A Sentence a Day - 9 February 2017

IMG_9186

In 2017 I will be writing A Sentence a Day. You can read more about why here.

Today is the 9 February 2017.

unnamed

Question:

What would your perfect day look like?

Answer:

After a night of uninterrupted sleep I'd wake early to cuddles with my baby and husband and head off for some me-time at the gym before breakfast, then we'd head into London town (I'd read all the way on the tube) and hang out; a fashion exhibition, some shopping, mooching about and going to The Palomar for lunch and champagne -  we'd head home, I'd have two hours of solid writing time while the boys snoozed, just about time for a game of tennis, then we'd head off to a huge house in the English countryside where all our friends and family would be waiting for a big party with great music before crashing out in a huge comfy bed and reflecting on my perfect day - doing the things I love with the people I love.

*too much in one day?

** I can dream, right?

A Sentence a Day - 6 February 2017

IMG_9186

In 2017 I will be writing A Sentence a Day. You can read more about why here.

Today is the 6 February 2017.

unnamed-1

Question:

What did you eat for breakfast today?

Answer:

Whole Earth Crunchy Peanut Butter on Granary Toast, Total 0% Fat Greek Yoghurt with raspberries and a sprinkle of Grape Nuts and NOT ENOUGH TEA TO GET ME OVER A TERRIBLE NIGHTS SLEEP AND GET ME THROUGH THE DAY AHEAD. 

A Sentence a Day - 14 January 2017

IMG_9186

In 2017 I will be writing A Sentence a Day. You can read more about why here.

Today is the 14 January 2017.

unnamed

Question:

Who did you see today?

Answer:

In this order: my baby Evan (at 1am, 4am and 7am), my husband Alex, the staff and people at the gym, some neighbours, my very good friend Vicki and then Hannah and the other lovely staff at The Village Kitchen in Walthamstow where we ate lunch today.

A Sentence a Day - 13 January 2017

IMG_9186

In 2017 I will be writing A Sentence a Day. You can read more about why here.

Today is the 13 January 2017.

unnamed-1

Question:

What was your favourite part of today?

Answer:

I treated myself to lunch at one of my favourite Walthamstow eateries, Bühler & Co; I had the warm room at the back to myself and ate Quinoa cakes with avocado, poached egg, pumpkin, labneh, za’atar and leaves and listened to some great music; it reminded me of travelling in New Zealand with my husband and I felt relaxed... for about 5 minutes, then Evan threw his lunch on the floor and over my jeans.

unnamed 

A Sentence A Day - 2 February 2015

IMG_9186-0 In 2015 I will be writing a Sentence a Day. You can read more about why here.

Today is the 2 February 2015.

FullSizeRender

Question:

Which famous living person would you like to have dinner with?

Answer:

Grace Dent - journalist, author, broadcaster and food critic extraordinaire; she'd blag us a table at the so-hot-it-hurts hot new hot place in hipsterville this week (avoiding queuing / smug rejection by an 18-year-old with a clipboard) and we'd get smashed on champagne and stuffed on something with hummus and cause all kinds of mischief; I imagine my stomach'd hurt from laughing - as it does when I read Grace and Flavour - and we'd sod about and reminisce about the 90s, and I'd take a cab all the way home and flip off my shoes, and quite possibly leave them in it, and best of all the Evening Standard would pick up the tab (probably).

image

Domali Café, Crystal Palace

IMG_4893

Being back down South of the River on a temporary basis has many benefits. It offers the opportunity for quality time with family and locally based friends. To discover new places that have popped up over the last few years; hopping on a bus to Brixton and checking out the Village Market (still to do) for example or working greedily through new eateries in Balham and Clapham. To revisit old, reliable favourites - like Domali.

Domali is a vegetarian-pescetarian café in Crystal Palace. It is a firm favourite with the locals and has been in business for over seventeen years, standing proudly on Westow Street amongst an eclectic mix of restaurants, pubs, bookshops and bakeries.

