Our columnist Mark Hix on how his good friend Mark Botwright is changing the way we use garlic in cooking June 14, 2016 What the hell are these?” I wondered when I was first offered garlic scapes by Mark “The Garlic Farmer” Botwright. He’s been secretly experimenting with garlic growing just outside of Charmouth, where I live, for years. He has a unique thing going on down there and he’s unlocked an awful lot of products from this [...]
Mark Hix feeds 10 with a single trout after coming up short in the river June 7, 2016 Mark Hix continues his fishy adventures in Ireland… (For pt.1 click here) Well, I’m sure you were looking forward to reading how many salmon we managed to land on the river bank on day two of my Galway salmon fishing trip? Well I’m going to disappoint you: between you and I, it was zero. Both Peter [...]
Working Lunch: City restaurant L’Anima near Liverpool Street has beetroot tortellini to die for June 7, 2016 L’Anima means “soul” in Italian and the aim of this City-restaurant is is to provide a glimpse into the very soul of southern Italian cuisine, featuring modern takes on hearty classics. The spring menu revolves around fresh, zesty ingredients like artichoke slaw with cured fish roe, and asparagus with egg and guanciale. There’s also a L’Anima [...]
The best vodka: 8 bottles that prove Russia’s finest is a class act June 6, 2016 Vodka is the simplest of all spirits – its name is taken from the Slavic for “little water” – but as connoisseurs of Danish furniture can attest, getting more from less is an art of its own. It may not require months or years of ageing, but it’s a singularly unforgiving spirit, with no juniper [...]
Our columnist Mark Hix accepts a challenge from an old friend to catch a wild salmon in the weirs of Ireland May 24, 2016 Two or three times a year I’ll visit Ireland, mainly to see my good friend Peter Hannan who supplies my restaurants exclusively with Glenarm estate beef. My stay often includes a little bit of fishing, a lot of very good eating and experimenting with Peter’s new beef, lamb and pork products. But last time I [...]
Chelsea Flower show making you peckish? Craft London and Rotorino chef Stevie Parle tells you what flowers you can eat May 24, 2016 Chelsea Flower Show left you peckish? Chef/owner of Craft London Stevie Parle gives us tips on using flowers in cooking Most things that grow as a fruit or vegetable have a flower you can eat, such as peas, broad beans, apples, cherries and courgettes. But don’t just use flowers for food, they’re great as garnishes in [...]
Eastway Brasserie review: A slick and Manhattan-styled diner serving classic dishes May 24, 2016 This slick and moody Manhattan-style brasserie is tucked inside the illustrious Great Eastern Hotel by Liverpool Street Station. The glossy walnut and polished marble decor suggests Mad Men cool, but Eastway Brasserie turns out to be a more casual lunchtime spot, a charcuterie and grill serving burgers, sandwiches and steaks to hungry commuters. Here's the [...]
Mark Hix on how to forage for wild ramsons, Britain’s most underrated herb May 17, 2016 Wild garlic, or ramsons as the common variety is known, is one of the most abundant and tasty herbs growing in the British countryside. It’s a shame more people don’t forage for it and use it in their cooking. There are two main varieties that grow in the UK: three-cornered and hedgerow garlic. The latter [...]
Roka review: A Japanese robatayaki restaurant serving up grilled meat and seafood, sashimi and sushi May 17, 2016 Roka is a Japanese robatayaki restaurant – basically BBQ, but with a lighter touch – serving up grilled meat and seafood, sashimi and sushi. WHERE? 4 Park Pavilion, E14 5FW. On the first and second floors of Park Pavilion, that shiny enclave off the South Colonnade. Floor One is the main restaurant and wine/sake tasting area while [...]
Eight of London’s best rooftop bars and summer terraces in London to drink cocktails, eat BBQ and get sunburned, from Chelsea to The City to Canary Wharf May 11, 2016 The weekend's mini-heatwave may already seem like a distant memory, but fear not – we're due plenty more long, hot afternoons that are good for nothing but sitting on a terrace sipping pink cocktails and sweating. But where can one achieve such a glorious thing? Well, let us tell you – here's a round-up of some [...]