Friday 16 December 2011

Brain and Brawn




Having already eaten at the delicious Terroirs restaurant previously, Hipster Dufus and I decided to head down to its sister restaurant, Brawn, to check out what they had to offer. We were also getting quite tired of constantly seeing it buzzing Sunday lunchtimes as we grappled through the crowds at Columbia Road Flower Market. So on a quiet week night off we went, no booking in hand to try our luck. We were lucky. They were booked out already however they had a table for an early dinner. There were great signs as we arrived, welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff and the arrival of Cyrus Todiwala for dinner certainly excited us. This must be good! 

The menu was homely, with enough interesting twists to keep it original (they have a changing menu) such as the quail with pomegranate and pistachio, and the Poached Pear En Croûte, Crème Anglaise. Now there are many great restaurants in London. Too many really. Meaning that if you want to return to the same ones they have to have something special to keep you coming for more, otherwise you feel like you're missing out. Brawn was delicious, however when we left Hipster Dufus and I were on the same page. It was great to try, but there was nothing to make us want to go back.

Sunday 4 December 2011

Brrr, Gelato


Hot days are long gone now. I know, it's painful to admit. However on those few days when the sun does come out (making it unbelievably chilly), I pluck up the courage to venture to my favourite ice-cream parlour. Gelupo is an Italian deli with an advantage, it happens to be the sister company of the amazing Bocca Di Lupo (more on that one soon).  

The short walk from Charing Cross station reminds me why this is probably a bad idea, given that I can't feel any part of my body, however turning into Archer street, a warm tingly feeling comes all over me. Stepping inside Gelupo feels like you've been transported to one of those wonderful european holidays we've all been on. 

 Everything about the place screams 'Home-made', 'Authentic', 'Delicious!'. Whether or not it's too cold is not even a question worth asking, the only question is which combination of flavours to go for. My favourite, pistachio and almonds? Or something more experimental such as the lemon and sage? Hmmm...