North st. Blog
If you want an extra dose of deli here are some slightly educational videos, and reviews of places we have eaten. Enjoy!
review: Velho Portugal
We had a debate about world cuisine and Portuguese food was low on my favourites list. My Portuguese prep chef obviously disagreed, so off we went to Velho on South Lambeth road arguably the home of the best Portuguese eateries London has to offer.
Velho seats 30 people max, super small intimate joint that transports you straight to Portugal, English is the second language here.
I wouldn’t recommend the mains as they cemented my opinion about the Portuguese cuisine. Ample protein surrounded by an after thought of veg to go along side. Over cooked, unseasoned, bland.
The starters however makes this eatery a must visit.
Clams, Limpets, Calamari, Octopus, the list goes on and it was dreamy. We sat in this rustic dining room sipping wine and making our way through the ample portions of seafood. I honestly felt as if we had escaped this miserable city for the night.
If you go, don’t waste your time with the mains just immerse yourself in tapas and let the good times roll. Places like this are special, very much a from our table to yours vibe that is dying out in London as running costs are slowly squeezing out the little man.
Shop local, save vibes.
Velho Portugal
South Lambeth Road, Lambeth SW8 1QX
review: Arcade @ BPS
I’ve been sent content from a few of the vendors who occupy a spot in the arcade (the food hall at Battersea Power Station) and I was enticed enough to go and check it out for myself.
The Tiberian and I decided to order from every cuisine available to get the full experience. Though I’m not a fan of a QR ordering system it worked well for this scenario as you can order from each vendor in one checkout. Nifty!
Shawarma, Falafels, Satay skewers, Masala tots, Crispy squid, Mo mo’s and a Solis sub. We went in.
Was the food tasty? Yes. Other than the overly salty crispy squid, I would say every dish sang it’s own tune and they were all well executed dishes. Would I return? No.
While it’s a great concept there are flaws. The music is loud which might bode well for pre-drinks but the majority of the 500 seater were eating and no one needs that much bass with their munch.
Service charge is slapped on every bill now but here it’s ludicrous. The waiter takes the plate from the hot desk and brings it to your table, you might get a ‘have a nice day’ this is not service and does not warrant the extra 12.5%. An alcohol free meal came to £90.00. I’d suggest The Arcade for a post shopping snack but don’t divert here for dinner. It’s simply not worth it.
Arcade Food Hall @ BPS
1St Floor, 330, Battersea Power Station, Circus Road South, London SW11 8DD
review: fatt pundit
TikTok has been the reason for a lot of my restaurant visits in the past 2 years. My brother saw a review of Fatt Pundit and insisted we go. Ergh Covent garden, but on this night, it was perfectly quiet. Tapas-style Indo-Chinese, interesting concept.
Low lighting and a soundtrack of well-known tunes set the scene. A lot of food was ordered. It was suggested by the waiter to start with the Momo’s (dumplings). We opted for the mixed veggie option but the only flavours that sang were from the two chutneys served on the side. The sticky sesame vegetables and crackling spinach were divine. Conversation between us kept pausing to appreciate the sweet, crispy sensations at the table.
The Malabar Monkfish Curry was gorgeous, so creamy yet the charring on the fish was not lost.
Shredded chilly venison might have been my favourite, it’s like a more sophisticated version of the shredded beef you might get from your local takeaway but here, it’s accompanied by pancakes and cucumber. I will mention though, that the portion of cucumber to accompany the pancakes is measly, I asked for more. Lamb chops didn’t do much for me. Lamb is delicious I just didn’t taste the same magic that I did on the rest of the dishes. That magic did not miss their burnt ginger rice, such a delicate yet punchy side.
£40.00 per head, no alcohol. It’s not a cheap eat however it is a fascinating meal. The Deli does fusion, so I appreciate bringing two opposite flavour profiles together in such harmony. This is not a meal I can make myself, but would I return? Not soon. The price per head means it’s not casual dining and I feel the ambience isn’t fancy enough to justify the cost. This being said, it was a stand out food experience.
Fatt Pundit
6 Maiden lane, Covent Garden, London, WC2E7NA
Review: Deli’s
I’m a deli girl. I know, my job is perfect for me, and a huge perk is the market research I need to do to make sure we remain (in my opinion) one of the best delis in London.
La Picena on Walton Street is an old school Italian deli. There was no atmosphere, and the offering is very confused. They provide many Italian products but the addition of Babybel’s in the cheese section and Twix chocolates at the counter ruins the impression for me. The ready-made food is very traditional and middle of the road, one redeeming item I purchased was their mushroom sauce, great flavour. I think they are able to carry on because they serve the same custom that first came when they opened decades ago. There’s no sign of evolution.
