Archive For October 2011
Any self-respecting cookbook collector will already be familiar with the work of Sally Butcher. She charmingly penned Persia in Peckham, which was a worthy showcase for her wit and expert wordsmithery. That book had its focus on amazing Middle Eastern food of every dietary hue, set against the backdrop of Persepolis, the Aladdin’s cave of…
I am indeed an unashamed supporter of The Dorchester. Not that they exactly need my patronage but I want to nail my colours to their mast. It’s quality writ large and it never disappoints. If you are looking for classic service and charm then you will appreciate its every plush cushion and impressive vase. There…
The neighbourhood around Mercer Street Hotel belongs to the Worshipful Company of Mercers. A mercer was a dealer in textiles and The Mercers’ Company is one of the 108 Livery Companies of the City of London, established around 700 years ago. These days the organisation is known for its charities and schools but Mercer Street…
This summer William Chow opened his sixth and latest branch of Banana Tree and this time in Soho, that bastion of Chinese cuisine of variable quality. He has remained true to his original concept and has his focus on Indochinese food. The chain has been around for 20 years, and to open a new restaurant…
I have a slow cooker dating from the 80s. It’s a solid tub with a switch for high and low and it just doesn’t seem to wear out. The new versions have a ceramic insert that makes for easier cleaning but the principle of slow cookers has remained the same, and I guarantee that you…
I am, and it’s evident to you, dear regular reader, not only a restaurant reviewer but a cookbook reviewer. I love my work and almost every book that passes across my desk (IKEA computer stand) has a recipe or two to which I will return, time after time. I can’t say the same for Hawksmoor…
Stately Homes have always held a fascination. Great houses set amongst manicured lawns, and trees often grown from seedlings collected by intrepid botanists a couple of centuries ago. But now we can enjoy not only a few hours at these magnificent estates but we can stay and play. When it comes to chequered and fascinating…
Way back in the 60s pressure cookers were the latest kitchen appliance. My mum had one and would use it quite often but it had an alarming hiss and emitted a remarkable jet of steam. Aunty Jean from next door wouldn’t come into the kitchen if the pressure cooker was on the stove and even…
It’s just the time to start getting anxious about Christmas. All that shopping …and all that cooking and baking. It’s a special season, when we want to make an extra effort for family and friends; our usual delicious food but with a little more care taken over presentation. Sweet things and large cakes can provide…
It’s the modern way of enjoying a meal out. Perhaps not even a full meal, but a few small and perfect plates to graze on while sipping a glass of sherry, a full bodied red or a crisp white. Tapas is indeed more popular than ever outside Spain, its country of origin. Tapas are rumoured…
I am an unashamed supporter of these chunky volumes from Apple Press. This time it’s the talented and prolific Ghillie Basan who has penned 500 Asian Dishes which encompasses much of the culinary wealth of China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Indonesia and the Philippines. The chapters here are divided by type of…