Christmas Dinner in an hour – Katherine Frelon Christmas residency at the Borough Market

30-11-2016 Local Black BookBorough Market, chocolate, Christmas, chutney, cooking, cooking lesson, demo kitchen, event, Katherine Frelon, London, mulled cider, mulled wine, recipe1 Comment

The countdown to Christmas has -almost- officially begun! Only 25 days to go!

Which means it’s about time to get organised so you don’t run around like a headless chicken trying to hit the stores in quest of the perfect present / the necessary bits to cook up a worthy feast, plus getting it all wrapped, cooked and appropriately festive a few hours before the whole family rings the door bell.

I’ve been there and I wouldn’t even wish that on my worst enemy.

Luckily, this year, I’ve had a bit of help from the expert es Super-Duper-Organised-Christmas, Katherine Frelon, whose Hall of festive fame includes a detailed plan on how to cook Christmas dinner in an hour.

And while I’m still working on the one-hour-feast, I’m already well under way when it comes to edible presents, thanks to a little push from Mrs. Frelon herself and the kind folks at the Borough Market who recently invited me over for a little preview of Katherine’s demo sessions.

We drank mulled cider, nibbled on festive treats (read: all the dried/candied fruit that were really meant to go into making said treats) & got a headstart on making all sorts of edible treats to be enjoyed by your nearest and dearest.

First things first: the secret to Katherine’s mulled cider.

Because you’re definitely going to need some hot, liquid form of encouragement to get through the mountains of organisation and prep any Christmas feast requires.

The one and only secret is home-made ‘Christmas spiced fruit bombs’. Aka mixed fruit and spices, wrapped up in tea bags and infused into your choice of hot drink for an instant festive hit!

Christmas spiced fruit bombs (makes 24):

Ingredients:

1 lemon, thinly pared without pith
1 orange, thinly pared without pith
4 cinnamon sticks, crushed
10g cloves
20g crystallised ginger, crushed
1 nutmeg, smashed into pieces
10 juniper berries, smashed with the back of a heavy knife
80g dried blueberries
75g dried cranberries
80g dehydrated strawberry or raspberry flakes
24 x 10cm squares of muslin
Undyed cotton string

1. Place the citrus peel on a lined baking sheet and leave in the oven set at 60C-80C until the peel has dehydrated, but not coloured, so at least 60 minutes or more depending on the moisture of the peel. Alternatively leave the peel overnight in a warm airing cupboard or by the Aga if you have one.

2. When the peel is cool chop it into small pieces and add to a bowl with all the other ingredients. Stir to combine well.

3. To make the bags place approximately ½tsp of the fruit spice in the centre of each piece of muslin, gather up the corners and then twist and tie up each bundle securely with string. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.

4. To make a serving, place one bag in a mug and pour over boiling water (or use boiling apple juice / cranberry juice / red wine / cider…) and leave to steep for 5 mins, then remove the bag.

To make a big batch, place one bag of mulling spice in a heavy bottomed saucepan with 2l of your choice of liquid, place on the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Remove the bag and serve the cider in heatproof glasses or mugs.

Next up, an absolute festive must-have in the form of a gorgeous Crimson Christmas Chutney.

Sweet and sour, it’s the perfect accompaniment to a beautiful cheese plate. Presented in Kilner jars decorated with pretty ribbons and handmade labels, it also makes for a great gift.

Crimson Christmas chutney (makes 1.5kg)

Ingredients:

1.2kg cooking apples, peeled, cored and chopped
2 red onions, peeled and finely chopped
700g cranberries
400g soft dates, stoned and chopped
4 clementines, zest and juice
500g soft brown sugar
2tsp ginger, peeled and grated
30ml ruby red port or cherry brandy
3 cloves
7cm piece cassia bark
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp chilli powder
10g flaked sea salt

1. Place all the ingredients in a pan and bring to a simmer for approximately 60 minutes, until all the ingredients are soft.

2. Bottle in sterilised jars, seal and ideally leave to mature for a few weeks.

Last but not least: CHOCOLATE! Because what’s even the point of Christmas if not as the number one excuse to have it for breakfast, lunch and dinner, eh?

