DUCK AND WAFFLE IS ALWAYS OPEN...

We've all had that dilemma, you've stayed out very late, you have the munchies but it's that annoying time of the day when even the kebab shops have all closed and the corner shops and greasy cafes are yet to open. Well fear not because Duck and Waffle have announced they open 24 hours to serve you hungry Londoners.

Located in Heron Tower the restaurant belongs to the Sushi Samba group who opened up just this month. The restaurant looks pretty swish on the inside and will serve cocktails all night long as well as a Foie Gras ‘All Day Breakfast’, Old Spot pork pie and Roasted Galloway Veal Marrow Bones, cooked up by chef Daniel Doherty.

Gives a whole new meaning to a late dinner date...

Opens August 2012
Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N
www.duckandwaffle.com

SUPERETTE POP-UP

Sod the burgers it's all about the Hot Dogs at Superette's latest pop-up. Following a pretty impressive Sunday Roast pop-up at the Castle Gibson joint in Dalston the team are heading back to F.Cooke Pie & Mash shop on Broadway Market for four dog dates - and there was Florence thinking the Dog days were over?!

The dogs are 100% beef (No Lips and No Arse - we have it in writing), smoked with beechwood and served in a freshly baked bun from E5 Bakehouse. There will be four on offer - The Chicago (sausage with pepperoncini, tomatoes, gherkins,onions, neon relish) Classic NY, Korean (BBQ Pork Belly, Kimchee Chilli, Kewpe Mayo and Crispy Shallots in a demi Brioche Bun) and a veggie option. We'll take the Korean!

What's more the team have taken over the launderette opposite to create a fully licensed pop-up bar.

The Dog days are well and truly ON....

Sat 11th, 18th & 25th Aug, 1st Sept
www.superettepopup.com

REVIEW: JIMMY'S SUPPERCLUB

Earlier this month we told you about Jimmy's Supperclub at Annex East. Well we went along to the opening night last week and were so impressed we wanted to tell you all about it. The site is located in a warehouse in Stratford, and bar the one toilet situation it doesn't actually doesn't feel like a make-shift job.

The night we visited was a five-course meal with live acoustic singers. The meal started with a Trio Of Canapes which included a monkfish tail wrapped in legume and a grape salad - fancy canapes alright! To drink we had the Agnes & Rene Mosse, Moussamousettes NV, a sparkling rose wine we have fallen in love with and now can't find anywhere!

There were two starter options, the winner for us the Smoked Duck Breast with Cherries Three Ways - cherry compote, cherry coke reduction and savoury cherry with earl grey tea muffin. The dish was well thought out, the cherries held their own and complimented the smokey duck perfectly. The dish was served with a Riesling Reserve Andrew Scherer 2011 which was crisp and light.

For mains we opted for Trio of Pork - crispy pork belly, confit cheek, pancetta crisp - it would seem Jimmy likes doing threesomes! The Pork was full of flavour, each part had a very different texture and flavour. Served with spiced apple puree, calvados jus, roasties and vegetables. The wine with the main was probably our least favourite, Le Petit Fantet d'Hyppolyte 2011.

The meal ended with an Eton Mess which was as pretty as a picture, the homemade meringues with light and fluffy with a slight chewy texture. Matched with a Moscato d'Asti Lumine 2011 and followed by a rich square of homemade chocolate it was a story booking ending!

We can't rave about this place enough, the food and wines were super, the service was great and the location is suitably different. What's more the team are made up of men and men only, oh and they are all bloody good looking - definitely worth a trip, even just for a perv.

Now until 12th Aug
Hutchins Close, E15
http://www.annexeast.co.uk/

THE SUPPERHEROES SERIES...

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's The Supperheroes Series – a three-month long initiative that sees normal folk like us mere mortals become 'supperheroes' by hosting supperclubs in their very own homes. The cause? International aid agency Action Against Hunger, with minimum donations for each dinner helping fight the injustice of child hunger around the world. In their words: with great food comes great responsibility. The series so far is: Cherry Smart AKA 'Fed by Tang' on 25th August; Roberto & Fabio AKA 'The Backdoor Kitchen' on 16th September; and Sumayya Jamil AKA 'PukkaPaki' on 27th October. Those who attend at least three supperclubs get entered into into a cool culinary competition, too.

