Hudson Whiskey Tasting at The Vestry

07-02-2017 Local Black Bookevent, Hudson Whiskey, Restaurant, Smithfield, The Vestry, whiskey, whisky, Young's pub1 Comment

There’s no better feelling than that of discovering a new favourite place when you weren’t looking for it. You’re walking down a road you’ve walked down a thousand times before, and then you noticed it. It looks nice and welcoming, so you push the door and get in.

And before you know it, you end up at that very place 3 nights a week, or more if you happen to have visitors/good excuses.

I have a feeling that’s what’s going to happen with me and The Vestry.

Previously a vestry within St. Sepulchre’s Parish, The Vestry is a new wave wine bar a stone’s throw away from Smithfield Market. And basically the perfect local.

It’s big enough so there’s always a table available for you but intimate enough to feel a bit like home. It’s beautifully decorated, with plenty of dark wood and charming retro touches. The staff is adorable. The drinks selection is on point. And so is the local-focused, seasonally-led menu.

And as if that wasn’t enough, The Vestry also hosts regular food & drink sampling evenings and masterclasses where you can meet their favourite suppliers.

Given that whiskey is one of my not-so-secret weaknesses (the clue’s in the name, really!), I simply had to make it to the Hudson Whiskey tasting, hosted by global brand ambassador Tony Vanaria.

From the wish to create a climbing ranch to opening New York state’s first post-Prohibition distillery via many a creative production techniques (including the fantastic ‘Sonic maturation’), Hudson Whiskey’s history is just fascinating.

One of the pioneer of the craft American whiskey wave, the brand takes pride in their rather unconventional roots, sourcing the best local ingredient and trial-and-error-ing their way to make the best whiskey.

And they’ve done rather well for themselves.

It all started with Hudson’s Baby Bourbon, the first New York-aged whiskey since Prohibition – and New York’s first bourbon ever. Made with 100% Empire State corn, it’s a Bourbon in all its glory. Sweet, woody, smoky, with mellow notes of vanilla and caramel.

Just the ticket for a state-of-the-art Old Fashioned!

Delightful also in a Hudson Big Apple cocktail. Super easy to make too: in a tall glass, pour 35ml of Hudson’s Baby Bourbon over ice. Top with cloudy apple juice and a few dashes of orange bitters. Garnish with an apple slice and voilà!

If you’re more of a Manhattan or a Sazerac kind of person, Hudson’s rustic and spicy Manhattan Rye will be right down your alley. This was my favourite and I can’t wait for my next trip to Gerry’s to add one of the brand’s adorable little bottles to my spirit collection!

There’s also a blended Bourbon, made using a unique four grain blend, and a few special blends making the most of some ‘happy accidents’.

If you’re not sure which one’s for you, I recommend you make a beeline for your local Young’s pub and try them all. Or better yet, go to The Vestry. And if you spot me in a corner acting as if I’d always lived there, come say hi!

A great local, a great drink & a new friend… doesn’t that sound neat?!

The Vestry, 117 Charterhouse St, London EC1M 6AA

‘Eat Like A Brit’ quiz night at Roast restaurant

26-01-2017 Local Black Bookevent, HotJoint, London, quiz, quiz night, Restaurant, roast2 Comments

Anyone that has ever met me will tell you: I can speak about food for hours. Days. Probably even more.

So when Hotjoint invited me* to battle out in an evening of fierce food quizing alongside some of London’s greatest food minds, I simply couldn’t say no.

Coined “Eat Like a Brit”, this evening of drinking, eating and tougher than you’d think culinary questions was held at British restaurant Roast.

Famous for its British-focused, refined cuisine and incredible views over the Borough Market, it’s hard to imagine a venue more suited for a night of mind-fencing and foodie-friend making!

Upon arrival, we were welcomed by this all-nose-no-tail (yet rather charming) chap!

And wine.

Loads and loads of wine!

