London Appetizer

The Haberdashery Opens in Crouch End, London

2009-12-04T16:09:40+00:00

A new coffee house and eatery called the haberdashery has opened at 22 Middle Lane, Crouch End.

I had this email from Greg, one of the owners:

"As the two founders and longtime friends, this is our first venture, and we have spent the last year rummaging through quirky and characterful old-fashioned fairs and markets.

The property we took over was a lino-covered caf, but with much sweat and on-the-spot diy learning, we filled six builder skips and restored it to its original victorian looks, including the windows, pine floors and tongue and groove walls.

Since opening last week, we have received a tremendously positive response from our community, who have noticed the details we have been so passionate about. these include:
# presenting all our food and drink in quirky and mismatched serving ware, such as old café au lait bowls and kilner jars
# doing loads of baking, including bread and muffin selections in vintage terracotta pots, which change daily
# the many unusual confectionery items displayed in our 1940’s haberdashery counter, and our vintage teacups and saucers hanging on a large zinc and iron bottle drying rack
# offering amazing drinks, such as barley coffee, real hot chocolate from Italy, and organic beers
supporting our community by purchasing supplies from local / small businesses
# playing golden age music (ella, nat, billie, etc.) on an old turntable

We also have a lovely garden in the back, which will come into its own in the spring when we properly plan it…

For more information, please do contact us."

greg vukasovic
greg@the-haberdashery.com

22 Middle lane Crouch End London N8 8PL

The London Appetizer wishes The Haberdashery all the best for Xmas and 2010!

Get in the mood for Christmas with the new GBK festive menu

2009-12-03T15:30:32+00:00

Gourmet Burger Kitchen’s (gbk) new Kiwi Christmas Menu, available now, is the perfect way to fuel up this season whether you are braving the hoards of Christmas shoppers or looking for a festive bite to eat with work colleagues and friends.

Combining top quality, fresh ingredients with lots of seasonal magic, gbk has created a three course set menu for just £10.95 including two brand new burgers. Get your chops round the stacked Turkey Burger – a delicious crumbed turkey breast topped with stuffing, cranberries and bacon. Or, for something a bit different, tuck into the indulgent Venison Burger topped with a gbk’s home-made spiced redcurrant & cranberry sauce.

For those who are craving gbk’s classic 100% Aberdeen Angus Scotch beef, the infamous Cheese Burger also makes an appearance on the menu alongside the Puy Lentil Burger for vegetarians. All mains come with a generous portion of gbk’s crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside chunky fries.

For a pre burger bite the menu includes the succulent yet crispy Cajun Chicken Pieces served with homemade dip, a light and tangy Rocket and Parmesan Salad or traditional gbk Homeslaw. And, for a sweet finish – a cute mince pie.

Cat Kebbeh, Head of Marketing at Gourmet Burger Kitchen said: “The new Kiwi Christmas Menu symbolises what gbk is all about – great tasting, out of the ordinary burgers combined with a good helping of Kiwi Spirit. The new Kiwi Christmas Menu is the perfect way to get everyone in the mood for Christmas.”

gbk is THE place to remind yourself how sensational the humble burger can be. With 28 different burgers on the new winter menu from the simple classic to the complex Kiwiburger, a large vegetarian selection, an exclusive premium organic Buffalo burger range from the beautiful Laverstoke Park Farm and exciting salads, there really is something for everyone at GBK.

Visit the new Gourmet Burger Kitchen website at www.gbk.co.uk

Half Price Christmas Menu at Gilgamesh

2009-12-03T15:25:13+00:00

Tis’ the season for the annual Christmas lunch with colleagues, friends or family. Gilgamesh is offering guests a bespoke 50% off Christmas lunch menu to enjoy, before the season is up.

As we are still in a recession, it’s understandable that everyone is looking after the pennies at present – but this doesn’t mean that standards need to be dropped. Gilgamesh is renowned for offering guests luxurious Pan-Asian delicacies in luxurious surroundings – and this Christmas will be no different.

