London Appetizer

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Shaka Zulu Restaurant, Bar and Lounge

New £5.5m, African Dining Experience to open in April 2010 across a 27,000sqft location in the heart of Stables Market, Camden, London

Overview : Shaka Zulu is the new £5.5m Restaurant, Bar, and all encompassing fashionable nightspot soon to open in a ground-breaking 27,000sqft, three floored location in Stables Market, Camden.

Created on an unimaginable scale, Shaka Zulu is set to be the pinnacle of London’s cosmopolitan scene. With a Cape Town inspired Fish Bar and Cocktail Lounges, overlooking an incredible African theatre & dining experience, Shaka Zulu will simply be the place to go for an all encompassing comfortable night out.

The scale of Shaka Zulu will be in keeping with the heritage of the great African King. 60ft carved wooden murals will cover every inch of Shaka Zulu’s walls and ceiling, with a 30ft hand shaped bronze statue will guard the entrance. A delicate water-garden, with crystal leopards and wooden elephants will provide the perfect backdrop to a highly fashionable guest-list.

Scheduled to open in mid-April 2010, in the presence of the current Zulu King (name) and a host of supporting celebrities, Shaka Zulu is set to raise London’s cosmopolitan standards by combining an authentic African dining experience with never-before-attempted design, panache and charm.

Where: Stables Market, Camden, London, UK.

When: Mid April 2010.

Experience:The main restaurant will present The Shaka Zuku Theatre of Food – diverse cuisine from all parts of South Africa and beyond. Open flame grills will show a world-class kitchen and chefs.

Throughout the evening, guests will entertained in a truly sensory experience with live music, dance and special scheduled theatre-style floor shows. Sign up to the newsletter on the website for full details.

Website: www.shaka-zulu.com

Booking: Open now for reservations from May 1st 2010 call 0203 376 9911

Holi Menu at The Cinnamon Club

London’s finest modern Indian restaurant, The Cinnamon Club, is illuminating Westminster as it plays host to the most colourful festival in the Hindu calender, Holi. Thanks to the vibrant innovation of Vivek Singh and Head Chef Hari Nagaraj, diners will be delighted with a dazzling five-course tasting menu from 1st - 6th March 2010.  

Celebrating the passing of winter, arrival of spring, and triumph of good over evil, Holi unites the whole family for mischievous merriment. Traditionally coloured water or paint is playfully thrown at passers-by amidst the revelry, however diners will be quiet safe within the Grade II listed building of The Cinnamon Club. 

Winning wide acclaim for pushing forward the boundaries of Indian cuisine, Vivek and Hari have ensured that household favourites sit alongside their very own modern interpretations.

HOLI TASTING MENU

Appetiser

A selection of Holi snacks with a shot of lentil soup

(Rabbit tikka or Dahi kebab, jalapeno fritter and dal shorba)

Starters

Ravioli of wild mushrooms, tomato truffle sauce

or

Free range chicken tikka terrine, honey mustard dressing

Mid-course 

Pomegranate and mint sorbet

Mains

Rajasthani paneer soola and bottle gourd fritter with yoghurt sauce

or

Roast rack of Cumbrian mutton, mint and onion sauce

Dessert

Milk chocolate ‘dhokla’ with rasmalai kulfi

Coffee and Petit Fours

Say farewell to the past, strengthen friendships and relationships for the future, and celebrate Holi at The Cinnamon Club. From 1st March - 6th March 2010 the Holi festival tasting menu is available at just £45 per person.

The Cinnamon Club, The Old Westminster Library, 30-32 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BU 

t.020 7222 2555

www.cinnamonclub.com

Mother's Day at Awana

Steal mums away from the kitchen this Mother’s Day and swap the typical Sunday lunch for a deliciously exotic extravaganza at Chelsea’s fine dining Malaysian restaurant, Awana. 

Mums won’t have to lift a finger, except to browse a specially crafted menu courtesy of Executive Chef Mark Read and Malaysian-born Chef Lee Chin Soon, and choose one of two delightful Mother's Day Cocktails.

Starters include grilled queen scallops with lime leaf, lemongrass and chilli; and fragrant chicken and crispy vegetable salad served with spicy tomato sauce and roasted peanuts.

For main course, a new heartwarming light and spicy Mother's Day Special of sliced monkfish, coated in a sweet chilli and tomato sauce and sprinkled with a crumble of curry leaves, is sure to please, alongside other tempting dishes of cumin spiced curried lamb shank with pumpkin, sweet potato and lemongrass; or the tasty vegetarian sautéed organic tofu, mushrooms and pak choy. 