DistriAndina is a Colombian deli on Elephant Road. Elephant and Castle is the Latino hub so there are tons of eateries about but the offering at DistriAndina is stand out. Step in there, and it’s like you’re not in London anymore. The coffee was great, and all the food is honestly priced. Their bakery section destroyed any kind of diet I had. They use flavours and textures I haven’t experienced before and I am hooked. I’ve raved about this place to so many people and I still can’t pronounce Buñuelos.
Mother told me of this place she used to go to in the 90’s when she was an Au Pair. Luigi’s. Yes, you guessed it…it’s an Italian deli. Situated on Fulham Road they provide tons of products from all over Italy. A great cheese selection, but most of all…the ready-made section. It’s overwhelming and I mean this is a positive and negative way. It’s a spectacle that will have you deciding what to have for at least 10 minutes. It’s too much, there must be food wastage and with the way it’s stored it’s not the most hygienic. We have a glass covered display fridge at North St. and still some customers manage to nearly point their index into the food to show us the dish they’d like. In theory the presentation should be okay, it’s refrigerated which is the most important, but you also rely on the general public to be sensible which is wishful. I’ve seen some comments online calling them crooks because nothing is priced so there’s a fluctuation on pricing. I can’t comment on this.
I just love a delicatessen for the same reason I like tapas and smorgasbords. You get to pick and choose what you like and be as plain or adventurous as you feel at the time. In my research I can whole heartedly say we really have made something great at North St.
review: The wolseley
As a child Mother took me to many different dining establishments. Me being a fiend for food, I enjoyed majority of them, but one stood out that I still frequent to this day.
The Wolseley (Part of the Corbin & King restaurant group) is a modern European styled café-restaurant situated in what was a bank. I’ve always found the interior mesmerising. Makes me want to make a deposit.
Mother would take me for afternoon tea, and I have treated many friends to said experience in my older age. However, during the festive period, I decided to try their breakfast offering. Brother asked to join me.
Inevitably there were highs and lows.
I tried one of their signature dishes, bubble and squeak with wild mushrooms topped with a fried duck egg. Looked gorgeous but there was no punch. I was told the eggs Benedict is a must, it’s a classic and the hollandaise was perfect. The French toast with bacon was rich, salty and sweet, everything you’d want from said dish.
The standout was the banana bread with a fruit compote. £5.00. Here, I will digress, but I will come back to the review.
There is a trend online of buying the cheapest item on designer websites. For example, this one person bought a soap…for £40. Cheapest item on a designer website doesn’t mean it’s flat out cheap. From what I understand people do this to have a taste of a luxurious lifestyle. Lots of packaging maybe a couple of perfume samples, justify it as you please. I don’t quite understand. It’s a bog standard soap and nothing beats the Dove body bar.
If you go to the Wolseley on a Saturday morning (or maybe before work if you’re nearby). You can get a delicious banana bread and black coffee for £10.00 (plus service). You’re surrounded by art deco architecture and polished silverware. The staff are in traditional waiting attire. It’s like movie magic and you feel high class and I’m not, so how do they do it? In the grand scheme of things I think this is good value.
My friends think I’m frivolous with money and dining at eateries like this doesn’t help convince them otherwise. But for me, when I sit down to dine, and a dish is placed in front of me (be it a full English or gravlax) this feeling of joy and excitement comes over me.
The Corbin and King group are renowned for creating these eateries that aren’t only about the food but the lifestyle. They define smart casual for me. They’ve recently gone into administration, and I hope this doesn’t affect the ‘front of house’ because I will always want to go to the Wolseley, they offer something more than just a good standard of brasserie food, they provide an illusion of a luxurious lifestyle.
The Wolseley
160 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9EB
review: District
Do you remember McDonald’s ad campaign when they introduced the flat white to their coffee selection? The customer asks, ‘what’s a flat white?’ and then different baristas go on to explain the specific complex nature of the coffee and they all come across pretentious and ridiculous. Well, that was the vibe of District.
Tiny coffee, Picture perfect food and too many staff.
I provide a standard choice of coffee. Every so often a creative genius will come in asking for a cortado but that’s about as complicated as it gets. At 9am Districts coffee board was a little overwhelming, but I pulled my socks up and got a 6oz long black. I know it’s 6oz because they are kind enough to let you know exactly what size your caffeine will be. Alternative milk is an extra 60p which is higher than average but I’m sure the building insurance is more than average because they are located next to the American embassy and there are… more risks.
The loaded banana bread arrives ready for its close up. It’s tasty but it’s also £6.80 for cake and yogurt.