Katherine’s jewelled Borough bark is super simple treat to make and the ultimate oh-gosh-I-have-no-present-for-[add the name of any last minute guest here] present.

Just melt, stir and swirl to achieve a dramatic edible gift for friends and family. Plus you get to lick the spoons, so it’s definitely a winner!

Jewelled Borough bark (makes approx. 600g)

Ingredients:

250g good quality white chocolate, chopped
350g good quality dark chocolate, chopped
150g Turkish delight, chopped into small dice
40g green unsalted pistachios, roughly chopped

1. Place the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stir occasionally until the chocolate melts. Remove from the heat and repeat the process with the dark chocolate.

2. Spread the dark chocolate onto a lined baking sheet to a thickness of 5mm. Drop spoonfuls of white chocolate on top, and swirl the chocolates together with a skewer to make patterns.

3. While the chocolate is still molten sprinkle over the pistachios and Turkish delight and lightly press into the chocolate so they set firm. Chill until set, approximately 60 minutes.

You can also jazz up the bark with your favourite dried or candied fruits, nuts, coffee beans or even liquorice if you dare. Or try some heat and spice with crystalised ginger, chilli flakes and crushed cardamom.

To package as gifts break the bark into large pieces and wrap in parchment paper with a pretty ribbon, fill a glass jar or a clear bags, or place in a pretty box and wrap with tissue paper.

Want to get a piece of the – Christmas prep – action?

Katherine will be in residence in the Borough Market Demo Kitchen (in the glass market hall) throughout December showing the shortcuts to the most amazing Christmas meal without spending days in the kitchen.

Throughout her demo sessions, Katherine will be focusing on the following topics, so make sure you come down to the Borough Market for tones of festive tips, a little nibble (and maybe a headstart on the grocery shopping too, ’tis the best place for it after all!) on the following dates:

1st December – 12.30-2pm – Edible Gifts.
8th December – 12.30-2pm – It’s all in the planning.
15th December – 12.30-2pm – The final countdown: 60 minutes in the kitchen on Christmas Day.

*All Borough Market demo kitchen sessions are free for all to attend. I was invited by the Borough Market to attend a preview of Katherine’s demo sessions, but all pictures, words, opinions & love for that iconic foodie spot, its legendary traders & tendancies to compulsively eat any fruit/nut/candy I can get my hands on my own.

Exploring London’s Bankside – Flat Iron Square & the Low Line

29-11-2016 Local Black BookBankside, Better Bankside, city guide, Flat Iron Square, London, Low Line, street foodLeave a comment

When I’m asked for recommendations for things to do in London, my first answer is always the same. Bankside.

Located on the southern bank of the River Thames & running from Blackfriars Bridge all the way up to London Bridge and down to Southwark Street, Bankside has it all.

Some of the most stunning views of the city, legendary theatres and museums, and that unique mix of old and new architecture, there’s nowhere else quite like it.

Lunch at the Borough Market followed by a leisurely walk alongside the River or a spot of culture at the Globe or the Tate Modern, is my favourite to spend a sunny weekend afternoon.

But limiting yourself to the most walked upon places would be a mistake.

Bankside’s inner area, built around the rail arches that have been part it for over 150 years, is full of hidden gems and well worth exploring too.

History, mysterious pathways, architectural gems…

Urban art, golden folliage and yet more architectural gems…

Hidden theatres, some subtle / refreshingly direct signs, London’s ‘Wonky Wonderland‘ and, yes, you guessed it, even more architectural gems…

Everywhere you look, there’s something to be discovered.

With the old brick buildings taking on soft bronze shades, golden hour is a magical time to visit.

… But then again, since the opening of Flat Iron Square, lunch time might be an even better one!

Located in the heart of London’s Bankside, Flat Iron Square is Bankside’s one-stop destination for all things food, music, entertainment, retail and culture.

Opened just a few months back under those same arches that are the backbone of the area, Flat Iron Square is a labyrinthe-like complex, comprising of several theatres, just as many bars, some pop up exhibition and retail spaces (currently featuring TINCT’s gorgeous luxury leather goods), a vintage and makers market on Sundays…

And then there’s the food.

Oh the food!