Wonderfully adventurous desserts tease and tempt those with a sweet tooth, ending the meal perfectly. 

Two Mother’s Day Cocktails have been blended for the occasion and are ideal for making a toast. Choose from ‘Mother of Pearl’ - vodka, chambord, dragon fruit, lime juice and fresh mango; and ‘Please Mum’ – a zingy non-alcoholic tipple with grenadine, fresh raspberries and strawberries, lime, orange juice and lemonade. 

Every mother who visits will also receive a hand-selected gift from Awana to make her feel extra special.

With its stunning interior and Chelsea location, Awana is the perfect spot to treat mum this Mother’s Day. 

The Mother's Day Special and Mother's Day Cocktails will be available for lunch and dinner on Sunday 14th March 2010. 

Awana

85 Sloane Avenue, London SW3 3DX

t:020 7584 8880 www.awana.co.uk

The Haberdashery Opens in Crouch End, London

A new coffee house and eatery called the haberdashery has opened at 22 Middle Lane, Crouch End.

I had this email from Greg, one of the owners:

"As the two founders and longtime friends, this is our first venture, and we have spent the last year rummaging through quirky and characterful old-fashioned fairs and markets.

The property we took over was a lino-covered caf, but with much sweat and on-the-spot diy learning, we filled six builder skips and restored it to its original victorian looks, including the windows, pine floors and tongue and groove walls.

Since opening last week, we have received a tremendously positive response from our community, who have noticed the details we have been so passionate about.  these include:
# presenting all our food and drink in quirky and mismatched serving ware, such as old café au lait bowls and kilner jars
# doing loads of baking, including bread and muffin selections in vintage terracotta pots, which change daily
# the many unusual confectionery items displayed in our 1940’s haberdashery counter, and our vintage teacups and saucers hanging on a large zinc and iron bottle drying rack
# offering amazing drinks, such as barley coffee, real hot chocolate from Italy, and organic beers
supporting our community by purchasing supplies from local / small businesses
# playing golden age music (ella, nat, billie, etc.) on an old turntable

We also have a lovely garden in the back, which will come into its own in the spring when we properly plan it…

For more information, please do contact us."

greg vukasovic               
greg@the-haberdashery.com       
      

22 Middle lane   Crouch End    London N8 8PL

The London Appetizer wishes The Haberdashery all the best for Xmas and 2010!

Get in the mood for Christmas with the new GBK festive menu

Gourmet Burger Kitchen’s (gbk) new Kiwi Christmas Menu, available now, is the perfect way to fuel up this season whether you are braving the hoards of Christmas shoppers or looking for a festive bite to eat with work colleagues and friends.
 
Combining top quality, fresh ingredients with lots of seasonal magic, gbk has created a three course set menu for just £10.95 including two brand new burgers. Get your chops round the stacked Turkey Burger – a delicious crumbed turkey breast topped with stuffing, cranberries and bacon. Or, for something a bit different, tuck into the indulgent Venison Burger topped with a gbk’s home-made spiced redcurrant & cranberry sauce.
 
For those who are craving gbk’s classic 100% Aberdeen Angus Scotch beef, the infamous Cheese Burger also makes an appearance on the menu alongside the Puy Lentil Burger for vegetarians. All mains come with a generous portion of gbk’s crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside chunky fries.
 
For a pre burger bite the menu includes the succulent yet crispy Cajun Chicken Pieces served with homemade dip, a light and tangy Rocket and Parmesan Salad or traditional gbk Homeslaw. And, for a sweet finish – a cute mince pie.
 
Cat Kebbeh, Head of Marketing at Gourmet Burger Kitchen said: “The new Kiwi Christmas Menu symbolises what gbk is all about – great tasting, out of the ordinary burgers combined with a good helping of Kiwi Spirit. The new Kiwi Christmas Menu is the perfect way to get everyone in the mood for Christmas.”
 
gbk is THE place to remind yourself how sensational the humble burger can be. With 28 different burgers on the new winter menu from the simple classic to the complex Kiwiburger, a large vegetarian selection, an exclusive premium organic Buffalo burger range from the beautiful Laverstoke Park Farm and exciting salads, there really is something for everyone at GBK.
 
Visit the new Gourmet Burger Kitchen website at www.gbk.co.uk

Half Price Christmas Menu at Gilgamesh

Tis’ the season for the annual Christmas lunch with colleagues, friends or family. Gilgamesh is offering guests a bespoke 50% off Christmas lunch menu to enjoy, before the season is up.
 
As we are still in a recession, it’s understandable that everyone is looking after the pennies at present – but this doesn’t mean that standards need to be dropped. Gilgamesh is renowned for offering guests luxurious Pan-Asian delicacies in luxurious surroundings – and this Christmas will be no different.
 
