London Restaurants | London Guide

Interview with Joel Henderson, Owner of Daddy Donkey

I met with Joel Henderson today, the owner of Daddy Donkey, a Mexican Grill that is taking the Holborn/Chancery Lane area of London by storm.

Joel is very likeable and down to earth, with a clear vision of what he wants to do and when he wants to do it.  He wants to bring healthy Mexican Food to London and he wants to do it step by step - starting small, gauging customer feedback, improving, building a loyal fan base and eventually TAKING OVER THE WORLD! OK, the last bit are my words, not his, but Joel's passion for Mexican food knows no bounds and for someone still in his twenties, it is refreshing to hear a vision that makes sense, even in these tough market conditions.

Joel got into Mexican food in a big way when he was studying Spanish over there as part of his Spanish degree at Leeds University.  I guess being a student meant that he was used to looking out for cheap eats and hours spent hanging around street corners in Mexico, chomping on great tasting burritos, tacos and nachos, ignited his enthusiasm for this cuisine.

Back in blighty, Joel decided that there was a gap in the market for healthy, tasty Mexican food, so quit his day job and set up a small stand in Leather Lane Market, just off High Holborn.

Four years on, and Joel has now upgraded to a fancy silver looking 'Burro-Van' capable of churning out hundreds of Burritos an hour to the office workers around High Holborn.  All the ingredients are prepped fresh every day at a site opposite the market and the Columbian & Mexican chefs and servers work their hats off to keep the punters happy.

Of course, today was probably the hottest day in London this year, with temperatures approaching 35 degrees centigrade, so I was very surprised to turn up at the van at lunchtime and see a long queue of mainly suits waiting for their Mexican fix!

It's a simple concept: Choose a burrito, choose a filling (chicken, beef, pork or vegetarian), choose a salsa (mild, medium, hot or extra hot), pay (about £5.50) and enjoy.

My 'Big Ass' flour tortilla was stuffed full of coriander rice, chicken, lettuce, guacamole, peppers and onions.  It was 10 out of 10 delicious and whilst enormous, did not feel fattening or unhealthy. I even had a side of black beans which were perfectly soft and mushy.

Joel's mission is to educate London, to make people understand that Mexican food need not be stodgy or unhealthy.

He strongly believes that London is under-served for Mexican restaurants, that there is a gap in the market for freshly prepared, good value Mexican food and he aims to fill it!

With hundreds of people already following Daddy Donkey on Twitter (you can follow him here), and with loads of community events planned, I reckon Joel has an excellent chance of success and I wish him every success.

Daddy Donkey can be found at pitches 100-101 Leather Lane market, EC1N 7TE

Open for lunch from Mondays to Fridays.

Visit www.daddydonkey.co.uk for more details.

The Cadogan Arms, Kings Road, London

Having worked their magic on an Empress and a Prince, Tom and Ed Martin, owners of their very own gastro-empire have now embraced supreme royalty by opening a pub on the King’s Road.

The Cadogan Arms, originally built in 1869, is situated midway on the monarch’s London thoroughfare. Once the site of many a Sloane’s first social steps in to adulthood, this noble tavern has been transformed in to a pub of distinction.

Spread across two floors, the 19th century boozer has been restored to its former glory, exposing and enhancing many authentic features such as cream embossed bar tiles, a mosaic floor entrance, an old stock brick fireplace, oak panelling and floorboards. The ground floor pub and dining area exudes ‘refined local’ and features a formidable selection of Victorian taxidermy, from bison to butterflies, otters to antlers, alongside a set of illustrations which embody gentlemen of the period, courtesy of Robert Dighton.

Head upstairs to what was the original Billiards Room. True to form, the space has been rebuilt to better serve its original purpose. Played by kings and commoners, gentlemen and hustlers, the 16th century game, banned in 1757 in alehouses due to its seedy reputation, makes a welcome re-appearance via three eight-ball tables and a plethora of prints and vintage photographs
representing this now commonplace pastime.

