I was asked recently by local and twitter buddy Maradoll for some good Mexican food recommendations, after she was given a quesadilla that was called a burrito, in a local eaterie. Now, my own experience of Mexican food is mostly of eating bad food at Cafe Pacifico's in Langley St, after a lot of tequila - in the days when I and my friends thought that was cool, so not exactly up to date...
As Maradoll is a San Fran foodie, who knows her stuff, the pressure was on and I knew I'd have to call in some help on this one. The cavalry arrived in the shape of my Latino ex-pat friend Jason, who carefully wrote me a list of Mexican eateries that live up to his expectations in London. It's a very short list, and untested by me - but I trust Jason, knowing his good taste. As always, if you have any suggestions to add - please do.
Benito's Hat (Must be good with a name like this): One branch in Goodge St and looks tasty - Burritos are the recommendation here: http://www.benitos-hat.com/
Tortilla : Two branches - one in Angel, one is Southwark. Again, Jason recommends the burritos: http://www.tortilla.co.uk/
Mestizo: This is Jason's recommendation for the full meal deal...it's not cheap, but Jason says it is good. It's day of the dead celebrations here from the 27th Nov until the 2nd of Nov, so could be a good time to visit. http://www.mestizomx.com/
Wahaca: This recommendation comes from Liberty London Girl - who has such impeccable taste in all things, that I'd be mad not to add it. Plus, Tomasina Meirs who set this small chain up, is an ex winner of Masterchef - and I think you all know about my obsession with that! Http://www.wahaca.co.uk/
And as for the tequila...all I can recommend for that is don't drink a whole bottle in a night.
Askhat xx
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Masterchef obsessional
So, I am addicted to MasterChef Professional. I can't decide whether I like it better than the usual Masterchef, but I am enjoying being incredibly scathing when the contestants can't do something simple like joint a chicken (like I can ..cough cough ahem) or cook their green beans properly. I am also mildly obsessed by CHEF Michel's rolling eyes and Gregg Wallace's unlikely dimple. Anyway - what that led onto was thinking about my favourite cookbooks, and the writers who I rely on again and again to do something interesting from the organic veg box. So in that vein here are my list of most loved and stained cookery books:
Anna Del Conte - Applecake and Artichokes - this book is lovely and my favourite discover from it is a warm salad of cauliflower with a pinenut and anchovy dressing. Worth it for that alone.
Nigel Slater - Real Fast Food got me through uni, then my little bro stole my copy. A lovely colleague replaced it for me and I haven't let it out of my hot little grasp since. This book, and Appetite are the regular weekday dinner inspirations - lentils with spinach and lemon and everyday soup being top stained pages. His roast chicken is the husband's favourite way to do a roast and I'm certainly not complaining.
Simon Hopkinson and Lindsey Bareham - Roast Chicken and Other stories. A slender volume, and very partial to offilish items, but some favourites including my chosen way to do roast chicken, as well as vinegar chicken which is an elegant fast dinner.
The Times Calender Cookbook - Katie Stewart. This one is out of print, but was one of the first cookbooks I used as a child. The falling apart paperback that my mother owned, was swapped for her mother's hardback when her mother died and I actually wailed when I discovered the paperback had been sent to Oxfam. The following Christmas I was given a hardback copy of my own and it has been in solid use ever since. Great for simple classic baking and general childhood nostalgia.
Rick Stein's Food Heroes - a few really loved recipes - our favourite is Lamb Naverin - a very good dinner party special.
English Food - Jane Grigson - the best recipe for yorkshire pudding I've ever used. Worth it for that alone, as well as the fascinating historical recipes.
That's all for now - but do let me know what recipe books you can't live without - or what you think of Gregg Wallace's patented fork technique...
Anna Del Conte - Applecake and Artichokes - this book is lovely and my favourite discover from it is a warm salad of cauliflower with a pinenut and anchovy dressing. Worth it for that alone.
Nigel Slater - Real Fast Food got me through uni, then my little bro stole my copy. A lovely colleague replaced it for me and I haven't let it out of my hot little grasp since. This book, and Appetite are the regular weekday dinner inspirations - lentils with spinach and lemon and everyday soup being top stained pages. His roast chicken is the husband's favourite way to do a roast and I'm certainly not complaining.