For more information the events taking place go to edibleexperiences.com/supperheroes or, if you think you have what it takes to hold your own, visit actionagainsthunger.org.uk/supperheroes for more details on how you can become a supperhero too. Spiderman outfit optional...

REVIEW: EL CAMION

El Camion is your answer to Mexican food in Soho with its Baja Californian style Mexican Grill restaurant. It's also the destination to unleash your wild side through cocktails and beers in their fun loving basement the Pink Chihuahua bar.

There’s no denying it this laid back joint is uber cool, decked out in all things Mexican; skulls, flowers, hot sauce bottles, colourful artwork and table tops. Shoving ourselves in a seat by the window we watched the restaurant fill up until there wasn't an empty seat in the house. The menu is easily laid out with ‘explanations’ on the reverse for those not too familiar with the Mexican way of dining. A tough choice tonight we thought, tough because there was so much we wanted.

It was a brave decision opting for Grilled Tiger Prawns, Chicharrones (Mexican pork scratchings), Padron Peppers, Guacamole and Salsa. The prawns disappeared in minutes and the accompanying Chipotole dip kicked ass, the Guacamole was thick, chunky and nicely spiced and the fresh salsa had a lovely tangy taste. The only thing we weren't sure of were the Chicharrones, a bit too much like pork scratchings (we know it said on the menu), we'd suggest you order the Tortilla Chips instead.

We followed with a Pork Carnitas Burrito, packed to the brim with juicy pork and served with a generous portion of soft Mexican rice and salad included in the price - bargain. The Pork Tacos we’re three small parcels, small in size but big in flavour they were filled with the same tender meat. Apart from our boob on the ordering we had no grumbles on the food however things really stepped up a notch downstairs...

Pink Chihuahua is a members only basement bar however if you are eating then you can get a pass down there. The barman Dick Bradsell is a legend, he invented Russian Spring Punch and Espresso Martini and he still works behind the bar so it's well worth a visit. We tried the Rum Punch which was made with a 60% proof rum - laughing juice - and a Tommy’s Margarita with a nice citrus tang.

With decent grub, super cocktails and quirky decor you could easily whittle away your pay packet here and we'll definitely be giving it a go. Perfect for dates, with a group or to impress a client (they even do a takeaway menu available from noon to 11pm ideal for working lunches or office celebrations) - just remember though that Rum is 60%, we wouldn't want any embarrassing incidents would we?

El Camion, 25-27 Brewer Street, Soho, WF1
www.elcamion.co.uk

MEAT LIQUOR OPEN SUNDAYS...

We've all been there, shopping on Oxford Street, hanging like a bitch and in need of some serious stodge on a Sunday arvo. Twice we have rocked up to Meat Liquor only to find the door well and truly sealed. But not anymore! London's favourite burger joint have announced they will open Sundays and to celebrate they are giving all the takings from this Sunday 29th July to kids charity Kid’s Company.

Head along, feed your face and do good - as if you actually needed anymore of a reason to visit?! Read our review if you do not have a clue what we are talking about.

MEATliquor 74 Welbeck Street W1G
www.meatliquor.com/

REVIEW: CRATE BREWERY

The excitement in East London is building. Hackney has been buzzing with anticipation this summer as the area gets ready for a huge fiesta. Wait, what? The Olympics? No, we're talking about Crate, the brand new brewery, bar and pizzeria on the very borders of the Olympic site. In the shadow of the new stadium, a far more exciting development has been taking place, with the proprietors of the Counter Cafe setting up their own micro brewery making unique craft beers, served alongside fresh, delicious pizzas.

The entire business is located in The White Building, one of the official Olympic legacy buildings. Theirs is the only business, sharing the space with art studios and practice space for musicians. It's good to see a positive impact for the local community alongside the razzmatazz of Seb Coe's big sports day. The venue lends itself perfectly to the enterprise, a large open plan space with an island bar in the centre, serving tasty brews made on the premises. At the back, the kitchen is busy making dozens of fresh pizzas from scratch - stretching dough and chopping toppings to order. The exposed brickwork and furniture made from recycled pallets are achingly hip, and Hackney wouldn't have it any other way.