Guests will be presented with a choice of two menus for £25 a head; a set menu and a vegetarian set menu. For starters, there will be a selection of dishes such as Steamed Prawn & Garlic Chive Dumpling, Duck Spring Roll, Hoisin Sauce and for vegetarians Sweet Potato Tempura Inside Out Sushi Roll and Green Mango & Star Fruit Salad with Red Nahm Jim. For the main course, guests can choose from two dishes from the set menu or two from the vegetarian. For example, Red Chicken Curry with Straw Mushrooms & Thai Basil or for vegetarians; Aubergine and Tofu Red Curry Thai Basil & Lime Leaf.

For dessert, Green Tea Brule and White Chocolate Ice Cream. There is also a Sommelier Selection of wine suggested as the perfect accompaniment to this dinner. Try the Red: 2007 Sangiovese, from Negroamaro Sicily, Italy – 70% off at only £18 a bottle.

Throughout December, the huge pan-Asian paradise will be decked out with baubles and tinsel, sparkling lights on the palm trees, Santa Claus style beards on the Sphinxes and a giant Christmas tree, making Gilgamesh the ultimate festive party venue.

Think of Gilgamesh when planning your Christmas lunch, for an amazing meal without the ridiculous price!

GILGAMESH
Camden View
Camden Stables Market
Chalk Farm Road
London NW1 8AH
Tel: 020 7482 5757
www.gilgameshbar.com

Buddha Bar’s Christmas Shopping Solution

2009-12-03T15:22:20+00:00

Buddha Bar is one of London’s most exciting and spectacular restaurants, offering a distinctive mix of imaginative contemporary pan-Asian food, sexy interiors, chic staff and exotic world music.

If you are rushed off your feet and the thought of Christmas shopping is causing sleepless nights, your nearest and dearest have everything and despite your best efforts, dislike everything you buy them…. do not despair, as this year throughout the festive period, Buddha Bar is on hand to make your Christmas simple, stylish and stress free. With their exclusive customised gift and dining experience, you and your guests can indulge in dishes from the exquisite set menu then afterwards you can surprise them with a luxuriously wrapped Buddha Bar gift, personalised with words of your choice. So this year you can sit back, relax and let Buddha Bar take care of your Christmas.

Set Menu

Edamame
Salmon new style sashimi with Thai cucumber salad
Buddha-bar chicken salad
Mixed salad
-
Black cod with yuzu miso
Wok fried beef with Thai basil
Five spice grilled chicken
Steamed jasmine rice
Buddha-bar noodles
-
Yoghurt and cinnamon parfait with roasted plum

Gifts

For her - Scented candle, £87.00 pp
For him - Paper weight, £73.50 pp
For them - Sake set, £99.60 pp

Reservations can be made on 020 3371 7777 or at enquiry@buddhabar-london.com. Buddha Bar is located at 8 Victoria Embankment, London WC2R 2AB. The website is www.buddhabar-london.com

Afternoon Tea at Eight Members Club in Moorgate

2009-11-26T17:02:42+00:00

Throughout the festive season, Eight Members Club will be serving a bespoke Christmas themed afternoon tea complete with all the trimmings. Resident pastry chef Vanessa Antoli who has previously worked with Tom Aikens and the Berkeley Hotel, has designed all the sweet treats that will be ‘wrapped’ in an indulgent icing complete with icing ribbon.

The special festive afternoon tea will include Christmas favourites such as Cranberry Macaroons, Pear and Ginger Tarts, Christmas Cake and Mince Pies. There will also be custom made Chocolate Brownie Baubles, sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s palate. Served on a three tier stand, the Christmas tea will also include all the traditional tea components such as warm freshly baked scones, clotted cream and jam and a selection of delectable finger sandwiches.