As with the design, food also makes a return to what this country does best combined with some contemporary and deft additions. Head chef Darius Endriukaitis, formerly of Guy Ritchie’s The Punch Bowl in Mayfair, has created a menu brimming with fresh seasonal ingredients from some of the UK’s finest suppliers. Dishes to start include pan-fried mackerel fillet with pickled beetroot, red chard and
horseradish dressing; ham hock and foie gras terrine with fig and apple chutney; as well as roast pancetta and garden pea soup. For main course, tuck into braised beef cheek with creamy mashed potatoes, carrots and sautéed girolles; pan fried sea bream, with steamed anya potatoes, sun-blushed cherry tomatoes and lemon dressing; or pub classic, an 8oz Aberdeen Angus beef burger with Applewood smoked cheddar. Desserts include an indulgent chocolate bread and butter pudding complete with organic clotted cream; rich rum and raisin sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice cream as well as decadent chocolate and pistachio nut brownie with white chocolate
strawberries. Sunday roasts with all the trimmings still reign, a fitting reward after a spot of shopping on King’s Road.

An all-day bar menu is also available for those who want a lighter bite. Enjoy half pint of prawns with fresh lemon and saffron; haddock goujons with tartare sauce or simple home-made spiced root vegetable crisps with minted yoghurt.

Drinkers will delight in a strong international wine list which includes Tom and Ed’s exclusively blended red, white and rosé wines, ETM, Domaine des Fontaine, VDP d’Oc, France 2007, available only in their venues. Leading cask ales, Adnams Braodside and London Pride, premium spirits and a selection of carefully chosen classic cocktails complete the picture.

The Cadogan Arms – a right royal affair.
The Cadogan Arms 298 King’s Road, London, SW3 5UG
T: 020 7352 6500 www.thecadoganarmschelsea.com

Apostrophe Launches New Saladerie this Summer 2009

Apostrophe, the stylish boulangerie-patisserie group that fuses exciting standards of inventive, healthy produce with sophisticated urban design, is launching its first saladerie in its Regent Street branch this June. Guests will be able to choose from a range of house salads, or ask one of the Apostrophe assistants on hand to create a bespoke salad.

In keeping with Apostrophe’s philosophy of avoiding pre-packaged, self-service staples that are so commonly found among its contemporaries, the saladerie offers customers the freshest ingredients and complete control over their food.

Guests can select a base leaf type, before adding ingredients such as: chargrilled chicken, parma ham, shaved pepper pastrami, Toulouse sausage, goat’s cheese, over roasted vegetables, sun sweetened tomatoes, walnuts, cornichons, hearts of palm.

The Apostrophe Specials include:

Vegan – puy lentils, French beans, beetroot, vine tomatoes, carrots, sultanas, goji berries, toasted pumpkin seeds

Cooked Salad – a daily selection of freshly prepared meat or vegetarian mixed salads with pulses, cous cous or pasta

Nicoise – dolphin friendly tuna, hard boiled egg, kalamata olives, French beans, vine tomatoes, anchovy fillets, baby leaf

Cesar – chargrilled chicken, parmesan shavings, crispy bacon, croutons, crispy lettuce.

Apostrophe – A bit more info....

A variety of hot and cold drinks, including fresh smoothies, loose leaf teas and Apostrophe’s own signature coffee, prepared by expertly trained baristi, complete a detailed menu. Daily newspapers are available along with free Wi-Fi access, jams and complimentary water with mint.

Every Apostrophe site includes individual features that marry with the group’s recognisable design format such as limestone flooring, walnut wood furniture, an open plan delicatessen counter and plasma screens.

www.apostropheuk.com

Independence Day at Planet Hollywood, London

The world-famous Planet Hollywood has opened a new restaurant and bar on the Haymarket, giving Londoners the perfect venue to celebrate Independence Day in true US style.
 
For the weekend of 4th July, the Planet Hollywood restaurant will be serving Independence Day dishes alongside the extensive menu of American classics, Asian dishes and stone-baked pizzas.
 
No American holiday would be complete without the Classic PH Grilled Bacon Cheeseburger with Fries and Coleslaw, Half Rack of BBQ Ribs with Corn on the Cob or Flame Grilled Rib Eye Steak with Fries. Healthier options include Barbequed Chicken Breast or Salmon and sides.
 
No one can miss out on the authentic all-American Pecan Pie or Apple Cobbler, which will be served with Vanilla Ice Cream.
 
The Planet Hollywood Bar will also be offering bespoke Independence Day bar snacks, including Mini-Burgers, Chilli-Dogs and Buffalo Wings, served alongside Buckets of Bud Light Beer and Pitchers of beer.