The beers are of the highest quality too. We tried the Crate Golden Ale, a light refreshing beer perfect for summer afternoon drinking, and the Crate IPA which weighed in at a punchy 5.8% and packed a real wallop. A few too many of these and you may end up having an impromptu swim in the River Lea, on which the brewery is situated. The waterway provides the perfect backdrop for a sunny evening, with plenty of tables outside to make the most of the British summer - or whatever passes for summer these days. Other craft beers are also available (this is not a sponsored message!), including Brooklyn, Truman's and Duvel if the Crate tipples are not to your liking though.

The pizzas are great too, light fluffy bases and fresh, delicious toppings. We sampled the meaty pepperoni, and the Middle Eastern lamb. The service is great too, so if you happen to be in the area for some big sporting event, make sure you pop in for some refreshments. Or if you couldn't care less about the Olympics, Crate will provide the perfect place to hide out and distract you with beer for the next month.

The White Building, Queens Yard, Hackney Wick, E9
www.cratebrewery.com 

REVIEW: VIVA!

Viva! opened around three months ago on Stoke Newington High Street, and after months of walking passed the packed out restaurant we finally got round to trying it. Viva! serves Latin American tapas and cocktails in a small, informal joint with exposed brick work and low lighting.

We started with the cocktail list which has a pretty lengthy selection of concoctions made up from House Cocktails, Classic Cocktails, Sours, Tequila House Cocktails and non-alcoholic cocktails. Priced from just £5 - £7 the cocktails are great value too. We sampled the Mojito which was strong and punchy without being overly sweet - a great way to start the Latin feast.

Food wise we went all out and ordered everything on the menu. Highlights included the Guacamole which was chunky, well seasoned and perfectly mashed. The Caramelized Onion Quesadilla served with sour cream and tangy homemade salsa and the Soft blue corn tacos filled with juicy pork, jack cheese, coriander and yet more homemade salsa. Our personal favourite was the Brazilian Moqueca with Tiger Prawns and Plantain, a bubbling hot, creamy fish stew crammed with juicy prawns and plantain.

All of the dishes were fresh, full of flavour and reasonably priced. Viva! the perfect place to go for drinks and nibbles with the girls or on a date. What's more we heard that due to demand the restaurant are opening another joint just over the road next month - watch this space!

2 Stoke Newington Road, N16

Photo Credit - Stav B

BLACK PIG WITH WHITE PEARLS...

What's this another new restaurant on Stoke Newington High Street? Sure is! This time it's Black Pig with White Pearls who have gone from pop-up to permanent. The East London Spanish pop-up restaurant has decided to shack up in Stoke Newington and will open on Saturday 28th July.

The joint will have an informal bar with pinchos serving a selection of quality wines and a basement 60's style dining room. Expect plenty of Iberian pork, tortillas and chorizo. We have to admit we're pretty excited to have a decent Spanish restaurant in our hood. 

Viva Espana!

61 Stoke Newington High Street, N16
http://blackpigwithwhitepearls.co.uk/

ACKLAM VILLAGE MARKET

If you enjoy a bite to eat while searching for vintage knick-knacks at Portobello Market, you may be interested to know that the Acklam Village Market is relaunching from July 21st. Consisting of a group of food stalls selling tasty street food inspired by cuisine from all over the world, it's the perfect way to keep yourself fueled for rummaging through the many antiques and craft shops that the market offers.

Familiar Eat Street favourites such as Vinn agouti and Bocaface are regulars at Acklam Village Market, with Portobello Gin being an exciting new addition. The area next to the market is being transformed into a bar and music space, with even the occasional film being shown. On August 10th, Kate Spicer, director of the Metallica documentary 'Mission to Lars', is screening her film followed by a party which should prove to be very exciting!

Open every Saturday and Sunday (and also the occasional weekday evening), it's the perfect way to take a break from shopping and treat yourself to some wonderful street food with beers and cocktails.

Sat 21st July
4-8 Acklam Road, W10
www.acklamvillagemarket.com

REVIEW: THE MALL TAVERN

For over 150 years, The Mall Tavern has been a mainstay of The Notting Hill community. It has changed hands numerous times and been through many incarnations, and in 2010 it was taken over by the current management team who have bought the venue completely up to date. The current Mall Tavern is a gastropub that takes great pride in its menu with old favourites sitting comfortably alongside more experimental and innovative dishes.

