London Appetizer

Pappadums Indian Restaurant has been relaunched

Headed by chef-patron Shameem Ahmed, whose training with India’s prestigious Taj and Oberoi hotel groups has put him in good stead, the cooking at the 130 cover Pappadums offers a first-rate pan-Indian repertoire.

Dishes have strong classical leanings with an emphasis on authenticity, with a tinge of Ahmed’s own style, and healthy eating.

Signature starters include Karela Salad (fried biitergourd with coconut, onions & chillies); Bhindi Karari (crispy okra); and Jhinga Lasooni (tiger prawns marinated in olive oil & garlic). The ‘Tandoor Treasures’ are a must-try, featuring a range of items, including Anjeer Kabab (chunks of lamb marinated with figs & spices).

Mains reflect a diverse range from the subcontinent, ranging from Dhania Murgh (succulent chicken cooked with crushed & fresh coriander, onions, cashewnuts &yoghurt); to Nalli Gosht (lamb shank); and Kheema Methi (minced lamb with fresh fenugreek leaves).

A flavoursome selection of vegetarian dishes, delicious rice and breads, along with a mouthwatering bevy of home-made desserts such as Kheer (rice pudding with cardamom), or ice cream flavours like mango, pistachio and coconut, complete the wonderful dining experience.

The relaxing and spacious interior displays striking red and yellow hues, while drawing the eye are traditional Indian artefacts, the centrepiece of which is an impressive antique door from a Rajasthani palace.

With a modernist double frontage, the restaurant’s exterior, boasting wooden benches and chairs for seating for over 60 covers, is right at home within the luxury residential complex and its attractive Thameside setting.

 Pappadums, Ferry Quays, Ferry Lane, Brentford, Middx TW8 0BT
Tel: 020 8847 1123
www.pappadums.co.uk

Daylesford Organic now in multiple locations across London

Daylesford Organic brings the flavours and atmosphere of a country market to Notting Hill, London. Situated at 208 -212 Westbourne Grove, this new shop comprises of fresh, seasonal, local foods as well as a full range of store cupboard essentials, and three offerings for eating in; The Larder, The Bread Bar and The Raw Bar. Daylesford Organic cafes, restaurants and kitchens are all certified organic by the Soil Association. For the first time Daylesford Organic will be serving cocktails and dinner as well as breakfast, lunch and tea. There are also many take away options from the spit roast and traiteur counter, cooked and prepared by the chefs, to be eaten at home.

The Restaurants:
In keeping with Daylesford Organic’s philosophy of eating fresh food at its best and in season, as well as promoting slow cooking and healthy alternatives, Notting Hill sees the launch of The Raw Bar. This original menu offers dishes free from gluten and dairy,  low in salt and sugar making it an excellent place to eat for those detoxing or those who just enjoy healthy living. Dishes include a raw soup, steak tartar, carpaccio of seasonal venison, spicy vegetable pad Thai and to finish try the raw cheese board -all non dairy.

The Larder offers simplicity at its best with sustainable fish from well managed fisheries and their own meats – including lesser known cuts such as beef skirt steak, venison osso
bucco and lamb neck; accompanied by seasonal vegetables. The Bread Bar offers the finest in fresh pastries and our homemade breads. A stone based pizza oven is used to produce fresh pizzas and tartines – ideal for a light meal. As day turns to night, The Bread Bar becomes a local meeting place to enjoy pre-dinner cocktails and drinks.

Shopping:
Every day grocery shopping could not be made easier with tables, counters, shelves and baskets brimming with artisan breads; Friesian cows milk, yoghurt and cream from their dairy; traditional and modern cheeses including six cheeses from the Daylesford Creamery;seasonal fruit and vegetables just picked from the fields; a wide selection of jams, marmalades and chutneys from the kitchens of Daylesford; and dressings, mustards, pastas and pulses. Talk to The Butcher to choose fine and unusual cuts of meat from their animals raised on organic pastures. An in store spit roast will be cooking Daylesford chickens and joints of meat for customers to take away with them. Don’t forget the treats too; homemade cakes and biscuits, and the irresistible new chocolate range with flavours inspired by the kitchen garden such as lavender, rosemary and mint. 