Guests will be presented with a choice of two menus for £25 a head; a set menu and a vegetarian set menu. For starters, there will be a selection of dishes such as Steamed Prawn & Garlic Chive Dumpling, Duck Spring Roll, Hoisin Sauce and for vegetarians Sweet Potato Tempura Inside Out Sushi Roll and Green Mango & Star Fruit Salad with Red Nahm Jim. For the main course, guests can choose from two dishes from the set menu or two from the vegetarian. For example, Red Chicken Curry with Straw Mushrooms & Thai Basil or for vegetarians; Aubergine and Tofu Red Curry Thai Basil & Lime Leaf.
 
For dessert, Green Tea Brule and White Chocolate Ice Cream. There is also a Sommelier Selection of wine suggested as the perfect accompaniment to this dinner. Try the Red: 2007 Sangiovese, from Negroamaro Sicily, Italy – 70% off at only £18 a bottle.
 
Throughout December, the huge pan-Asian paradise will be decked out with baubles and tinsel, sparkling lights on the palm trees, Santa Claus style beards on the Sphinxes and a giant Christmas tree, making Gilgamesh the ultimate festive party venue.
 
Think of Gilgamesh when planning your Christmas lunch, for an amazing meal without the ridiculous price!
 
GILGAMESH
Camden View
Camden Stables Market
Chalk Farm Road
London NW1 8AH
Tel: 020 7482 5757
www.gilgameshbar.com
 

Buddha Bar’s Christmas Shopping Solution

Buddha Bar is one of London’s most exciting and spectacular restaurants, offering a distinctive mix of imaginative contemporary pan-Asian food, sexy interiors, chic staff and exotic world music.

If you are rushed off your feet and the thought of Christmas shopping is causing sleepless nights, your nearest and dearest have everything and despite your best efforts, dislike everything you buy them…. do not despair, as this year throughout the festive period, Buddha Bar is on hand to make your Christmas simple, stylish and stress free. With their exclusive customised gift and dining experience, you and your guests can indulge in dishes from the exquisite set menu then afterwards you can surprise them with a luxuriously wrapped Buddha Bar gift, personalised with words of your choice. So this year you can sit back, relax and let Buddha Bar take care of your Christmas.

Set Menu

Edamame
Salmon new style sashimi with Thai cucumber salad
Buddha-bar chicken salad
Mixed salad
-
Black cod with yuzu miso
Wok fried beef with Thai basil
Five spice grilled chicken
Steamed jasmine rice
Buddha-bar noodles
-
Yoghurt and cinnamon parfait with roasted plum

Gifts

For her - Scented candle, £87.00 pp
For him - Paper weight, £73.50 pp
For them - Sake set, £99.60 pp

Reservations can be made on 020 3371 7777 or at enquiry@buddhabar-london.com. Buddha Bar is located at 8 Victoria Embankment, London WC2R 2AB. The website is www.buddhabar-london.com

Afternoon Tea at Eight Members Club in Moorgate

Throughout the festive season, Eight Members Club will be serving a bespoke Christmas themed afternoon tea complete with all the trimmings. Resident pastry chef Vanessa Antoli who has previously worked with Tom Aikens and the Berkeley Hotel, has designed all the sweet treats that will be ‘wrapped’ in an indulgent icing complete with icing ribbon.
 
The special festive afternoon tea will include Christmas favourites such as Cranberry Macaroons, Pear and Ginger Tarts, Christmas Cake and Mince Pies. There will also be custom made Chocolate Brownie Baubles, sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s palate. Served on a three tier stand, the Christmas tea will also include all the traditional tea components such as warm freshly baked scones, clotted cream and jam and a selection of delectable finger sandwiches.
 
Eight Members Club in Moorgate sets the perfect backdrop to enjoy this quintessential British experience. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the rooftop club boasts 360 panoramic views of London where guests can enjoy all the Christmas lights of London. Take a seat in The Library, which provides a secret haven with its wood panelled walls, leather and muted colours, making it a warm and comfortable space to enjoy the treats.
 
To round off the Christmas experience at Eight Members Club, follow up the festive afternoon tea with a warming glass of mulled wine on one of the expansive terraces that surround the two storey members club. Eight will be providing warm blankets for guests to get cosy under and enjoy the London skyline.
 
Come in from the cold and treat yourself to a delicious Christmas Afternoon Tea at Eight Members Club.
 