There’s a whole court full of it: a good dozen of vendors, plus a handful of restaurants and food trucks onsite.

It comes from every corner of the world. Pizza, ramen, Pad Thai, burgers… you call it, Flat Iron Square has it.

It’s all cooked up and served by passionate, talented people. And it truly shows as it’s some of the best in town both in terms of quality and value for money.

From Burnt Lemon Bakery‘s delightful sourdough & pastries (made even better by a chat with the man himself!)…

To Baz & Fred‘s revolutionary Chadwick Oven-baked pizza, drizzled with pesto & served alongside some fantastic garlic aioli for crust-dipping purposes…

Ekachai‘s authentic, vibrant South Asian plates…

Tatami‘s incredibly rich, warming ramen…

Edu‘s creative Spanish small plates (promise me you’ll try the pig head’s nuggets? It’s a life changing experience!)…

… and many, many, many more delightful options, you’ll want to have it all.

Choosing simply isn’t an option, so you better bring a group and come hungry!

Flat Iron Square, 68 Union St, London SE1 1TD (open 7 days a week, 12 til late)

London’s Dry Martini Bar

26-11-2016 Local Black Bookbar, cocktail bar, cocktails, Dry Martini Bar, London, martini, recommendation, Restaurant, review2 Comments

Hidden at the heart of the rather unassuming Mélia White House Hotel, London’s Dry Martini Bar is a cocktail bar like no other and a must visit for Bond-wannabes and true martini lovers alike.

The first of its name in the UK, this unique bar pulls together the sophistication of the marble-clad hotel and the traditions and heritage the Dry Martini Bar trademark is built upon.

The Meliá White House was built in 1936 and was originally launched as The White House luxury apartments. The hotel’s building still preserves its architectural value as a prime example of late 1930s architecture.

Mélia White House boasts an eclectic style, where contemporary design meets classic.

The area hosting London’s Dry Martini Bar, with its resolutely modern Spanish surrealist art selection, art deco stylings and blues and rock soundtrack, illustrates this perfectly.

But the true gem in the room is the bar itself.

Inspired by the glamourous 1920s, with its leather chairs and polished brass details, it’s a jewel in its own right.

And a really well stocked one at that!

Dozens of whiskies, about as many rum varieties…

And enough bottles of gin & vodka to make any martini lover’s head spin with the endless possibilities opening to them…

The perfect spot for the ultimate Martini-mixing lesson*!

Under the watchful eye of bar manager and expert mixologist Diego Cruz, we take turn behind the bar to stir the perfect classic Martini.

Which is much more work that the simple-looking cocktail might let you think.

First, fill a cocktail mixing glass with ice. Use a bar spoon to swirl it around a few times to cool it down.

Remove the excess water.

Pour in a double measure of your poison of choice (this would be mine, in case you were wondering)…

Add a few drops of sweet vermouth and stir carefully with a bar spoon.

Make sure not to bang the ice to much as this would result in a more diluted Martini, miles away from the potent, botanical-heavy beast a proper dry martini is.

Strain through a Hawthorne strainer into a clean, chilled martini glass.

Up to the very last drop!

Twist some lemon peel over the glass to express oils, then rub around rim of glass.

Garnish with the lemon peel or an olive.

Actually, if you’re mixing one for me, make it two olives.

HotJoint launch at Dry Martini Bar London

I like my Martini like I like my men: with a pinch of salt, slightly dirty and concerned about preserving the environment, if only to make sure there’ll always be enough ice to mix a proper Martini whenever one’s necessary.

Dry Martini Bar London, Meliá White House, Albany St, London NW1 3UP

*I was invited to attend a Martini masterclass at London’s Dry Martini Bar by HotJoint, London’s latest food website, aiming at bringing together the capital’s foodies to tell the stories of the city’s best eating and drinking venues. A little bird tells me they’re planning many more fun events of that kind in the new year, so make sure you subscribe to their newsletter to know what’s cooking!

Giving thanks (and food) with #tub4grub

24-11-2016 Local Black BookAction Against Hunger, charity, healthy, kale, kale crisps, recipe, The Collective Dairy, tub4grub1 Comment

Friends that are there when things are not quite as fun/easy/good as they usually are.