I don’t know how to describe the staff without coming across unnecessarily mean.
So, I will just revert back to my initial anecdote about the stereotypical small batch coffee shop baristas and leave that there.
It wasn’t a vibe it was as sanitised and personality less as embassy gardens what a perfect match.
District
7 New Union Square Embassy Gardens, Nine Elms, London SW11 7DN
review: milk
For the past 7 years we’ve driven past Milk once every two weeks on our cash and carry night. One miserable Saturday morning I put on my best tracksuit, put mother on a lead and went to dine.
Two black coffees. Granola, banana bread and poached eggs on toast.
So aesthetically pleasing it hurts. Banana bread had a good texture but lacked a banana flavour, but it was topped with whipped halva butter and pumpkin seed tahini that had been singed for an extra toasted taste. Oh my.
Pricy granola and yogurt but there were so many elements. Sous vide nectarines, nectarine purée, marigold and basil syrups. Oh la la! And it’s only 9am.
For me the winner was the ‘Young Betty’ not sure what the quirky name is about BUT burnt butter hollandaise and super orange perfectly poached eggs sat on a piece of sourdough with an add on of thick sliced smoked salmon that made me tingle (the good kind on tingle).
Australian brunch styled spots can be such an elaborate mess. Style over substance and laughable laid-back staff. I wanted to laugh however I was too busy shovelling innovative, well executed food into my gob.
I wouldn’t rush back because I don’t have to funds to afford that habit however it has made it on to my list of ‘good brunch spots’. *pause for applause*
Milk
18-20 Bedford Hill, London SW12 9RG
review: balans
Balans is my new obsession. When I told mother of this Balans place she giggled and explained how it was a hip place 30 years ago. Well, I found out about it because I wanted to go out for dinner at 1am. I went with my hot date it was an especially hot and steamy night as we had just completed a high intensity gym sesh. A good scran was needed.
Now, being 1am in Soho the majority around us were drinking we opted for a perfectly drinkable glass of wine each. Eggs royale, full English, and a buttermilk fried chicken burger.
10, 10, 10’s across the board!
Great portioning, well assembled and well thought out accompaniments to make it their own. For example, the full English has these lightly spiced roasted potatoes and the royale had - in my opinion - the correct ratio of bun, egg, smoked salmon to hollandaise.
We shall take a second to appreciate the Togarashi buttermilk chicken doughnut. Juicy chicken, surrounded by a burger’s best friends, cheese, bacon, pickles but then they add in crunchy slaw, gochujang ketchup and encase this in a doughnut bun that holds it together well!
Needless to say, I was surprised that a chain that serves food though the night actually served up a meal that I would recommend.
Balans might of had its hay day in the 80’s but I think it’s still a great munch in the present day. I have returned since my first taste, and I hold the same opinion, but I will say that I love the atmosphere in the middle of the night. While I have a full English, I’m surrounded by inebriated people who are on a come down and this makes for great entertainment.
Balans · Soho No. 60
60-62 Old Compton St, London W1D 4UG
review: chestnut bakery
When I have no plans on the weekend, I find a bakery and walk there with the dog. Mother read about Chestnut bakery and my brother decided to join me on my stroll.
It’s a bit pricey but it’s in Belgravia so that’s no surprise, and it’s next to Peggy Porschen who charges £5 for a cupcake which makes Chestnut look like Lidl bakery.
They sell yesterday’s bread for a £1. We got two baguettes; za’atar and a poppy seed, great quality. We indulged in a pastrami and cheese croissant and some sweet treats. We agreed it was tasty but dear.
A couple months later I had to walk the dog and I wanted a coffee, so I returned and I’m glad I did because my opinion changed.
I purchased another poppy seed baguette, this time it was fresh and cost £2.50, that’s extortionate for a staple food item. I got a Mille feuille, a plain croissant and a melenzana parmigiana croissant. They placed all the items in a large box and then placed it sideways in the carrier bag.
When I went to indulge in a piece of Viennoiserie in the park it’s was a mess. Everything was covered in icing sugar and the Mille feuille resembled bake-off nightmare it was overbaked as well which left a slightly bitter taste in the mouth.
The packaging world is vast my suppliers alone provide over 50 ways to package a sandwich. Considering the prices of these baked goods I would have hoped some of that cost would have gone into insuring I could get my patisserie home in one piece. Even Peggy Porschen has boxes to keep your cupcakes in place with a lid that doesn’t spoil the perfectly piped frosting.
Just to top it off the black americano I ordered tasted like filter it had no crema and it cost £2.80. What a piss take.