Eight Members Club in Moorgate sets the perfect backdrop to enjoy this quintessential British experience. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the rooftop club boasts 360 panoramic views of London where guests can enjoy all the Christmas lights of London. Take a seat in The Library, which provides a secret haven with its wood panelled walls, leather and muted colours, making it a warm and comfortable space to enjoy the treats.

To round off the Christmas experience at Eight Members Club, follow up the festive afternoon tea with a warming glass of mulled wine on one of the expansive terraces that surround the two storey members club. Eight will be providing warm blankets for guests to get cosy under and enjoy the London skyline.

Come in from the cold and treat yourself to a delicious Christmas Afternoon Tea at Eight Members Club.

Contact Eight Moorgate on 0207 392 9410 / www.eightclub.co.uk for bookings

Eight Moorgate EC2
1 Dysart Street
EC2A 2BX
0207 392 9410
www.eightclub.co.uk

Zia Teresa Restaurant celebrates its ‘Golden Anniversary’

2009-11-26T15:44:07+00:00

Owned by Stefano Fraquelli of Metropolitan Restaurants and previously owned by his late father, Zia Teresa restaurant in Hans Road, Knightsbridge is this year celebrating its Golden Anniversary. To mark this momentous anniversary and the continuity of management and ownership, Fraquelli is offering every customer a complimentary glass of sparkling, golden Franciacorta wine, in association with one of Italy’s leading producers, La Montina, for the next 12 months.

Zia Teresa’s reputation and on-going success has earned it several accolades over the years, including The Independent's "Best Neighbourhood Restaurant" award in 2005, for "serving hit-the-spot, reliable Italian food." It was the only Knightsbridge restaurant that was consistently voted for by The Independent's discerning readers. Incredibly for these times of credit crunch, sales figures are currently 25% up on last year, validating the impression that Fraquelli really knows how to look after his customers.

When asked about the success of this much-loved restaurant Fraquelli’s explanation is simple; “I’m terribly lucky; it’s probably one of the best locations for a restaurant in the world and we attract all generations from local residents to business people and tourists. They like the fact that the food is good quality without any hefty price tags, which you wouldn’t expect, given the location. People’s demands may appear to have changed over the decades, but in actual fact the success of Zia Teresa comes down to its traditional charm and character and the simplicity of the menu, which still reflects what Italian food has always been about. Nowadays there are very few concepts that are so resilient.”

Further endorsement of this special anniversary comes from Fiat’s flagship store in Marylebone, who have boldly displayed the Zia Teresa Golden Anniversary logo over two of their new Cinquecento model, (Fiat 500). Cinquecento and Zia Teresa could, in fact, both be considered modern day icons, with their roots firmly in the past, but still perfectly apposite in today’s world. One of London’s leading shirt-makers, T M Lewin, have sponsored the staff uniforms and collectively this level of support is a reflection of Fraquelli’s reputation and demonstrates their desire to be associated with this inveterate restaurateur, who was decorated with the esteemed title of ‘Cavaliere’ by the president of the Italian Republic, for his services and contribution to the Italian community.

Customers visiting the restaurant between November 2009 and 2010 will receive a complimentary glass of sparkling, golden Franciacorta wine; and for a limited period, a special 3 course Golden Anniversary Menu for only £15.00.

Planet Hollywood Christmas Menu

2009-11-26T13:47:16+00:00

Planet Hollywood has launched a festive menu to spread Christmas cheer throughout the winter months. For the perfect yuletide event, a traditional feast with all the trimmings has been added to their diverse menu.

A three or four course menu will be available (for £24.95 or £34.95) with a selection of dishes to suit every palate. For Starters, guests can choose from a classic Prawn Cocktail in Marie Rose Sauce or a light and fresh Salad of Gravadlax with a Sweet Mustard and Dill Dressing. For the main course, diners can enjoy the archetypal Christmas main of Roast Turkey served with Sage and Onion Stuffing, Roast Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts, Chestnuts and Buttered Carrots. Or in true Planet Hollywood style, try the Rack of Tender Baby Back Ribs smothered in a Tangy and Sweet BBQ Sauce, served with Chips and Coleslaw for a classic American dish.

