Archives: February 2012
Tea Time at Garfunkel’s
The tradition of afternoon tea originated the 1840s. The privileged classes accompanied the age-old beverage with sandwiches, scones, and pastries. Now, you don’t need fine china or butlers to enjoy the same. Pay your respects to ritual and take your tea at Garfunkel’s, which strongly believes that ‘tea revives you.’ [continue reading]
Mutton Dressed As….Mutton
How long does a lamb have before it becomes mutton? What exactly is mutton, and who the hell eats it?! Well, as per usual, we are full of useful information. Mutton is meat from a sheep that is older than two years (unlike lamb, which is meat from a sheep under 12 months old), and it is eaten by people all over the world, including the Prince of Wales –who knew? This type of meat has been popular for hundreds of years, but has experienced a downfall in demand in recent decades. However, due to Prince Charles’ love for the dish, he started the Mutton Renaissance campaign in 2004 to help revive the mutton industry. As a part of this campaign, The Mutton Renaissance Club was started, giving people a chance to learn more about mutton by connecting them with producers, processors, and retailers of the meat. (Bear with us, there … [continue reading]
23 Grosvenor Gardens Launches
London has a penchant for converting old buildings into the trendiest new bars and restaurants, be it a horse hospital or a library – and now we can add just launched 23 Grosvenor Gardens Wine Bar in Victoria to the list. The venue, formerly a bank a decade ago, was an old style coffee shop before it caught the eye of 24-year-old London-based entrepreneur Adrian Dulgher. With the help of his old man who organised the renovation, Dulgher has taken advantage of the old underground vaults and created shadowy, effortlessly chic spaces, each vault decorated according to a theme: library, casino, and boardroom. The brick walls, wood floors, and black wicker furniture work together to create a truly unique and cool bar. Equally cool, in the basement is a garden room. [continue reading]
All Day Eating and Drinking at Karpo
There truly is nothing better than an all-day diner, except, possibly, an all-day diner with a gourmet twist. Located in central London, across the street from King’s Cross Station, you’ll find exactly that in a restaurant called Karpo. [continue reading]
Fairtrade Fortnight at The People’s Supermarket
If you’d like to find a way to grocery shop more responsibly, look no further. The People’s Supermarket is the place to go. It’s run by volunteers who want to provide food that is more socially and environmentally beneficial. Stop by from Monday 27thFebruary to Sunday 11th March to participate in a variety of events for Fairtrade Fortnight. [continue reading]
Going Against the Grain
Think back to all of the meals you have eaten in gourmet restaurants throughout your life. How many times did you order a simple glass of wine when all you really wanted was a tall glass of exceptionally great beer? Was it because you didn’t know what type of beer to pair with your fancy food? If your answer is ‘yes’, then do we have an event for you. [continue reading]
Pick of the Brunch
The terms ‘party’ and ‘brunch’ aren’t often paired together. However with karaoke, live music acts, and unlimited prosecco and bellinis, Bunga Bunga seems to have grasped the concept. A self-proclaimed ‘Englishman’s Italian, Bar, Pizzeria, and Karaoke,’ Bunga Bunga playfully marries kitsch and authentic Italian cuisine. From the stairwell covered in a replica of the Sistine Chapel to the comically named pizzas, the restaurant has a lively sense of humour and a mouth-watering menu. Launched last autumn by Duncan Stirling and Charlie Gilkes, Bunga Bunga’s name derives from a racy Italian joke (which I won’t spill here). Now, the restaurant’s sense of fun extends to Saturday afternoon. [continue reading]
Go for a Leek
St David’s Day (1st March) fittingly falls right when Wales’ symbolic vegetable, the leek, is at its best. Leek season is from November through to April, so when many other native vegetables won’t grow in our chilly British winter climate, the leek is as happy as a scoop of ice cream on a wafer. [continue reading]
Indian Restaurants Celebrate the Festival of Colours
What better to combat the last dreary slog of winter than Holi, the Indian festival of colours? Hindus around the world celebrate this religious holiday marking the beginning of spring on 8th and 9th of March, traditionally by hurling brightly coloured powder at each other. So if you can’t jet off to India, enjoy a meal out at Dishoom, The Cinnamon Club, or Cinnamon Kitchen. All three restaurants are celebrating this gleeful holiday in their own way. [continue reading]
Oz Clarke Sets Sail with Vinopolis and Celebrity Cruises
When asked to ‘save the date’ to join Dan Hanrahan of Celebrity Cruises and Lucy Haines from Vinopolis for dinner and fine wine, I was completely sold without really knowing what it was all about. Who would pass up the opportunity of an evening to dine at fantastic wine destination Vinopolis, and mingle with the likes of the President of Celebrity Cruises (I’d Googled him: tall, handsome, American – great) whilst drinking the finest of wines? Not I. And actually, it was quite a spectacular evening, during which I became fully immersed in wine, and in the excitement shared by everyone over the beginning of what is set to be a great partnership. [continue reading]
Mixing It With the Best at Flute Bar
There’s always one at a party who reckons he’s a proper cocktaileer, whipping up god-awful margaritas and smashing glasses all over the place. Fancy showing them how it’s really done by learning how to mix, muddle, shake, throw, pour, spin (and lots of other nifty things) like the best of them? Well then head down to the fantastic new Flûte Bar & Lounge in the heart of London’s West End, where Head Barman Rafal Szustorowski will be sharing the secrets behind three of their most popular signature cocktails and showing you the ropes. [continue reading]
It’s All Greek at The Capital!