Chestnut Bakery
17-21 Elizabeth St, London SW1W 9RP
review: lina stores
To me Lina Stores is a deli in Soho. We would sometimes go at Christmas to get the panettone my brother prefers (pera e pesca, specifically Bonifanti). I heard through the grape vine that they opened a restaurant which intrigued me because their deli is older than me so why did they open a restaurant now? Well, 4 years ago. Customers have been raving so andiamo. Soho means I must take my hot date.
Starters. Carciofi fritti con aioli and a plate of polpo melenzane sat on a pool of San Marzano marinara. Brava! Honestly, I’m usually underwhelmed by starters but my hot date and I locked eyes and moaned…
Mains. Pasta and that’s all I have to say about it. I love pasta but to me that’s all this was, there was nothing interesting. The main event disappointed me. Mi dispiace.
Dessert. I convinced my hot date to try the olive oil ice cream alongside her chocolate cake. She fell in love. Luckily it was a two-scoop portion so there was no fighting. I had the panna cotta served with thin cantucci on the side beautifully executed and I appreciated the biscotti for the added crunch.
Staff. They deserve a special mention. They were charismatic, hilarious and no mistakes were made. Such a great dynamic. They made the evening.
Honestly…it is over hyped. To me burrata and truffle does not automatically make a meal great. They do starters and desserts well, but the mains were quite disappointing. Lina Stores will continue to do well because they provide palatable, non-complicated food in a trendy area. This may seem harsh ma è vero.
Line Stores
51 Greek St, London W1D 4EH
review: kapihan
I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to write this, I’ve told everyone and their Nan about the amazing Filipino bakery on the west side of Battersea park now I’m telling you.
There are some many great places to eat in London and no matter how much I go out I won’t get to try them all. It is incredibly rare for me to go to the same eatery twice but I can’t stay away from Kapihan (I’ve gone many times now).
The dough is stunning, you can really appreciate it with the simple Pandesal. My favourites are:
The lava muffin (I don’t know what it’s called but I call it the lava muffin because when you cut it open, the soft boiled egg inside oozes out…yum) the muffin bun is perfectly seasoned and has sweet cured bacon and 3 cheese. Decadence at breakfast. I’m obsessed.
Spanish chocolate bun. It’s like a doughnut but better because the dough doesn’t just disintegrate in your mouth! And the filling, Jesus take the wheel. It’s nutty, caramelised centre silences me every time (have it slightly warm and its even better).
Longganisa roll. This is like the sausage roll’s more successful prettier cousin. Whenever I make someone try it for the first time I look them in the eyes until they inevitably roll their eyes to the back of their head and say ‘damn that’s good!’
Whenever I go there’s always some kind of new baked treat to try, I’d say it keeps me coming back but it’s just a bonus!
They’re also known for their coffee which I should have more of a critic for but I’ve only tried their Spanish latte. I tried it the first time I went and I can’t get away from it! It’s a coconut and caramel concoction mixed with espresso. It just puts the cherry on top of this great bakery!
The texture, spices, the expertise to create these baked goods! I’m envious of the skill. I wake up early on the weekends and RUN THERE from Stockwell if that doesn’t underline how good this joint is I don’t know what will. Just go and thank me later xx
Kapihan
13A Parkgate Rd, London SW11 4NL
review: The begging bowl
Please sir, can I have some more? Begging bowl… get it? 4 years ago my family went to The Begging Bowl without me and they said it was delicious so they went again, without me…again. 4 years later I’m still bitter but at least I invited Mother.
A bright and airy restaurant based in Peckham Rye serving up a Thai food. If you don’t like sharing get to stepping because you have to here, that is at least, if you want to taste the rainbow of flavours they are serving!
Each dish carries it own flavour but when combined with the others they harmonise so well.
I don’t know what they did to their spring greens but I could have eaten the entire cabbage. Props to the chef for making cabbage so desirable.
I’d also like to mention that it is a female lead kitchen, which we love to see!
The Hung Lae braised pork belly… where do I start, where do I finish? It silenced me, it was that good. The other highlight was the watermelon salad. So refreshing, it was an athletically pleasing plate AND it packed flavour, it had mother and I ingredient guessing because it had that brilliant Thai flavour of sweet and sour.
If you have Trypophobia the passion fruit cheesecake might make you itch. Get past that and it is delicious. Mother opted for the fermented rice fruit salad (I can’t remember the Thai name for the dessert). She loved its intriguing texture and taste, it made me shiver.
Here’s my criticism. They need bigger tables, considering their suggestion is to order 4-6 mains between two people and their crockery is on the slightly larger side. The table size seemed a little nonsensical. Seems silly but I mean it. Also, it’s a little dear. With 5 mains two portions of rice, a pot of tea and dessert it came to about £90.00. However I was full and it was delicious.