'Eat Like a Brit' quiz night | Cake + Whisky

After greating a few known faces, being introduced to as many friendly new ones and a healthy dose of animated chatter (‘where have you been eating lately?‘ ‘oh, was that good?‘… You know how it goes!), it was time for us all to check if we knew our Stilton from our Stichelton & our teacakes from our crumpets!

But then again, with the bribe of amazing British-ingredient-led canapés coming alongside each question, getting us started really wasn’t too hard!

There was Rare roast beef, horseradish cream and beer pickles…

Queenie scallops in shell with braised ox cheek and carrot mustard (this one was my fave, and not only because I knew which UK island is famous for its scallops!).

We wandered around the Beef Carpaccio with beetroot and mustard seed yogurt for a while, pondering what ‘beeturia’ was (and secretly hoping we could get our hands on seconds of the canapés!)

Before moving onto Feta & Olive skewers with cucumber and mint…

And finish of beautifully with Bread from BreadAhead Bakery and School.

There was also some Neals Yard cheese and mini pudding, but well…

… my interest was clerly somewhere else!

And by that, I totally mean wondering where the ‘Rhubarb triangle’ was (as well as debating where in London to find the best Mexican food).

In the end, my team didn’t win, but we all went home with plenty of food trivia to wow our friends with. And -more importantly- a few new friends that will actually want to listen/share your dedication and queue for a long while for a plate of Padella‘s pasta!

Want to join the fun next time? All you have to do is email Hotjoint info@hotjoint.co.uk and tell them to keep you in the loop!

*I attended the ‘Eat Like A Brit’ quiz night as a guest of HotJoint but all words, pictures and unconditional love for sourdough my own.

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.

Market Porter Supperclub

31-10-2016 Local Black Bookcheese, chocolate, e-commerce, event, food, local, local food, London, Market Porter, meat, recommendation, Restaurant, review2 Comments

A few months ago, I made the decision to make the difficult step to step away from supermarkets and find alternative solutions when it comes to buying food.

I wanted better ethics, better quality, and most importantly, I wanted to stop giving my money to corporations and instead, support local, independant people dedicating their life to improving the way food is produced and sold in the UK.

“When we started Market Porter, we did it because the stuff we were buying in the supermarkets just wasn’t cutting it. We knew that there were people out there who were doing it better. People from across the UK who’ve made it their life’s work to care and get a kick from producing food that is so much better than just edible. People who deserve to get their produce into the hands of the wider British public.”

Needless to say, Market Porter’s moto resonates pretty strongly with me.

You can take my words for it. Market Porter carefully selected produce is as good as it sounds.

But then again, you don’t have to.

Market Porter Supperclub

Instead, you could let pictures of a recent dinner I attended do the talking…

Market Porter Supperclub

For their first-ever supperclub event, Market Porter teamed up with Young British Foodies 2015 Chef of the Year, Adam Rawson, for an unforgettable 7-course tasting menu, showcasing meat, cheese, charcuterie and chocolate from independent producers across the UK.

Market Porter Supperclub

The lovely Table Café restaurant, a champion in its own right when it comes to commitment to impeccable sourcing and quality British ingredients made for the perfect settings for the great British wonders to come…

Starting with a few super-local cocktails highlighting the complexity and versatility of Jensen’s Old Tom Gin, a beautiful spirit brewed in small batches using only traditional gin botanicals based on recipes from the 1840s.

Paired beautifully with Square Root fantastic soda range.

All mixed expertly in front of an eager crowd, with results definitily going way beyond expectations!

The London Collins (Jensen’s Old Tom, bitters, Meyer lemon soda).

The perfect balance between sweet and tart, and one that will steal any fresh, citrusy cocktail lover’s heart.

The Britain’s Finest (Jensen’s Old Tom, Cocchi di Torino, Maraschino, orange bitters) was a bit more unexpected and possibly even better.

Basically a gin cocktail masquerading as a whisky drink and doing so well at it it’d steal a great scotch’s thunder any day.

Meanwhile in the (open) kitchen, Chef Rawson’s team were busy chopping, roasting, baking and making the most of Market Porter’s incredible offering.

