tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20212201944077287242024-02-07T04:56:36.709+00:00At Home in HackneyJane Eggintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855874391343611183noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021220194407728724.post-89593052502383678592013-01-05T00:10:00.005+00:002013-01-05T00:16:12.263+00:00<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">I love the panto - well, that's not strictly true. I am not generally a fan of comedies or musicals and pantos combine elements of the two, but I love the pantomime at the Hackney Empire. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">Fittingly, this holiday season has paid tribute to London, and specifically Hackney, which has had a glorious 2012 as host to the Olympics. Creative director Susie Mckenna, who has been at the helm since 1998, has done it again with another panto that is a crowd pleaser for all ages. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.594594955444336px;">I thought the sets were a little lacklustre compared to previous years, and - dare I say it - some of the costumes were from previous pantos. I am all for a little upcycling, but was the giant gorilla doing on stage at the end? And not making more swipes at Boris as Major of London was a wasted opportunity, but that's a small quibble.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.594594955444336px;">The street dancing rats were captivating, and Steve Elias as the pantomime dame an absolute joy. Rina Fatania does a fabulous job as a timid trainee Bollywood fairy and there are some really gifted singers in the strong cast; most notably Dick (Joanna Riding).</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.594594955444336px;">Even though this season's run may have wavered a little, it's one of the best shows in town. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.594594955444336px;">There are bags of gags, loads of energy and a feel good factor that remains with you long after you have left the sumptuous Georgian theatre that is a spectacle in its own right.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.594594955444336px;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19.594594955444336px;">Predictably Dick Whttington at the Empire was a sell out, so I suggest you buy your tickets as soon as they come on sale in 2013. </span></div>
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Jane Eggintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855874391343611183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021220194407728724.post-43908795932869933182012-04-28T22:16:00.000+01:002012-04-28T22:18:21.996+01:00The Empress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You will never get me to move from my much loved Hackney locale, but this E9 eatery has a real draw. The Empress of India in the lovely little neighbourhood that is Victoria Park offers something that we are sorely lacking in Chatsworth Road. Well, two things: somewhere good to eat and somewhere good to drink. Head chef Elliott Lidstone, with a wealth of experience of working in Michelin starred restaurants, presides over the <a href="http://www.theempressofindia.com/">Empress</a> at 130 Lauriston Road. I love the fact that the Empress uses supplies from its nearby shops. Meat comes from the much-loved Ginger Pig and the splendid Jonathan Norris supplies the fish.</div>
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Expect light, tapas style dishes with a British/Mediterranean flavour that are good for sharing and grazing. My waiter kindly advised me that I shouldn't miss the crispy pigs ear with apple sauce and he was right. This is the kind of bold offering that the Empress does very well. The ham croquettes, on the other hand were rather bland and underwhelming. Other appealingly strong dishes are centred around snails, mackerel or shoulder of lamb. The menu changes frequently according to which seasonal British produce is available and is pleasingly paired down, which tends to signal a confident kitchen.<br />
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The light-flooded interior makes an equally powerful statement. Diners sit under large pendulum lights surrounded by exposed brick decorated with giant dog prints, while drinkers at the long pewter bar can catch glimpses of Victoria Park from the enormous windows. I will return for supper, but not before visiting to sample a dish or two from the delightful sounding brunch menu.</div>
