuisine is kept alive with inspirations from the present day.
Ambience
The restaurant and hotel is made up of several buildings, styled in the manner of an 18th century inn.
There are a number of dining rooms available; some for private functions, a water front café (The "Lill-Stallis café" by Brunnsviken bay), a main dining room with an open terrace overlooking the water front and the “lust” house, a stand alone dining room that can accommodate up to six people.
We dined on the open terrace of the main restaurant.
The atmosphere was cosy and inviting; the fact that it was summer, and that most diners were on the terrace, gave the place a more informal and relaxed atmosphere.
Menu
The menu (presented in both English and Swedish) contained a variety of Swedish and European dishes including; a herring buffet, lobster salad, asparagus and crayfish, halibut, chicken, veal served with duck liver sauce and lamb.
The homemade bread presented to us in a bread basket, whilst we perused the menu, was of a good quality; consisting of a variety of Swedish crisp breads and dark rye breads,
Service
The staff were very friendly and helpful, they were attentive but not intrusive. As you would expect in a good quality Stockholm restaurant, their English was impeccable.
Food
I chose the smoked tenderloin for my starter. This consisted of wafer thin slices of delicately smoked beef, served with roasted cashew nuts and a Dijon mustard dressing. It was a delight to eat, the taste was sublime; it proved to be an ideal starter for a warm summer’s evening.
I chose the lamb for my main course. This consisted of a variety of cuts of lamb, including cutlets and carved shoulder.
The lamb was cooked to perfection, and was succulent and flavoursome. The lamb was served with jus, pickled onions and avocado cream; these complimented the delicate flavour of the meat without overpowering it.
The dish was accompanied by sauté potatoes and vegetables; an excellent combination.
Eva chose the grilled chicken, with morel cream sauce, for her main course. The chicken was moist and perfectly cooked, the flavour enhanced by the morel sauce. The dish came with a delightful potato cake and fresh asparagus.
I indulgently concluded my repast with strawberries, marinated in Grand Marnier, served with homemade vanilla ice cream.
The meal, which included a bottle of Chablis and liqueurs, came to SEK1840 including service.
Overall Opinion
We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and evening there, and will happily visit again. We recommend that you visit it the next time that your are in Stockholm.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Dangerous Dining In Dhaka
Dangerous Dining In Dhaka
There are more than 5,000 restaurants in Dhaka City. However, the Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) registration lists only 1000 of these.
The remaining 4000 appear to be "missing".
As to the 1000 "official" restaurants, there are only 18 inspectors available to monitor the hygiene standards of these.
Needless to say the hygiene in most of them is generally abysmal. It is reported that restaurant owners often do not clean plates, glasses, and spoons properly; additionally, the water is dirty.
The restaurants are reportedly serving rotten fish, meat from sick cattle, and spoiled vegetables.
Infections of Escherichia coli (E-coli), Salmonella, and Shigella bacteria in restaurant food and street foods in the city are not uncommon.
Sounds like a place to avoid.
There are more than 5,000 restaurants in Dhaka City. However, the Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) registration lists only 1000 of these.
The remaining 4000 appear to be "missing".
As to the 1000 "official" restaurants, there are only 18 inspectors available to monitor the hygiene standards of these.
Needless to say the hygiene in most of them is generally abysmal. It is reported that restaurant owners often do not clean plates, glasses, and spoons properly; additionally, the water is dirty.
The restaurants are reportedly serving rotten fish, meat from sick cattle, and spoiled vegetables.
Infections of Escherichia coli (E-coli), Salmonella, and Shigella bacteria in restaurant food and street foods in the city are not uncommon.
Sounds like a place to avoid.
Monday, January 17, 2005
Restaurant
The TreeHouse
78 South End
Croydon
CR0 1DP
Phone:- 0208 688 9837
Website www.treehousepeople.com
Overview
Eva and I were in the TreeHouse bar on Sunday, having a drink, and decided to try out their restaurant.
The Treehouse is a bar and restaurant, serving imaginative dishes far removed from traditional wine bar and pub fayre.
Ambience
The TreeHouse is a quirkily decorated bar and restaurant, occupying the premises of a former pub. The outside of the building is illuminated by a wall of white fairy lights.