There’s a reason it’s a known eatery in London. Begging Bowl is a place for food lovers. People who actually want to try different cuisines and cooking techniques. Even though it’s not a Thai owned restaurant it whole heartedly shows you the wonders of the Thai cuisine. Be brave, try something new.
The Begging Bowl
168 Bellenden Rd, London SE15 4BW
review: maremma
Maremma. Did you pronounce it right? I didn’t until my mother shouted ‘IT’S MAREMMA MA-RE-MA! MORON!’ In spite of the insult, I invited her to dinner.
Some have said a restaurant like this shows the gentrification of Brixton, after going I disagree. It’s family run eatery with a small team that cares and Brixton is so diverse there is room for everyone.
A taste of Tuscany. Start with panzanella but in soup form with a scoop of ricotta. Super refreshing, like an Italian take on gazpacho.
Then a pasta course. I had pappardelle with an octopus ragù. My highly critical Italian mother pointed out the pasta hadn’t been drained enough and therefore diluted the sauce. It still remained delicious. Mother had nettle filled tortelli tossed in melted butter and garlic shoots, sprinkled with lemony pan grattato. Mother enjoyed the finishing touch.
My main was divine. Rabbit porchetta, succulent and juicy little bunny. Served on a bed of spinach. I thought it could have taken some garlicky borlotti beans for more dimension and texture. Mothers main we both thought was genius. I’ve never envied a vegetarian dish. Farinata (Italian chickpea pancake) topped with ricotta and mushroom cream, sprinkled with a heafty medley of butter fried mushrooms, rocket and pecorino. Very fulfilling and well thought out. Hats off to Jessica Carrasco!
A light elderflower panna cotta topped with stewed rhubarb to finish. Mother had a scoop of pistachio gelato topped with rose petals. Boujee.
I think Maremma is a fantastic place to dine and I can’t wait to see how the menu changes every few months. It has a lovely decor, a great vibe and of course tasty food. Buon appetito!
Maremma
36 Brixton Water Ln, London SW2 1PE
review: The barbary
Neal’s yard in Covent Garden is stunning and has a rich history. I was told there’s a great restaurant there serving up North African food. The Barbary.
Counter seating only, means it’s not the best place for groups but this low lit restaurant with a great soundtrack is an ideal couple dining location, so I took a hot date.
We started with a Jerusalem bagel which was long and thin but still fluffy and it came with a little za’atar spice bomb. Accompanied by 3 small plates: Labneh, a plate of pickled and spicy treats like Zhug and Harissa, and a plate called Mishwiya. I don’t know what it is usually because my google search looks nothing like what we ate. However, it was lush. A perfect fresh tomato salsa sat on a pool of tahini goodness. My hot date was particularly impressed with the dressing of honey and herbs on the labneh. It added a sweet creamy hit that was needed with all the spice flying about.
The mains really were a main event. Pata Negra Neck which from what I understand is iberico pork griddled and topped with confit garlic and date molasses. Yes. Next to that was the Black salmon Dukkah , black from the grill perfectly flakey and full flavoured. I wish the sauce was stickier so It coated the salmon more nevertheless, well tasty. Fatoush, not usually a fan but it was a well assembled salad that (what a shock) complemented the others dishes, stupendous!
Dessert was 50/50. I had the hashcake (no drugs I checked) this was, in simple terms, a big puffy filo pastry that was topped with mango and coconut reductions. It looked very impressive but it’s flavour got boring fast.
However my hot date hit the jackpot with their pistachio tart. Like cream of pistachio served on an oat base. Every mouthful caught me by surprise with the complexity yet simplicity of the pure nutty flavour. God damn.
If you’re cool enough and you have some extra funds at the end of the month head over to The Barbary, do like a nomad and find this oasis!
The Barbary
16 Neal's Yard, London WC2H 9DP
Review: brindisa
The deli has stocked Brindisa products since birth. I know them as a supplier not a restaurant, it wasn’t until the restaurant at Battersea power station opened that I tried the products ‘brindisa style’. Tapas, I mean tapas.
I’ve been before with some friends but the focus was on the conversation, not the food. This time round I went with a novice so we spoke heavily about the food, tapas culture in general and politics.
Tapas are small dishes that are mainly served in bars, light snacks to enjoy while sipping on a beverage. Cheese board is a must. Spain offers some incredible cheeses accompanied with some dried figs and what I would assume to be set quince paste. There was a perfect variety and my cheddar loving novice was very happy. Croquetas and patatas bravas, obviously... I have had better but they are a great standard. Jamón Ibérico de bellota is what it is, delicious. Arroz negro has a great visuale due to its intense colour but a little nothingy in flavour, the aioli dollop on top however, had a good garlic hit. I ordered the pulpo a la gallega because my novice had never tried octopus before it was good but didn’t wow me. Pollo al romesco was my favourite, great texture, succulent and juicy.