The pub is divided in half with a very busy bar area in one part with the other being reserved for diners. The atmosphere releasable and fun, the after-work crowd enjoying a drink gives the place a buzz that carries into the relaxed dining area. The man behind the menu is highly-rated chef Jesse Dunford-Wood and his reputation is, judging by our visit, thoroughly earned.

Our meal started of with fresh, warm soda bread which was quickly followed by our starters. The pork pie is described on the menu as 'remarkable' and they're not wrong. Chunky, meaty pork encased in crumbly pastry, a great version of a traditional classic. The fried Brie with cranberry sauce was even better, gooey molten cheese encased in breadcrumbs that tasted like heaven itself. It's probably not considered a health food (I don't want to know how many calories are in it), but my God, it's gooood.

Having set the bar high with starters of exceptional quality, the mains had a lot to live up to, but did just that. The presentation of the dishes is exquisite in every case. The roast Goosnargh chicken was served with rainbow chard, peas and girolles, providing a multi-coloured background to the juicy, flavourful poultry. The salt beef brisket is served alongside potato dauphinoise and green beans in a rich onion and mustard sauce. Reminiscent of the classic salt beef of Brick Lane, the dish is a very posh version of the street food staple.

To wrap up the meal, we ordered the cheese board to share, a generously-sized portion of three types of cheese plus a wide variety or crackers and flatbreads. The service was attentive and good humoured, with friendly, efficient staff. The meal was also relatively good value for money, with meals of this quality costing significantly more elsewhere. A real treat for the locals of Notting Hill, and worth the trip for the rest of us.

71-73 Palace Gardens Terrace, W8
www.themalltavern.com

DANTE FRIED CHICKEN...

Dante's Fried Chicken returns this summer with their London Cookout giving us another American style street food with a Caribbean twist pop-up to go crazy for. With news of the recent heatwave about to embark over the UK we can once again venture out and get knee deep in the infamous Dante's sock-it-to-me chicken. Taking place for one weekend only, you'd be insane not to go along.

Three courses will set you back £25, here’s the menu lineup:

Starters:
Black Eye Pea Hummus Endives
Andouille Cinnamon Corn Bread with Honey Butter
Shrimp with Smoked Cheese Grits

Mains:
Sock-It-To-Me-Chicken or
Warning-Tastes-Like-Chicken Tofu
On top of Coconut Spice Waffles served with Apricot Crack Glaze
With Cucumber Corn Ginger Salad & Crispy Leek Deviled Eggs
Dessert:
21MC Choco Cherry Pie

DFC LND WEEKEND
Sat 21st July 8pm, Sun 22nd July 2pm & 7pm
18 Hewett Street EC2A
www.dantefriedchicken.com

RITA'S BAR AND DINING...

There’s a new fried chicken place coming to Stoke Newington High Street! That’s all we need is what you’re thinking. Well you are right, but these guys come with the idea of showing you, the punter that fried chicken ain’t just something that comes in a red cardboard box and is eaten on buses whilst intoxicated. It can be a meal to die for, not because of. Not only will they serve fried chicken, or fried chicken & waffles as they have it, you will also find shrimp rolls, pulled pork with duck heart baked beans, soy & ginger hot wings, patty melts and their hotly tipped ox-heart tacos.

Rita’s is the new joint at 33-35 Stoke Newington Road and is the mastermind behind the popular Brunswick House Café, opening this Friday the 13th from 6pm, Tuesday to Saturday with the aim of expanding to day time in the coming weeks. The menu has got our attention alright and we’re certainly not worried about this becoming another KFC copy cat, will the real fried chicken please stand up!

Rita’s, 33-35 Stoke Newington Road, N16
http://www.ritasbaranddining.com/

GINGERLINE RETURNS...

It looks like it's not only The Stone Roses who are being resurected this year! Gingerline, the East London line pop-up supperclub is also returning from the dead. After months of searching the length of the track lines they have found a secret sweet spot from which they can concoct food and art adventures.

Part hideout, part parallel reality, Gingerline HQ is a clandestine and chameleon dining experience for London's food adventurers. They will fuse fine food, art, design and performance to create immersive and fantastical evenings of feasting and folly. The location is TOP SECRET, as is everything else about the evening but they will promise you 4+ delicious courses, a welcome drink and all the Gingerline trimmings, including take home menu art.