For cocktail lovers, there is a range of delicious drinks created by legendary barman, Salvatore Calabrese. Choose from Strawberry or Banana Die Hard Daiquiries (£6.95), or the classic Boston Tea Party (£6.95) with Russian Standard Vodka, Rum, Tia Maria, Amaretto and a Sour and Coca Cola Top.
 
The main cocktail bar is located on the ground floor, with an additional mezzanine bar to allow drinkers a great view across the venue.

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

New Giraffe Restaurant Opens in Victoria

Take a food safari and sample some of the world’s most popular dishes courtesy of the latest Giraffe and founders husband and wife team Juliette and Russel Joffe with long-term friend Andrew Jacobs.
Proudly opening on Wilton Road in Victoria, just a stone’s throw from the station, Giraffe in Victoria is a vibrant and contemporary restaurant showcasing some of the best dishes from around the globe. Using the freshest ingredients, all carefully sourced, including only using fish from sustainable sources and with a focus on relaxed friendly service, Giraffe welcomes you for all your global food and drink favourites, from breakfast right through to dinner.

Bold, bright and brimming with personality, Giraffe exudes energy. Against a back drop of upbeat Putumayo world music, guaranteed to make you feel good, earthy natural tones and materials contrast with vivid oranges and brilliant greens. Think reclaimed coconut shell fronted bar, bespoke wooden striped walls and striking murals combined with modern citrus colour chairs, bespoke giraffe artwork and a high brushed copper community table perfect for large groups, drinkers or lone diners.

Kick start the day the Giraffe way with breakfast and brunch served until 4pm. Tuck in to some of the best stacked banana and blueberry pancakes ; opt for a spicy morning mix of a huevos rancheros; a classic scrambled egg and smoked salmon; a wholesome ‘rude health’ porridge or muesli; as well as a granola breakfast sundae brimming with fresh fruit to help keep the hunger pangs at bay.

For lunch or dinner delve into a combination of nibbles, snacks starters and mains including a delicious mezze platter made to share; Japanese tiger prawns with sweet chilli dip; Farmers’ market vegetable burrito; hot Thai duck stir fry and BBQ baby back ribs.

Burgers are taken seriously at Giraffe. Stacked high, served with skin-on-fries and in buns made from their favourite artisan bakery try their 100% English beef burger with your choice of toppings, everything from aged Cheddar to grated beetroot, bacon to fried egg as well as the falafel deluxe; the fish finger tartare; the herby chicken schnitzel BLT; or the low fat grilled Cajun spiced chicken burger.
Salads receive the same care and attention with their own dedicated section. Feel good food in a bowl, the sunshine powerfood salad features a guilt-free mix of in spicy roasted pumpkin, spinach, edamame
beans, broccoli, green beans, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, cashew nuts and mixed leaves.
Complete your meal with desserts to die for including Swiss mountain chocolate cheescake; Kentish Bramley apple and honey oat crumble pie; and Belgian waffle split with roasted banana, very vanilla ice cream and hot chocolate sauce.

Giraffe’s global dedication extends to drinks. Coffee is hand-crafted using the finest Arabica beans, carefully sourced from two family owned farms in Brazil and Guatemala. Roasted in the UK by their friends at Union Coffee Roasters, every time you enjoy a cup you can be assured that you are giving something back. In Brazil this means there are now weekly food baskets for the workers whose children who will now be educated at the local school. In Guatemala coffee sales help build homes for migrant workers and develop sustainable farming methods. Teas are by Teapigs who also pledge to help the communities they work with, there’s even Giraffe’s very own Moroccan mint variety.

Just like the menu, the wine list is international and well thought out with every bottle also available by the glass. It’s divided in to ‘happy‘ and ‘glamorous’ amongst others with Russel’s favourite listed if you need an extra helping hand. Cocktails make their mark with a combination of old school classics such as a retro pina colada and more contemporary innovations including vanilla breeze with vanilla vodka, Bombay gin, passion fruit and pineapple.

Little ones are loved just as much as grown ups and have their very own menu complete with puzzles and games to keep them entertained. Sit back and relax as they tuck into a host of healthy, fresh dishes such as salmon fingers with mash, broccoli and sweetcorn; grilled chicken burger or a mini brunch with sausage, eggs, Heinz beans and toast.