Simon Hopkinson and Lindsey Bareham - Roast Chicken and Other stories. A slender volume, and very partial to offilish items, but some favourites including my chosen way to do roast chicken, as well as vinegar chicken which is an elegant fast dinner.
The Times Calender Cookbook - Katie Stewart. This one is out of print, but was one of the first cookbooks I used as a child. The falling apart paperback that my mother owned, was swapped for her mother's hardback when her mother died and I actually wailed when I discovered the paperback had been sent to Oxfam. The following Christmas I was given a hardback copy of my own and it has been in solid use ever since. Great for simple classic baking and general childhood nostalgia.
Rick Stein's Food Heroes - a few really loved recipes - our favourite is Lamb Naverin - a very good dinner party special.
English Food - Jane Grigson - the best recipe for yorkshire pudding I've ever used. Worth it for that alone, as well as the fascinating historical recipes.
That's all for now - but do let me know what recipe books you can't live without - or what you think of Gregg Wallace's patented fork technique...
Monday, 21 September 2009
Fashion for over forties
Now I've got a few years before I need to put myself in this category...but only a few (sob). So I like to keep a weather eye on what my (slightly) older compatriots are doing in the style stakes and from what I see my tears may be unnecessary. In fact, when I saw the fabulous http://thatsnotmyage.blogspot.com blog I thought I'll need those extra years to get my style up to scratch. TNMA's blog is tackling the satorial street style of the over forties, in the same way the hip scenesters are for the young folk, to great acclaim.
Keep up with the big girls and boys here: http://thatsnotmyage.blogspot.com who are at london fashion week all this week.
Keep up with the big girls and boys here: http://thatsnotmyage.blogspot.com who are at london fashion week all this week.
Thursday, 27 August 2009
Focus pull
Hmm, so you may have noticed that the useful drinking, eating and general stuff posts stopped a while ago...
Well, m'lud I'm afraid I got myself with child, and didn't really want to do anything for three months.
But I'm back now - with a bit more energy and a mildly obsessive interest in well priced, stylish maternity clothes and good non alcoholic drinks. So I'll be back very soon with some good tips (I hope) but in the meantime am off to go camping, while I still only take up a single mattress...
Askhat x
Well, m'lud I'm afraid I got myself with child, and didn't really want to do anything for three months.
But I'm back now - with a bit more energy and a mildly obsessive interest in well priced, stylish maternity clothes and good non alcoholic drinks. So I'll be back very soon with some good tips (I hope) but in the meantime am off to go camping, while I still only take up a single mattress...
Askhat x
Friday, 6 March 2009
Partisan London delights part 1
Dear Askhat.com,
I want to check out London--any suggestions on where to go or not to go?
Yours,
Karen, San Francisco
Dear Karen,
Blimey! Now this is a bit of a wide open question on first glance, but I do know you are a writer, so I'll try and get some literary delights in, but frankly this is a perfect chance to list some of my favorite London things! In fact, I'll have to split this post otherwise I'll give away all my favorite places in one go. So I'll start with food/drink and entertainment - culture, shopping and oddities as well as places to avoid to will follow soon...
Food:
Canteen (any branch) http://www.canteen.co.uk/
I love this modern british all day restaurant. Friendly staff, lovely designed spaces and the simple but wide ranging choices make this a winner for me. Pop in for a bacon sarnie in the morning, or a pie of the day at lunchtime or a toasted muffin and pot of tea tea for teatime!
Morgan M: http://www.morganm.com/
This is my very, very favorite and extremely special restaurant. The chef used to work at Admiralty at Somerset House, which I have a soft spot for on account of it being where I met the husband, on an ice rink. Anyway we had such an extraordinary meal at Admiralty that when I heard the chef had moved, I stalked him. Obviously. So when he opened his own place, in Islington, we went there for the husband's birthday. It was fantastic - each course a delight, the matched wines just right and the ambience and service incredibly special. If you're in the mood for a wondrous splurge then this is the place.
