Restaurant Reviews – Dine Online

The Elgin
255 Elgin Avenue
London W9
Tel: 020 7625 5511

Having lived in Maida Vale for over 20 years I have had to put up with very little choice on the eating out front. Fortunately I now have The Elgin right on the parade of shops where I live in Elgin Avenue. Situated within a stone’s throw of the tube it is a buzzy and lively place. Apparently, it’s full of yummy mummies at lunchtime, but in the evening it is definitely a hip and happening spot full of thirty something’s looking for a good night out.
The interior has a metropolitan, almost industrial feel, with raw RSJ’s, wooden floors, and seating. Music is played at a volume a little too loud for my liking but it seemed to suit the environment.

The menu changes daily according to market produce and is all cooked from scratch. It is the sort of place you can just have a snack or a three course meal, and there are plates to share, such as artisan cheeses and charcuterie, if you just fancy a cheap bite with friends.

From the choice of seven small plates I began with crunchy asparagus, perfectly salty speck ham, with a soft poached egg. Not only was it beautifully presented but it tasted divine. A wonderful melange for the taste buds. We also tried some tapas-style braised beef croquettes which were served crisp and piping hot with some zingy mustard, adding a good touch of spice.

To follow, I had a spicy king prawn, mussel and pollock stew. This was plentiful and satisfying, piquant in its flavours, and took me straight back to sunshine filled holidays in the Med. My guest’s sea bream came with slow cooked fennel, tomatoes and olives; he commented it was very well cooked with good pronounced flavours. To drink, we tried a bottle of Cote de Provence Rose, which was a very dry, with fresh and light overtones.

For pudding we shared a rich and satisfying caramelised pear tart with a toffee glaze. It was light in texture and plenty for two to share and came with a zesty stem ginger ice cream which proved a pleasing end to our feasting.

The Elgin has really cheered up my local area. It’s the sort of place it’s a pleasure to go into as the casually dressed welcoming staff seem genuinely pleased to see you. It’s perfect for large groups, or a first date, where you don’t want to be seen to be trying too hard. They also have a huge light and airy upstairs room that can be hired out for private functions. As for me, all I have to do is stumble back across the road afterwards. How perfect is that?

Louise Elgin. June 2013.
A meal for two with wine and water is about £40 a head.

The Elgin
255 Elgin Avenue
London W9
Tel: 020 7625 5511

The Spaniards Inn
Spaniards Road
London NW3 7JJ
Tel: 020 8731 8406

The Spaniards Inn has a huge amount to fascinate. Firstly, it’s a traditional 16th century coaching inn full of character and original features. Secondly it has an intriguing history, being mentioned in both Charles Dickens’ Pickwick Papers and Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Highwayman frequented the area and it is thought that the infamous Dick Turpin was a regular. The inn is opposite the former toll gate on the main road to London which was then some two hours away by horse-drawn carriage. Nowadays Hampstead Heath is considered part of the capital and just a short journey from the centre of the thriving metropolis, and yet The Spaniards still has the air of a pub in the country.

On the evening I visited, although nearly the end of March, snow was still on the ground and the inn couldn’t have looked more olde English and welcoming. The interior, which has recently been re-furbished, is all about highly polished oak, with traditional wood panelling, original beams, thick walls, low ceilings, log fires, traditional snugs, and a general feeling of comfort.

The welcoming staff showed us to our table which was a cosy candlelit oak booth. I began with a satisfying bowl of warming beetroot, apple and horseradish soup, complete with apple segments, a good bite of horseradish and the velvety tang of beetroot which all jostled for first place on my palate. My guest had a well presented plate of char-grilled cuttlefish with peas, mint and lardons which he pronounced as tasty.

To follow, from the seven main courses, I had an inviting plate of free–range Gloucester Old Spot smoky flavoured sausages and mash with cider gravy. Nowadays, with so many horror stories about where food is coming from, how reassuring to know that one’s plate is coming from a reliable source. Here the food is all cooked from scratch which is another feather in its cap and hence the relatively concise menu. My guest had a plate of chicken hotpot, with bacon, ale and picked onions, which he declared an ideal dish for the cold winter’s night.