Daylesford’s sister estate in the South of France produces excellent rosé, white and red wines, all of which are served in the restaurants and can also be found in the dedicated wine area. Customers can choose to choose from a selection or organic and biodynamic wines; 54 wines in total, 40 of which are biodynamic or organic.

Taking a piece of Daylesford Organic into your home. Practical yet beautifully handmade white porcelain, black and grey stoneware, glasses and crockery, all designed for the new shop and exclusive to Daylesford, are available to purchase in the homewares area within the store.  To complement this there is a cookware range; slow cooking casserole dishes, wooden carving boards, chopping knives as used by the chefs in the kitchens and every day kitchen essentials. Be inspired by a broad range of healthy living and eating books.

Design and environment:

Regulars to Daylesford Organic will recognise its signature style: farmshop meets with the contemporary; clean lines, sustainable and durable materials and artisan skills. Daylesford Organic is committed to preserving and improving the environment. All food waste will be composted and returned to the soil from whence it came. The heating is energy efficient and air conditioning omitted in a drive to keep the store’s carbon footprint low.
Throughout the store there is extensive use of
natural materials, including FSC timber and the
inclusion of artisan craftsmanship, such as
woven willow, to conserve our rural heritage.

Address:
208-212 Westbourne Grove, London W11 2RH
Main shop telephone number: 020 7313 8050
Restaurant reservations telephone number: 020 7313 8060
Opening times: Monday to Saturday 8am – 11pm, Sunday 10am – 4.00pm
Shopping hours: Monday to Saturday 8am - 8pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm
Restaurant open: Monday to Saturday 8am – 11pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm
www.daylesfordorganic.com

Daylesford Organic at Harvey Nichols Foodmarket
109-125 Knightsbridge
London
SW1X 7RJ
Tel: 020 7235 5000 (main switchboard)

Daylesford Organic in Pimlico
44B Pimlico Road, London SW1W 8LP
Tel; 020 7881 8060
Fax 020 7259 0509

Daylesford Organic In Chelsea
31 Sloane Square, London, SW1W 8AG

Picasso Exhibition - National Cafe, London - Special Offer

From 25th February to 7th June, The National Café is celebrating the ‘Picasso: Challenging the Past’ exhibition at The National Gallery with two limited edition Iberian menus and a fantastic £10 offer on some very special Spanish wines.

As the gallery explores Picasso’s response to works by painters who had gone before him with this historic collection of some 60 pieces, The National Café invites visitors to take advantage of a discount of over 50% on a bottle of three fantastic Riojas*. The single vineyard wines from Dinastia Vivanco will be available for just £10 a bottle when enjoyed alongside typical dishes from the country. This means a huge reduction of £11 on the regular price of a bottle of Vivanco Rioja Blanco Viura/Malvasia 2007, Vivanco Rioja Rosado 2007 or Dinastia Vivanco Rioja Crianza 2005.

To accompany these fine wines, The National Café has curated two showcases of sublime Iberian dishes. Starters on the Spanish set menu feature a tempting Andalusian almond soup ajo blanco; and moreish salt cod croquetas with smoked paprika aioli. Two main course highlights are a succulent grilled seabass with stewed peppers, fennel and saffron; and a gratifying crisp pork belly with morcilla and broad bean purée. For an indulgent ending to your meal, you would be hard pressed to find desserts more comforting than crema Catalan or the nougat-like turron with rice pudding. The Spanish set menu is excellent value for money at £18.50 and £21.50 for two and three courses respectively.

As a lighter option, the selection platter of Spanish charcuterie and cheese features at £10 includes the naturally cured, award-winning Jamon de Teruel DO Gran Aragon; Salchichon Iberico de Extremadura produced from acorn-fed semi-wild Iberian pigs; the hard, ewe’s milk Basque cheese,Idiazbal; and Garrotxa, the recently revived Catalan goat’s cheese.

To enhance the experience of the National Gallery’s Friday late night opening, The National Café also will be hosting a pop-up bar in the gallery’s Central Hall, where visitors will be able to enjoy a glass of the selected wines from 6pm to 8.45pm.

For those more drawn to British cuisine, both The National Café and The National Dining Rooms continue to offer their usual range of the finest dishes from closer to home. From bountiful full English breakfasts, light lunches and refined afternoon teas, through to splendid suppers, the two celebrate the culinary art of this sceptred isle.