Whilst on holiday, after an evening meal, we’ve often sat back, red faced and wonderfully full, wishing, of all the things we could take back as a souvenir, it could be the chef responsible for the remarkable food we’ve consumed. Well! Luckily for us, David Levin had the same wish, and be it down to the almighty Greek Gods, or an offer made not to be refused, it came true. [continue reading]
Duvel – A Glass Act
We find ourselves invited to a plethora of events in London, everything from new bar launches, wine tastings, new menus and even the launch of a new urinal concept (yep, we know…unusual!) but tonight, it’s an event with a beer, a vodka and London Fashion week. I’m comfortable with the beer and vodka, it’s what I do. I would like to think that I’ve developed the correct etiquette for chatting to my peers, gleaming bits of information in order to scribe a good review of the evening and associated product for you our dear readers, but fashion…what is the etiquette here? I conjure up images of cads, fashionistas, beautiful people and movers and shakers in the bemusing world of fashion and design. [continue reading]
Cantina del Ponte: All for a Good Cause
It’s not often that a topless waiter pours Blue Tomato a glass of Prosecco on a Wednesday evening (that’s usually Thirsty Thursdays in our office), but as it was for charity we thought that we’d acquiesce to a small drop at Cantina Del Ponte, a fabulous Italian restaurant located on Shad Thames. [continue reading]
Check Out Heston’s Buns!
I’m sure it comes as no surprise as we tell you that Heston’s been at it again. Not quite the ‘Hidden Orange Christmas Pudding’ he did last year that ended up being the most sought after pudding (possibly EVER), but still just as delish, Heston has created his own take on the iconic Easter Hot Cross Bun. [continue reading]
Thai Square Restaurants – Worth a Visit!
Arguably one of the world’s greatest cuisines, Thai food is available in restaurants on almost every street in London, and Premier UK restaurant group, Thai Square are probably responsible for half of them. Ok, we may be exaggerating slightly, but having now opened eleven (yes, eleven) London-based restaurants and six restaurants outside London, altogether offering a selection of more than 1,000 authentic dishes, you can see why we’d be so presumptuous. [continue reading]
Travel East Asia in Fitzrovia
Ever been to East Asia and wandered the street-food markets, sampling the exotic foreign flavours and gorging on rich, authentic foods? Nor have we. And now we don’t even have to. The newly opened East Street, situated in Fitzrovia, offers you the chance to travel across East Asia by plate, at pocket-friendly prices. [continue reading]
Chip, Chip Hooray!
It’s been over 150 years since the first portion of chips were fried in a small fish and chip shop in Oldham, and we’d say that’s cause for celebration! That is why we are on board in dedicating not just a day but a whole week to these golden-shelled, fluffy-centred national treasures of deliciousness. [continue reading]
I am the World’s Last Bar Man Poet…
…I see America drinking the fabulous cocktails I make. America is getting stinking on something I stir or shake. The Sex On The Beach…the Schnapps made from peach! The Velvet Hammer…the Alabama Slammer! I make stuff with juice and froth, the Pink Squirrel…the 3 Toad Sloth. I makedrinks so sweet and snazzy, the Iced Tea…the Kamakazi! The Orgasm…the Death Spasm. The Singapore Sling…the Ding a Ling. America your just devoted to every flavour I got, but if you want to get loaded…why don’t you just order a shot! [continue reading]
Flippin’ Pancake Day
Pancake Day is not a holiday to be flippant about. Yes, we made a pan – pun…but seriously, this is the day you are supposed to use up what’s in your cupboards -flour, eggs and milk (of course), and eat your bodyweight in pancakes before you fast for 40 days! You must not take this delicious day half-heartedly, you have some serious decisions to make: what are you going to give up for 40 days and nights, and more importantly, where are you going to get your pancakes from?! [continue reading]
Cook For a Change!