Tickets are £43 - £46 and you can reserve places online from Monday 16th July 2012 at noon.
www.gingerline.co.uk

GLOBAL FOOD FEAST @ ST MARTIN'S COURTYARD...

The St Martin's Courtyard Global Food Festival will make your tongue receptors shake, rattle and roll. The free event sees local business including Bill’s, Cantina Laredo, Dishoom, Dalla Terra, Jamie’s Italian and Suda combine to offer 2000 FREE Tequila cocktails, food tastings, demonstrations and random activities. With everything from Bangkok street food to a hog roast, Mexican band and strawberries with lashings of cream, you'll be able to visit any country you want in any order.

There will be deck chairs, an urban smoothie bike which you use to make your own smoothie and plenty of Pimms. Although if we're honest, we just want to go to check out a Vada Pau - Bombay’s answer to the chip butty apparently?!

Sat 14th July 12-5pm.
www.stmartinscourtyard.co.uk

REVIEW: CINNAMON SOHO X TAKE-OUT

We're big fans on the Cinnamon group here at Londontheinside, so when we heard that their newest joint Cinnamon Soho had created a takeaway menu we couldn't resist trying it out. Cinnamon Soho already wowed us when they opened with their cheeky selection of balls, so we had high hopes for the takeaway menu.

The menu is a slimmed down version of the restaurant menu with a Dish Of The Day which changes daily, we visited on Thursday when the Dish of The Day was Old Delhi style chicken curry with pilau rice. So we placed our order and rocked up at our request time of 1:30pm, and as if my magic we were handed a brown bag. Off we trotted to the park to enjoy our curry which was crammed with succulent chicken pieces coated in a thick, hot spicy sauce accompanied by a carton fluffy pilau rice. The portions are generous, the food is fresh and tasty and if you order by 11am it's ready for pick-up. BOOM!

Kingly Street, Soho, W1B
www.cinnamon-kitchen.com

RIOJA TAPAS FESTIVAL...

It would appear that this summer it's all about es spaniol! Not satisfied with winning the Euro, these sexy señoritas are set to take over the UK, well London anyway, next weekend with there bloody good food and bloody tasty wine at the Rioja Tapas Fantasticas festival.

The free entry festival held on the Southbank promises some of the "most mouth watering tapas" that London has to offer. Spanish restaurants across the capital including our favourite Ibérica, Jose, Copita and Camino are all hosting stalls. There will also be plenty of stalls fully stocked with red, white and rosé wines from some of Rioja’s most famous vineyards. And as if drinking Spanish wine and eating tapas wasn't enough, you can also get stuck in with the cookery demonstrations by José Pizarro and wine tasting workshops held by wine experts Olly Smith and Susy Atkins.

You will need to buy tokens on entry which can be exchanged for samples from any of the 40 restaurants and wineries. Loose the Euro gloom and get your ass down there! You never know you might even bag yourself a sexy senor/senorita these whilst you're there.

Sat 14th July, 12pm - 8pm
Sun 15th July, 12pm - 6pm
Potters Fields Park, Tooley Street/The Queens Walk, Southwark, SE1
www.riojatapasfantasticas.co.uk

REVIEW: AFGHAN KITCHEN

The Afghan Kitchen in Angel provides traditional Afghan home cooking in a simple, clean-cut, canteen style restaurant. Located opposite Islington Green there are basically two things you need to have in mind, ‘meat’ or ‘vegetarian’. After a night on the razzel there was only one option for us...MEAT

The menu offers four meat and four veg dishes, we choose a lamb and potato stew and a fish and potato stew with some bread, only available in the evening (they make it during the day see). Given that it was around 11pm on a school night, we were surprised to see the place was practically full.

The dishes were both generous portions, the lamb and potato dish came with a healthy chunk of tender meat and plenty of potatoes coated in a thick, spicy sauce. The fish dish however was a little less forth coming on the fish with a more oily sauce and lots of potatoes. Most of the mains come in around £7.50 with some veggie options a little cheaper and rice and breads at £3.50.

Whilst it might not be the most advanced cooking, The Afghan Kitchen serves fast, tasty, cheapish food which is a little different from your usual late night curry joints.