When we finished our food there was more conversations to be had, so we asked to move to the bar, the staff were very hospitable. We were sipping on sangria when we saw cocktails were flying off the bar, it would of been rude not to try. They were the most grown up cocktails I’ve ever had, they weren’t overly sugary and they had this sophisticated edge to them.
Brindisa is easy eating, there are items for everyone and it’s a lovely casual atmosphere. It’s a fair representation of tapas culture. It’s a great place to go for a taste of Spain.
Brindisa Battersea Power Station
Review: Bocca Di lupo
Bocca Di Lupo has had quite a bit of press and some of my customers have mentioned it so I felt it was time to dine.
I’ll start by saying I made a mistake in my booking but the staff were very accommodating and organised.
We had a bit of an aperitivo of beef carpaccio; that was nothing special, fried sage leaves with an anchovy filling they were fun, different and tasty also a fried Carciofi alla giudia that was aesthetically pleasing but personally I think the flavour of artichoke is not rewarding enough for the amount work needed in the preparation.
Followed with 3 pasta dishes and 1 risotto all al dente and we’ll executed. Now, my family makes sexy pasta, not a joke just a fact. When I dine in an eatery I tend to avoid pasta and risotto because I can do it myself, quite simply. With that said the dishes were very enjoyable and I loved the thinly sliced potato in my Trofie with pesto Genovese, very Ligurian.
Panzanella, Caponata, Saltimbocca and melenzane parmigiana came next. The panzanella was my favourite, though to me it lacked bread for a panzanella, it was very fresh. Saltimbocca melted in the mouth a perfect punch of flavour. The parmigiana was too precious for me I would have liked more aubergine and a more rustic presentation and the caponata again, I thought lacked aubergine but this is someone else’s iteration of regional Italian dishes and I can’t deny that it still tasted great.
Dessert. I pretty much ordered everything. Torta Caprese was a good size that could be shared between two maybe with a scoop of their celebrated gelato. The blood orange granita with almonds and mint was crisp, citrusy and refreshing after an indulgent meal. Rice gelato had a light creaminess to it topped with wild strawberries which gave it a quirky edge. Le Palle del nonno ‘grandads balls’ made the table chuckle and they were... tasty (awkward!). Chocolate marzipan balls with rum and raisin filling is a great choice for guests who are in need of a sweet hit to finish a meal. Finally the brioche with pistachio gelato. This was an obsession for me when I went to Sicily a few years back. Granita or gelato sandwiched in a buttery brioche bun, heaven. I was disappointed. The brioche was too tough and the gelato got squished out the bun. Also the addition of chocolate sauce on the top made it messy and took away from the creamy nuttiness of the gelato.
However I really want to mention how much I love the menu. Italian food is so much more than pizza and pasta. Bocca di lupo shows you how ingredients and flavours differ when you explore the boot. The attention to detail and the in-depth knowledge of Italian cuisine is commendable. If you want to escape London for an evening, vai!
Bocca Di Lupo
12 Archer St, London W1D 7BB
review: Phat phuc
Where can you eat on Kings Road that won’t cost you the same as a new pair of Jimmy Choo’s? Phat Phuc.
No, not a joke. It means ‘happy Buddha’ in Vietnamese. I’m not Vietnamese so I think the name is brilliant because I love profanities and it’s memorable!
They do Pho (mainly) along with a laksa, some starters, a few noodle salads and a stir fry.
Served out of a food truck with some seating in a cute courtyard it’s very reminiscent of the noodle bars you find on your gap year through east Asia!
All jokes aside.
Clean, fresh and tasty for an honest price in an absurdly priced area not a bad find.
Phat Phuc
The Courtyard, 151 Sydney St, London SW3 6NT
review: caminata
A customer suggested I go Caminata a couple years ago. I’ve gone a few times now and I’ve recommended it many times so I thought it’s about time I do an official review.
In short, I love it. It’s pizza and pasta; your classic Italian combo, they make sourdough bases and their pasta is made inhouse.
There is an understanding of how to use and celebrate Italian ingredients. The Porchetta pizza: Roast pork topped with burrata, balsamic dressed spinach leaves and finished with toasted almonds. Every item has a place on the base. No ingredient outdid the other. The toasted almonds really put this as one of my favourite pizzas I’ve ever tried because it added crunch, which is an element I feel pizza lacks usually (so I always add salad leaves).