Inside, the ceiling is also illuminated by a “net” of the same fairy lights interspersed with tree branches. The emphasis of the décor is wood, wood and wood. The chairs in both the bar and restaurant range from an eclectic mix of traditional wooden four legged affairs to exotic carved tree trunks.
The bar is cosy and positioned at the front of the Treehouse, the restaurant is open to the bar yet secluded and intimate.
We sat by the fireplace, which had been decorated with a mosaic of broken crockery. The intimate ambience of the restaurant was enhanced by the fact that it was illuminated by a bountiful number of candles.
A live Latin band played in the corner of the bar, the music was good and not intrusive.
The bar was quiet, but the restaurant was quite busy; unusual for a Sunday night in Croydon.
Menu
The main menu had a variety of gourmet dishes including; gigot of lamb, scallops, ribs, vegetable shepherds pie, pan fried fillet of sea bass and smoked bacon & stilton salad. There was also a blackboard list of specials.
Service
The staff, in both the bar and restaurant, were very friendly and welcoming. I was particularly pleased that our waitress was honest enough to advise us not to have the lamb, as it was apparently a little tough.
Food
I chose the beetroot and pine nut risotto to start with. This was superb, the risotto was creamy and rich. The taste was a well balanced blend of nuts, rice and cream; topped off with a few shavings of Parmesan.
I decided to try the calves liver for my main course. This was excellent, thick and succulent. The liver had been cooked pink, just as I like it, and was exceptionally tender and flavoursome. It was served on a bed of hazelnut mash, with bacon slices. The mash was delightful.
Eva started with the scallops and peppers. These were lightly poached in white wine, and served with a piquant medley of peppers.
The scallops were excellent, tender and juicy; the portion was just right for a starter.
Eva then opted for the guinea fowl for her main course. This dish consisted of a breast and leg of guinea fowl, stuffed with black pudding; roasted and served on a bed of garlic crushed new potatoes.
The dish was first class, the black pudding complemented the tender and succulent guinea fowl; and the potatoes were a delight.
I will have that myself next time we go there.
We pigged out, and had a side dish of hazelnut mashed potatoes as well; this of course was not really required.
The meal, which included a bottle of Chablis and liqueurs, came to £83 including service.
Overall Opinion
This is definitely one of Croydon’s better restaurants, and one of the few that does not serve reheated or microwaved food. We heartily endorse The Treehouse, and will definitely be visiting it again.
The TreeHouse
78 South End
Croydon
CR0 1DP
Phone:- 0208 688 9837
Website www.treehousepeople.com
Overview
Eva and I were in the TreeHouse bar on Sunday, having a drink, and decided to try out their restaurant.
The Treehouse is a bar and restaurant, serving imaginative dishes far removed from traditional wine bar and pub fayre.
Ambience
The TreeHouse is a quirkily decorated bar and restaurant, occupying the premises of a former pub. The outside of the building is illuminated by a wall of white fairy lights.
Inside, the ceiling is also illuminated by a “net” of the same fairy lights interspersed with tree branches. The emphasis of the décor is wood, wood and wood. The chairs in both the bar and restaurant range from an eclectic mix of traditional wooden four legged affairs to exotic carved tree trunks.
The bar is cosy and positioned at the front of the Treehouse, the restaurant is open to the bar yet secluded and intimate.
We sat by the fireplace, which had been decorated with a mosaic of broken crockery. The intimate ambience of the restaurant was enhanced by the fact that it was illuminated by a bountiful number of candles.
A live Latin band played in the corner of the bar, the music was good and not intrusive.
The bar was quiet, but the restaurant was quite busy; unusual for a Sunday night in Croydon.
Menu
The main menu had a variety of gourmet dishes including; gigot of lamb, scallops, ribs, vegetable shepherds pie, pan fried fillet of sea bass and smoked bacon & stilton salad. There was also a blackboard list of specials.
Service
The staff, in both the bar and restaurant, were very friendly and welcoming. I was particularly pleased that our waitress was honest enough to advise us not to have the lamb, as it was apparently a little tough.
Food
I chose the beetroot and pine nut risotto to start with. This was superb, the risotto was creamy and rich. The taste was a well balanced blend of nuts, rice and cream; topped off with a few shavings of Parmesan.