Afghan Kitchen, 35 Islington Green, N1

REVIEW: CHAMPAGNE & FROMAGE

There are fewer finer things in life than good bubbly and decent cheeses, which is why London have welcomed the new Champagne & Fromage informal style bistro with open arms. Located in Covent Garden the French styled brasserie/deli seats just 30, with walls full of champagne sourced from the smallest, most independent producers available to purchase by the bottle or glass and a fridge full of cheese which can be taken home or enjoyed as a platter.

Now for the important bit, the champagne! On our visit there were five champagnes available by the glass, our favourite was the Pertois-Moriset Cuvee Camille Vintage 2005, golden and sweet, this is the kind of champagne you could blow your whole credit limit on - don't! The Michel Furdyna Rose also scored highly, made with red grapes, the champagne had a lovely summer feel and taste to it.

Food wise, aside from the stack of impressive cheeses there is a selection of rustic French fare, all of which contain an element of cheese from a variety of tartines, to Frogs legs, snails and Oeuf Cocotte, even the desserts have cheese in them! We sampled three cheeses which we choose from the fridge, the Montbeliarde tartine, a little like pizzas without tomato puree, ours was topped with Montbeliarde sausage under a cover of melted cheese and the Terrine Du Jour which was chopped pork and herbs.

We ended the meal with a champagne, strawberry and mint chilled soup – summer in a bowl - and the Fondant au Chocolat which was a chocolate fondant with cheese inside, extremely rich if not a little strange, but a great conversation starter!

Champagne & Fromage knows what it does, bubbles and cheese, and it does them exceptionally well. We also hear there are plans for expansion with a champagne and chocolate on the cards and they deliver champers within the hour. Oooooo la la! Those Frenchies know how to roll alright....

Champagne + Fromage, 22 Wellington Street, WC2E
www.frenchbubbles.co.uk

REVIEW: COQ D'ARGENT

If you are looking for classic French food, good wine and a spectacular rooftop setting with views that span the length of the city then Coq d’Argent could be the place for you. We visited the restaurant perched on the roof of No.1 Poultry at One New Change on a busy, sunny, lunch time.

After a bit of a hunt we finally found the lift tucked away between a busy office building and GAP - not the most glamorous of entrances but good if you need to pick-up a new T-shirt on the way out. We were however pleasantly surprised as we stepped out onto the outdoor terrace and gardens to find a mini oasis which felt a million miles away from the hustle and bustle below.

We choose to eat from the set menu which is great value at £30 for three courses, especially given the crisp white table cloths, a trillion glasses and shiny cutlery. Whilst we waited we took advantage of the complimentary basket of warm bread rolls a selection of white, seeded and wholemeal.

To start we had the goats cheese and vegetable terrine which is dusted with pistachio crumbs to add a subtle crunch and served on salad with a maple and rosemary dressing. The huge portion of rich goats cheese could have done with a little more salad but we won't complain! We also tried the snails which came in a portion of six, and whilst only one of us delved in, that half thought they were worth coming back for.

For mains we had the Sea Bass with fennel, courgette, tomato and saffron casserole. The casserole worked brilliantly at giving the what could have been a standard piece of sea bass a real kick - full of flavour with a real depth to the taste. Chicken Supreme with sauteed wild mushrooms and artichoke was another succesful dish and there were no complaints all round.

Dessert was Lemon Tarte or tarte au citron as they say in Paris, served alongside a berry compote, the tarte was zesty and smooth. We'd say avoid the cheese board and stick to the desserts, they faired better and you didn't have to pay the £4 supplement which came with the cheese.

The restaurant has a huge wine list, as you would expect. Luckily we were with some what of a wine connoisseur who was also paying the bill and picked a good selection for us to try - a great location for a boozey business lunch or early dinner whilst the sun is still shining!

Coq d’Argent, No.1 Poultry, EC2R

www.coqdargent.co.uk

REVIEW: DSTRKT

You may have heard of DSTRKT, the club and restaurant that open in Piccadilly late last year where ‘all the models go’ or so we were told. The £25 million venue nestles in alongside its neighbours the W Hotel, the Mirage Casino and the soon to be open Café Royal. It’s no surprise that everyone from Jay Z and Dan Aykroyd to Rhianna has been spotted there.

DSTRKT, is all about the interior design, oh yeah and the dropping of the ‘I’s’ from its name. The venue is separated into two areas the dining area and the club, within the club is the V.I.P area that boasts the “world’s first” bar made of a precious stone. Whilst it may sound a little OTT in reality the restaurant is pretty slick with some lovely lighting and the nice use of an open basement space. 