Starting with a beautiful dish of Soft Highland Brie (from Highland Fine Cheeses) with oats, smoked russet apple and nasturtium.

Now, as you already know, I’m the worse French person ever and I don’t actually eat cheese, but I took it upon myself to at least try this beauty (tough job eh?).

Market Porter Supperclub

And you know what? I LOVED IT!!

I was so subtle, and very un-brie like. Sweet and comforting, with every ingredient (crunchy, tart apple cubes, piquant nasturtium leaves, super textural oat granola and a caramelized apple puree so good I could eat bowlfuls of it at a time) bringing something to the table to make this simingly simple dish so much more than the sum of its elements.

The next dish was the one I most had my eyes on: Pork cheeks (from Lakehaven Farm) with chervil root, shallot and watercress.

A cheap, often under-estimated cut of meat that can proove so rewarding when cooked right.

Which is just what Chef Rawson’s team did and it was love at first bite for me & absolutely everyone at the table.

The meat was super tender and juicy, yet there was a freshness to it I really didn’t expect from that dish.

Quite a brilliant surprise & a great reminder that underrated cuts are definitely worth a second look.

Dorset air-dried beef (from Capreolus Fine Foods) with potato, rosemary and enoki mushroom.

Not quite as much of a crowd-pleaser than the previous dish, but possibly the most interesting one on the menu.

Charcuterie is a difficult, demanding ingredient to work with as it’s so strong in flavour and tends to overpower any other produce it’s forced to share the plate with.

Pairing it with dashi & mushroom, which have similar, deeply umami flavours to that of cured beef, accentuated those notes, making the whole thing a challenging, yet fascinated dish.

Roast chicken (from Merrifield Farm) with leek, Cornish blue (from Cornish Cheese Co) and tempura eel.

Not my favourite dish (the blue cheese was very subtle, but I’m still not the biggest fan of the slightly flour-y texture).

The eel tempura was fantastic though, a bit like super fancy, complex-tasting chips. Simply divine.

The last savoury dish, Gammon (from Lakehaven Farm) with egg, pineapple and chips, was highly anticipated, if only because unlike the rest of the menu, everyone sort of knew what to expect.

Or at least, we all thought we did.

But of course, it wasn’t quite what anyone expected…

Thick, salty gammon, crispy matchstick fries, rich orange egg yolk, chargrilled pineapple & HP brown sauce, it was all there in the plate, yet it couldn’t have tasted more different from the pub classic.

A refined, adult take on a childhood favourite and the ultimate nostalgia dish!

The thin borders between sweet and savoury were further explored with the next dish, an ode to Ocelot‘s incredible Hebridean sea salt chocolate.

(seriously guys, if you’re into Lindt’s sea salt chocolate, get your hand of this one IMMEDIATELY, it’s THE BOMB!!)

Much like the chocolate itself, the cookie & cream-inspired dessert, featuring a vibrant chocolate custard with cookie & cocoa nib crumbs and milk sauce, was deeply salty and savoury.

An absolute triumph if you ask me.

Last but not least, alittle play on the iconic Custard Cream biscuit, served with a ganache mixing custard cream filling with Creighton’s white chocolate and balanced with tart preserved orange bits.

The ultimate indulgence to finish of a beautiful meal championing British finest ingredients.

Sadly the pop-up was a very, very short affair (only two days with tickets selling like hotcakes), but a little birdie told me that there might be more coming up in the future, so keep your eyes peeled for that.

And in the meantime, I strongly encourage you to treat yourself to a bar of that fantastic sea salt chocolate & a few more things from Market Porter incredible selection of amazing goodies from local, independant producers.

Meat, cheese, charcuterie, chocolate (and even a few Christmas goodies), they have it all and from what I tasted, I can voutch it’s all top notch quality and taste, right to the last morsel.

25/05/2017 edit – Market Porter has had a bit of a makeover and are now Heartier. They’re still the same friendly Market Porter bods, only better & heartier!