As a restaurant with heart, value for money is important to Giraffe as they know it’s important to you. ‘Lunch for Less’, with any main course and soft drink from a special set menu for £6.95 or enjoy ‘Giraffe Time’ - between 5pm and 7pm feast on a starter and main course also from a special set menu for just £7.25.

Giraffe in Victoria – see the world from a different perspective.

Giraffe, 120 Wilton Road, London SW1V 1JZ
t: 020 7233 8303 www.giraffe.net

Seasoning Restaurant & Lounge - New Indian Restaurant, Fulham

A new and exciting 100 cover Indian restaurant has opened next to Earls Court by expert caterer Salil Bhatia, with an additional downstairs function suite catering for up to another 100 covers.  Seasoning Restaurant & Lounge stays faithful to its origins and this is why it has created a menu that provides a tantalising mix of ethnic culinary styles, prepared by highly skilled chefs from India.

Seasoning Restaurant & Lounge offers a diverse set of dishes, ranging from the exotic mughlai to the simple homely cooking styles of the northern regions of India, with each dish ensuring authentic taste and flavour. They also include a few Chinese dishes on their fusion menu such as Indo-Chinese style medium hot diced lamb cooked with spices and tossed with a choice of ginger, peppers or cashew nuts, or Chinese King Prawn in Pepper sauce or Oyster sauce. Just as Indian is traditionally the most popular cuisine for us Brits, Chinese is similarly the most popular choice for Northern Indians, so they wanted the menu be the first to reflect this cultural transfusion here in the UK.

The menu is both extensive and great value, starters such as Tandoori Paneer Shashlick (£3.75), marinated Indian cheese grilled in a clay oven and Prawn Puri (£3.75), Prawns cooked with herbs and spices, served on deep fried flat bread. Whilst mains such as the Seasoning Khazana Platter (£12.95), an assortment of Chicken Zafrani Tikka, Mussaki Kebab, Piazi Sheekh Kebab and Mumbai King Prawns is an ideal sharing option. Most non-vegetarian mains are priced at £5.95, whilst vegetarian dishes are also excellent value at £3.95 each. Desserts include Kulfi (£2.95), a traditional Indian ice cream and Gulab Jamun (£2.95), hot fried dumplings immersed in syrup.

White walls and white leather benches create a calm and serene atmosphere in stark contrast to a traditional Indian restaurant. The chic and modern clear perspex chairs add a touch of glamour to the décor, together with a purpose built feature wall of bottled wine. Seasoning Restaurant & Lounge also has a superb veranda with open bay windows to enjoy their exquisite cuisine in the summer months.
The restaurant also has a versatile function suite, complete with bar, modern lounge and DJ booth, which can hold up to 100 people for dinner. The private dining room is perfect for birthdays, weddings and corporate functions with a large and varied selection of delicious menus to choose from.
With a history of offering unrivalled catering to businesses and private individuals for over 10 years, Nitin and Salil continue to provide outside catering to the highest level. Seasoning Restaurant & Lounge has extensive links to the very best venues in and around the UK, from five star hotels such as the Sheraton Parklane to the White Hall Banqueting House and has recently signed a deal with Hilton hotels as an approved caterer.

June Special Offers:
•    Dine and Wine Lunch Special: 2 Courses & Glass of Wine/Soft drink for £10.
•    Sunday Buffet: £7.95 (continuous)

Telephone: 020 7386 0303

Email: info@seasoning-restaurant.co.uk
Website: www.seasoning-restaurant.co.uk

Covers: Restaurant 100, Function Suite 100

Cuisine: Indo-chinese. (Indian Chinese cuisine is the adaptation of Chinese seasoning and cooking techniques to Indian tastes. It is said to have been developed by the tiny Chinese community that has lived in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) for over a century. Immensely popular with Indians, it is widespread in major Indian metropolitan cites such as Mumbai, New Delhi and Kolkata. Indeed, in a curious twist, Indian Chinese has followed the mainstream Indian expatriate community as they have spread across the world, providing expatriate Indians with a taste of authentic Indian Chinese).
Opening Times: Open seven days a week. Lunch 11.30am - 3.00pm. Dinner 6.00pm -12am.

Address: 84D-86 Lillie Rd, Fulham, London, SW6 1TL