We recently visited to see what the snizzle was having read a mixed bag of reviews. We started with a Coco Chanel cocktail which was fruity and light, sadly no models (except the receptionist) which left the boyfriend a little annoyed. Seated at our table amongst a famous 80's singer and older couple nothing could have prepared us for the feast instore....

The menu follows the current trend in sharing plates with a wide variety of dishes on offer from fried olives stuffed with pork to Foie Gras Lollipops and London Fog. We started with the deep fried Goats Cheese balls with figs and onion jam, a new addition to the menu the balls were light and fluffy with a strong cheesy punch. Grilled Flat Bread was a pleasant dish whilst Seared Scottish Scallops were plump, juicy medallions so perfectly presented it felt like a crime to eat them.

Other highlights included the Saute Padron Peppers with orange segments which gave them a nice zing, the tender Rib Eye steak with a melt in mouth consistency and the Barbecued Baby Goat which was a generous plate of soft, tasty meat.

For an added theatrical experience try the London Fog - liquid nitrogen with dried raspberries that when eaten make ones mouth smoke like a dragon! Dessert wise we tried the Olive Oil sponge served in a jar, topped with what we thought were sweetcorn kennels in jam - they weren't - and a Berry Tart which ended the meal on a high note.

DSTRKT serves experimental food at its finest, without being so experimental it loses it's appeal as a standard dinner option. We'd even go as far as saying this is one of the best meals we've ever eaten in London, in fact the last time we had food like this was in El Palace's restaurant, the Michelin starred Caelis.

Treat the wifey and gain some major brownie points.

9 Rupert Street, W1D
www.dstrkt-london.com

STREET FEAST MOVES TO DALSTON

First it was East, then it was North and now it's coming back East only a little Norther to the hood - Dalston. Yes that's right peeps Streat Feast has announced it will be hitting Dalston and setting up shop in an open air 'hanger' style venue, just off Dalston Lane.

The Dalston residency will last at least two months and there will be up to 20 vendors each week with the addition of ping-pong tables, live art installations from the Beach London gallery (in Shoredtich) and the Street Feast Lounge complete with armchairs and sofas which is available to reserve in advance.

Every Friday from 6th July, 5pm - midnight

Thames House, Hartwell Street (off Dalston Lane by Kingsland Road), E8
www.streetfeastlondon.com

REVIEW: ROTI CHAI

You know that feeling, when your legs are aching from spending all day shopping in the West End, your bellies grumbling and all you want is to sit down, somewhere quiet and reasonably priced which serves good grub and is less than 5 minutes away.

Well that's where Roti Chai steps in located just a hop, skip and a jump from Selfridges down a quiet back street behind Marks & Spencer. The Indian street food joint has a simple cafe style dining area on the ground floor with a more formal fine dining restaurant below.

Upstairs in the Street Kitchen food is served in tapas style sharing portions and arrives as and when it is ready. We sampled a selection of dishes and are happy to report we couldn't fault any of them. Chicken Samosas were two large parcels crammed full of spicy chicken, Chicken Lollipops were just as the menu described moreish,whilst Hakka Chilli Paneer was a fiery dish and quite possibly our favourite. Closely followed by Fish curry which was a generous helping of flaky white fish swimming in a creamy, spicy sauce.

If you are going with the girls we suggest you wash it all down with a Lychee teapot cocktail then finish with a Kulfi which is a creamy Indian dessert served on a stick - think grown up mini milk. If you're in need of a cuppa the freshly brewed chai is just the trick.

We can't rate Roti Chai enough, we've already been back since our visit - it's cheap, simple, tasty, authentic Indian street food at its finest. Two big fat thumbs up from us!

3 Portman Mews South, W1H
www.rotichai.com

MUSSEL MEN COME TO DALSTON...

Never before have we seen a mussel-y man in Dalston...until now! Yes leave those skinny jeans at home because The Mussel Men are in town this month to host a one day pop-up Mussel Shack complete with thumb war championship.