LoveScotch pop-up at The Drift

19-10-2016 Local Black BookCity, City of London, event, London, lovescotch, masterclass, mixology, pop-up, recommendation, Restaurant, review, Scotch whisky, the drift, whiskyLeave a comment

Neat, on ice or with soda.

That’s pretty much the only options you have when it comes to Scotch whisky.

Lovescotch Pop-Up at The Drift

Or rather, had, before the #Lovescotch pop-up opened.

An exclusive partnership between swanky City restaurant The Drift and upscale spirit brand Diageo, Lovescotch aims at proving that Scotch is much more versatile that it’s given credit for.

Until March 2017, you can get stuck into ‘Scotchtail’ (understand classic cocktails with a whisky twist) masterclasses and experiential tasting and just generally soak up the gorgeous surroundings.

I mean, how pretty does the pop-up look? Very antique-store meets boudoir, super-intimate and just my kind of place.

Add in the opportunity to experiment with cocktails you already know & love (each with an exciting twist!) and you’re in for a treat from up North!

The Scotchtail Masterclasses shows the diversity of Scotch by experimenting with it in classic cocktails, where traditionally other spirits would have been used.

Combining Johnnie Walker Gold, passionfruit liqueur, vanilla & pineapple juice and served with a Champagne chaser, the Goldmember is a clever take on The Drift’s Pornstar Martini bestseller.

The same tangy flavour as the classic, but with a more grown-up, complex finish – the perfect way to make any whisky-hater change their mind!

And a great accompaniment to The Drift’s generous Meat Platter!

Piled high with chicken Satay skewers served with smooth peanut sauce, mini beef sliders, fiery chorizo, more-ish Scotch egg, served alongside piping hot fries and onion rings and unbelievably addictive smoked paprika mayo…

But the fun doesn’t stop there, there’s still a world of Scotchtails to try!

My favourite was the Seven Flowers, a citrusy mix of Haig Clubman scotch, elderflower syrup and lemon juice, all topped with Champagne.

Sweet, sour and incredibly elegant.

Lovescotch Pop-Up at The Drift

And incredibly easy to make, should you want to give it a go: just pour, shake, sieve and serve!

Or you know, let the amazing people at The Drift do it for you! Whether you’re a Mojito fan, an Espresso Martini aficionado, a Pornstar Martini lover, or a French 75 addict, LoveScotch is really quite a neat place to be.

Masterclasses are available for private bookings and would make for the perfect start to a girls’ night out (or a brilliant way to switch up the office’s traditional Christmas party for something a bit more un-usual!).

#LoveScotch pop-up at The Drift / until March 2017 / More information on The Drift’s website

The Drift, Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY

*I got invited by The Drift to try out the #Lovescotch pop-up but all cocktail lovin’ and slider addiction my own.

London Best Burgers

24-08-2016 Local Black BookBig Fernand, Bleecker Street Burger, Burger, burgers, GBK, Honest Burger, London, London best burgers, Lucky Chip, Mac & Wild, Meat Liquor, Patty & Bun, recommendation, Restaurant, review, Shake Shack, street food, Tommi's Burger Joint5 Comments

Tomorrow’s #NationalBurgerDay.

You know me, I’m not one to not take advantage of that sort of opportunity (making plans as we speak).

But in case you need a little push (with loads of drool-worthy, cheese-heavy pics!), below are 10 of London best burgers!

1. Bleecker Street Burger‘s Bleecker Black

This is a divisive one. Haters gonna hate, but in my opinion, the Bleecker Black is THE BOMB!

Two just seared signature beef patties, with umami black pudding, melted cheese and a sweet onion garnish to balance it all off.

Very, very naughty but so, so good! ➡ Read my Bleecker St. Burger review

2. . Lucky Chip‘s John Candy

If you had told me a few years ago that some day in the near future, I would be eating a burger that tasted of beef with a hint of vanilla Coke, I would have laughed in your face.