Food has always brought people together, crossing boundaries of culture and nationality, but it can also act as a comfort, and to help people retain their culture. Refugees who have had no choice but to flee their countries seek to maintain their cultural roots, and in doing so have consequently educated Britain and shared with us some of their fantastic foods. [continue reading]
Celebrate the Curry Chefs of Brick Lane
Brick Lane: what is it good for? Bagels and curry! Not just any bagels and curry though, but late-night-feed-your-drunk-munchies bagels and curry. The countless chefs working day in and day out on this well-known ‘lane’ have been fueling your curry obsessions for who-knows how long now, and they rarely receive the recognition they deserve. That’s about to change though, as many of these chefs are to be featured in a photographic exhibition at the Rich Mix Arts Centre. [continue reading]
Horsing Around For Valentine’s
In need of a last-minute Valentine’s Day surprise? The Royal Horseguards Hotel has laid on a very special afternoon tea and dinner at its prestigious London venue. Part of a series of themed afternoon teas hosted throughout the year to celebrate notable events, including Diamond Jubilee, Mother’s Day and Wimbledon Teas; the Valentine’s tea is a veritable feast of sweetness and pink. Indulge with classic desserts and cakes, Champagne truffles, chocolate fondue and one of the lightest macaroons we’ve ever sampled. For those inclined to add an adult kick to the proceedings, top it off with a glass of Champagne or the ‘signature’ Valentine’s cocktail, a fragrant burst of gin, lychee & grenadine, served with an edible rose petal. Finish with a few oysters and see where the afternoon takes you. Although, fear not if you can’t make it on the day itself, the afternoon tea is available until the … [continue reading]
Get Interactive This V-Day At Inamo
Taking the short stroll from Piccadilly Circus to Regent Street on a crisp February evening is a wonderfully romantic thing to do. Imagine it, we are dressed in period Victorian attire and the clocks have been turned back to 1910. A faux-English accented Dick Van Dyke has just skipped along a nearby rooftop with his coal smeared face and Yorkshire flat cap. He stops mid pirouette and gives us a cheeky glance. Actually, I never did much care for Mary Poppins or Van Dyke’s portrayal of that cheeky English Chimney sweep come jazz handed mockney, so I shake this surreal image I’m having, ignore my date’s bemused looks and make haste to Inamo St James, the destination of our early Valentine’s Day dinner. The brainchild of self-confessed foodie geeks Danny Potter and Noel Hunwick, Inamo was conceived after they felt it difficult to get the attention of waiting staff in … [continue reading]
Gin on the Roof! Why not?
Don’t let a bit of a flurry stop you from enjoying the outdoors – snow excuse! Put down your hotchoc, put your snow boots on and embrace the night at The Roof Gardens in Kensington. [continue reading]
Top Ten Valentine’s Day Suggestions!
We all know from experience that every relationship is different. That’s why on Valentine’s Day, deciding on the perfect date for your perfect mate can get a bit complicated. That’s where we come in. [continue reading]
Tag Your Love, Tag Your Moet!
Not in a weird, possessive way – Moët & Chandon, the champagne of success and glamour since 1743, is now going all hip and urban, and transforming chic champagne lovers everywhere into artists. Moët & Chandon are giving you champagne guzzlers the opportunity to express your inner graffiti artist and boldly declare your love with a unique digital experience and all over a limited edition bottle of Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial. [continue reading]
Bacanal IS the Future
Partying in the evening is so last year and who can be bothered to just ‘do lunch’? Here’s an idea, ever thought about brunch? Yeah, brunch – and not just any type of breakfast/lunch, but a big New York style brunch, that requires you to party from midday. We at BT, have a sneaking suspicion that this is about to become a new London craze… Bacanal are the ones to look out for. Starting in March 2010, their focus has been on providing an ‘experience that combines epicurean food, euphoric energy and entertainment and a distinguished clientele in a Champagne brunch setting.’ The Collection restaurant on Brompton Road is where Bacanal originally established themselves as a brand but they have been known to relocate to different trendy venues, hosting brunches at The Supperclub in Notting Hill, The Box Nightclub in Soho and Nozomi in Beauchamps place. There’s nothing more than these avant … [continue reading]
The RIBA Restaurant: Don’t Keep This One To Yourself
Sometimes the best secrets are the ones that are worst kept; following this ideology, we’re going to let the cat out of the bag about a certain hidden gem that lies nestled in the heart of the West End but is probably only known to a select few members of the artistic set. Until now. The RIBA restaurant is situated on the 1st floor of the Royal Institute of British Architects (or 66 Portland Place to the layman and any hungry postal workers seeking an extravagant snack between shifts). As one of London’s Art Deco landmarks, one can expect the furnishings to be suitably chic, with half-moon booths surrounding an impressive installation of architectural designs that takes pride of place in the centre of the expansive, high-ceilinged room. The staff are polite and charming, not to mention well versed in all things taste-orientated; even before the starters arrive the stakes … [continue reading]
