Archive For July 2011
Richmond is that leafy and rather posh terminus of the District Line. It’s got swanky river frontage, historic buildings and The Green skirted by homes of the rich and famous. A good location for some decent restaurants catering for the discerning high-end palate. The latest addition to the Thai Square group has arrived on the…
Arto der Haroutunian died too young. He has left a cult following and a series of books to remind us of the very reasons that he still inspires cookbook collectors and home chefs alike. He had a particular all-encompassing view of the world that enabled him to graze the globe and archive his findings in…
I guess we all think that we know lots about Iraq. It visits our sitting room every evening. There are snippets of tragic news on the radio every day and the very name incites strong emotions in many. But few of us have considered that war-torn land as having much of a culinary heritage. It’s…
John Gregory-Smith has penned a unique and fascinating volume. It considers the spices themselves rather than focusing on a particular culinary tradition. So many countries have cuisines that showcase spices. Chilli is common across the globe but was unknown outside the Americas before that continent was discovered; these days we could not consider making an…
Greek Street is one of my favourite corners of London. It has the feel of a village with heaps of charm preserved from another era. It was originally called Hogs Lane, but is thought to have been called Greek Street since 1679. It probably takes its name from a Greek church which was built in…
London is acknowledged to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It’s been a magnet for tourists for generations. Plenty of celebrated museums, and all free, galleries to admire, and then there is always retail therapy, and that has never gone out of style. Yes, we have famous buildings by the score…
I know there are some good restaurants in and around Chinatown but they are famously few and far between. It’s a universal truth that the best food in any city will not be found in areas where business is supported by tourists. Those folks are a one-time hit: the restaurants don’t expect them to return…
We all understand the need to eat healthy foods. We tick off our five a day – although we sometimes struggle to reach three. There is fresh seasonal produce and other savoury delights on which to graze, and the constant need to find a fast and delicious meal. Sandwiches can fit the bill – or…