And I would have been wrong. Because this is the wonkiest, most brilliant burger sauce I’ve ever tried.

That said, if the John Candy’s not available (it’s a special, but it comes back on the menu quite often), the Kevin Bacon isn’t half bad either… oh, and make yourself a favour and get a side of those amazing spicy mayo & cheese fries, okay? ➡ Read my Lucky Chip review

3. Meat Liquor‘s Dead Hippie

If you’re after London’s best cheeseburger, stop looking. This is it.

A bit of a shame that the fries aren’t quite as good though (which explains why I haven’t written a full review of Meat Liquor yet #friesbeforeguys #andburgersactually!!)…

4. Patty & Bun‘s Ari Gold

The Ari Gold is Patty & Bun’s take on the classic cheeseburger, and one of the very best at that!

It comes all wrapped up in greaseproof paper, and opening it is almost as good as present unwrapping on Christmas morning, but with more meat (and cheese!)

Definitely my kind of Christmas in ~~July~~ August! ➡ Read my Patty & Bun review

5. Mac and Wild‘s Veni-Moo

I think that picture, paired with the fact that the Veni-Moo has been awarded best burger in London in both 2015 and 2016, tells you everything you need to know.

Oh, and when you’re at it, you might want to try mixing whisky and Irn Bru… #justsaying ➡ Read my Mac and Wild review

6. Honest Burger‘s Tribute

With American mustard, smokey bacon & all the usual suspects, it’s the most American of them all (if American burgers relied on stunning ingredients and came with a side of rosemary fries, that is…)!

7. Big Fernand‘s Le Big Fernand

A very Frenchie burger indeed, focusing on stellar ingredients (dry-aged beef, sun-dried tomatoes, parsley & cocktail sauce) and perfectly cooked patties.

So French, so good! ➡ Read my Big Fernand review

8. Shake Shack‘s ‘Shroom Burger

Cheese-stuffed mushroom… Need I say more? Definitely the most EPIC vegetarian burger around… Cheese fries absolutely compulsory! ➡ See what else is good at Shake Shack

9. Tommi’s cheeseburger

The most basic of them all, but coming with a serious array of sauces of all sorts to choose from, Tommi’s burgers are perfect for picky eaters & condiment nerds alike.

10. GBK‘s Avocado + Bacon burger

Now, I know that’s a pretty basic one (#basicblogger much?) but avocado in burgers is ACE and if you haven’t tried it yet, you should definitely get your butt to GBK fissa & give it a go.

So creamy, so healthy…

Now the only question is, which one will you go for? And which one should I try next?

PIN FOR LATER:

A meal of memories (+meeting Novak Djokovic ) at Jacob’s Creek Table

25-06-2016 Local Black Bookevent, Jacob Creek, Jacob Creek's Table, Jacob's Creek, London, Made by Moments, Novak Djokovic, Our Table, tennis, Wimbledon, wine, wine tasting1 Comment

Do you have a favourite recipe, or a dish that always reminds you of a special memory? Or maybe a meal that takes you back to your childhood, or a trip that changed you, or a significant event?

Australian wine brand Jacob’s Creek has teamed up with tennis champion and world number 1 Novak Djokovic to celebrate food and wine and the special memories that they can evoke.

For the launch of their new #madeby campain, Jacob’s Creek organised a very special dinner, hosted in Wimbledon by Novak himself and celebrity chef Lisa Faulkner.

So last week, we made our way to Wimbledon in the pouring rain and as soon as we arrived, we knew we were in for a very, very special night.

Long tables were layed in Wimbledon’s legendary All England Lawn Tennis Club, with beautiful colour-coordinated flower arrangements…

And of course, some of Jacob’s Creek very best wine!

We started the party in style with a taste of the brand’s two Chardonnays.

Classic on the left, Reserve on the right.

The later was my favourite.

Elegant, creamy and refined, it’s the perfect welcome drink.

We then moved things to the dinner table for a very special menu.

Each dish had been selected by top food bloggers, as well as hosts Lisa Faulkner and Novak Djokovic, and each triggered a very special food memory.