If there is any room for dessert, try the White Chocolate Bread and Butter Pudding served with Whipped Cream or cleanse the palate with a Cranberry Sorbet. As a perfect after dinner treat, why not share a plate of Mince Pies with Rich Vanilla Ice Cream.

For refreshment after the hearty feast, how about hitting the Planet Hollywood bar to celebrate the upcoming holiday, with a glass of bubbly or a cocktail. Legendary barman, Salvatore Calabrese has created a bespoke menu of cocktails, tasty enough to warm guests on the chilliest December eve. Try the indulgent Vanilla Bay (Vanilla Vodka, Baileys, Kahlua topped up with Ice Cream and Oreo Cookies) or an Amaretto Paradise (Amaretto, Malibu, Midori topped up with fresh Pineapple Juice).

Throughout December, the stylish décor of Planet Hollywood will be given a touch of Christmas cheer with baubles and tinsel, sparkling lights and snow spray; making Planet Hollywood the ultimate festive party venue. The little ones will be kept entertained with movie memorabilia, festive games and a DJ to play all the Christmas classics.

Bring all the family along for a truly unforgettable Christmas experience.

Address:
Planet Hollywood
57 Haymarket
London
SW1Y 4QX

020 7287 1000
www.planethollywoodlondon.com

Inn The Park Christmas Goodies

2009-11-26T13:41:20+00:00

Stuck as to where to go to get the best home-grown specialist produce this Christmas?

Championing the best of British, Oliver Peyton is hosting a festive food market at Inn The Park. Located in the stunning lakeside surroundings of St James’ Park, the market will take place on Saturday 19th December and will showcase an abundance of the finest, locally grown produce Britain has to offer. Often produced in limited quantities and not readily available at farmers’ markets, this is a rare opportunity to
buy some of the best British wares, including premium free-range meat and poultry, mushrooms, hand cured charcuterie, sensational cakes and tender market vegetables.

Throughout the day the restaurant will also be serving a festive menu using produce from the market. Showcasing head chef Gillan Kingstree’s culinary expertise, take in the winter wonderland views from the restaurant whilst indulging in traditional Christmas dishes such as roast Sussex ham covered in East London honey; Clayton Farm organic Bronze roast turkey wrapped in bacon and potato dumplings with Secretts Farm purple sprouting broccoli and Mrs Tee’s New Forest mushrooms. To help recreate the dishes at home on the 25th, diners will be presented with recipe cards, and the head chef and growers are on hand all day to answer any Christmas foodie questions.

With a superb selection of unique and inspiring ingredients, Inn The Park’s market has taken the hard work out of Christmas and is an ideal one-stop-shop for gourmands to source everything for an outstanding yuletide dinner with all the trimmings.

The Christmas market is open from 10 am – 5 pm

Inn The Park, St James’s Park, SW1A 2BJ T: 020 7451 9999
www.innthepark.com

Porridge Eating Contest at Giraffe

2009-11-12T17:05:26+00:00

On Saturday 28th November, as part of their porridge extravaganza, Rude Health is holding a Freestyle Gourmet Porridge Contest with their lively friends at Giraffe, the global family-run restaurant group.

Whilst Rude Health roller-skaters hand out complimentary bowls of their scrumptious porridge, fellow
porridge fanatics who didn’t make it up to Scotland for the World Porridge Making Championships last
month, are invited to try their luck at this new London event.

To enter simply dream up your ultimate breakfast concoction whilst emailing hello@rudehealth.com for an application form.