</div>Jane Eggintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855874391343611183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021220194407728724.post-4000270783378695542012-02-12T16:22:00.010+00:002012-02-12T17:37:07.177+00:00Night Jar<div style="text-align: justify;"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> 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I thought the people at Night Jar were taking the prohibition theme a bit far when our arrival had to be announced downstairs by radio, but when you get down there it's soon clear this procedure is not just for show: space is strictly limited in this exclusive basement venue.</span></p></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:180%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnI5CSLt4lMaP1PphZTJFO0tjS1V6dCiPkA26CqZBuSEILXxz4ZR0JfVM3o_IECAbBWLPxbyRJZ__GSWS_N0or-EDmFp90gq_3osNVywZRvSSrXhySpytUwsm0GUGTbc2KIVJAeh25Hws_/s400/night+jar.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708287022786497858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 318px; " 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font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US; mso-fareast-language:JA;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">As bossa nova from the fine Brazilian band bounced off the walls I set about ordering my cocktail as the people around us knocked back their drinks as if Prohibition were suddenly about to hit London. Night Jar, I am told, is about celebrating those of another age who made drink one of life's pleasures, not one of its evils. I am afraid I can't tell you the name of my first cocktail: just that it was laced with vodka and prettily decorated with a tiny starfish and that it was so smooth that I nearly downed it in one.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--></div></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:180%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjoW4eZfaJb6AJ99trK2PoQe9RxQR9iXwu1JMbEly_mFo2evOf1iroR5yBtnXaYB1IDZnbsoclhht4gDkLdLx5kd3-Bn6Q_nwa4XJWXrfcnsACX2CQyuJUETQT-Rq1eWhtUMYNJuMDyyS/s400/NJ2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708287535120016370" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; 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font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US; mso-fareast-language:JA;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Night Jar has an exciting programme of events which included a tempting Menage a Trois with live music and cognac cocktails, and the appealing Top Shelf – fine purveyors of filthy swing. My husband suggested 'hanky panky' for my second cocktail because it sounded nice. It was. And arrived with a delicate egg shell filled with grenadine floating in a pool of apricot coloured brandy.</span></p></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:180%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNJ2IpRoL80ygqUDN5s6xMl8T1hGcoHxiG3dsYR0lI6X_BSpWZID1x1ieRVsSj8n8x-dsyUGj0Iln3XfytkX4KUS0w5uteXaWTlcegwEgZUZF0HtURMvqsHoKUiOtaF55pZDTTs0jxynv/s400/NJ3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708287591756854530" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 259px; height: 194px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"> 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mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US; mso-fareast-language:JA;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> </span><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">The tapas menu is designed to accompany the drinks – not the other way around - with some tempting charcuterie and flamboyant flambed dishes. One one side of us were two first dates – I guess the Night Jar is somewhere to take someone you want to impress. On the other side of us was a couple from West London who had been having a long term affair (the seating is intimate), with the mistress announcing after one or two post prohibition cocktails: 'you have been married for 20 years. I have been single for 20 years.'The verdict: never a dull moment in Night Jar and always a superb cocktail.</span></span></p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-size:x-large;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineY3sBYjMQL9w8RGmJlJgj-oTcAMczFDWm_b2etwFBFTlfxMgNDPyYbpuFZF55U-i8HLNgOLByGdkyJvTzNREI7HcZRYNgPR67p6Yy9bs9ei0xuSEi247-fENXpDfU5fuuc5qmr3M3SGs/s400/NJ.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708287396154322914" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 183px; " /></span></div>Jane Eggintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855874391343611183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021220194407728724.post-2024891547870728632011-12-22T22:05:00.010+00:002012-01-06T23:11:54.522+00:00A Taste of Vietnam in Shoreditch<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">It was a cold, wet, blustery day in Shoreditch, in London's East End, but I felt warm and soothed as soon as I stepped inside <a href="http://namo.co.uk/location.htm">Hôp Namô's</a> beautifully custom designed sea container in the brand new <a href="http://www.boxpark.co.uk/">Boxpark</a>. Billing itself as the world's first pop up mall (although it will actually be around for five more years), I recommend going to Boxpark – but for the food, rather than the fashion.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpXb1Se6H6YDB764bgKGbxuLLZEpIv5jPEdzkAGLt9N09vboLI7sS1a3XBrc8jzRZsJ1wUuSS-_Ur_OJRtKevl40BVxvUqd_tcqvKwASybM2gQa5wfH5bzf1WQTa8X3CRBS7gNvVp8bGD/s400/IMG_0768.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694659245049564658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" ></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Hôp Namô is run by husband and wife Colin and Linh Vu (owners of one of my favourite restaurants in Hackney - <a href="http://hackneyhome.blogspot.com/2009/04/namo-outstanding-vietnamese-restaurant.html">see my rave review here</a> and whose parents run the ever popular Huong Viet on Englefield Road). I had managed to forget my notebook on my visit to Hôp Namô (Hop means 'Box' in Vietnamese), but the waiter sweetly and unblinkingly fetched some paper for me. I had also forgotten my glasses - but luckily the huge print of the pared down menu written on the stainless steel counter was easy enough to read.