FOOD & BOOZE NEWS
POILANE OPENS ALL-DAY VENUE
Artisan bakery Poilâne has launched its first dining venue in the UK. The Cuisine de Bar by Poilâne at 39 Cadogan Gardens hopes to attract customers already familiar with its renowned chain of Parisian bakeries. Open until 8.30pm, it promises to serve wine as well as its famous bread and coffee (although its licence hadn’t arrived when I visited last weekend). It specialises in tartines, with its ingredients sourced from local vendors, although at £10 for an open sandwich, it isn’t cheap.
FAST FOOD DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN BAD FOOD
Chipotle Mexican Grill has launched a second London restaurant on Baker Street, continuing its push from the US, where it owns over 1,000 branches. It is essentially a high-end fast food parlour, with its selection of burritos and tacos being put together at the counter in front of you. It says its ingredients are all high quality and, where possible, locally sourced. It may be fast food but it’s a far cry from a greasy burger joint and, unlike McDonalds, you can enjoy your meal with a margarita.