The National Café, East Wing, The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN

t: 020 7747 5942

www.thenationalcafe.com

Lola Rojo Restaurant, Northcote Road, London

A return visit to LR, this time for lunch on a Saturday around 1pm. It was busy but they found us a table for two between the front and the back of the restaurant. In some ways it was like eating in the passageway but in another way it was kind of cosy.

The staff are excellent, rushed off their feet but still smiling and attentive.  I think we had the smiliest waitress the world has ever seen.

We were hungry and we over-ordered, but so what - I was with the wife, it was almost Valentine's day and we had a baby sitter for a couple of hours.

Jamon Iberico, Patatas Bravas, Spanish Omelette, Octopus Croquetes, Cannellini Butifarra, Confit of Pig and a big basket of bread on top.  All of it delicious. Portion sizes are not big and the tapas is modern style - beautifully presented and very rich.

Prices are quite high - we managed to spend £64 including tip and we only had tap water, one glass of red wine and one glass of Cava.

I still love it here.

78 Northcote Rd, London, SW11 6QL
www.lolarojo.net

2009 Archant London Food & Drink Awards

Archant London today confirmed BBC MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace will host the fifth annual Archant London Food & Drink Awards. 

The hugely anticipated event is set for Sunday 12th July 2009, at the world-class Landmark Hotel, Marylebone Road, where the finest restaurants, bistros and bars from London, Essex and Kent will compete to be crowned official 2009 winners. 

Following in the footsteps of our previous guest hosts who have included Jean-Christophe Novelli, Aldo Zilli and Antony Worrall-Thompson, Gregg Wallace is in good company.  As a successful vegetable grower supplying some of the finest restaurants across London, Gregg has earned the respect of restaurateurs and food critics alike.  His ongoing and current success as joint presenter of BBC’s MasterChef, has propelled his name and status into the homes of millions of people across the country. 

With the prestige and elegance the event presents, previous candidates are reaping the valuable benefits affiliated with the awards.  Mustafa Redif, 2008 Archant London Food and Drink winner said, “There is no doubt that winning the award has helped us to increase our business, even in these rather depressing financial times. On a personal level it gives me the satisfaction of knowing that I have been recognised by these awards”.

Last year saw an incredible 600 restaurants, bars and pubs take part in hope of becoming a regional winner.   Over 600,000 online votes were registered, a testament in itself to the success of the awards.  To build on the success of 2008, Archant London will put up a £100,000 prize fund to be shared amongst the 16 overall category winners, which will consist of online and in-paper advertising, web and studio design time and marketing consultancy.  The prize will hopefully go some way in supporting the winners, in what is destined to be a difficult trading year for local restaurants.

The official website for entry is www.london24.com/londonfooddrinkawards and restaurateurs across London, Essex and Kent can now enter online for any of the 16 categories.  With this year’s awards set to be the biggest yet, entrants at all levels are tipped to benefit from the immeasurable exposure guaranteed from one of the largest independent publishers in the country.  

Want to become an awards partner? For sponsorship opportunities please contact the Sponsorship Team on 020 8477 3986 or e-mail Deborah.King5@archant.co.uk.  For more information on the awards please contact the Marketing team on 020 8477 3954 or e-mail marketing.enquiries@archant.co.uk.

Tortilla Restaurant, London

Tortilla is home to the best tacos and burritos in London. We don't do cactuses and oversized sombreros.

We serve fresh, wholesome California-style Mexican cuisine for eat-in or take-away, for around a fiver. Choose from a range of toppings, including grilled chicken, adobo steak, braised pork (or vegetarian), whole black beans and pinto beans (not refried), fluffy Spanish rice, peppers & onions, savoury guacamole and crisp salsas - made fresh in-house every day. We have a range of soft drinks and Mexican beers to choose from as well as our tasty slushy margaritas. If you've been craving some decent Mexican food in London, you've found the right place.

13 Islington High Street, London, N1 9LQ
Tel: 0207 833 3103
Open Mon-Weds 12 til 10pm, Saturday 12 til 11pm and Sunday 12 till 9pm.