A partner that takes care of you when you stuck in bed with the flu.

A colleague that always has your back (and a sneaky bar of chocolate in his/her drawer for when nothing else will do).

A neighbour that’s always happy to keep an eye on your little ones when you need to pop to the store.

A concierge that makes sure none of your parcels ever get send back to the post office.

Nice, kind, supportive people all around.

We all have a lot to be thankful for, but in the rush of life, giving thanks can be a challenge.

I don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, but there’s something about the message behind this typically American holiday that deeply touches me. Giving thanks & giving back is something we should all do more of.

And what better to show gratitude than the gift of homemade, yummy food?

Giving thanks & food with The Collective Dairy's #tub4grub

I know nothing makes me happier, especially when one of my favourite brands does all the hard work and the whole thing results in a massive good deep for Action Against Hunger…

Sounds like the most brilliant way to spread love & give thanks (and cookies) to me!

Want to join in?

First off, treat yourself to some of The Collective Dairy’s fantastic yoghurt!

There are many fantastic flavours to choose from, ranging from super creamy plain yoghurt to more unusual, gorgeous combinations such as honeyed plums & ginger, rhubarb & vanilla or even Russian fudge or coffee, so that part really shouldn’t be too hard!

One empty, peel off the label.

Then fill your (clean) tub with yummy grub.

You could go for the world’s best brownies, a festive salad, cake, or soup of course, but I thought something green & wholesome would go down well to balance out all the sugar, so I made a big batch of kale crisps.

The recipe’s below, it’s the quickest, easiest and yummiest thing ever & I promise it’ll turn even the most cabbage-resistant people into kale lovers.

All you have to do is wash & dry a big bunch of kale, then separate the leaves from the stalks. Massage with a spoonful of olive oil, then spread onto a baking tray. Sprinkle with salt and your favourite spices (I love using chilli flakes, lemon zest and maybe a little bit of parmesan), then bake for 10 min at 200°C. Let it cool down a bit before packing into tubs.

Personalise your tub…

Then give it away & make someone’s day!

And make sure you share your good deep on social media using the hashtag #tub4grub: The Collective Dairy will donate an extra 50p to Action Against Hunger on your behalf!

Eat it, make it, fill it, give it, share it, repeat! Happy #tub4grub-ing!

Coconut Curry Roasted Cashews

22-11-2016 Local Black Bookcashew, cashews, coconut, curry, dairy-free, edible gift, healthy, healthy eating, healthy living, nuts, recipe, roasted nuts, snack, vegan, vegetarian1 Comment

‘Tis -almost- the season.

Sorry for all the Scrooge out there, but it’s true!

And though tradition plays an important role in end-of-the-year celebrations, this year, I’ve decided to go slightly off track, break with convention and try something new.

Not too new though. As I recently explained, the whole idea is to take traditional ingredients and combine them in a creative way to achieve a fresh take on the traditional holiday dinner.

A sort of Thanksgiving/Christmas Dinner 2.0 if you will.

One of my favourite things to make this time of the year are roasted nut.

With salt & rosemary, with soy sauce or with cinnamon, roasted nuts never fail me, and these Coconut Curry Roasted Cashews are no exception.

Vegan, dairy free AND not boring, sweet, salty, spicy and incredibly more-ish, they are both satisfying and healthy, hence make for an excellent snack and an even better edible gift.

They’re so easy & quick to put together and keep really well, so you can make a big batch & hand out small bags of them to neighbours and visitors…

Or make a big jar for yourself to snack on while writing Christmas cards/wrapping all the presents/convincing your introvert side that it’s excited for all the socializing to come…

I won’t tell if you don’t!

Coconut Curry Roasted Cashews (makes one 400ml jar)

Ingredients:

130g raw cashew nuts
1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
2 tbsp coconut sugar
2 tbsp yellow curry powder
a good pinch of sea salt
zest from 1/2 lime, finely grated

1. Pre-heat your oven to 200°C.

2. In a bowl, mix together the cashews and coconut oil until they’re all well coated. Add in the rest of the ingredients and mix until well the nuts are well coated.

