A taste of what’s what in London food and drink news:
American Independence Day will be upon us soon (Monday, 4 July) and with it a variety of opportunities to stuff your face excessively.
Camden's Blues Kitchen will celebrate the occasion with its annual hot dog eating competition on Monday at 8pm with the winner taking home £100 in Blues Kitchen vouchers and a chance to defend his/her title next year. Contestants will have just half an hour, along with water on tap to wash down as many hot-dogs as they can and a choice of onions, sauces and mustards. For those not up for the contest, a free hot dog will be offered to customers dressing in red, white and blue. Visit www.theblueskitchen.com for details.
Big Easy in Chelsea is in on the AYCE Independence Day action as well with a 30 minute rib eating race commencing at 6pm on the 4th. “Bones will be counted and verified before a panel of independent judges and the winner will receive a bona fide £100 Big Easy voucher, as well as the honour of having their name proudly engraved on the wall of fame”. Visit www.bigeasy.co.uk for details and for info about the restaurant's “Independence Day inspired dishes”, red, white and blue margaritas and live music for the event.
No belly busting competitions at Tortilla or from New York Bakery Co but both will offer freebies for the fourth of July:
Tortilla is offering a complimentary beer with their meals to anyone showing up with an American passport or ID card. The offer is valid at all sites (Oxford Circus, Canary Wharf, Leadenhall Market, Islington, Southwark) with no booking necessary (one beer per customer, terms and conditions apply).
Over at the north end of Canvey Street (9SE1 9AN) between Leon and Del Aziz restaurants and the LSE Building, New York Bakery Co will have a team giving away bagels from noon “until the bagels disappear”.
In non-US gorge yourself news, Bistro du Vin opens today on Dean Street in Soho. We attended last night's rather epic launch and reckon the chain's second London location should be on par with its recently opened Clerkenwell resto. At the event last night, staff worked their tushes off serving a mad house of eager partygoers. Most impressive to us was how, despite the craving crowds, the sommelier remembered us from a month ago by the wine we'd chosen when we reviewed the Clerkenwell BdV.
From 1 to 10 July, Savour Chiswick – a new summer food and drink festival – local restaurants and cafes will showcase signature dishes at special prices, pubs and bars will run festival happy hours and retailers will create food and drink offers. The festival's official programme will also feature discount vouchers valid for the month of July. Check out www.savourchiswick.co.uk for more information and to view the full (and quite lengthy) range of events.
Photo/Chris Osburn