Patisserie Valerie and Konditor and Cook :
http://www.patisserie-valerie.co.uk/
http://www.konditorandcook.com/
Pat Val is a Soho stalwart - windows of elegantly tiered cakes to ooh and ahh over and the home of many a gossip filled, calorie laden half hour. Pat Val wins on the proper French pastries and old fashioned waitresses. I personally prefer the cake from Konditor and Cook (it's the only place I've bought a cake for a family birthday if I didn't have time to make my own) but there aren't so many sit down versions of K and C...
Drinks and Dancing
Claridges Bar. (Bond St tube) http://www.claridges.co.uk/
Now this I love, partly because the staff are SO charming, and partly because the glorious art deco toilets are marvellous. I began a rather elegant hen night for a friend, at the bar here, and by the time we left the delightful bar man had given us all one of the Claridges velvety red roses and fended off the overexcited hotel guest who'd tried to give us his room number. The drinks are good too, but that's not the main reason for going there for me. Wear your best "oh this old thing" understanded glamour, grab a table and watch the eurotrash and mayfair locals while drinking a perfect champagne cocktail.
Also does a great afternoon tea
Gordon's wine bar (Charing Cross) http://www.gordonswinebar.com
Whatever your intentions are, I've never ever left here and not been roaring drunk. Great fun in summer and winter and unlike anywhere else.
"Ain't nothing but the blues" Kingly Street, W1B (nearest tube Oxford Circus)
Don't go here if you want to stay sober, avoid strangers or have an aversion to standing so close to strangers that you can smell the soap powder they use on their underwear. Do go here if you like live blues music, enjoy meeting new people and discovering the special time shift which a good night has - of turning 10 pm into 3 am in a mere nano second.
Rivoli Ballroom:
This is a place rather than a night and with it's red and gold decor, properly sprung dance floor and ladies powder rooms you'll feel like you're in a film. And the Rivoli has been on screen more often that most - music videos, films, photoshoots and tv series have all used the Rivoli's athmospheric glamour as a backdrop.Nights include swing dancing, salsa and all kinds of dressed up, super ott nights which are great for imagining yourself in a different era.
Classic Pub:
I like a pub with a fire. I like anywhere with a fire really but for a classic pub I think you need one. Also wood panelling and slightly ropy looking bar stools and an old man and a dog in a corner. Now most god pubs have become gastro pubs, which are nice, but not the same, so trying to give you a classic pub is hard. So here are two good options - and dear readers , do please add your own suggestions.
The Angel, Rotherhithe. http://www.pubs.com/pub_details.cfm?ID=263
A pub with a view over the river thames, in a slightly unsalubrious part of London and a whole heap of history (the mayflower left from hereabouts) has got to be a london classic. Fire? Check. Wood Panelling? Check. Tiny rooms, tiny balcony over river and large beer garden on the riverside? Double checked...
The Coach and Horses, Greek St:
This is a true Soho pub - a mix of anyones, no-ones and well knowns all squashed in together to have a drink. The fun is in the crowd - don't expect bar snack, or great drinks but enjoy the people watching.
I know there are lots more that I'll remember as soon as I've posted, but hopefully these will do for now.
Yours in Londonness,
AskHat
I want to check out London--any suggestions on where to go or not to go?
Yours,
Karen, San Francisco
Dear Karen,
Blimey! Now this is a bit of a wide open question on first glance, but I do know you are a writer, so I'll try and get some literary delights in, but frankly this is a perfect chance to list some of my favorite London things! In fact, I'll have to split this post otherwise I'll give away all my favorite places in one go. So I'll start with food/drink and entertainment - culture, shopping and oddities as well as places to avoid to will follow soon...
Food:
Canteen (any branch) http://www.canteen.co.uk/
I love this modern british all day restaurant. Friendly staff, lovely designed spaces and the simple but wide ranging choices make this a winner for me. Pop in for a bacon sarnie in the morning, or a pie of the day at lunchtime or a toasted muffin and pot of tea tea for teatime!
Morgan M: http://www.morganm.com/
This is my very, very favorite and extremely special restaurant. The chef used to work at Admiralty at Somerset House, which I have a soft spot for on account of it being where I met the husband, on an ice rink. Anyway we had such an extraordinary meal at Admiralty that when I heard the chef had moved, I stalked him. Obviously. So when he opened his own place, in Islington, we went there for the husband's birthday. It was fantastic - each course a delight, the matched wines just right and the ambience and service incredibly special. If you're in the mood for a wondrous splurge then this is the place.