3. Spread the nuts onto a baking sheet & sprinkle with a bit more salt.

4. Bake for 15 min or until golden. Leave to cool completely before transfering to an airtight container.

Le Relais de Venise, Marylebone

17-11-2016 Local Black BookFrench, Le Relais de Venise, Marylebone, recommendation, Restaurant, review, steak1 Comment

One of London’s worst kept secrets, Le Relais de Venise is a bit of an institution amongst steak ‘n’ fries lovers for a very simple reason.

They do really good steak at a really good price.

You don’t come for the decor.

To be honest the place feels like a somewhat-dated French café and has that same busy atmosphere as Paris’ local favourites.

You don’t come for the service.

It’s better than what you’d get from most grumpy French waiters though. In a efficient, to-the-point, almost transactional sort of way.

No, the only reason that keeps people queuing for both lunch and dinner is the quality of the food.

Now, if you don’t want salad, steak and fries, don’t go. That’s really all they serve at Le Relais de Venise.

The only thing you do get to choose is how you’d like your steak cooked: rare, medium or well done.

Though that last option is strongly frowned upon (sacrilège!)

You might also have to take your pick from the 10-something strong wine menu.

Featuring 3 reds, 3 whites, 1 rosé and some bubbly, all really quite good both in terms of taste & value for money, it shouldn’t be too much of a hassle.

And then that’s it.

All that’s left to do is sit back, relax and get your teeth sunk into the set menu.

First, Walnut salad with French mustard dressing and fresh baguette.

Followed by the pièce de résistance, Le Relais de Venise’s signature Steak-Frites.

Trimmed entrecôte steak, full of flavour and cooked beautifully, and drizzled with a generous amount of the ‘secret sauce’ (a herb-y, creamy concoction I’d swear contains sorrel) the place has become famous for since its Parisian early days.

And a mountain of fries.

Don’t be fooled by how small the portions might seem from the above pictures. It’s only the case because at Relais, they do that amazing thing of only serving you half a portion at a time, thus garanteeing you get to eat every single bite while it’s still warm!

The dessert menu is full of homemade French classics including brilliant Profiteroles (choux buns stuffed with vanilla ice cream and served with hot chocolate sauce), but on our last visit, we couldn’t resist the traditional Crème Brûlée.

Good food, great value (we paid about £60 for two including drinks and service) & no agonising menu-pondering choices to make, Le Relais de Venise is just the spot when you want to focus on the people you’re sharing the meal with, whether it’s for a date, a long-time-no-see reunion or a casual business meeting.

The only down side? It’s a strictly no-reservation business, but since the company will be top notch, a little bit of queuing should be not problem…

Le Relais de Venise, 120 Marylebone Ln, Marylebone, London W1U 2QG

Festive Brussel Sprout Slaw

16-11-2016 Local Black Bookbrussel sprouts, cabbage, Christmas, coleslaw, cranberry, festive, poppy seeds, recipe, side dish, slaw, Thanksgiving, vegetarian, walnuts5 Comments

‘Tis the season of red cups, festive (ugly) jumpers start popping up everywhere (some more succesfully than others…) and the main conversation topic in the office has moved from the usual weather-politics combo to Christmas plans…. so I suppose it’s about time to get planning from the festive season ahead!

With Thanksgiving in just a few days, and Christmas no all that far behind, I’m sure you have a plethora of parties to look forward to.

The only issue with festive parties though? The. Same. Damn. Food. Every. Damn. Time. Turkey, ‘tatoes, Brussels sprouts, roast and repeat.

I’m all for traditions but eating the same damn meal every other day or so for the next two months? Not quite so much so.

That’s why in the build-up to the holidays, I’ll be sharing fresh twists on classic festive dishes, starting with this Festive Brussel Sprout Slaw.

Light, crisp, textural and vibrant, this recipe features many elements of a traditional festive side dish (Brussel sprouts, citrus, nuts, cranberries…) but prepared in a not-quite-so-conventional way.

A new take on the classic, if you will…

After all, there’s no reason why Santa should have the monopole on surprises this festive season!