Unit 11A, 106 Southwark Street, London, SE1 0TA
Tel: 0207 620 0285
Open Mon-Sat 12 til 9pm. Closed Sunday.

www.tortilla.co.uk

Kettners Restaurant - press release

I recently tried out Kettners for breakfast and you can read the review here.

Below is the official press release:

The landmark restaurant, originally founded in 1867 by Auguste Kettner, chef to Napoleon III, became infamous in its day as the rendezvous place of choice for former regulars, including: Oscar Wilde, King Edward VII and mistress Lillie Langtry, Agatha Christie and Bing Crosby. 

A legendary part of bohemian Soho’s history, Kettner’s new look is actually much closer to its history but with a bright, fresh feel. Near most West End theatres, famous for its incredible champagne offering and renowned for its buzzing, convivial atmosphere, the restaurant suits all occasions and budgets.

Kettner’s celebrated Champagne Bar is still a central part of the venue. Its house list now features ‘one small producer’, ‘one iconic Champagne’ and ‘something from England’ by the glass. It is joined by a new Pudding Bar, a space for breakfast, tea, or late night treats. The grand main dining room has been converted into an all-day brasserie with a versatile menu of simple fresh French dishes with a quirky English twist.

The new brasserie menu takes its inspiration from Auguste Kettner’s own ‘Book of the Table’, a comprehensive cookery manual published in 1877. The menu’s tart selection, for example, is heavily influenced by this book. The pastry base of tarts, as it notes, was first used as a plate in medieval France. Today, Kettner’s offers a leek and Gruyère tart (£7), a spinach and parmesan one (£7) and a Provençal roast peppers and anchovy tart (£7). 

There is also a delicious array of hors d’oeuvres – with many available in both snack and more substantial sizes. These include: monkfish ceviche, peas shoots and pickled cucumber (£8 /£13); and tuna carpaccio, lime and coriander (£8/£13).

Luxurious seafood dishes, like lobster shepherd’s pie (£23) and diver-caught scallops witih Champagne risotto (£12/£20) are perfect for the ultimate romantic meal. Lighter bites, like fresh crab on sourdough toast (£8 /£14), are available for those who don’t want a full three-course meal. 

Meat lovers can indulge in: pork belly, calvados caramel apples and wilted greens (£13); and a traditional braised beef Bourguignon (£16). The fricassée of rabbit with morels and papadelle (£14) is based on a recipe from the ‘Book of the Table’ – which describes rabbit as ‘delicate and easily digested’. Some side dishes, like the Kettner’s Carrots, are also based on dishes from the 19th century gastronomic tome.

The Pudding Bar has an extensive menu of puddings, cakes, tarts and biscuits – perfect for a light nibble or an indulgent spread. They’re all freshly made by Kettner’s pastry chefs. As well as such treats as rose and raspberry macaroons (£4), Champagne jelly with black cherries (£7), thin apple tart (£6), doughnuts with spiced chocolate, crème patissière and strawberry compote (£7) and opera cake (£5) there are also daily specials at £6. Teas to accompany the pudding menus are by Kusmi’s Teas, the tea company founded in Russia by P.M. Kousmichoff in 1867, the year of Kettner’s launch. 

With its location between bustling Old Compton Street and Shaftesbury Avenue on Romilly Street, the new look Kettner’s is a terrific town centre location for lunches, dinners, parties, breakfast meetings, presentations, launches and screenings. The two upper floors have been carefully restored, retaining the original ‘cabinets particuliers’ for whichKettner’s is well known, and offering a host of private dining room and party options including the club-like space ‘The Apartment’ plus an entire floor for parties. The Champagne Bar also has bookable ‘nooks’ for smaller groups.

The space has had a very sympathetic makeover in keeping with the venue’s long history. Though the faded red carpets and pink velvet curtains have been consigned toKettner’s archives, the new look retains the dining room’s sense of occasion with its white bentwood chairs and elegant marble-topped tables. By night, it positively sparkles as hundreds of candles and vintage candelabras are lit throughout. In the 1970s and 80s, much of the original interior was covered up or removed; Kettner’s new incarnation takes the building, consisting of four Georgian houses, back closer to how it would have been in the past.

Kettner’s is open seven days a week, from 8am to 1am Monday to Saturday and from 9am to 11.30pm on Sundays. Breakfast is served until 11.30am daily.

