London - Dim t

I met a friend up on Charlotte street last Friday night and we ended up wandering into a Thai restaurant, Dim t. Inside was busy and it had a buzzy atmosphere, the wooded interior being both stylish and yet also quite intimate as the tables were all quite close together. This made it feel, in my mind, quite New York-y, and although we sat outside because it was a lovely evening, you still felt part off it with the all-glass front acting as the only divide. I made one of those last minute decisions and changed my order (which had been dim sum), to Pad Thai with tofu. Although it was unlike any Pad Thai I've ever had,  and I don't think particularly classic, it was really delicious! What made it different was that it was very sweet, and it had little garnish - no dried shrimps in sight. But this sweetness wasn't off-putting and was just really yum, the tofu too, was out of this world. It was the best tofu I've had in an age as it was cut into small enough cubes that meant you could pop it in in one bite, which is always helpful, and while it was toasted on the outside and very much held its shape, it managed to stay soft enough in the middle. Wonderful stuff. My friend had some dim sum which was apparently very yummy, and at normal prices (£7 something for my pad thai), it was a great find. I really recommend a visit, and if you get there and don't fancy it, then just turn around and take your pick from the congregation of places along the street, all just waiting for you to wander in and plonk yourself down on their seat.

J

Apple Tart

I was having a friend over for supper the other day, (very last minute), and panic-made a tart for pudding. Easiest success ever.

So, what ya need:

1 x roll of puff pastry.
Sugar to sprinkle.
Cinnamon to sprinkle.
Whatever fruit you have/can lay your hands on.

But what do I do, Jess?

Well, it's crazy easy. You roll out the pastry, slice up your fruit, (I used pears and apples), and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Pop in the oven at 200° and bake for about 20mins, or until the pastry is puffed and brown and the fruit glazed.

Et voila - an impressed chum and a cheap, yummy pud.

Please ignore the green plastic chopping board, not very Jamie Oliver of me.

J

London - Wahaca

So Wahaca was a wee bit hit and miss in my books. For example, while the black bean and cheese quesadillas and the spicy sweet potato pieces were really delicious, the soft tortilla tacos were just ok, and were tiny, so looked a bit sad on the plate. I kept adding a spicy sauce to liven them up, but every time I did this I re-realised I just wasn't that hard when it came to spice, and then had to add yoghurt to cool it down. This became an endless and slightly frustrating dance, one which I never mastered, as I never managed to get the combinations right. But enough of this sob story. Onto the drinks! However the final blow sadly arrived with these... Admittedly, we bought it on ourselves, as we should have read between the lines, but when you order 'Hibiscus water: cranberry flavoured Mexican flower juice', you expect something pretty cool, right? Alas what arrived was nothing other than Ocean Spray cranberry. Or actually it was probably Ocean Spray's slightly cheaper cousin. I felt a little betrayed, and things only worsened with the arrival of the cleverly named 'Citrus Fizz', which sheepishly showed itself to be nothing other than soda water. If it's soda water, Wahaca, just call it that, then feelings can't get hurt.

A huge redeeming feature, however, is the clever and I think rather wonderful idea of giving you on leaving what looks to be a cardboard packet of matches. This then however turns out not to be matches, but rather chilli seeds stuck onto sticks, ready to plant at home. I wandered past my chilli plant a moment ago, growing on my window sill, and with this all misgivings towards Wahaca disappeared. Although my experience was hit and miss, I do recommend a visit, as at the end of it all a lot of care and thought has gone into the place (and its drink descriptions), and you walk away with your very own chilli plant.
So why not?

J

 

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I'm back! I thought I'd add my twopence to this post as I've been to Wahaca twice in the last few months.

 

Contrary to J, I love this place. Hidden away in one of the busiest areas of London in converted shipping containers, Wahaca brings something a little bit different to the norm. The concept is pretty simple - shared Mexican dishes and tequila-based cocktails. Personally I think the food is incredible, although I have to agree with J that some portions can be a bit measly and some dishes - notably the soft tacos - a little bland. Also, this being Mexican food, if you're not a fan of cheese than moo-ve on to a different place (sorry!); pretty much every dish is smothered with cheese. There's even a cheese fondue-type dish with a lone nacho chip placed sparingly on top. I would highly recommend the quesadillas - delicious filled flat wraps - and the taquitos - lovely little Mexican spring rolls.

 

As for the drinks - tequila this, tequila that, tequila everything... The signature Mexican beverage is clearly very well stocked in the Wahaca cellars. Try the Wahaca Mule - a tequila, ginger beer and lime infusion or there's one which includes a hefty amount of salt amongst its ingredients; I've forgotten its name. 'Agua de mar', perhaps?

 

Given the relaxed atmosphere, attentive and helpful staff, and wonderful sharing food, I would certainly recommend taking a date here. J may disagree, but my date loved it!

 

All in all, definitely worth a visit if you can find it!

 

A

London - Dosa Deli

Earlier today I braved the drizzle and went to a cheese and wine market with a friend at Southbank. It was held where the regular weekend farmers market is usually found, (which I highly recommend), just opposite PingPong. Although it was smaller than the usual market, everyone there was gallantly battling the elements with a glass of red in one hand, and a cocktail stick with something Devonshire stuck on it in the other, so there was a definite happy buzz about.
We, however, went rogue and opted for the (only) Indian option, because they were selling fresh, proper, Chai tea. (Plus, it was only 10am... Who were all these people?)...

The Chai was amazing and although I've tried to make it fresh at home a number of times, I've always failed, so won't bore you, but it was the Goan Masala Dosa wrap that was particularly great. The wrap itself was made fresh on the spot, much like a pancake, and it was then filled with shredded paneer cheese, onion, peppers, coriander, and had this amazing yoghurt chutney garnish that was great for dipping. Although incredibly filling, it also felt very light and healthy.