Patisserie Valerie and Konditor and Cook :
http://www.patisserie-valerie.co.uk/
http://www.konditorandcook.com/
Pat Val is a Soho stalwart - windows of elegantly tiered cakes to ooh and ahh over and the home of many a gossip filled, calorie laden half hour. Pat Val wins on the proper French pastries and old fashioned waitresses. I personally prefer the cake from Konditor and Cook (it's the only place I've bought a cake for a family birthday if I didn't have time to make my own) but there aren't so many sit down versions of K and C...
Drinks and Dancing
Claridges Bar. (Bond St tube) http://www.claridges.co.uk/
Now this I love, partly because the staff are SO charming, and partly because the glorious art deco toilets are marvellous. I began a rather elegant hen night for a friend, at the bar here, and by the time we left the delightful bar man had given us all one of the Claridges velvety red roses and fended off the overexcited hotel guest who'd tried to give us his room number. The drinks are good too, but that's not the main reason for going there for me. Wear your best "oh this old thing" understanded glamour, grab a table and watch the eurotrash and mayfair locals while drinking a perfect champagne cocktail.
Also does a great afternoon tea
Gordon's wine bar (Charing Cross) http://www.gordonswinebar.com
Whatever your intentions are, I've never ever left here and not been roaring drunk. Great fun in summer and winter and unlike anywhere else.
"Ain't nothing but the blues" Kingly Street, W1B (nearest tube Oxford Circus)
Don't go here if you want to stay sober, avoid strangers or have an aversion to standing so close to strangers that you can smell the soap powder they use on their underwear. Do go here if you like live blues music, enjoy meeting new people and discovering the special time shift which a good night has - of turning 10 pm into 3 am in a mere nano second.
Rivoli Ballroom:
This is a place rather than a night and with it's red and gold decor, properly sprung dance floor and ladies powder rooms you'll feel like you're in a film. And the Rivoli has been on screen more often that most - music videos, films, photoshoots and tv series have all used the Rivoli's athmospheric glamour as a backdrop.Nights include swing dancing, salsa and all kinds of dressed up, super ott nights which are great for imagining yourself in a different era.
Classic Pub:
I like a pub with a fire. I like anywhere with a fire really but for a classic pub I think you need one. Also wood panelling and slightly ropy looking bar stools and an old man and a dog in a corner. Now most god pubs have become gastro pubs, which are nice, but not the same, so trying to give you a classic pub is hard. So here are two good options - and dear readers , do please add your own suggestions.
The Angel, Rotherhithe. http://www.pubs.com/pub_details.cfm?ID=263
A pub with a view over the river thames, in a slightly unsalubrious part of London and a whole heap of history (the mayflower left from hereabouts) has got to be a london classic. Fire? Check. Wood Panelling? Check. Tiny rooms, tiny balcony over river and large beer garden on the riverside? Double checked...
The Coach and Horses, Greek St:
This is a true Soho pub - a mix of anyones, no-ones and well knowns all squashed in together to have a drink. The fun is in the crowd - don't expect bar snack, or great drinks but enjoy the people watching.
I know there are lots more that I'll remember as soon as I've posted, but hopefully these will do for now.
Yours in Londonness,
AskHat
Friday, 20 February 2009
Kings Cross for Foodies
Dear Askhat.com,
I'm meeting an friend, an elegant film lawyer, for supper next week. We need to be around Kings Cross and don't want to go anywhere too fancy but neither do we want a dive. Can you recommend some suitable places to eat that are easy on the pocket, but stylish enough to impress?
Love
Askhat's Dad
Dear Dad,
You're in luck - the new King's Hall/Guardian/general regeneration of Kings cross has thrown up some interesting places and here are my top tips for a relaxed night of dinner and conversation:
Spanish Tapas
Camino - 3 Varnishers Yard, Regents Quarter, King's Cross, N1 9FD: www.camino.uk.com
Gastropub
The Norfolk Arms, 28 Leigh Street, Bloomsbury, WC1H 9EP: www.norfolkarms.co.uk
Eco Gastropub with super-locally sourced food.
