Leonid Shutov of Soho’s ‘Bob Bob Ricard’ restaurant first became interested in premium alcoholic drinks whilst living in Russia. Douglas Blyde talks to him about preparing the best wine list to complement a Russian-accented, Great British menu.
The Refinery, Southwark Street, London
The Refinery is one of three sister bar/restaurants in London that, we understand. have the same standard menu, but have differing daily specials, depending on what’s available from local markets. If you find yourself in SE1, it’s worth venturing away from the perhaps better known spots close to London Bridge or Waterloo, and spending some time there.
The Milroy, now open for plebs like us
The Milroy restaurant, is at No.5 Hamilton Place. Previously it was a bit select, only members of Les Ambassadeurs Club got in, but now The Milroy isalso be open to non-members for lunch. It’s a rare chance to experience a part of London’s oldest private members club.
Chipotle Chicken Pitas with Chunky Guacamole
Chipotle [Chee-pot-lay] are smoked chillies that have the most wonderful smoky flavour which when used in marinades for meat and poultry and Mole sauces, impart a deep earthiness into the dish that is incredibly comforting. I always keep a jar of Chipotle paste in the cupboards, because convenience is the name of the game sometimes and it is perfectly ok to get a little help to prepare a good meal and my Chipotle chicken pitas are a great meal.
National Bread Week recipes from Warburtons.
Warburtons is toasting a decade of National Bread Week, which is kicking off from 3rd May to 9th May 2010. This year is all about celebrating the joys of bread and one of our great British traditions – picnics! Whether you’re having an intimate picnic for two, a family gathering with the kids or an al fresco party, Warburtons has some delicious, healthy sandwich recipes for any picnicking occasion. So pack up your hamper, shake out the blanket and head out to the great outdoors…
Bistro Bruno Loubet, London
I wasn’t in town the first time round when Loubet was doing his thing at Bistro Bruno and L’Odeon, but I’ll certainly join in with the ‘welcome back’ chorus. Just as long as the chef keeps busting out dishes like the Mauricette snails…
The Bank, Adamo Hotel, Stirling
The Adamo Hotel in Stirling is an imposing building, having been converted from its previous incarnation as a bank, it seems quite natural that they should give that name to their restaurant, which occupies much its ground floor space, together with a bar and lounge area. The Bank is a relaxed haven serving good food and is certainly a place to visit.
Dorset – the place to find The Stable diet…
A recent addition to the Dorset food scene is The Stable, heralded as ‘a new concept in eating’ which aims to draw on some of the best of Dorset’s local produce in their fayre. Part of Bridport’s Bull Hotel. The Stable claims to be a family-friendly environment with plenty of space for the kids and a menu that is likely to appeal to them. This looks like a venue that will take off.
La Stazione, Ryries Bar, Haymarket, Edinburgh
La Stazione is an Italian osteria/trattoria. It is sat immediately above Ryries Bar, an old Scottish pub that has been in operation since the 1860s, in a building that dates back to the 1749. La Stazione is a good local eatery, while there we noticed a number of tables occupied by tourists, like us, but it seemed clear that there were a good number of local customers, it is a popular place and rightly so.
Birra Moretti joins forces with the Caldesi’s to deliver entertaining pizza making evenings
Italian food lovers in London will have the opportunity this summer to learn how to make an authentic Italian pizza using Italian beer in the dough! I was invited along recently, with other food journalists and some foodie bloggers, to experience what will be on offer to those wishing to take advantage of this learning experience.