With a contemporary feel and local art displayed on the walls (for perusing or purchasing), it is a smart but relaxed affair. The atmosphere is bustling and vibrant and the staff are friendly but leave you to your own devices which means you can enjoy a lively Sunday brunch with friends or a quiet lunch, just you and a book. Domali pulls in an interesting mixture of creative, trendy types, devoted locals and large groups of families and friends so there is never a dull moment. Free WiFi ensures there are plenty of iPods/Pads/Phones on display, with any online activity fuelled by the great coffee on offer. There is also a seductive garden out back which is perfect for alfresco dining.

IMG_4933

It is the food that draws me back time and time again though – British, Mediterranean and Asian-inspired fare. You can have any meal your heart (and stomach) desires; breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, pre-supper cocktails and nibbles or candlelit evening meal. Domali serves vegetarian and fish dishes exclusively but carnivores need not look away now. The menu is extensive and the portions are ginormous enough to satisfy the most hungry of diners with imaginative and fresh flavours.

Doorstop sandwiches come in a variety of wholesome combinations (the hummus and carrot is especially good) and the salads are substantial (vegetarian bacon anyone?). The BCM – Baked beans, Cheddar and Marmite on two hunks of farmhouse toast will defeat the deadliest of hangover, but if you are after something a little more refined, the smoked haddock fish cakes with chunky chips, tartar sauce and salad do the trick too I've been told. Add to the mix an array of regular and changing specials, delectable side dishes, fresh fruit smoothies, and homemade cakes and desserts and the result is greedy satisfaction.

IMG_5133

Arrive early before the crowds get there to avoid the queue. Grab the squishy leather couch positioned by the window, order a steaming mug of the decadent but divine White Hot Chocolate, a Domali legend, and watch the locals go by. A perfectly brilliant afternoon in this unique Crystal Palace institution.

IMG_4936

DOMALI CAFE, 38 WESTOW STREET, LONDON SE19 1RX

020 8768 0096

https://twitter.com/domalicafe

http://domalicafe.co.uk

Dishoom!

Clock

So to Covent Garden on a beautiful, boisterous Thursday night in London where the autumnal light was suitably golden and there was music and merriment in the crisp air (and excessive post-work wine). A perfect night to visit Dishoom, London's first ever Bombay Café and a modern, fresh interpretation on Indian food.

Dishoom first opened its ornate doors in Covent Garden in July 2010 and is named after an old Bollywood sound effect, made when the brave hero lands a cracking good punch, or when a bullet flies through the air. It is similar to popular slang usage of the expression mojo or he's got Dishoom!, and mojo it certainly has evident by the sizeable queue of patient diners chattering outside (and offered a steaming hot chai to warm their cockles while they waited). The original ‘Irani’ Cafés of Bombay, which inspired Dishoom, were abundant at the beginning of the 20th century, and welcomed people from all walks of life across the vast city – rich businessmen would sip chai next to sweaty taxi-wallahs, courting couples, and writers finding their character.

From almost four hundred at their peak in the 1960’s, sadly there are now fewer than thirty remaining, as commercialism and expansion dominated the city of Bombay. Dishoom draws on the heritage of these cafés, with their all-day menu paying homage to the food of Bombay and they are keen to capture some part of this disappearing tradition, and share it with us hungry Londoners. Dishoom's Chowpatty Beach bar sprung up on the South Bank from May to October 2011, closely followed by a second café in Shoreditch in October 2011.

About_3_Michael-Caine

रंगमंच सजावट

So, back to the other bustling city of London. On entering Dishoom, pow, your senses are immediately awakened, in an exhilarating way instead of a great big in-your-face kind of way. The decor is striking with rich panelled floors, fans whirling slowly to cool the sizzling air and sepia photos of ancestors and Bombay starlets in wooden frames adorning pistachio brick walls. This creates a sensational visual display and each tells a fascinating story of its own. The restaurant is classy and stylish, and although the queue and hard-to-get-a-table offers a sense of exclusivity, Dishoom manages to do what other modern restaurants can often fail - make you feel welcome and part of a big gang of mates rather than grateful to be there, and the faded elegance welcomes all. Your mates for the night are a mixture of hot young things, distinguished ladies and gentleman, chattering friends, and chic couples and Marcus Wareing was dining on the night, which was a very good sign. Yet, there's no snobbery here. Dishoom could afford to be a bit sniffy if it jolly well felt like it but instead it doesn't take itself too seriously or compromise on its values, instead treating you like a long-lost friend come round for tea.