Konstam, 2 Acton Street, King's Cross, WC1X 9NA: www.konstam.co.uk
If you did want to push the boat out - then the place to be would have to be the St Pancras Grand in the station itself. Home of the longest champagne bar in Europe - the food aint bad either and it would be a glamorous place to meet and eat if money is no object...
Old fashioned glamour
St Pancras Grand, St Pancras Grand
St Pancras International
Upper Concourse
London
NW1 9QP
http://www.searcys.co.uk/stpancrasgrand/109/restaurant/
Hope this helps,
Love
Askhat.com
I'm meeting an friend, an elegant film lawyer, for supper next week. We need to be around Kings Cross and don't want to go anywhere too fancy but neither do we want a dive. Can you recommend some suitable places to eat that are easy on the pocket, but stylish enough to impress?
Love
Askhat's Dad
Dear Dad,
You're in luck - the new King's Hall/Guardian/general regeneration of Kings cross has thrown up some interesting places and here are my top tips for a relaxed night of dinner and conversation:
Spanish Tapas
Camino - 3 Varnishers Yard, Regents Quarter, King's Cross, N1 9FD: www.camino.uk.com
Gastropub
The Norfolk Arms, 28 Leigh Street, Bloomsbury, WC1H 9EP: www.norfolkarms.co.uk
Eco Gastropub with super-locally sourced food.
Konstam, 2 Acton Street, King's Cross, WC1X 9NA: www.konstam.co.uk
If you did want to push the boat out - then the place to be would have to be the St Pancras Grand in the station itself. Home of the longest champagne bar in Europe - the food aint bad either and it would be a glamorous place to meet and eat if money is no object...
Old fashioned glamour
St Pancras Grand, St Pancras Grand
St Pancras International
Upper Concourse
London
NW1 9QP
http://www.searcys.co.uk/stpancrasgrand/109/restaurant/
Hope this helps,
Love
Askhat.com
Monday, 19 January 2009
Baby it's cold inside...
Yes - as the old song goes - it's cold outside, but what it doesn't mention is that it's also pretty parky inside as well - especially if you work from home. No-one's going to see you, but I always stick to my rule of getting properly dressed. However, being properly dressed can leave you feeling chilly, and layering up at the laptop is a key skill (although nothing seems to keep my hands warm - indoor typing gloves anyone?). So, for extra cosiness - an overgarment is required - and I have been on a two year (at least) search for the perfect item. Dressing gowns don't work - you don't feel professional, even if you're fully dressed underneath and a coat indoors - just wrong. Big cardigans are good - but so far, I've never found one quite big enough that isn't too bulky as well...and then I found the cardigown...
Ladies and gentlemen - it's soft, it's warm, doesn't constrict your movment, it's long but not too long and is part angora! Suffice to say, I'm now in homeworker heaven and even better, I got my cardigown half price in the sale. Mine was from Hush, but Toast, Pyjama Room and the White Company have similar(ish) items.
And don't forget your feet - cold feet make the rest of you feel chilly too - and I favour falke slipper socks over the ubiquitous uggs. They may make you look like something out of asterix and obelix, but they do keep your tootsies toasty.
http://www.hush-uk.com
http://www.thewhitecompany.com
http://www.toast.co.uk
http://www.pyjamaroom.com/
http://www.lastfootwear.com/product.php?id=87&catid=-1&scatid=-1
Askhat.com
Ladies and gentlemen - it's soft, it's warm, doesn't constrict your movment, it's long but not too long and is part angora! Suffice to say, I'm now in homeworker heaven and even better, I got my cardigown half price in the sale. Mine was from Hush, but Toast, Pyjama Room and the White Company have similar(ish) items.
And don't forget your feet - cold feet make the rest of you feel chilly too - and I favour falke slipper socks over the ubiquitous uggs. They may make you look like something out of asterix and obelix, but they do keep your tootsies toasty.
http://www.hush-uk.com
http://www.thewhitecompany.com
http://www.toast.co.uk
http://www.pyjamaroom.com/
http://www.lastfootwear.com/product.php?id=87&catid=-1&scatid=-1
Askhat.com
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