Contact Eight Moorgate on 0207 392 9410 / www.eightclub.co.uk for bookings
 
Eight Moorgate EC2                                                                                           
1 Dysart Street
EC2A 2BX     
0207 392 9410
www.eightclub.co.uk

Zia Teresa Restaurant celebrates its ‘Golden Anniversary’

Owned by Stefano Fraquelli of Metropolitan Restaurants and previously owned by his late father, Zia Teresa restaurant in Hans Road, Knightsbridge is this year celebrating its Golden Anniversary. To mark this momentous anniversary and the continuity of management and ownership, Fraquelli is offering every customer a complimentary glass of sparkling, golden Franciacorta wine, in association with one of Italy’s leading producers, La Montina, for the next 12 months.

Zia Teresa’s reputation and on-going success has earned it several accolades over the years, including The Independent's "Best Neighbourhood Restaurant" award in 2005, for "serving hit-the-spot, reliable Italian food." It was the only Knightsbridge restaurant that was consistently voted for by The Independent's discerning readers. Incredibly for these times of credit crunch, sales figures are currently 25% up on last year, validating the impression that Fraquelli really knows how to look after his customers.

When asked about the success of this much-loved restaurant Fraquelli’s explanation is simple; “I’m terribly lucky; it’s probably one of the best locations for a restaurant in the world and we attract all generations from local residents to business people and tourists. They like the fact that the food is good quality without any hefty price tags, which you wouldn’t expect, given the location. People’s demands may appear to have changed over the decades, but in actual fact the success of Zia Teresa comes down to its traditional charm and character and the simplicity of the menu, which still reflects what Italian food has always been about. Nowadays there are very few concepts that are so resilient.”

Further endorsement of this special anniversary comes from Fiat’s flagship store in Marylebone, who have boldly displayed the Zia Teresa Golden Anniversary logo over two of their new Cinquecento model, (Fiat 500). Cinquecento and Zia Teresa could, in fact, both be considered modern day icons, with their roots firmly in the past, but still perfectly apposite in today’s world. One of London’s leading shirt-makers, T M Lewin, have sponsored the staff uniforms and collectively this level of support is a reflection of Fraquelli’s reputation and demonstrates their desire to be associated with this inveterate restaurateur, who was decorated with the esteemed title of ‘Cavaliere’ by the president of the Italian Republic, for his services and contribution to the Italian community.

Customers visiting the restaurant between November 2009 and 2010 will receive a complimentary glass of sparkling, golden Franciacorta wine; and for a limited period, a special 3 course Golden Anniversary Menu for only £15.00.

Planet Hollywood Christmas Menu

Planet Hollywood has launched a festive menu to spread Christmas cheer throughout the winter months. For the perfect yuletide event, a traditional feast with all the trimmings has been added to their diverse menu.
 
A three or four course menu will be available (for £24.95 or £34.95) with a selection of dishes to suit every palate. For Starters, guests can choose from a classic Prawn Cocktail in Marie Rose Sauce or a light and fresh Salad of Gravadlax with a Sweet Mustard and Dill Dressing. For the main course, diners can enjoy the archetypal Christmas main of Roast Turkey served with Sage and Onion Stuffing, Roast Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts, Chestnuts and Buttered Carrots. Or in true Planet Hollywood style, try the Rack of Tender Baby Back Ribs smothered in a Tangy and Sweet BBQ Sauce, served with Chips and Coleslaw for a classic American dish.
 
If there is any room for dessert, try the White Chocolate Bread and Butter Pudding served with Whipped Cream or cleanse the palate with a Cranberry Sorbet. As a perfect after dinner treat, why not share a plate of Mince Pies with Rich Vanilla Ice Cream.
 
For refreshment after the hearty feast, how about hitting the Planet Hollywood bar to celebrate the upcoming holiday, with a glass of bubbly or a cocktail. Legendary barman, Salvatore Calabrese has created a bespoke menu of cocktails, tasty enough to warm guests on the chilliest December eve. Try the indulgent Vanilla Bay (Vanilla Vodka, Baileys, Kahlua topped up with Ice Cream and Oreo Cookies) or an Amaretto Paradise (Amaretto, Malibu, Midori topped up with fresh Pineapple Juice).
 
Throughout December, the stylish décor of Planet Hollywood will be given a touch of Christmas cheer with baubles and tinsel, sparkling lights and snow spray; making Planet Hollywood the ultimate festive party venue. The little ones will be kept entertained with movie memorabilia, festive games and a DJ to play all the Christmas classics.
 
Bring all the family along for a truly unforgettable Christmas experience.

Address:
Planet Hollywood
57 Haymarket
London
SW1Y 4QX
 
020 7287 1000
www.planethollywoodlondon.com