Delicious food and equally delightful stories? I couldn’t wait to get stuck in!

But this stunning Charcuterie & Cheese platter might have had something to do with that…

Parma ham, salami, N’Duja, creamy brie, a big wedge of blue cheese, thinly sliced Manchego…

It truly was a foodie’s (and We The Food Snobs‘) dream come true!

Scallops with crispy pancetta and pea puree.

A recreation of Not Another Mummy Blog‘s first wedding anniversary dinner and an absolute delight!

Served alongside Jacob’s Creek Reserve sauvignon Blanc ’14 (lovely with the scallops)

And just a touch of Jacob’s Creek Reserve Pinot Noir ’13 (the perfect pairing to any sharing platter)

Needless to say, it got the food memories flowing.

There were tales of fish finger sandwiches, Christmas dinners, pasta alla vongole and much more…

My story? It was all about meeting my boyfriend and baking the world’s best brownies…

Novak Djokovic also shared his favourite recipe: a delightful vegan lasagna, featuring zucchini, squash and heaps of pesto (which I totally failed to take any picture of).

Good thing Novak’s better than me when it comes to fulfilling his picture engagements ??

Besides Novak’s signature lasagna, mains also included Jacob’s Creek Executive Chef Veronica Zahra’s signature dish, Lamb cutlet with rocket, caramelised figs and balsamic reduction.

Cooked to pink perfection, it was the perfect nod to the Barossa Valley (the home of Jacob’s Creek) and paired amazingly with the brand’s flagship wine, the Reserve Barossa Shiraz.

And Lisa Faulkner’s favourite dish of all times, Tarragon chicken.

Creamy and incredibly fragrant, it’s basically love (and cream) on a plate.

All served with a double helping of super rich, delightfully indulgent potato dauphinoise.

And followed by the most amazing selection of puddings.

Classic Berry Pavlova.

An Aussie classic that’s impossible to resist!

A Mummy Too‘s devilish Lemon curd & white chocolate cheesecake creation.

Inspired by her tow favourite desserts and just as good as you’d expect.

And Sticky Toffee Pudding.

A (sticky) finger-licking good British classic (and Food Globin‘s favourite)!

And this caramel sauce… One spoonful was enough for it to become one of my most treasured food memories! (I had many more just to be sure).

Excellent food, delicious wine and conversation with fellow food nerds… Needless to say, it was a fantastic evening.

An experience I intend to re-enact very soon in my own home, and strongly encourage you to try out!

Gather a few friends, cover a table with food to be shared, open a couple of Jacob’s Creek finest wine… and let the food memories flow!

What’s your dearest food memory? Please share your stories in the comments, I’d love to read them!

Summer Soirée at Le Méridien Piccadilly

22-06-2016 Local Black Bookantipasti, bar, French, French Riviera, Green Park, Le Méridien, Le Méridien Piccadilly, London, Mayfair, Piccadilly, recommendation, Restaurant, review, Starwood, summer1 Comment

When it comes to summer holidays, you can’t beat the French Riviera.

With blue sea, blue sky, picturesque villages, quiet beaches and fantastic food, no wonder it’s been the playground of the rich & famous for so long!

However, no need to be rich or famous (or even to face the dreadful summer holiday airport check-in lines) to experience this little piece of Summer heaven, because Le Méridien Piccadilly is bringing Nice to London for the Summer!

Nod to the French origins of the brand, Le Méridien Piccadilly’s restaurant, Terrace Bar & Grill, has been transformed into an idyllic coastal resort.

Le Méridien Piccadilly Summer Soirée | Cake + Whisky

Complete with striped sun loungers, sun umbrellas, blossoming climbing plants, espadrilles and a spot of apéritif…

… and even a pétanque field!

The iconic French sport is a favourite at family gatherings and a classic beachside hobby.

The rules are really quite simple: you throw the small ball (the ‘cochonnet‘) first, and then it’s all about getting the big, metal balls as close as possible to it.