Dough, a beer, a Pizzeria…
‘National story telling week’ has recently come to its yarn laden end and until ‘be late for something day’ which doesn’t happen until September (give or take), fear not as ‘National Pizza week‘ starts today. We Brits love our themed weeks, and whilst some of ours aren’t as weird as a few of the notable dates celebrated by our American cousins (The slightly disturbing National Beheading day is our personal favourite) we do, however both have rather a large penchant for the dough based, tomato sauce topped feast. The humble Pizza started its bready life back in sixteenth century Naples, long before Dean Martin crooned about the moon hitting his eye like a big pizza pie. The flavoured flatbread or ‘Galette’ was a poor man’s dish, quite possibly sold to passing drinkers late into the balmy Neapolitan evening following a heady night on the Chianti. Jump forwards 500 or so … [continue reading]
A Night of Singaporean Inspiration
Singapore is one of the most fascinating culinary hubs of the world. Its location has allowed for centuries of interaction with the surrounding Southeast Asian countries, and along with the influence of Western culture, Singaporean cuisine has combined key elements of these different cuisines, making for one of the most epic smörgåsbords known to man. [continue reading]
Good Golly it’s Olly
Last year I bought my Valentine a Turkish delight accompanied by petrol station bought flowers and a flimsy handmade card. Suffice to say, things didn’t work out and this year, its time to up the stakes (Maybe a dairy milk would show I really care?) Perhaps you are planning to demonstrate your Heston-esque cookery skills in the kitchen or dazzle (or should I say ‘Razzle’) her by your Ron Jeremy-esque skills in the bedroom? Either way, its only proper that we make an effort to let the one we love, know we really do care, and if you don’t know your Pinot’s from your Poirot’s then TV’s Wine guru Olly Smith is hosting a ‘Meet the Expert’ session at Vinopolis in Borough Market this February. (Olly will even throw in a signed copy of his latest book, “eat and drink”). On Saturday 11th February, prepare to be indulged by Olly … [continue reading]
The Oyster Shed: Holding The World In Your Hands
Oysters serve as the Marmite of the seafood world; people often divide themselves into the ‘Love’ or ‘Hate’ category and refuse to budge no matter how hard the other side argues. It’s a bold move then for Geronimo Inns to open a new bar restaurant in the heart of The City entitle The Oyster Shed, that is surely set to polarise customers that pop in for a quick snack. With the expansive space set out on two levels, the bar is abuzz of suited businesspeople of varying ages and the high-octane chatter that typically hums above such groups. Clipping our way through all of the “hedge fund” speak, Blue Tomato heads straight for the upper balcony that overlooks the Thames and gets stuck into the fine array of seafood platters and, of course, the oysters. With a steady flow of Champagne and craft beer on offer, guests’ throats are sufficiently … [continue reading]
Go Florida Grapefruit!
Grapefruit season is in full swing and everybody knows that using seasonal produce can benefit you in more ways than one. It’s fresher, supermarkets and markets will have a plentiful supply so prices are more likely to be cheaper, and buying seasonal produce gives you more reason to try new, possibly exotic foods and experiment with seasonal recipes. Plus, it tastes and feels better. [continue reading]
Paying Homage to Robbie Burns
The 25th of January was the date to celebrate Burns Night and I owed it to myself to pick the best place to go to pay homage to Robbie Burns. So where did I go? My invitation to this sell-out exclusive event was just the thing I needed to stick the middle finger up to the January blues. [continue reading]
Monkey Shoulder at Callooh Callay
Admittedly, I’d skim past the whisky cocktails on the drinks menu, and I’d not warm my cockles (do I have cockles?) by having a little whisky tipple. However, when invited to Callooh Callay’s JubJub to sample some Monkey Shoulder cocktails, I couldn’t possibly say no to the chance of venturing beyond the wardrobe. It may sound like I’m talking in riddles, but I assure you, I am writing this a good 24 hours after the cocktail tasting. [continue reading]
Carluccio’s Feed the Love
Everyone (men) calm down. Yes, we’ve reached February, and that means that there is only a mere two weeks left until the big V-day, but trying to avoid mentioning it won’t mean she will forget about it; leaving it down to the last minute hoping you will have a sudden spurt of inspiration isn’t going to work; and no, that other idea of yours won’t be well received, it’s not a gift if she’s seen it before. If only you had someone to help you out (no, not your mate Dave), perhaps a romantic Italian friend… Enter: Carluccio. [continue reading]