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuZPAxr4NGOrsv6nbkACBGO0-ilMRXPrH6ezwUfJsrrnCbm8oDRUSvJGLVSA5sIYuCo0pnnDsNSjbWtfRUBghyqDHXhPjw2he1Yot-jpbZJPjldl2Ksve6jSz7Tje7Kle7mXEVPRq9MW7/s400/IMG-20111206-00178.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694660127500145362" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">The food on offer is very much 'express' – to suit shoppers and workers diving in during their lunch hour or after work. But its no less impressive for that – this is delicious, authentic cuisine that just happens to be served fast. Most dishes – Star Anise Beef Shin with pickled red cabbage, lemongrass free range chicken and caramelised organic salmon with honey and lime glaze – ring in for just a fiver, with soups (Pho, a homemade broth of beansprouts, basil and coriander) or (Hue – spicy noodle soup with lemongrass, garlic and chilli), both served with either rumptail beef, chicken or prawn only £6.50.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:130%;" ><div></div></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-size:130%;" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZAHIRMjWhxpGAnhPs9c2t51SZ_1gruXx5CeWUZMNA5dHS8zDr89YJpk5zxfyqnTlG4YedyfosNCWcMNKs5D6ODg2h-VtPfGM9oIcX7KpuSWZki9PRYodFd-3a7zLsMOGTgjcivdZQBi-/s400/IMG_0773.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694659344897107346" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">A cute blue and white enamel bowl arrived filled with melt in the mouth chilli squid, accompanied by a delicate, papery spring roll filled with richly flavoured five spice duck and pools of dipping sauce. The chargrilled lacquered pork appeared, blackened and glistening, with a simple salad a welcome foil to its lovely intense sweetness while the thick spicy chicken curry with tangs of lemongrass and coconut was more than warming, it was heart-warming.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I blissed out to the chilled out sounds of electronica as the weather raged outside and felt an overwhelming desire to visit Vietnam. I have never been, but was convinced by my experience at Hôp Namô and gentle urging of the owner who says I must go...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div></div><div><br /></div></span>Jane Eggintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855874391343611183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021220194407728724.post-58183042363159243002011-12-02T11:26:00.006+00:002011-12-02T11:59:46.923+00:00London’s Best Panto – Oh Yes it Is!<div style="text-align: justify;">‘A little magic can go a long, long way’ sings the FG (Fairygodmother) in Hackney Empire’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Cinderella</i>. This slick production with lots of good old-fashioned fun, up-to-the-minute quips and some belting musical numbers certainly provides plenty of sparkle and a little bit of magic on a dark midwinter London day. This show skilfully combines the best British theatrical traditions with knockabout comedy and musical spectacle.</div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I got a sneak preview before the rest of the press were allowed in and found myself grinning, giggling and roaring with laughter pretty much the whole way through this relentlessly-paced performance.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And I was not the only one. The whole audience ranging from toddlers and teenagers right through to pensioners lapped up this gag-a-minute show, eagerly joining in with the audience participation and swaying their arms and singing along with the songs.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDgAeS03jp0ScsLm4xk2wIQ93D0u4th5jpZBS0I-Bk8lUEVToQ_KMvnC3gsRNgxqHcrZAFk-mYXwnSkCp6Iyxg8P_NLBLkIMDMwa9870KNAUI1wWDgxl9lxTjOVtO-7zi182lW7ew1Izp/s400/hackney-cinders-465.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681498559570127682" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal">The stars of the show were the sluttish Ugly Sisters described as ‘fastidious’ because one was ‘fast’ (and Jamaican) and the other ‘hideous’. They made their memorable entrance belting out the soul classic ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Hold on, we’re coming’</i> from a (nicked) hot air balloon descending onto the stage. Their hilarious headgear included a cupcake, flowerpot, candelabra and giant cocktail. Cinderella and Prince Charming (who happened to be Indian) was a suitably pretty pair with the requisite pop star voices.</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOgjAJzqURf68vL53mE7D2BOF7mnJeCTwlZwVnIM6MHHX1ymdi1trlrnIRsYBYBF9Zd6e20beEf4bdByDdHitTDfRgg1A5GsBXXVzAt2vKe4YVossTSw00YsXAAbYlvBaHdLf-daGo9U8/s400/hackney-cinders-310.