Speaking Easy: Evans and Peel vs Dach and Sons

In the ever evolving London bar scene, it seems merely calling yourself just a bar isn't enough. You seem to need a theme, apply some rules that are not to be broken or brew your own booze to stand out from the crowd. Once you're done, call yourself a speakeasy, adding an air of mystery, something that makes you feel that you're part of a special gang. Maybe a password, or a hidden door, or better still, keep yourself hidden out the back of some perfunctory diner.

[Preview] - The Nomad Cinema ft. Salt Yard Group

It was only the other day that I was reminiscing about grand open air cinemas, amphitheatres of the modern day. Just outside Frankfurt, where I grew up, I was taken as a treat to see The Goonies on a massive outdoor screen, bringing along all the junk food an eight year old would need (basically just a bag of sweets). The occasion, the screen, the film, they all still resonate within me. I know the weather in the UK is debateable at the best of times, but I do wonder why we don't have more outdoor drive in cinemas.

Lima, Fitzrovia

When I read about the growth of Peruvian food in some article or another about a year ago, I dismissed this out of hand. The little I knew I of Peruvian food revolved around roasted guinea pigs and fish smothered in some sort of strange limey concoction, and had no idea how this food fad could justifiably develop into a "trend". Can't say that seemed too appealing and read on about burgers and the rise of all things USA.

[In Pics] Cafe Viva, Peckham

Just a few cheeky pics of my lunch from a new (ish) cafe on Choumert Road (just at the end of all the Nigerian shops). I had a breakfast bap (bacon, egg, roasted tomato, rocket) with an iced coffee and a fresh apple juice for £7.50 which I don't think is too bad. Coffee is supplied by local roastery Volcano, which is a bonus. A nice addition for Peckham.

[Mini bites] - Mestizo

The general word on the street is that there aren't that many places to eat decent Mexican food in London. I can't say I know what real Mexican food is, but there are plenty of places that I enjoy. I've eaten at Lupita since it opened and generally enjoy each meal I have had, there is the Wahaca group of restaurants which do a good job in the casual dining market, takeaways such as Benitos hat and El Burrito which always fill the void and even higher end restaurants such as Taqueria which are meant to be excellent.

Up on the roof....

When London is kissed by the sun, there are fewer places in the world that I would rather be. Sadly, we seem to be in the midst of one of those summers where the seasons in colour is grey and dappled with rain. Thing is, when the weather does take a turn for the better, there aren't many better places to be than on a sunny rooftop, eating, drinking and being merry.I'm not sure how I did it, but I managed just that, two sunny days in London, two rooftops and excellent times.

Burgers, Burgers, Chicken, Burgers

Now that I managed to get over this whole burger hump, theres no stopping me. My number one at the moment comes from the quite excellent Lucky Chip. Based out in Hackney, they moved from their outfit in Netil Market indoors to the pretty old school setting of the Sebright arms. Each of Lucky Chips burger creations are named after a Hollywood star. The Kelly Le Brock oozes cream cheese, the Kevin Bacon is loaded with the porky stuff and the John Belushi is heart achingly packed with foie gras, bone marrow and truffle oil. My personal favourite is the Tom Selleck, a mind boggling invention including an onion ring housing BBQ sauce, bacon and a pineapple slice.

[Mini Bites]: Josper grilling at Plateau, Canary Wharf

I love playing around with gadgets and there are fewer better gadgets to play around with than a fully fitted professional kitchen. One rainy Satruday not that long ago (but long enough ago that I can't remember when), I was invited along to Plateau in Canary Wharf. The main reason behind this was to geek out and learn about the restaurant, their meat (and their suppliers) but most importantly, we had the opportunity to experience and cook with a Josper grill.

Burgers, Hypocrites and the return of hype: The Admiral Codrington

So yes, it appears I have become a burger hypocrite. Ever since I mentioned that I was slowly becoming bored of the whole London burger trend, what do I go and do? Stuff my face with burgers. Actually, a lot of burgers. Burgers from Lucky Chip, burgers from MEATmarket, and most recently, the almost perfect slider from the MEATLiquor stall at the annual and very excellent Soho Food Feast.

Jubilee Gubbins Pick'n Mix

Ah, God bless the Queen and her Jubilee. Not only does it grant us an extra long weekend here in the UK (thank you ma’am) but appears to have triggered a jubilee avalanche over pretty much everything. Over the last few weeks, I have witnessed a variety of weird jubilee related gubbins, and the extent to which some people go to get Jubilee'd up is quite astounding.