Carbonara pizza: Genius, take a pasta dish that it well known and loved and put it on pizza! Caminata managed to perfectly recreate the flavour on a different canvas, and they use guanciale (cured pork cheek) which is the traditional recipe.
At a time when you could dine inside the premises, we tried their pasta, which I don’t usually opt for because my mother and I make fantastic pasta (don’t mean to brag). Their fresh pasta is reminiscent of dishes that I’ve only ever had in Italy.
The photo is their Puccia, a pizza sandwich that comes from the Puglia region. Again never thought I could find a dish like this in England!
It is the closest you get to real Italian food. I couldn’t recommend more!
Caminata
96 Bedford Hill, London SW12 9HR
review: fish, wings & tings
In the past year I have indulged in Caribbean food because it’s a cuisine I haven’t explored which is a little weird considering I live in South London
So far it’s all been a little disappointing. No colour, slightly dry, boring.
Fish, Wings and Tings was in a way my last hope...and it came through! The jerk chicken was perfectly moist and the seasoning was great (could be a bit spicier but that’s just preference), the rice was seasoned well and it wasn’t overcooked. It came with a small amount of mango salsa which really elevated the dish.
The cod fritters are a must have if you go, great texture not overwhelming fishy and they come with one of the best sauces I’ve ever had; a thin mayo with ginger and what I assume would be scotch bonnet pepper, amazing.
My criticism is... it’s a touch spenny (expensive) I did get a takeaway, so maybe it would feel like better value if you dine at the venue and due to them being an independent I don’t mind the slightly higher fee. However in terms of restoring my faith in Caribbean food in London it defiantly did that.
Fish, Wings and Tings
Brixton Village, 3, Granville Arcade, Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8PR
Review: master wei
During lockdown my favourite weekend activity is walking to restaurants and getting lunch. This week I picked Master Wei.
Specialising in food from the Xi’an province in China, Master Wei offers something little more interesting than your classic Chinese eatery.
The noodles. They’re hand-made and unlike anything i’ve tried before. Mochi is all the rage at the moment and it comes in handy when describing the noodles because they have a similar chewiness. Paired with beef that looks tough but just falls apart in the mouth and it’s perfectly marbled with well rendered fat. It’s a great dish.
The cold shredded chicken salad dish was perfectly seasoned and it was so fresh and crunchy. The dressings on the dishes overall were so good i’m glad I got their pulled pork ‘burger’ because I was using the bun to soak up the sauce on the other dishes!
I will be venturing to Master Wei’s again because there were so many other dishes I wanted to try but for once I decided I wouldn’t let my greed get the better of me.
Master Wei
13 Cosmo Pl, Holborn, London WC1N 3AP
review: smoking goat
So I ventured to Shoreditch, land of hipsters and overpriced coffee in search of a good meal. We came across Smoking Goat, Bangkok bar food. It was buzzing. We put our name down for a table with a 45 minute wait.
Now I was HUNGRY so I was praying this food would be good and it wasn't just fake hype. A couple customers had spoken of it so I was intrigued and with the amount of faddish eateries in the area it could go either way.
To be frank, I thought it was great. One of the best meals I've had in London in a long time. The place was packed to the rafters and there was still great attention to detail. Each server welcomed their guests and provided a large bottle of tap water. Our order was taken promptly with great suggestions and an overall warmth.
Food was quick to arrive and it was so well thought out. The wings. If you go, the wings are a must. The batter had an amazing crunch to it almost like caramelised brown sugar on top of a Crème brûlée. I ordered two rounds. Incredible. We finished with a roasted rice ice cream with peanut brittle which was needed because our mouths were on fire!
It should be noted that a lot of items on the menu are spicy so if the item has (spicy) written after it... be prepared for hell to form in your mouth. I would not suggest this experience for a non meat eater as vegetables here are more of a side.
Affordable, great atmosphere and a overall meal to remember.
Smoking Goat
64 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JJ
Review: By Chloe
Vegan food in London is easy to come by so by CHLOE. had a lot of competition when entering this market. But it stands out. They do something, I feel, many vegan joints don't. Well thought out food, period. This fast food joint has made animal free products that let you indulge in the seemingly healthier side of eating.
Salads, burgers, avocado on toast but they do it with a certain flare that separates it from the mundane choices of its competitors.
I went with a colleague that is allergic to many things including pulses and peanuts. Eliminating half the menu. But when I made this known to the staff they consulted with their booklet that contained all the recipes and ingredients so we could munch without the scare that I would have to stab my colleague with and epipen. Which was nice.
Due to their well thought out aesthetic I thought there would be no substance. I was wrong.