The 10 best entries will be invited to the final cook-off at Giraffe restaurant on the Southbank. The winner will be crowned Rude Health’s London Porridge champion 2009 and presented with their prize.
With the only prerequisite being that competitors use Rude Health’s Daily Oats, an expertly-made blend
of organic jumbo and porridge oats, the world really is their oyster. From creamy porridge served with
poached, seasonal fruit and an almond tuille, to rocky road porridge, the possibilities are endless. Those
feeling adventurous might even go down the savoury route with pumpkin porridge risotto or parmesan
porridge dumplings; the more inventive and imaginative the recipe the better.

Competitors will be provided with a single porridge pan and stove, and can pick their mixing implement of choice, be that a spoon, spurtle or spon. They have 20 minutes to prove their worth.
There’ll be plenty more going on at this porridge party. Giraffe will be hosting a junior contest to find London’s little Porridge Prince or Princess. Here 12 junior finalists will be given 5 minutes to transform a bowl of plain porridge into a tantalising breakfast treat and dazzle the eminent porridge judges with their culinary creativity.

One of the judges on the day, the 2010 World Porridge Champion – Anna Louise Batchelor– will be
demonstrating her spectacular Spotted Dick Porridge Pudding. This dish recently won the Speciality
category at this year’s Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championships in Scotland.

When?
Saturday 28th November, 10 am – 12 noon
Where?
Giraffe restaurant, Southbank
1 More London Riverside
London, SE1 8XX
020 7928 2004
www.giraffe.net

Who are Rude Health?

Based in South West London, Rude Health was set up by a bunch of foodies in 2005 with one simple aim:
to make breakfast cereals that they wanted to eat. This means that everything Rude Health makes has to be
wholesome, sustainable, good for you and of course utterly delicious.
For further information on Rude Health and their range of fabulous breakfast foods you can visit the
website www.rudehealth.com

Wine Dating at Asian Dinner Club

2009-11-12T16:59:16+00:00

As Hemingway once said: ‘wine is the most civilized thing in the world’ - which can literally have the conversation flowing between complete strangers in a matter of seconds.

A new calendar of Wine Dating events from by Asian Dinner Club will allow potential couples to check each other out over a prized bottle of Pinot, see sparks fly over a glass of Shiraz or click over a mutual dislike of Chardonnay.

Asian Dinner Club organises fortnightly networking drinks and private dinners for like-minded, single Asian professionals. By catering for a niche group it cuts through the dating spam of mass, generic dating sites - providing more suitable matches and less time wasters.

From January Asian Dinner Club will offer WINE DATING events where attendees are paired off based on their wine preferences; the sommeliers will talk them through a tutored tasting before wine related tasks and trivia, designed to facilitate networking.

Like the characters in the film Sideways, Asian Dinner Club is confident its members will not only walk away with an improved understanding of appellation, vintage and terroir but (hopefully) a new-found appreciation of a fellow drinker (or two). Speed dating maybe so last decade but the format of pairing strangers off for a specific and fun task is one that proves an effective ice breaker both at work and at play.

Salima Manji founder of Asian Dinner Club comments: ‘Our members are highly-sociable professionals who love to wine and dine. Just as dating doesn’t have to be painful, wine tasting doesn’t have to be dull...and what better way to spice it up than with the potential to meet the perfect partner over a glass of their favourite tipple?’

Asian Dinner Club’s wine dating events will take place on a monthly basis in London and major UK cities.

www.asiandinnerclub.com

About Asian Dinner Club:

What sets Asian Dinner Club apart is the niche membership which means there are a higher percentage of suitable candidates – less time wasters and dating spam. Personalised and friendly advice is always just a phone call away for either level of membership:

Basic – Access to fortnightly networking drinks and monthly private dinner parties.

Premier – the club facilitates one to one introductions and takes care of every detail from choosing a venue to follow up flowers the next day. Plus exclusive benefits such as experience days and discounts on spas and shopping.

A glamorous and successful mum of two who embodies the Sex and the City generation, Salima Manji had tried every dating fad going only to be disappointed time after time. So rather than moan to her girlfriends about it she quit her career in Investment Banking and founded Asian Dinner Club in 2008.