Whether you play in a tête-à-tête (one-on-one) or in teams, it’s always great fun and perfect to work up an appetite!

Which you’ll most definitely need to make the most of the antipasti menu, all inspired by classic Niçois dishes.

Beautiful Artichoke Barigoule with creamy aioli.

Mini pots of melt-in-the-mouth Daube Provençale with carrots and olives.

Pan Bagnat (a tuna-filled bun & Nice’s answer to burgers!) and Pissaladière mini Tarte Tatin.

Niçoise salad (of course).

And the cutest little macarons!

All washed down with icy glasses of Sifflet cocktails (martini Bianco, Champagne, mandarin syrup & citrus zest).

And a glass or two of crisp local wine (when in France…)

… or, get two birds with one stone & indulge your French fashion fix with the Cocktail Espadrilles.

The perfect summer drink + the perfect Summer shoes? Summer packing’s never been that easy!

Which means more time to soak in the sunshine of the French Riviera!

So gather friends, book a nice big table, put on your stripy Tees and enjoy the Summer vibes!

7 best London restaurants for Father’s Day

14-06-2016 Local Black BookBar Kick, Bart's, Bunga Bunga, chocolate, cocktails, dad, Euros 2016, event, Father's Day, Flat iron, football, Il Porco, London, Pig & Butcher, Restaurants, roast, steak, whiskyLeave a comment

I’ve never been Daddy’s little girl but I’ll still take any opportunity to spoil my parents. After all, it’s only fair after all they’ve done and are still doing for me.

Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to treat the most important man in your life (sorry BF…).

There are billions of ways you can do that of course, but my favourite way to say thank you is with a nice meal out…

1. You can’t go wrong with a classic: Sunday roast at Pig & Butcher

A local favourite for all things British and nose-to-tail, The Pig & Butcher is Islington’s hot spot when it comes to Sunday roast and the perfect place to indulge in dad’s Sunday fave (and maybe a Bloody Mary or two…).

The Pig & Butcher, 80 Liverpool Rd, London N1 0QD

Menus + bookings

2. Too much month left at the end of the money? £10 steak at Flat Iron

Treating dad needn’t cost an arm and leg (+ steak dinner’s a bit of a no-brainer when it comes to spoiling the old man) and Flat Iron £10 steak ticks all the boxes: juicy steak cooked to perfection, for less money that you’d pay for pizza and a free ice cream cone to top it all… what more could you possibly want?

Flat Iron, several London locations

More info

3. Personalised Pies at Mr Fogg’s Tavern

Mr Fogg’s Tavern’s award-winning pies are becoming personal for Father’s Day. The Victorian inspired Pub, Gin Parlour and Salon in Covent Garden will be offering exclusive personalized pies for Dad. Perfect to make it a Father’s Day to remember!

Mr Fogg’s Tavern, 58 St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4EA

Bookings + Personalised pie orders

4. Have your pie & eat it too: Gentlemen’s Afternoon Tea at The Athenaeum

Credit Photo: Hot and Chilli

The Athenaeum Gentlemen’s afternoon tea was designed with those who prefer savoury to sweet treats in mind. Think wild boar sausage rolls, mini steak and ale pies, cheddar and bacon scones… and single malt scotch from the whisky menu!

The Athenaeum, 116 Piccadilly, London W1J 7BJ

More info, menu + bookings

5. Football extravaganza at Bar Kick

Credit Photo: Paul Winch-Furness

Does your dad live & breathe for the Euros football competition right now? Then he’ll love Bar Kick. Not only do they show live football, but there’s also table football tables, an extensive beer menu and a reasonably-priced Euros-inspired menu! The best place to cheer on Euros 2016-host France on Father’s Day!

Bar Kick, 127 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JE

More info + bookings

6. Father’s Day Il Porco Feast at Bunga Bunga

This Father’s Day, spend your dough on Dad at Battersea’s hit Italian-inspired restaurant, bar and karaoke joint Bunga Bunga. On Sunday, 19th June enjoy Il Porco, one of London’s most authentic Italian hog roasts with all the trimmings. Grab your knife and pork this Father’s Day and tuck in!

