A taste of what’s what in recent and upcoming London food and drink news:
A Natural Wine Fair is coming to London. The brainchild of Isabelle Legeron MW (aka “that crazy French woman“) and UK five wine importers representing dozens of natural wine producers, the fair will host more than 100 wine producers for three days at Borough Market 15 – 17 May. For those not yet hip to the world of natural wines, they’re a step up from organic and biodynamic – produced without chemicals and additives and are made with grapes grown in a natural environment without the use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides. The results are intriguing, can vary wildly and definitely worth a sip. For details visit www.thenaturalwinefair.com.
Spitalfields pub, the Water Poet, has released a mouthwatering summer barbecue menu. Not your usual barbecue, the menu includes a spiced monk fish burger, a pork, ale and watercress sausage dog, coconut and chilli marinated lamb skewers, marinated Mediterranean vegetables with buffalo mozzarella and olive focaccia and more – all served with an array of sides with prices starting at £7.25. Most Saturdays will see the Poet cranking a full hog roast. All the grilled bits are available to view on the food page of www.waterpoet.co.uk.
“Global burger” chain, Giraffe, has announced “the coolest ice cream competition in the UK” to be held at their Belsize Park and South Bank restaurants on 31 May from 3.30 to 5pm. One for the kids, “Brain Freeze” will have contestants “dressing up Jude’s award-winning ice cream as they compete for a year’s free supply of the frozen stuff”. There will be two free sessions. Reservations are required and only eligible for children between two and ten years old. The winner of each session will receive a family meal for four, with pictures taken from the day posted onto Giraffe’s Facebook wall. Visit www.giraffe.net and www.facebook.com/girafferestaurants for details.
Tatler’s Restaurant of the Year 2009, Quo Vadis, is in the process of refreshing its menu and wine list and décor. The menu is to be “more concise” and feature British seasonal ingredients at more accessible prices. Starters now include dishes such as chilled cucumber and coriander soup (£6.50), ham hock terrine and piccalilli (£8.20) and English asparagus with a poached Bantam egg (£9.50), with main courses such as Cornish red gurnard with clams and sea beet (£18.50); Montgomery cheddar waffle with spring vegetables (£15.50) and rabbit baked in a sourdough crust (£17). Puddings include Pimms Jelly (£8) and strawberry and custard tart (£8). European wines from sustainable, organic or biodynamic producers will be more prominent on the wine list. As for the décor, solid oak tables have replaced the white linen tablecloths. And to get the most of the restaurant’s buzzing Dean Street location, “generous” seating has been added to the outside terrace. Changes will be effective from Monday 9th May. Londonist hopes to get in there soon for a sneaky peek.
Photo/Chris Osburn