Festive Brussel Sprout Slaw (serves 4)

Ingredients:

500g Brussel sprouts
2 tbsp mayonnaise
4 tbsp Greek yoghurt
4 tbsp grapefruit vinegar or lemon juice
1 tsp poppy seeds
1 tbsp pecan nuts or walnuts, crushed into small bits
1 tbsp dried cranberry
salt, pepper

1. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline, shred the Brussel sprouts very thinly.

2. In a bowl, combine the mayo, Greek yoghurt, vinegar and poppy seeds.

3. Add the cabbage and season to taste.

4. Sprinkle with the crushed walnuts & cranberries and serve immediately.

Chick ‘n’ Sours Seven Dials

14-11-2016 Local Black Bookcentral London, Chick 'n' Sours, chicken, Covent Garden, fried chicken, London, recommendation, Restaurant, review, Seven Dials, small platesLeave a comment

Another day, another brunch!

Now, this one’s nowhere near as traditional as the last one but it’s just as crackin‘!

Unlike many of my faves, Chick ‘n’ Sours is not all about the eggs.

In this achingly cool restaurant, it’s the chicken that comes first!

Well, after the cocktails at least!

All of which are delightfully mixed and of the sour variety (hence the restaurant being called Chick ‘n’ Sours!).

My favourite was the signature The Chick ‘n’ Club (gin, blackberry, apple, vermouth, vinegar, sour).

A brilliant combination of all things autumnal in liquid form. Win.

Though if you’re already into your festive phase, The Rye ‘n’ Black (rye whiskey, red wine syrup, sour) is absolutely the one!

Note to self: red wine syrup. Get on it!

Best enjoyed with a side of Mexi-nese Nachos.

If you think nachos are not really your thing, think again.

Those come drenched Chengdu chicken ‘n’ bacon, green chilli, kimchi and cheese sauce and are THE BOMB!

So good in fact you better get your insta-perfect shots in quickly, or there’ll be nothing left for you but the plate to lick (if you’re lucky)!

Same rule applies for the Szechuan aubergine.

Coated in a light, crispy batter and swimming in a spicy, sour sauce, it goes right up there with Ottolenghi’s for the title of the best aubergine dish I’ve ever eaten.

Super moist + crispy chicken tenders with seaweed crack with sriracha sour cream.

Just as good as you’d expect from a top notch chicken joint.

When it comes to quality, these guys are definitely not yolking around!

And then, there’s the K Pop Bun aka the chicken burger to end all chicken burgers.

Korean fried thigh, gochujang mayo, chilli vinegar, crunchy slaw, all stuffed into a brioche bun.

A true beast but one that’s well worth dislocating your jaw for!

With a side of Pickled watermelon, coriander, mint & peanut salad to keep things fresh!

If you’re still hungry after that, there’s also some (apparently excellent) soft-serves to be had, but I’m afraid we chickened out!

So if you’re after the best fried chicken in London, chick‘ out Chick ‘n’ Sours.

It’s just the spot to make every day fry-day!

Chick ‘n’ Sours, 1a Earlham Street, Seven Dials, WC2H 9LL (they also have a restaurant in Dalston)

Brunch at Market Restaurant, Camden

12-11-2016 Local Black Bookbreakfast, brunch, Camden, Camden Town, London, market, recommendation, Restaurant, review3 Comments

In my world, Saturday is brunch day.

Luckily, there’s no shortage of fantastic places for this in London.

The latest of my discoveries is Market restaurant, a lovely no-nonsense farm-to-table little place right by Camden Town station.

It’s a small, cosy restaurant with blasted brick walls, zinc-topped tables & an open kitchen that knows it’s way ’round the brunch classics.

Starting with loads of tea (and a little bit of coffee).

Scrambled eggs and smoked salmon on (remarquably excellent) toast.

Salt beef hash with fried duck egg and caramelised onions.

Incredibly fluffy buttermilk pancakes with hot berry mix, vanilla crème fraiche and maple syrup.

There were also Eggs Florentine thrown in somewhere, but it looks like I didn’t manage to capture them in all their glorious simplicity!

With quality, wholesome food made using the freshest seasonal produce, Market restaurant is absolutely the place, and no matter what you choose from the short but perfectly formed brunch menu, you’ll be in for an egg-ceptional start to the day!

You might want to book a table though, as it’s quite small and (unsurprisingly) fills up quickly!