To drink, we tried a bottle of Reserva Carmenere Maipo Valley 2011 Chilean red. With its hints of pepper and blackcurrant spice and pleasing blend of tannins it was a noble fortification for the freezing temperature outside.

To conclude, we shared an indulgent slab of bread and butter pudding laced with brandy and currants, served with a rich buttermilk ice-cream.
The Spaniards Inn is perfectly situated for walkers coming from Hampstead Heath needing sustenance. For the ale enthusiast there is a plethora of speciality beers and real ales to sample, and at weekend’s brunch is on offer followed by Sunday lunch which is served all day or until supplies run dry. Parking shouldn’t be too much of a problem as there is a large car park complete with a doggy wash area which I think must be fairly unique – well, I have certainly never seen one before!

Just before we left the landlord showed us a volume of intriguing stories, mostly written by previous residential staff who over the years claim to have seen ghosts here. I wasn’t really surprised. A pub with this much history is going to have secrets and that I think is part of its charm.

http://www.thespaniardshampstead.co.uk

Louise Elgin. March 2013.

A three course dinner for two with a bottle of wine and water is around £40 a head.

Review by Charles Saumarez

837 W Fulton Market Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 733-9555

As I start my grand tour across America, I do not go without sussing out some decent eateries along the way first. For my first leg of the trip, I am saddened to learn that Charlie Trotters is no longer with us, having closed in August 2012. Such alternative arrangements directed me to another well known Chicago restaurant group. Under the highly acclaimed Donald J Madia and Chef Paul Kahan, operating two such restaurants in a slightly off the beating track part of West Chicago among the far less touristy part of Chicago.

The flagship restaurant The Blackbird had been booked out weeks ago, so the suitable alternative was the slightly more informal eatery The Publican. Bracing the harsh Chicago winds and still feeling slightly ropey (the previous night, I had reached the inevitable conclusion that jet lag and sampling the extensive micro breweries in the area is not the most fruitful of endeavors) I had trekked (all part of the adventure) across to West Fulton Market, with all kinds of anticipations and a growling stomach.

The interior was a swathe of heavy wood furniture, in the form of booths, long communal tables and individual bar seats, overlooking the open plan kitchen. The ceiling was a matrix large pearly lamps striking a resemblance to large white alien eggs. The servers all wore a combo of checked shirts and brown piano remover coats. There were pictures of pigs in various shapes and forms, not unlike he St John Chophouse in Smithfield, London. I knew this was informal dining at it’s best without stuffy pretentiousness. The thing I liked most about the Publican was the lack of barriers to communal dining, with the emphasis on shared tables and the many bar seats. I had a nice close view of the open kitchen, with the cold counter at the front. I was strongly reminded of Anthony Bourdain’s early years from kitchen confidential watching the rhymatic poetry in motion which was the evening rush. The menu told a story of adventure, colour, land, sea true American hearty chophouse style eating. The beer and wine menu was totally different tale of discovery, palates from around the world and merry ending!

With the menu being mainly sharing platter style, I started off with a couple of oysters (you can’t not when such a wide selection was on offer) having picked out a Dabob Bay and Peters Point (Washington State and Massachusetts respectively).

My main entree of pork short ribs from Slagel Family Farm, Fairbury, Illinois by no means fell short of expectations. Being a combination of hearty, smokey, succulent married with sweet tangy exotic flavours, dotted with crunchy little fleurettes of cauliflower and butternut squash, the most accurate rendition was that I was eating America! My accompanying carafe of Chateau Barreyre from Bordeaux served not in a wine glass but a tumbler, a true reminder of my student days and rural France. Dark, oaked yet fruity and heavy tannin matched well with the succulent meat and the mix of complex flavours of the main dish. All the time this was going on, I was watching a new bartender being put through his paces being tutored on the finer points of mixing a Negroni (incidentally my cocktail of choice).