Kettner’s Restaurant and Bar, 29 Romilly Street, Soho, London, W1D 5HP, 020 7734 6112, kettners.com

Kettners Restaurant London - Breakfast Review

Cost per head=£15 for breakfast

The renewed interest in Kettners from the London dining community prompted me to check out their website the other day and I read with interest on the homepage about the pudding bar that was available for breakfast.

As an aside, you can read the official press release here.

Being someone that likes to do the odd breakfast meeting, I called up and booked breakfast for 3 of us on a rainy Friday morning.

When we turned up we were shown to a table by the window in what was a completely empty restaurant.  It was 9am and we were the only table there for the duration of our visit, which lasted until 10.30am.

It should have been a quick bite to eat and coffee in a nice environment, but the service was exceptionally slow and the atmosphere non existent, since we were the only table there.

The breakfast menu offers fresh juices, a great selection of teas, healthy options like muesli and hot options like omelette. The food was actually quite good, but it took over 30 mins to arrive, which was unacceptable.

I was also disappointed with the refurb. I remember Kettners as warm, cosy and a little bit seedy.  The refurb has given it a stark, fresh, sanitary image.  Maybe it's better at night for dinner, but on this wet and rainy morning, it was just depressing.

t: 0207 734 6112
a: 29 Romilly St
p:W1D 5HP
w: www.kettners.com

Discount Dining at The Avalon during Feb 09

Throughout February, The Avalon, Clapham's most elegant pub and dining room, is helping diners beat the credit crunch with a fantastic 50% discount.

Beneath glittering his 'n' hers chandeliers, you will be treated to the finest seasonal food, including hearty slow cooked dishes, steaks and oysters accompanied by an enticing selection of wines, cocktails, cask ales and the friendliest of service, all in effortlessly stylish surroundings.

50% discount applies to food only. Valid from Monday to Wednesday evenings on minimum order of two courses per person. Valid until 28 February on advance internet bookings only. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer.
Offer subject to availability.

The Avalon is at 16 Balham Hill, SW12 9EB
www.theavalonlondon.com
020 8 675 8613

Zeen - good value eating

This gem off the beaten track won’t break the bank.

 Restaurant recessionistas rejoice – newly opened Indian hotspot Zeen provides a stylish environment in which to enjoy Indian cuisine with a modern twist, or to simply pop in for a classy - and very reasonably priced - cocktail.

 Located on edgy Drummond St, known for its authentic Indian restaurants, Zeen puts a spin on the classics as well as serving up some great new recipes to suit Londoner’s sophisticated cosmopolitan palates.

 By evening, popular dishes such as Korma, Roganjosh and Biryani, and more unusual dishes such as Soft Shell Crabs, Tandoori Pomfret and Squid, are served individually instead of in the middle of the table, meaning the experience is kept simple and uncluttered. Many traditional meals have been given a makeover and a popular new favourite is the Zeen Platter - a take on the traditional Thali - consisting of tasters of the best dishes on the menu.

 Zeen is the creation of Zeenat Harnal, daughter of Sir Gulam Noon, the Indian entrepreneur famous for bringing Indian cuisine to British supermarkets and she had a specific vision for delivering a fresh approach to Indian cuisine.

 “In this restaurant space I have developed a modern Indian dining experience that suits the penny-savvy. The area around Drummond Street is frequented by a wide range of people, so I wanted Zeen to cater for all tastes and budgets.  We pride ourselves on the quality of our food, the environment our guests enjoy, and the service that complements them both.”

 The real surprise at Zeen is the prices. The special lunch buffet is a steal at £6.75 for all you can eat.  There is also an Oriental buffet lunch offered twice a week.  In the evening, three courses with sides from the a la carte menu will only set you back between £15 and £20 and if you get there before February 20, 2009 you’ll also benefit from an extra 15% discount.

 Zeen also caters for those who just want a drink which is hard to find in this neck of the woods. There is a full bar where visitors can treat themselves to a selection of wines, champagne and cocktails. Wine can be bought for under £10 with many cocktails sliding in under £4.  

 Zeen is located at 130 Drummond Street, NW1 2PA and bookings can be made by calling 020 7387 0606