Bunga Bunga, 37 Battersea Bridge Road, London SW11 3BA

More info + bookings

7. Dad likes the finest things in life? Whisky + chocolate masterclass at Bart’s

Celebrate the day with Dad by sampling top notch whiskies from around the globe and indulge in specialty chocolate pairings from Chelsea’s hidden cocktail bar Barts. Barts’ world-class bar team will provide guests with an hour and a half of tip top tuition about the fine art of whiskey and chocolate pairing, talking through the tasting notes of each variety of whiskey and explaining in detail how each distinctly pairs with the rich flavours of the chocolate.

Barts, Chelsea Cloisters, 87 Sloane Avenue, London SW3 3DW

More info + bookings

How are you treating your dad this Father’s Day? Any fun plans?

Sparkling Ice Launch at German Gymnasium

15-05-2016 Local Black Bookcocktail, cocktail mixer, drinks, launch, mixer, product, product review, review, Sparkling Ice, sparkling water2 Comments

When it comes to cocktail mixers, there are the classics (tonic water, soda water etc.) and then there’s the rest.

To be honest, I usually don’t care much about said ‘rest’. Coke? Nah. Strange-flavour soda. No thank you.

But there’s a new kid on the block and it’s going to change your Summer cocktail game forever.

Sparkling Ice UK Launch | Cake + Whisky

I first discover Sparkling Ice at its UK launch party at the swanky German Gymnasium a few days ago.

Sparkling Ice UK Launch | Cake + Whisky

And OMG is this place stunning!

Sparkling Ice UK Launch | Cake + Whisky

Breath-taking architecture, spotless service and loads of delightful little details, it’s the sort of place restaurant-lover dreams are made of.

A dream made even better by perfectly mixed cocktails, highlighting Sparkling Ice products.

Hitting the shelves of supermarkets later this month, the range includes three creative flavours: Black Raspberry, Peach Nectarine & Orange Mango.

Each is bursting with real fruit flavor and just the right amount of fizz, but without any of the calories you’d usually get in that sort of drink.

Now, I must admit I’m no big fan of those by themselves (but if you’re a tiny bit less sensitive to the taste of sweetener than I made, I reckon you should be just fine), but they were a revelation when used as cocktail mixers.

Sparkling Ice UK Launch | Cake + Whisky

The tartness of the Peach Nectarine flavour pairs perfectly with the deep herbal notes of basil and gin…

While the Orange Mango one makes for a very tropical drink when mixed with rum & vanilla.

Add a few nibbles…

Teeny tiny guac’ and goat’s cheese cones

Battered scampis with lemon mayo

And (of course) delightful Currywurst bites (when in Germany…)

And there you have it: the perfect summer party!

Saying I’m excited about Sparkling Ice’s launch would be quite an understatement.

I’m already dreaming up delightfully fruity recipes for picnics and garden parties (coming soon, keep your eyes peeled!) and keep my fingers crossed that Sparkling Ice soon bring the rest of its extensive range to our shelves.

Because if the possibilities already seem endless with just 3 flavours, just imagine what it would be like with all 19 of them!

Sparkling Ice will be available in all major supermarkets in the next few week and is already available at WHSmith. I was invited as a guest to the Sparkling Ice launch event.

Cake and Whisky

Life in London and other almost-grown-up tales

Menu

event

Hudson Whiskey Tasting at The Vestry

The Vestry, 117 Charterhouse St, London EC1M 6AA

‘Eat Like A Brit’ quiz night at Roast restaurant

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?

Market Porter Supperclub

LoveScotch pop-up at The Drift

London Best Burgers

A meal of memories (+meeting Novak Djokovic ) at Jacob’s Creek Table

Summer Soirée at Le Méridien Piccadilly

7 best London restaurants for Father’s Day

Sparkling Ice Launch at German Gymnasium