I decided to try the calves liver for my main course. This was excellent, thick and succulent. The liver had been cooked pink, just as I like it, and was exceptionally tender and flavoursome. It was served on a bed of hazelnut mash, with bacon slices. The mash was delightful.
Eva started with the scallops and peppers. These were lightly poached in white wine, and served with a piquant medley of peppers.
The scallops were excellent, tender and juicy; the portion was just right for a starter.
Eva then opted for the guinea fowl for her main course. This dish consisted of a breast and leg of guinea fowl, stuffed with black pudding; roasted and served on a bed of garlic crushed new potatoes.
The dish was first class, the black pudding complemented the tender and succulent guinea fowl; and the potatoes were a delight.
I will have that myself next time we go there.
We pigged out, and had a side dish of hazelnut mashed potatoes as well; this of course was not really required.
The meal, which included a bottle of Chablis and liqueurs, came to £83 including service.
Overall Opinion
This is definitely one of Croydon’s better restaurants, and one of the few that does not serve reheated or microwaved food. We heartily endorse The Treehouse, and will definitely be visiting it again.
Thursday, November 25, 2004
Restaurant
Jardin de Provence
40-42 South End
Croydon
Surrey
Phone:- 0208 255 0045
Website www.lebienmanger.com
Overview
Eva and I decided to try out Jardin de Provence, which has been taken over by the owner of what was Le Bien Manger, on Friday.
Jardin de Provence serves their interpretation of French style cuisine.
Ambience
Jardin offers seating for around 250 people, in a modern and stylish setting. There is a bar running down and a main dining area, part of which is elevated; then there is also a private dining area.
We sat in the elevated section, which afforded us a view of the bar and the kitchen; which could be seen through a large glass window.
The tables were laid with linen cloths and a selection of glassware, for wine and water. The atmosphere was busy and lively, as there was a private dinner in the adjacent function room.
There were café prints and glass mirrors on the walls. The off white ceiling was subtly contrasted by the orange pillars.
Our welcome was warm, and the atmosphere comfortable.
Menu
The menu contained a reasonable selection of French style food including; onion soup, oysters, scallops, snails, duck breast and sole. Rather perversely Jardin serves pasta as well, which of course has nothing to do with French cuisine.
There were some specials on a blackboard, as well as the a la carte selection.
I would say, that for a restaurant to describe itself as French, it needs to offer a little more traditional French food than Jardin has on its menu; eg lamb cassoulet, beef bourguignon and chicken chasseur.
Additionally, I would suggest that plain grilled steaks and cutlets are also offered; aside from those on the menu which are covered in sauces.
Service
The staff were very friendly, efficient and prompt.
One member of staff bore a striking resemblance to Oliver Letwin (Tory party Shadow Chancellor), given the Tories ratings in the polls it is entirely possible that he was working there.
Food
I started with the leek soup. This was good, hot and creamy with a good taste of leeks.
I chose one of the specials for my main course, braised lamb shank. This came in a rich red wine sauce. Now whilst there was nothing wrong per se with it; it is fair to say it was not the best lamb shank that I have ever had. To my view it had been cooked at too high a temperature, rather than the low long braising that is required. The result was that it was a little dry, and the meat did not slip gently off the bone as it should do.
Eva started with the scallops, these were sautéed with mushrooms, herbs and cream; they were presented on a bed of mashed potatoes. These were excellent, and she was very pleased with this dish.
Eva chose the chicken breast stuffed with spinach, in a tomato sauce. Whilst it tasted alright, it was not exceptional; Eva felt, and I concur, that the chicken was bland and dry.
The meal came with sauté potatoes and a selection of vegetables.
The meal, which included a bottle of Pouilly Fume and several liqueurs, came to £76 including service.
Overall Opinion
In our opinion, whilst the atmosphere is good, the food needs a little more attention and imagination.
Jardin de Provence
40-42 South End
Croydon
Surrey
Phone:- 0208 255 0045
Website www.lebienmanger.com
Overview
Eva and I decided to try out Jardin de Provence, which has been taken over by the owner of what was Le Bien Manger, on Friday.
Jardin de Provence serves their interpretation of French style cuisine.
Ambience
Jardin offers seating for around 250 people, in a modern and stylish setting. There is a bar running down and a main dining area, part of which is elevated; then there is also a private dining area.
