Ok, so I heard that Vietnamese bakeries are amazing, and despite their unassuming store fronts, they have an amazing and loyal following. So armed with a big hunger and just a few dollars in my pocket, I finally entered one such establishment named, predictably, ‘Saigon Bakery’ on Victoria St, Richmond.
I do my best to fast all day, knowing that I’ve been invited to join the eating frenzy that is Passover dinner. We were invited to the home of close family friends. Basia, who is well known for her amazing cooking, didn’t disappoint. I was starving and knew I was in for at least 5 courses. There’s starters, see above, which include gefilte fish made with Austalian Murray perch, sweet and delicious, egg salad, various dips and smoked salmon. Oh and don’t forget the boiled egg drizzled with the salty tears of our people.
We drove down to beautiful, wild and windy Dungeness to be swept along the coast by savage winds and seduced by her raw austere beauty, unlike anywhere else in the UK. BUT, the real reason we drive there is to taste the impeccable fish and chips at the Pilot, the famous pub on the coast recognised as the best fish and chips in the land. Read more…
I hereby announce, El Camino as my new favourite Mexican Cantina in London. El Camino is an easy hangout with a big open kitchen and aromatic scents greeting you as soon as you walk in. I had the Carnitas Burrito and it was succulent, fresh and tasty.
Lottie and Wayne came over for dinner on Saturday night and that’s just a little daunting. Why? because they cook so damn well and always put on a fantastic spread. I decided not to get competitive, and make a simple but hearty meal,a pate for starters, followed by a fab fish pie, full of the freshest cod, haddock and prawns I could get. After hunting through many recipes, I loved Gordon Ramsay’s posh fish pie, because it’s nice and boozy, full of white wine and Noilly Prat, (perfect excuse for making martinis). Served with minty peas and beans, ’twas super and we had just enough room for my wicked dark chocolate mousse with rasberrys and orange blossom cream. There was enough leftovers for Sunday supper too. Mmmmm…
Ah… feeling really nostalgic this week. Remembering the amazing evening that was New years eve on Sydney harbour with Sophie, Bob and about 10 mates. It was stunning, because of the natural beauty of the location, the amazing fireworks, but also, because if there is one thing Australians do really well, it’s incinerate meat in any location… even off the back of a boat.
Hungry carnivores, blood-thirsty vampires listen up. Go no further than the superb Taqueria, the best little Mexican cafe in Notting Hill, London. You’re currently drooling over a Chorizo Mexicano, house made Mexican chorizo, diced onion, and coriander on 3 small tortillas, with a red salsa on the side. Superb! Oh, but there’s more. The Vampiro, the Carnitas, the Camarón al mojo de aj….
I served this mousse at Simone’s christmas lunch and it out chocolated all the girls. Intense!
For the ultimate chocolate sensation, this is best made with dark chocolate containing at least 70 per cent cocoa solids. Good with biscotti, shortbread, or a little whipped cream.