Cooked well, assembled well, dressed well, all was well.
I had the Spicy Thai salad which could had easily fed two people or...just me. We got takeout so we could sit outside in nature. Fitting. And consumed a large amount of jazzy vegetables. I would 10/10 go there again, plus I can bring my dog too!
My only criticisms is their cutlery, I hate wooden forks.
by CHLOE.
Drury House, 34-43 Russell St, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5HA
talking point: veganism prelude
Veganism, a new trend that is age old dating back far longer than the birth of the first millennial. But it is undeniable that veganism is on the rise. People are becoming more aware of their health and what difference their diet can make, and now we have moved past the era of proteins and dairy being a luxury we are reconsidering what vitamins, minerals and fibre we actually need.
There’s a problem with the way most people now look at food. This is problem is particularly prevalent in the western world where we have moved further away from our food. We don’t know enough about the food we eat to construct balanced dishes without falling into the pattern that most food is built to. When people look making a plate they look at carbs, veg and protein as separate parts of a meal. The subject of veganism raises a lot of questions about health in food, fashion in food and the power we can have in affecting change with food.
From a young age, children are fed images of food pyramids and “healthy plates” that enforce an idea of certain food items belong to certain groups: meat as protein, veg as vitamins and assorted carbs (like pasta or bread) as energy. This is not only misleading but has had a damaging effect on the way we eat. Once you understand what a balanced diet requires and how to compose that in a dish, you quickly move away from that classic plate we all saw as a kid.
Did you know that a combining a pulse and grain builds a complete protein? Or that vitamin C helps to release energy? What about the fact that a lot of animal protein product carry large amounts of fat too!
At the deli we make a lot of vegan and vegetarian food but it is done somewhat accidentally because we focus on making good food above anything else and to do this not require animal products as we are taught.
The idea of these discussions around veganism is not to convert you, none of us at the deli are vegan or vegetarian. But veganism is seen to be a challenge, difficult and hard to do/be and this attitude should be changed because animal products are not a necessity in our search for good food.
review: lievito
It is more difficult then it seems to make good Italian food. Much of the charm comes from the fresh ingredients and regional flavours. Produce coming in from the fruit and veg market that morning is not the same as low mileage, homegrown and specific to area.
Pizza express, Zizzi and Jamie's Italian dominate the high streets and set the bench mark for the many. But they in no way qualify as good Italian food. I often express my view when the debate of what cuisine to eat comes up therefore my friends are aware of the way I feel but thought Lievito would change my mind.
So did it rise to the occasion?
Decor was lovely, rustic and elegant but then we were handed our menus; orange folders with non detachable plastic wallets. About a fifth was filled and each of our binders were in different orders. Pen an paper seems to be going out of fashion, as even this seemingly rustic joint uses an electronic ordering system which I understand when the restaurant is of a certain size but the kitchen was only a couple steps away. Three pizzas, a salad and a ginger ale.
£2.80 for 130ml. And I was given I pint glass. The pink straw was cute...our pizzas arrived swiftly and they looked great! I eagerly ripped a slice from the circle with excitement and when I picked it up, all the toppings fell off. And my joy went with it. The dough was soft yest crispy, fantastic flavour unlike any base I'd tried before. The salad came in a beautiful bread basket and the compliments stop there. Badly prepped, a few slices of tomatoes that lacked acidity and general flavour and the core of the iceberg had been thrown in as well. £9.50 I would have appreciated more attention to detail.
I dusted off my shot of ginger ale and decided dessert might bring some positivity to the table. Birramisu, a reinvented tiramisu with beer soaked lady fingers was a nice end to an average meal.
Lievito
273 Fulham Rd, London SW10 9PZ
Review: Wok Street
I love systematic ordering like Subway or pretty much any Mexican joint, but I have never found this in south-east Asian cuisine. So when I came across Wok Street in Whole Foods food hall I was intrigued. I personally think it is easy to loose quality when food is displayed on hot plates for what could and probably is a long period of time. You become at risk of loosing texture and flavor (which is a common problem you find in your average canteen display/system).
However Wok Street still provided a fantastic meal. I started by choosing by starch, brown rice, followed by my veggies, braised aubergines and curried garlic button mushroom. Topped with my choice protein, oriental glazed sliced chicken with a favour filled red curry sauce to bring it all together.
I love food halls, assessing what other concessions have to offer so I constantly contemplate while eating if I made the right choice and I had no doubts about Wok Street. Located next to Cocina Mexicana on the top floor of Whole Foods on Kensington High Street it's a great casual atmosphere that has some real tasty and interesting choices.
Wok Street
Whole foods 63-97 Kensington High St, London W8 5SE