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681498002729889170" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal">There were a few local references that only locals would get – jibes at upmarket Islington and a mad horse named Clapton after one of the city’s most diverse neighbourhoods. There were cracks too about the new Westfield shopping centre and the upcoming Olympics – both major East London features. But this was inclusive entertainment and the audience was from all over the world, with the United States and Australia particularly well represented.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">‘Our professor told us that pantomime is an important English tradition and this one was the best in London’, an American student told me in the interval. I was pleased to hear her teacher had done his homework. Hackney Empire’s pantomime has been hailed as the city’s best for several years now. And its high energy never flags – I saw it right at the end of the run last year in the dog days of January (read my review <a href="http://hackneyhome.blogspot.com/2010/01/its-behind-you.html">here</a>) and the performers were just as impressive.</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICKeupo31PtUiBH5W3BzHxJGrSfbNQ6gMhT903y0M3hR_t98cQEo0rVSjyBQ-9sHIHN0d8e_WAFHuatf8lRd4VRX40yiXsPuSSQntqO1mvAauNcyve-IN3XoAsZnGrxW73QadeW3oJD6i/s400/hackney-cinders-018.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681498292542780274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal">With tickets from £9.50 there’s no real reason not to go but I would suggest you book as soon as possible though the <a href="http://www.hackneyempire.co.uk/">Hackney Empire</a> as tickets go very quickly and it will sell out – it does every year.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>This article appeared in CD Traveller. </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Jane Eggintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855874391343611183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021220194407728724.post-6266228471191921892011-11-01T19:38:00.001+00:002011-11-01T19:45:23.495+00:00Hackney Central Put on The Map<div>Hackney Central has now been put on the map through the Greeters programme, which used to take place all over London but now Hackney Central has been added to the list. Less than a year before the Olympics, the initiative was inspired by the overwhelming success of a similar programme in New York. This was set up in 1992 to take people off the well worn tourist trails and show them something they might not usually see. It was also motivated by the desire to show people that New York wasn't the dangerous place it was perceived to be and now offered in cities such as Paris, Berlin and Tokyo. They are not professional guides, but knowledgable locals who can show visitors the best their neighbourhood has to offer – for free.</div><div><br /></div>Jane Eggintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855874391343611183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021220194407728724.post-82766494185123570342011-10-14T19:47:00.003+01:002012-04-14T21:05:16.713+01:00A Local Light in Chatsworth Road<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></span>'Chatsworth Road is raw and diverse. I love it around here', declares Lumiere, owner of the local juice bar which shares his name.<span class="Apple-style-span"> 'It’s a real community, which is something quite special in London, but it’s not too in your face: it’s just right.' Lumiere is a big fan of </span><a href="http://www.thomascookstyle.com/">villa holidays</a> but Chatsworth Road is his favourite place in the world. <span class="Apple-style-span">All of the juices on offer are named after local streets. Berry Blurton is made up of strawberry, peach, papaya and blueberries while a Clifden Cherry is a startling combination of cherry, strawberry, banana and mint. All around are heart shaped signs. 'I opened this place because I wanted to give something back.' It is hard to define: yes, it’s a juice bar with organic elements, not least the reclaimed tree trunks outside, but there is velour wallpaper on the walls, smooth jazz playing in the background, trickling from water features and the sound of the sea can be heard when you open the toilet door. There is even a VIP room downstairs, complete with red rope. Lumiere insists it is not a café. There is no tea on sale and he has only recently started selling coffee, but then he does a brisk trade in Yummy Mummy – a mixture of fig, date, vanilla and banana that is a clear nod to the changing demographic, Clapton Carrot, a refreshing blend of carrot, ginger, orange, apple, celery and a unique combination of banana, strawberry, orange, milk and granola, which he chooses to call a Homerton Hangover.</span>Jane Eggintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855874391343611183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021220194407728724.post-6061177691526854782011-09-18T22:16:00.014+01:002012-01-06T16:11:36.798+00:00Hackney Honey<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkGu6tjhcguPvdW65Yu6ZC1DTqHu50k14YrEwqv6x8f1BklerJZQXDeDGLsAZ2-EJx3Z4vWBzeEr1H1IifePMg3-9wn-T4KVo9JLt_0Rnrjfob4IjY1vgUVRYaCi4ZMFT463IyDiPq-Ev/s1600/honey_label_small.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 292px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkGu6tjhcguPvdW65Yu6ZC1DTqHu50k14YrEwqv6x8f1BklerJZQXDeDGLsAZ2-EJx3Z4vWBzeEr1H1IifePMg3-9wn-T4KVo9JLt_0Rnrjfob4IjY1vgUVRYaCi4ZMFT463IyDiPq-Ev/s400/honey_label_small.