IMG_4575

IMG_4576

The toilets are a sight to behold. Yes, I did say the toilets. Although I cannot speak confidently about the gents (that would be weird), the ladies' loo has huge pictures of the champion Parsi body builders from the 1960s and vintage Indian toiletries in medicine cabinets provide a point of interest, and charm, while you, ahem, go on with your business.

पेय

I had vowed to stay firmly on the wagon the night I visited, but the Dishoom cocktail menu laughed heartily in the face of my abstinence. They could see right through me; they knew my game and that I am partial to a tipple or two. Before I had the chance to feebly make my excuses, I found myself with a flute of the delicious BollyBellini in my hand, and disappointed I was not. With sweet raspberries and lychees, fragrant rose and cardamom topped off with sparkling first-class Prosecco it was a bellini to be reckoned with. The menu describes it as a very pretty missy and pretty it was, although I fear after one too many of these easily drinkable delights this here blogger would not be a pretty missy, rather a shouty and dancing mess.

अन्न

Enough of the decor and the loo's and my unnecessary tales of tipsiness. It is, of course, the food you are clamouring to know about and my goodness, it does not disappoint. At Dishoom the menu is easy, welcoming and not too try-hard, with distinct strong flavours, tasty marinades and food that gives the impression it is created using good, quality produce. The all-day café menu takes inspiration from the food of Bombay. Our waiter, the very amiable Keith, encouraged us to order a number of small dishes and share the feast among ourselves and we took his very sound advice. We started with some Far Far, described on the menu as a carnival of snackery, which were like a salty, lemony, crisp-popadum hybrid that conjured up memories from our childhood.

Being a vegetarian, for once, is advantageous in Dishoom as it caters so well but it does not discriminate against carnivores. Fellow meaty diners tucked in to a number of Grills on offer, including Spicy Lamb Chops marinated in lime juice, ginger, warm dark spices and jaggery - a traditional uncentrifuged sugar consumed in Asia and Africa. The Bhel was heartily recommended - puffed rice, the infamous Bombay Mix and savoury nylon sev, all tossed beautifully with fresh pomegranate, tomato, onion and lime, tamarind and mint that worked together so harmoniously.

The Ruby Murray's were tasty and satisfying - including a silky Chicken Ruby and as someone who never really felt like cheese with my ruby, I am now a Paneer devotee, thanks to Dishoom's Paneer Tikka, marinated and then gently charred with red and green capsicums.  I'll let you discover the rest of the main menu for yourself, but DO NOT leave Dishoom without gobbling greedily the Gunpowder Potatoes - spuds in brown skins, smoky-grilled and tumbled seductively with butter, green herbs and crushed aromatic seeds. You'll finish them, look around sheepishly and think to yourself, will I look like a gluttonous pig if I suggest ordering one more portion? before going ahead and ordering unabashedly anyway.

IMG_4560

Leave room for dessert but if your belly is bursting, attempt to share with friends. We shared the Kala Khatta Gola Ice, and before tucking in were warned that the first spoonful tastes bizarre, the second is captivating, and we unanimously agreed. Fluffy flakes of ice soaked gloriously in kokum fruit syrup, blueberries, chilli, lime and white and black salt - this was more than a palate cleanser, it was a powerful taste explosion in your mouth with a huge kick. It had mojo.

IMG_4561

सोटा

Staff are attentive, knowledgable and so affable by the end of the night high on spice and life and one too many BollyBellini's you find yourself wanting to stay in touch, have a beer, swap email addresses etc but thank goodness you stop embarrassing yourself. Our waiter Keith was a gem - he knew the menu inside out, stopped us over ordering unnecessarily and was there with spare napkins and cutlery before we even realised we were without.