I exchanged a few words with my friendly server before my dessert of Rice Pudding brulee served with nougatine, rice crispy praline and a macadamia ice cream, served in novelty coffee cup the size of a soup bowl. It again failed to disappoint, being hot and crisp on top just how a brulee should be combined with a toasty aroma of the praline. Although refreshing I failed to finish, being unaccustomed to the generosity of American servings!

Upon thanking my server who said that England was on his bucket list, I had to leave the warm undercurrent of the Publican and brace the unforgiving sub zero Chicago evening outside.

The Publican is the kind of place good for either large groups of if your a solo explorer, offering an unique American hospitality, with exceptional value for money. Booking is essential though!

837 W Fulton Market Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 733-9555

http://thepublicanrestaurant.com

Get a sneak peak to see self-confessed foodie, Matt Dawson match his very own Warm Steak and Roquefort Salad recipe with the perfect pick from Bordeaux

Since winning Celebrity MasterChef back in 2006, Matt Dawson has now become a firm fixture in the culinary world. Good Food Would Choose Bordeaux, and so does Matt.

This winter the foodie becomes a Bordeaux wine lover: Matt shows Brits how to match great food with great Bordeaux wines without breaking the bank. Discover culinary passion with a series of cooking demos that will introduce you to the versatility of Bordeaux wines and endless pairing possibilities for any occasion.

Watch our video where Matt cooks up a delicious Warm Steak and Roquefort Salad, and with help from Wine Expert Ewan Lacey matches his creation to the perfect style of wine from Bordeaux.

Matt has fond memories of Bordeaux that date back to his teenage days when he spent Easters playing rugby against the local side, Bordeaux Bègles, and enjoying the hospitality of host families.

Food and wine are central to Bordeaux-style life, but back then Matt had no idea food was going to become his central focus after hanging up his boots. This self-confessed foodie now has time to devote to his great passion. Being able to match his own recipes to a selection of Bordeaux wines is a labour of love that takes Matt back to those memorable Easters in Bordeaux.

Watch the full recipes: http://www.bordeaux.com/uk/artofliving/aficionados

Today’s video showcases: Whole bird cooking and carving.

The season of good will is fast approaching! While the stress of shopping and panicking about presents will be starting to kick in for most of us, many people will be even more fearful at the thought of having to cook the perfect Christmas dinner, after all, there would be nothing more devastating than having a ‘Turkey disaster’ on the afternoon of the 25th!

So, if you’re feeling unconfident about your turkey-cooking skills this December then look no further! Phil Vickery is on hand to help make your turkey dreams come true and guide you towards creating the tastiest bird your family has ever had! From seasoning, to how to carve, there’ll be no need to panic this Christmas day, which means you can sit back, relax and thoroughly enjoy the special occasion.

So why not get some practice in early to make sure you look like a pro when the family arrives. With plenty of tips and advice, Phil will make sure you wake up on Christmas Day full of excitement, not dread about cooking your bird. Why not make your turkey the best present you give this year, by having a practice run today.

www.britishturkey.co.uk

Watch our video feature where Phil shows us his useful hints and tips to creating the perfect turkey this Christmas.

FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA MENU NOW AVAILABLE AT THE TEA GUILD AWARD WINNING CAPITAL HOTEL

Winner of the UK Tea Guild’s Award of Excellence for Top London Afternoon Tea 2011, The Capital Hotel, located in London’s exclusive Knightsbridge, will be launching its Christmas Afternoon Tea menu on 1st Dec. The menu, which will be available until 6th Jan, has been created by acclaimed chef Nathan Outlaw and his team and is available from 2.30pm – 5.30pm daily, priced at £29.50 per person. To make reservations call 020 7591 1202, or for more information visit www.capitalhotel.co.uk

Guests can also enjoy the menu, which includes a selection of festive classic British sandwiches, delicate cakes and freshly baked scones, with a glass of Ruinart Blanc de Blanc for just £40 per person.

