5 Things You Need to Eat in LondonBy Angelica Malin
A game menu, a new opening and a special charitable pizza – these are the top bites you need to eat in London this week. Time to tuck in:
1. For a New Opening: Carte Blanche
What: Andy Taylor, founder of Le Bun, has brought his signature style of combining classic French flavours with American comfort food classics back to the London restaurant scene with his new restaurant, Carte Blanche. Taking the phrase ‘Carte Blanche’ as his mantra for the Mare Street opening, Andy has created gluttony-emboldening dishes, that combine staples of households across the Midwest and Southern States with an appreciation for Gallic flavours.
Why: Begin with briny oysters, caviar hollandaise and maple bacon, along with a southwestern spin on Paris bistro classics: foie gras and escargot tostadas. Inspired by the culinary scene and heritage of Nashville, follow with lip-burning local specialty hot chicken in a soft white bun, or the unctuous pork jowl with smoked beets and butter. And, Le Bun fans, you’ll be pleased to hear that the legendary truffle burger is on the menu.
Where: 175 Mare St, London E8 3RH
Photo Credit: Justin De Souza
What: Well known Spanish chef José Pizarro has revealed a new menu dedicated to olives, having taken inspiration from the launch of his own brand extra virgin olive oil, originating from José’s home town, Extremadura.
Why: The three-course menu starts with a refreshing bowl of Salmorejo – a thick, chilled soup from Cordoba, in the southern region of Spain. The dish has been given a José twist and has been made with puréed tomatoes, strawberries, capers, pickled onions and José Pizarro olive oil. For the main course one of Spain’s best-kept gastronomic secrets: Presa Iberica 5J – 100% acorn fed Ibérico Jamón with José Pizarro olive oil. And for pud, a rich chocolate pot with, you guessed it, José Pizarro olive oil and salt.
Where: 194 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3TQ
Photo Credit: Paul Winch-Furness
3. For New Dishes: Mount Street Deli
What: The Mount Street Deli have embraced seasonal and fresh food for summer, collaborating with a number of fabulous cooks to create a series of limited edition salads.
Why: Lucy and Jemima of fashion industry favorites Tart London, have taken over the deli’s salad station until Friday (17th August). ES Magazine columnists Lucy and Jemima’s salads include a green spiced yoghurt chicken salad and a saffron peppers and tomato number. Next up is food and travel journalist John Gregory-Smith; available from Monday (20th August) until Friday (31st August), John’s salads feature a Moroccan chicken and preserved lemon salad, and a beetroot beluga lentil and tarragon salad.
Where: 100 Mount Street, London W1K 2TG
4. For a New Game Menu: Benares
What: Celebrate game season at Michelin-starred Indian restaurant and bar, Benares in Mayfair, with their week long special street food menu, accompanied by whiskey paired cocktails – available from Monday 13th to Sunday 19th August.
Why: In a playful nod to game season, the Benares kitchen have created two dishes that combine Indian street food culture and heritage with traditional game birds; grilled guinea fowl seekh kehab with Piquillo pepper ketchup and a succulent wood pigeon pepper fry with malabar paratha. The two game dishes sit alongside the street food menu, which includes a mixed leaf salad with kasundi dressing; a kohlapuri masala chipirone, served alongside mango and ginger quinoa; and a tandoori cafreal sea bass with konkan spiced tomato chutney.
Where: 12a Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1J 6BS
What: L’Ami Malo has opened a new crêperie in Old Spitalfields Market, just a short walk from the original restaurant. Tucked away on Artillery Passage, visit the new grab-and-go outlet for L’Ami Malo’s delicious Breton crêpes and galettes.
Why: The crêperie’s most popular dishes, including its gluten-free Buckwheat maki rolls in fillings such as avocado, tomato salsa, baby gem, cashew nuts, sour cream, sit alongside classic hot galettes with toppings like smoked ham and cheese – and confit duck, Emmental, spring onion, cucumber and hoisin sauce. A must try are the new sweet crêpe cones; go nuts for the chocolate mousse, peanut butter, chantilly cream, chocolate and peanut popcorn stuffed crêpe or opt for the mixed berry compote with meringue, chantilly cream and blackcurrant sauce.
Where: 16 Horner Square, London E1 6EW
One for luck…
6. For a New Charitable Dish: Pizza Express x Macmillian Cancer Support
What: Pizza Express and Macmillan Cancer Support have teamed up to produce a special pizza. And with every Padana pizza sold, a discretionary 25p donation will be made to Macmillian Cancer support to help improve the lives of people living with cancer.
Why: The vegetarian Padana is a perfect combination of goat’s cheese, mozzarella, tomato, caramelised onions, spinach, red onions and garlic oil.
Where: Locations here