So go check out a market next time, they never disappoint.

- J

London - Shake Shack

With post-graduation blues finally subsiding and indefinite unemployment looming, seeking solace in meeting up with university friends in town and going out to eat has become a commonality for me.

Someone suggested we head to a new eatery that had just opened in Covent Garden, serving burgers and milkshakes.
Fantastic central London location: check.
Unashamedly unhealthy American food: check.
Ridiculous London prices: check.

For such a superb location, it was no surprise we had to queue for half an hour to be served; but we were a little taken aback by the limited choices on the menu. Offering a few choices of burgers and hot dogs, the majority of the menu is occupied by what they call 'frozen custards' or 'concretes'. Essentially a glorified McFlurry except thicker and with more ingredients.

Whether you choose to sit outside ogling at the street performers or inside under the awnings of the famous Covent Garden market, upon ordering you are presented with an alarm-type device that emits a horrendous buzzing sound and seizure-inducing flashes when your food is ready.

Whilst tasty, albeit a little too greasy, the burgers are nothing special and you'd get more for your money at a cheaper fast food restaurant, which is essentially what this is. One highlight though is the chips; crinkled and springy and lightly dusted with spices, I haven't had chips these tasty in a while.

In this blistering heat, there was only one choice for me. The 'concretes' are orgasmic and exactly what I was expecting. The one I chose contained vanilla ice cream, peanut butter sauce, marshmallow sauce, and bits of actual banana. A perfect combination. Also worthy of a mention is the fact you can create your own, which is a nice touch.

Randomly, but quite a clever idea given their outside dog-friendly location, is the portion of the menu catering for dogs, because after all, dogs need to cool down too.

To conclude, it's nice and tasty, but not great value for money and better burgers can be found elsewhere. Although the frozen custard/concretes are worth trying if you're prepared to queue.

Keep it cool (especially in this weather),

A

Pickled Radishes

As well as writing reviews, I am also going to include the odd thing that I make at home, now that the summer brings with it an expanse of free time...

I love love love the pickles that come with the miso soup in Wagamamas, and found out yesterday that they are, in fact, radishes. Having always wanted to grab a bunch of proper Benjamin Bunny veg, I finally had the chance, and decided to pickle some this morning. This is a very easy, and pretty, way of approaching the little red veg.

For a small jar:

1 bunch of radishes (around 12 of them)
150ml rice wine vinegar
50ml water
2/3 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 deseeded chilli
1 crushed clove of garlic

Method:

- Cut the stalks of the radishes and chop into thin slices (about 5mm).
- Pop them in an airtight glass jar
- Combine the water and vinegar in a pan with the sugar and salt.
- Bring to the boil, and wait until all the sugar and salt are dissolved.
- Turn off the heat and add the chilli and garlic (I even added some ginger).
- Pour over the radishes, and put the jar in the fridge once it has cooled.
- I suppose the optimum time before you taste them is 24 hours, but I sure didn't wait.

Et voila.

- J


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Update:
A word to the wise - although pretty and very tasty, these unassuming pink things stink to absolute high heaven. (I blame the vinegar). When your mum opens the fridge door, she aint gonna be happy... You have been warned...

Bristol - Grillstock Smokehouse

Once again, I apologise for leaving it so long between posts, but there's been a lot going on! One massive change is the fact that we are both now graduands (Huzzah!); that blissful state of limbo between end of exams and the impending sense of responsibility signalled by graduation.

I was walking along the Triangle with a friend when we both spotted a new restaurant that had popped up; my compadre, another foodie-enthusiast suggested we go visit the next day for lunch. However, that evening I had plans to see a friend's band at the Coronation Tap... for all those aware of the Cori Tap, as it's affectionately known, can probably see where this is going. For those not in the know - the pub serves 10-12% cider tasting like apple juice. Lethal.

In hindsight, organising work experience in a GP's surgery for the following day was probably not the greatest idea... Thankfully I made it to the surgery on time looking surprisingly suave, albeit swaying slightly and undoubtedly smelling of alcohol. Now further sleep-deprived, I stumbled back up to the Triangle, encouraged only by the overwhelming excitement of a hearty meat-filled lunch.

Waiting outside for my friend to arrive, I was greeted by a charming lady with a tray full of pots of miscellaneous meats to taste - pulled pork, beef brisket, burnt ends, spicy sausages and more. It felt a bit strange tasting the food before I was due to go in and buy it, but at least then I could select what I wanted more easily.

Originally a festival, Grillstock has decided to set up a base in Bristol and I'm so glad they did because this place is incredible. Based heavily on America's deep south, with a single seated bar for diners, with a central trough of assorted sauces and condiments running along it and chefs resembling truckers, with peaked caps, all beardy and tattooed, the menu is one massive smorgasbord of delicious, slow-roasted, barbequed meats. As our orders arrived on trays pilled high with food, my hangover almost vanished in an instant. Vegetarians look away now.

Mmmmm.... meaty meaty goodness.

My order, a mountain of mixed meats, topped with cheese and sauces all fitted into a bun almost defeated me, although I'll admit my stomach was not in the best of states. My friend ordered a pulled pork plate and an additional hotdog topped with jalapenos. Both were delicious, although maybe a touch on the pricey side.

Definitely one of the best new places in Bristol to eat at the moment - go visit. Plus, you get to drink out of those epic Jeremiah Weed glasses, making you feel even more awesome, and for the toughest amongst you, they even have a man vs. food-esque challenge dubbed 'The Grand Champion' which grants you a free t-shirt and bottle of BBQ sauce should you choose to take on the meat feast and successfully complete it.

And now to bear the combined grunt of a hangover and a food coma.

A