We sat in the elevated section, which afforded us a view of the bar and the kitchen; which could be seen through a large glass window.
The tables were laid with linen cloths and a selection of glassware, for wine and water. The atmosphere was busy and lively, as there was a private dinner in the adjacent function room.
There were café prints and glass mirrors on the walls. The off white ceiling was subtly contrasted by the orange pillars.
Our welcome was warm, and the atmosphere comfortable.
Menu
The menu contained a reasonable selection of French style food including; onion soup, oysters, scallops, snails, duck breast and sole. Rather perversely Jardin serves pasta as well, which of course has nothing to do with French cuisine.
There were some specials on a blackboard, as well as the a la carte selection.
I would say, that for a restaurant to describe itself as French, it needs to offer a little more traditional French food than Jardin has on its menu; eg lamb cassoulet, beef bourguignon and chicken chasseur.
Additionally, I would suggest that plain grilled steaks and cutlets are also offered; aside from those on the menu which are covered in sauces.
Service
The staff were very friendly, efficient and prompt.
One member of staff bore a striking resemblance to Oliver Letwin (Tory party Shadow Chancellor), given the Tories ratings in the polls it is entirely possible that he was working there.
Food
I started with the leek soup. This was good, hot and creamy with a good taste of leeks.
I chose one of the specials for my main course, braised lamb shank. This came in a rich red wine sauce. Now whilst there was nothing wrong per se with it; it is fair to say it was not the best lamb shank that I have ever had. To my view it had been cooked at too high a temperature, rather than the low long braising that is required. The result was that it was a little dry, and the meat did not slip gently off the bone as it should do.
Eva started with the scallops, these were sautéed with mushrooms, herbs and cream; they were presented on a bed of mashed potatoes. These were excellent, and she was very pleased with this dish.
Eva chose the chicken breast stuffed with spinach, in a tomato sauce. Whilst it tasted alright, it was not exceptional; Eva felt, and I concur, that the chicken was bland and dry.
The meal came with sauté potatoes and a selection of vegetables.
The meal, which included a bottle of Pouilly Fume and several liqueurs, came to £76 including service.
Overall Opinion
In our opinion, whilst the atmosphere is good, the food needs a little more attention and imagination.
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Restaurant
Luigi’s
15 Tavistock Street
London
Phone:- 020-7240 1795
Website www.luigisofcoventgarden.com
Overview
Eva and I were near Covent Garden, the other evening, and decided to try out Luigi’s. Luigi’s is a privately owned Italian restaurant, that was established over 37 years ago.
Luigi’s is nearby the main theatres and nightlife of London’s West End.
Ambience
We had not booked, and the restaurant was very busy. However, the staff managed to find us a good table in the main dining room.
Luigi’s has a main dining room, and 3 individual private dining rooms; it can therefore cater for larger groups, other then the normal 4-6 people.
The restaurant was cheerful, comfortable and pleasantly decorated. The ceiling was white with light oak beams, interspersed with a large number of fans to circulate the air.
The walls were painted green and decorated with photos of personalities from the world of cinema, opera and theatre both and present. The tables were laid with white linen cloths and napkins.
Our welcome was warm, and the atmosphere lively.
Menu
The menu contained a good selection of Italian dishes ranging from the familiar eg carbonara, smoked salmon, Bresaola, Gnocchi, Carpaccio and rack of lamb to the more exotic eg quails’ eggs in a pastry boat and pheasant ravioli in a wild mushroom sauce.
Pizza lovers need not bother coming here; no pizzas!
Service
The staff were friendly, efficient and prompt.
I would also like to thank them for seeking us out in the restaurant, and returning Eva’s wallet; she had left this in the rest room, and it had been handed over to the staff by another diner. We were grateful for their initiative and honesty.
Food
I started with the Spaghetti Carbonara, this was a good quality version of the classic dish. The spaghetti was cooked just right, not too soft not too hard; and the sauce was cheesy, flavoursome and rich but not thick and claggy. I was very impressed with their version of this dish.
I chose the Bistecca Barolo for my main course. This was a sirloin steak served with a Barolo and mushroom sauce.