As with The Capital’s new restaurant, Outlaw’s Seafood and Grill, Nathan and his head chef, Pete Biggs, have created a selection of sandwiches using sustainably sourced fish and meat. Sandwich fillings include smoked salmon; honey roast ham and mustard; and turkey roll and red onion chutney. Freshly baked sweet treats include homemade mince pies; orange and date sponge cake; cranberry, walnut and fig cake; chocolate and sherry trifle; and fruit and plain scones accompanied by strawberry jam with clotted cream.

Afternoon Tea is served in the stylish sitting room, overlooking Basil Street and is decorated in warm, rich plum tones. For those who would like to enjoy a drink following Afternoon Tea, The Capital Bar, which exudes warmth and exclusivity, offers a selection of Champagnes, cocktails and spirits to toast the festive period.

Opened 40 years ago by David Levin as London’s first boutique hotel, The Capital sits enviably in the heart of Knightsbridge, just minutes from both Harrods and Harvey Nichols. As well as the restaurant and bar, it offers 50 individually decorated bedrooms with an emphasis on English design. Still run by David’s daughter, Kate, it is one of few hotels to hold 5 red star status.

The Capital Hotel, 22 Basil Street, London, SW3 1AT
www.capitalhotel.co.uk

Masterchef runner up and TV chef Dean Edwards has put a dash of his best culinary skills into a selection of scrumptious, yet simple, sauces using a secret ingredient – Three Barrels VSOP, the UK’s favourite French Grape brandy.

Dean’s sauce recipes will jazz up the simplest of suppers and are guaranteed to make any everyday meal fit for a king. Whether it’s your traditional Sunday roast or your Friday night curry night, Three Barrels has a delicious sauce for you to enjoy with friends, with food, with pleasure.

Dean Edwards comments,

“It’s about not over complicating meal times and creating simple sauces which don’t compromise on great taste. The smoothness of Three Barrels VSOP coupled with its hints of almonds and walnuts make it the perfect ingredient to blend the full flavours of the sauces together. These quick, mouth-watering sauces are so easy to do you’ll be cooking them for family and friends over and over again”.

Get saucy with Three Barrels and visit www.three-barrels.co.uk for all the recipes, as well as Dean Edwards’ very own top serving tips and twists.

From Russell Norman’s empire of cool to Jeremy Lee’s re-vamped Vadis, never have Soho’s streets been so paved with gourmet gold. Adding a one-off pearl to Soho’s culinary oyster is Disiac – a sleek seafood and champagne bar ready to stand out from the crowd.

Bringing a taste of the Mediterranean coast to its Greek Street destination, feast on the freshest fish and crustacea sourced from the British Isles, savour a plate of freshly made strozzapreti or take a seat at the raw bar and watch the chefs at work in the open kitchen.

More Ibiza than Italy? Party with friends in intimate white leather booths, chill out on the raised window seats cocktail in hand, or dine after dark with the resident DJ on the decks.

The food

The menu, created by executive chef Paolo Palmisano and head chef Michele de Rosa (previously at Cecconi’s), is a classic blend of seafood and Italian cuisine. Pull up a pew at the raw bar where you can indulge in Colchester Rock and Jersey oysters as well as a sharing plateau de fruits de mer which might include mussels, clams, langoustine, razor clams, Mediterranean prawns and half a grilled lobster, for £32.

As well as crustacea guests can dine a la carte with starters such as sautéed mussels, crab and avocado salad, roasted fresh figs with parma ham and burrata Pugliette. Main courses follow the seafood theme with half a lobster with wild rocket, cod fillet with white wine, caperberries, cherry tomatoes and green beans, and grilled tiger prawns.

Freshly made pasta dishes include maltagliati with mussels, lobster tagliolini and strozzapreti with courgettes, cherry tomatoes, radicchio and dolce latte.

Open from noon everyday, the affordable set menu at lunchtime combines the flavours of the deep at just £9.50 and £13.50 for two and three courses respectively.