Race you there? 3…2…1… BRUNCH!

Market restaurant, 43 Parkway, Camden NW1 7PN

Diwali at Trishna

08-11-2016 Local Black BookIndian, Marylebone, Michelin, Michelin star, Michelin-starred, recommendation, Restaurant, review, Trishna5 Comments

While most people spent the last weekend of October celebrating Halloween and relishing in exploring their (and London’s) dark side, we went the complete opposite way.

Celebrated in autumn, Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights. One of the major festivals of Hinduism, it represents the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Celebrations include millions of lights shining on housetops, outside doors and windows, around temples and other buildings. And of course, it wouldn’t be a holiday worth its name without a worthy feast.

Which for us translated into a cocktail-fuelled late-night dinner at Michelin-starred Trishna.

The bar menu includes many exotic twists on classic cocktails, with the Quinine Sour (created by sister restaurant Gymkhana) the most creative of the lot.

Basically a cross between a G&T and a citrus-y sour, with surprising, deeply savoury notes of curry leaf, it’s an unusual choice but one I thouroughly recommend you try.

There’s a lot you can tell about a restaurant from the nibbles they bring you before you even order, and Trishna’s bread selection was a clear sign of the team’s attention to detail and deeply ingrained sense of hospitality.

Coming with a side of the only mango chutney I’ve ever liked. Thick, slightly sour & subtly spiced, it was a wonder in its own right.

One of many more to come, to be honest.

Paneer Tikka Anardana, with corn, raw mango, pomegranate & mint chaat.

A delightfully light, vibrant dish of tandoor-roasted Indian cottage cheese, with sweet corn & tart pomegranate jewels.

Partridge pepper fry.

Trishna’s answer to fried chicken, the slightly battered bird is coated in a fiery sauce of Keralan spices, black pepper and sweet Indian onion.

Not one for the faint-hearted but delightful with just a little squeeze of lime juice!

But the real gem in Trishna’s starter crown is the Tandoori Lamb Chops.

Deeply smoky, super tender & caramelised meat, served alongside a refreshing, slightly mustardy radish slaw.

Quite simply perfect.

Mains are a very season-focused and a touch more traditional, with rather generous portion sizes (which means we totally over-ordered and I had Michelin-starred lunches for the rest of the week #winningatlife).

Tandoori duck (achari breast, keema naan, leg pickle, pineapple chutney)

Wild Mushroom & Berry Pilau Biryani (with chanterelles, girolles, berries and pink peppercorn raita)

Hyderabadi Dal (masoor-toor-channa lentils, mustard, curry leaf)

Very much the chilli on top and a good choice of side if, like us, you go for rather ‘dry’ dishes.

And bread. Obviously.

#CarbLoverForever

Even if you’re about to burst, try to squeeze in some pud’…

We went for the most traditional of them all, Kala Jamun, served with plum murabba, saffron and rose kulfi and it was the best I’ve ever had.

And make sure you have a taste of the petits fours… Because you’d definitely regret having naan!

Trishna, 15-17 Blandford St, Marylebone, London W1U 3DG

Cake and Whisky

Life in London and other almost-grown-up tales

Menu

Month: November 2016

Christmas Dinner in an hour – Katherine Frelon Christmas residency at the Borough Market

Christmas spiced fruit bombs (makes 24):

Crimson Christmas chutney (makes 1.5kg)

Jewelled Borough bark (makes approx. 600g)

Want to get a piece of the – Christmas prep – action?

Exploring London’s Bankside – Flat Iron Square & the Low Line

Flat Iron Square, 68 Union St, London SE1 1TD (open 7 days a week, 12 til late)

London’s Dry Martini Bar

Dry Martini Bar London, Meliá White House, Albany St, London NW1 3UP

Giving thanks (and food) with #tub4grub

Want to join in?

Eat it, make it, fill it, give it, share it, repeat! Happy #tub4grub-ing!

Coconut Curry Roasted Cashews

Le Relais de Venise, Marylebone

Festive Brussel Sprout Slaw

Chick ‘n’ Sours Seven Dials

Brunch at Market Restaurant, Camden

Diwali at Trishna