Now I have to say, that I was not that impressed with their version of this dish. The steak was tender and cooked rare, as requested. However, the sauce, although it looked dark red and inviting, was incredibly bitter and overpowering. I would charitably suggest that too much, of a poor quality, Barolo had been used to the detriment of the other ingredients. Were I uncharitable, I might suggest that the Barolo used by the chef had gone sour.
The dish came with vegetables and rosemary potatoes, the latter were excellent by the way.
Eva started with the avocado Gorgonzola, this was superb. The avocado creamy and smooth, topped with an incredibly rich Gorgonzola sauce. She was delighted with her choice.
Unfortunately Eva suffered the same disappointment as myself, with regard to her choice of main course. She chose the ravioli with pheasant.
This dish was presented in a very appealing manner on the plate. It consisted of five large bright yellow pillows of pasta, stuffed with pheasant, which were surrounded by a rich dark mushroom sauce. However, in our view, the sauce massively overpowered the taste of the pheasant and ravioli; and frankly, was not that pleasant.
The meal, which included a bottle of Chardonnay and liqueurs, came to £102 including service.
Overall Opinion
In our opinion, the quality of the main dishes that we ate let the restaurant down. We doubt that we will be returning.
Luigi’s
15 Tavistock Street
London
Phone:- 020-7240 1795
Website www.luigisofcoventgarden.com
Overview
Eva and I were near Covent Garden, the other evening, and decided to try out Luigi’s. Luigi’s is a privately owned Italian restaurant, that was established over 37 years ago.
Luigi’s is nearby the main theatres and nightlife of London’s West End.
Ambience
We had not booked, and the restaurant was very busy. However, the staff managed to find us a good table in the main dining room.
Luigi’s has a main dining room, and 3 individual private dining rooms; it can therefore cater for larger groups, other then the normal 4-6 people.
The restaurant was cheerful, comfortable and pleasantly decorated. The ceiling was white with light oak beams, interspersed with a large number of fans to circulate the air.
The walls were painted green and decorated with photos of personalities from the world of cinema, opera and theatre both and present. The tables were laid with white linen cloths and napkins.
Our welcome was warm, and the atmosphere lively.
Menu
The menu contained a good selection of Italian dishes ranging from the familiar eg carbonara, smoked salmon, Bresaola, Gnocchi, Carpaccio and rack of lamb to the more exotic eg quails’ eggs in a pastry boat and pheasant ravioli in a wild mushroom sauce.
Pizza lovers need not bother coming here; no pizzas!
Service
The staff were friendly, efficient and prompt.
I would also like to thank them for seeking us out in the restaurant, and returning Eva’s wallet; she had left this in the rest room, and it had been handed over to the staff by another diner. We were grateful for their initiative and honesty.
Food
I started with the Spaghetti Carbonara, this was a good quality version of the classic dish. The spaghetti was cooked just right, not too soft not too hard; and the sauce was cheesy, flavoursome and rich but not thick and claggy. I was very impressed with their version of this dish.
I chose the Bistecca Barolo for my main course. This was a sirloin steak served with a Barolo and mushroom sauce.
Now I have to say, that I was not that impressed with their version of this dish. The steak was tender and cooked rare, as requested. However, the sauce, although it looked dark red and inviting, was incredibly bitter and overpowering. I would charitably suggest that too much, of a poor quality, Barolo had been used to the detriment of the other ingredients. Were I uncharitable, I might suggest that the Barolo used by the chef had gone sour.
The dish came with vegetables and rosemary potatoes, the latter were excellent by the way.
Eva started with the avocado Gorgonzola, this was superb. The avocado creamy and smooth, topped with an incredibly rich Gorgonzola sauce. She was delighted with her choice.
Unfortunately Eva suffered the same disappointment as myself, with regard to her choice of main course. She chose the ravioli with pheasant.
This dish was presented in a very appealing manner on the plate. It consisted of five large bright yellow pillows of pasta, stuffed with pheasant, which were surrounded by a rich dark mushroom sauce. However, in our view, the sauce massively overpowered the taste of the pheasant and ravioli; and frankly, was not that pleasant.
The meal, which included a bottle of Chardonnay and liqueurs, came to £102 including service.
Overall Opinion
In our opinion, the quality of the main dishes that we ate let the restaurant down. We doubt that we will be returning.
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