My initial dealings with Dishoom were by email, as an enquiring and humble blogger, with the fantastic Tom, Dishoom's Marketing-wallah and Dipak, Reservations-wallah, both absolutely top blokes. They shared with me proudly that Dishoom freely admit to having a sentimental side (too much Bollywood), and they love to see a birthday party celebrated well - that is, starting with something spicy, and ending with singing and dancing. How could anyone resist that?

So, to summarise Dishoom in my opinion it is slicker than your average. It is wallet and taste-bud friendly and serves fresh, modern indian food in a stylish, buzzing and beautiful place. The decor is gorgeously kitsch and ornate and the beautiful magentas, teals and vintage artwork is right up my street. The service is impeccable - from the initial chai in the queue, from entrance to bar to table and everything in between, and combined with the food this gives everything an impeccable, flawless finish. We were treated like VIPs, but with just the right amount of fuss.

Delectable Dishoom, you are vibrant, you have swagger. I cannot wait to see you and your mojo again soon, if you will have me.

Posters
DISHOOM
Dishoom Shoreditch – 7 Boundary Street, London E2 7JE
Dishoom Covent Garden – 12 Upper St. Martin’s Lane, London WC2H 9FB
www.dishoom.com
Become a Facebook Dishoom-wallah for news, events, gifts and suchlike: www.facebook.com/dishoomlondon
Follow us on Twitter – we're quite random: www.twitter.com/dishoom
 

 

 

Honey & Co. Restaurant

One of the many wonderful things about London is the huge number of places to get really great food. You can take your pick from fancy restaurant, trendy street food van, greasy spoon or the latest pop-up  in a park (or car park). However, with such a wide choice of cuisine and quality, and a fluctuating bank account if the truth be told, sometimes it can be impossible to find something that's really worth the money and provides a memorable experience - food that tantalises your taste buds but doesn't break the bank, and transports you to another time and location.

Then I found Honey & Co.

Honey & Co. is a gem tucked away in Fitzrovia that serves incredible food from the Middle East. The surrounding neighbourhood offers a plenitude of trendy restaurants and proper London boozers packed to the rafters, but it is this sweet restaurant I would visit time and time again.

It may serve exotic and flavoursome food, but the decor is simple and pretty. The clean white walls and subtle spotlights encourage the bright colours of the food and red wine to really pop and also showcase the intricately tiled indigo floor. Candles in deep magenta holders burn brightly, yellow flowers in food cans from far flung places places bloom cheerfully and crimson pomegranates fill big bronze bowls. White shelves are lined neatly with delicious homemade delights you can take away - from citrine preserved lemons to candy pink-labelled bottles of rosewater.

The food is stunning and gorgeously comforting. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Luxury Meze as a starter to share - little portions packed full of flavour that deliver a taste of heaven with each mouthful. The meze includes homemade pickles and juicy kalamata olives, marinated salty feta and homemade rustic hummus with spiced lamb (or without if you are a veggie, like me) and Alexandria style falafel with green tahini - all so deliciously satisfying you are nearly defeated at the first course. Main courses though are equally as impressive; I had the Lebanese Moussaka created with baked violet aubergines in a rich tomato sauce and gooey goats cheese and my dining partner had the Lamb, Chard and Chickpea Stew with cumin, lemon and yoghurt to delight his palate. Homemade cakes and pastries glisten temptingly on the counter, but it is hard to find room. I don't think it will be long though before the orange blossom cake seduces me.

The service is warm, cheerful and friendly and although the restaurant can be described as compact and intimate, this only adds to the appeal. The last time I visited with my husband, we chatted away to our fellow diners over strong, bitter coffee and left saying a warm goodbye to our new friends.

Dining at Honey & Co. is like experiencing the sights, sounds, and intoxicating scents of the Middle East - then stepping out of the door and boom, there in all its majesty is London Town.

What could possibly be sweeter than that?