The drink

As one would expect from a seafood and champagne bar, the emphasis is on sparkling wines with over 15 bottles of bubbly from Tenuta Santome Santhomas Rosato at £30 to Loius Roederer Cristal Brut 2004 at £280. 30 wines complete the picture, with crisp whites, floral rosés and full-bodied reds starting from the Chianti Classico Avallone 2010 at £15.

The 20-strong cocktail list includes the Bitter Greek with whisky, mint, strawberries, elderflower and bitters; RudeBarber with Prosecco, raspberries and rhubarb; and Lady in Red with strawberry vodka, basil and lemonade.

Private dining and events

Every Tuesday, Disiac will host a supper club, focusing on a different theme each week. Enjoy a four-course meal with wines to match for just £38 per person.

At the weekend, diners can get in the party spirit with a resident DJ playing in to the early hours on Friday and Saturday nights or unwind to the fine sounds of live jazz from 6pm every Thursday.

Disiac, 6 Greek Street, London, W1D 4ED
020 7734 3888

www.disiaclondon.com
www.twitter.com/disiaclondon
www.facebook.com/disiaclondon

Chef and butcher Henry Herbert shows you how in this step-by-step video

Mastering the art of preparing and cooking the perfect piece of lamb is not always easy. From knowing what to look for when choosing your meat, to knife skills, and seasoning it correctly, there can be a lot to absorb.

Chef and butcher Henry Herbert has teamed up with Quality Standard Mark beef and lamb on a mission to capture the knowledge of the nation’s butchers and to pass on their skills, advice and hints to keen cooks.

For a failsafe method to butterfly a leg of lamb watch our video as Henry guides you through the process from start to finish.

Christmas comes but once a year, and with it comes some of the most traditional food and drinks. There are certain dishes and beverages which are only consumed during the festive season, and they are made all the more special for the fact that they are only enjoyed for a few weeks per year. Scottish Hampers is a purveyor of luxury hampers full of these types of delicious Christmas treats, with locally sourced products of the highest quality, to ensure that the treats which are enjoyed on an annual basis are even more mouth-watering. Whether they are bought as a treat for the family, an extravagant gift for loved ones, or simply a way to bring everyone together at an office Christmas party, luxury food hampers are a great tradition for many at Christmas.

The Christmas Feast food hamper, as the name may suggest, is a specially created hamper for the festive season, and is packed with the sort of treats and indulgences that many only enjoy during the month of December. An extravagant cheese selection, including Strathdon Blue, Mull of Kintyre, and Old Smokey mature cheddar, is accompanied by an equally varied choice of wine; The Veldt Range is imported from South Africa by Scottish company Inverarity Vaults, and is one of the most popular beverages available from Scottish Hampers. A deluxe chocolate assortment is included to satisfy the most sweet-toothed of loved ones, and Scottish Hampers are also selling traditional chocolate coins in the run up to Christmas to help really get into the festive spirit. Bursting with goodies, this Christmas food hamper is available for just £199.99.

Though not specifically named as a Christmas hamper, the Loch Ness luxury food hamper actually features two hampers full of what can only be described as pure Scottish indulgence. There are enough smoked and cured meats to fill any larder, and a cheese selection to keep the fridge filled for the entire month of December. Cherry cakes from Nevis Bakery, vanilla macaroons and traditional oatcakes make perfect desserts for those who decline a Christmas pudding, and preserves such as orange marmalade, orange blossom honey and chilli jam will ensure a little taste of Christmas well into the New Year. There are beverages a-plenty, for those of all palates, including wine, port, sherry, champagne and organic beers, while the younger members of the family will surely enjoy the delicious selection of cookies, biscuits and sweets. The double Loch Ness hamper is available from Scottish Hampers for £335.99 and will keep even the largest of families well-fed for the festive season.

To browse the entire sale collection and order online visit http://www.scottishhampers.co.uk or call 0845 834 0086.