Taking place in Fabrica 584 on Kingsland Road The Mussel Men's aim is to make quality seafood accessible to the masses. You will usually find their stalls at festivals and events around the country, but for one day only you can enjoy their grub in the depths of East London - no wellies needed! The menu will be limited, in that there will be Moules-Frites and prosecco on offer. It costs £30 for a couple with a bottle of prosecco or £12 for a portion of moules-frites with a glass of prosecco.

The event is running from 11am until 11pm and you can buy a presale voucher online here which gets you a £5 discount.

Sat 14th July, 11am - 11pm
Fabrica 584, Kingsland Road, E8
www.musselmen.bigcartel.com

FEAST MARKET...

 

If you liked last year's Long Table in Dalston then there is a good chance you are going to love FEAST, the newest food experience from the people behind Long Table. FEAST will take place the first weekend in August and involves a host of London's key foodies including those innovative boys Bompas and Parr, our recent fav place Duke's Brew and Que and St John. As well as street food vendors Pizza Pilgrims, Big Apple Hotdogs, Banhmi11 and many more.

The menu will feature 30 different foodie offerings, some of London's best brews, experimental
cocktails and live music. The first FEAST will be located in the heart of London Bridge at Guy's Quadrangle, an undiscovered Georgian Square but there are already other weird and wonderful locations in the pipeline. Make a date in your diary and pop along to FEAST to well, erm feast!

Fri 3rd Aug - Sun 5th Aug
Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, SE1
www.wefeast.co.uk

JIMMY'S SUPPER CLUB

There is so much going on in the run up to the Olympics and we’re not surprised. With over 4 billion people watching it hurts your head just trying to put that into context - over half the population apparently!

The latest event to pop into our radar is a month long immersive Olympic fine dining pop up experience hitting East London in the form of Jimmy’s Supper Club. From the people that brought you ‘The Wild Food Kitchen’ the latest pop-up is set in Annex East, a new arts warehouse space located less than 100 meters from the Olympic site right in the heart of Stratford.

The events kick off on 12th July and celebrate the best in British Produce alongside specially curated Olympic entertainment. Just look at the nights they have planned…

Sunday Brunch Sports Club Day, Wine Tasting & Pairing Menu night, special Film & Feast screenings of Cool Runnings, Blade Of Glory, Chariots Of Fire, Live music & DJ’s, fine art exhibitions & gallery shows, a custom designed cocktail bar. Those who want to eget sporty, (well there couldn't be a better location could they?) should check out Dodgeball & Dinner or the Sports Day which includes intercoure events - that's between courses not intercourse, he ain't running no brothel here people! Although one of the courses is the sack race, we'll leave you to imagine what that could be...

Prices depend on the night you visit and what's included - the menu looks pretty special from a Twist on the Classic Prawn Cocktail with Cornish crab bon-bon, a spinach and pine nut crust, prawn and chilli bisque to Deconstructed Trifle.


Thurs 12th July
Hutchins Close, E15
www.annexeast.co.uk

REVIEW: TONKOTSU

Soho has never been short of Japanese restaurants, but now they can add an authentic ramen restaurant to that number. Tonkotsu literally means 'pork broth' and that's exactly what this new Dean Street joint specialises in.

It's founders are the people behind mini-chain Tsuru Sushi but with Tonkotsu they are venturing into new territory, literally and metaphorically. It's their first venture as far West as Soho and also their first restaurant with such a narrow menu that specialises in one key area. Limited menus are all the rage these days with places such as Burger and Lobster and the Tramshed offering a tight range of choices but Tonkotsu limits the choice to either veggie or pork ramen.

For the uninitiated, ramen is a noodle soup with vegetables and usually, but not always, meat. As the name implies, the only meat available is pork, but this is no bad thing. The meat is large slices of soft, slow cooked pork in a tasty soup packed with noodles, mushrooms, bamboo and other vegetables.

Preceding this, we tried a couple of dishes from the starters menu, which has more choice than the main menu. The pork and prawn gyoza were large, meaty dumplings, served in soft, translucent skin whilst the chicken karaage was a large portion of fried chicken in a crispy coating. -A dish we'd certainly recommend.

The staff are attentive and friendly, and the atmosphere of the venue is fairly bubbly. Given the short time the venue has been open, word has certainly got around as almost all tables were full during our visit. Given the reasonable prices, the authenticity of the food and pleasant service, it seems they have a winning recipe here.

63 Dean Street, W1D
www.tonkotsu.co.uk