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653812208740541186" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:100%;">The producers of Hackney Honey only started keeping bees in their garden two years ago but have already taken two honey harvests this year - one in June, and another in August. Their regular <a href="http://www.tescobank.com/personal/finance/insurance/homeins/index.html">home insurance</a> covered them until they sold their first jar, when they had to take out a special beekeeping policy. The early spring harvest produces a very light coloured, fruity honey, they tell me. The later honey is probably a real mix of the many different flowers in the gardens and parks around Hackney. It is much darker in colour and has more of a toffee taste.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Hackney Honey is joining Hackney Homemade Saturday market in St John at Hackney churchyard next week. You can't get more local than this as the bees are kept in a garden in central Hackney and it is thought that they probably collect most of the early spring honey from the trees in the churchyard, although it is of course almost impossible to keep tabs on the bees whereabouts.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">All of Hackney honey is kept unfiltered, which leaves it with just a slight cloudiness. This means it contains local pollen. Many hayfever suffers swear that eating local honey alleviates their symptoms, which is a very good reason to buy Hackney honey – apart from supporting your local producer, of course.</span></div>Jane Eggintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855874391343611183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021220194407728724.post-77559201942415553832011-07-15T18:06:00.014+01:002011-08-18T12:50:05.448+01:00Corner Room<div style="text-align: justify;">The aptly named Corner Room, the latest offering from Michelin starred chef, Nuno Mendes, is tucked away in the <a href="http://www.townhallhotel.com/">Town House Hotel</a>, Bethnal Green. When I finally found it, the staff seemed rather vague and asked for our booking, even though the restaurant doesn't take them (tables are available on a first come, first served basis). Open only just over a month, the idea of Corner Room is to provide a more affordable, more accessible alternative to the hugely successful – and expensive – existing hotel restaurant, Viajante which only offers a set menu for £65, and is booked up for at least the next three months. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-z1oi5EQFgjYm3xAryH7wJNclFaXc63wJGPXbhBkeDvdzgFOpP-eAH_u-Xa4_8T8FxMZBwjal4JEJywkrZHs4Mnexsm2qiMTeCxhawgYKLexrAZvsI7ccMjM1QS_WoWSOsHVY5fXtcFUa/s400/P1040317+%25282%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642155214513697570" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span>The whole experience is intimate – it's like dining in a front room, with only 10 tables or so – and quirky: a flight of stairs leads bizarrely to nowhere. Fellow diners included a man with two babies, a group of Japanese tourists who fiddled with their phones but didn't seem to eat anything and two pretty young locals who were delighted with their food, even letting me taking photos of it.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8CH6oRCKxfEMG1ZmITo22lllSv_-d4m9TKbG7OjGwt2C4Y4wXQE9iwVbD1ykUk-_6U1uulnYyPWKCv8l_lo8lnxAKFPaU-ku8HU00zgfdDM8ew_WRVkBR1nmo0fXUNGxGYXXlKrligFlq/s400/P1040318+%25282%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642156896563645522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span><div>The food menu is gratifyingly concise, although the drinks menu was frustratingly and strangely focussed solely on wine. My husband, who can't drink wine, did manage to get a beer although he was told that a cocktail was out of the question. <div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZiORVK3qrsqnuYgFbiLuLqD4mn26CMaA2sKIPaO_iBqbeW1wvWhDZlibEtj_rKZ7ZifjDYX0HniTsVo9BMb96ESNaqn1TyKKW7u2565X3JKEfY1O6qUzQ2VQnZ6SlHd5AluYo8U_VCi_n/s400/P1040309+%25282%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642155990280685826" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span>You get much than you bargained for from the descriptions on the menu, which are rather understated. My starter was a wonderfully pleasing combination of intriguing textures: jelly-like, slow cooked eggs with tapioca like meaty caviar, tender baby asparagus and flaky parmesan. My husband's starter of squid, jersey royals and fennel was also excellently executed as were our mains of sea bass with crushed potato and watercress and lamb rump. </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5ZK4PmClwd4_KSIwvC2ZTrc-Wf2Q-JdkpDrz18GISprfPvlsyiSs0qP5SwCyAzMnYtrQJvMM7ykFV3ZB8rsBb5D9dSJY5fs6GAjYtSArg7rjFSwJUsOxTj0ZtEolyCC7oB_6Cebb4IZX/s400/P1040319+%25282%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642155431264006578" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span><div>A couple of minor criticisms which I think will be ironed out easily in due course: the staff seemed nervous and the food could have been a bit hotter. But, all in all, a highly enjoyable meal and at credit crunching prices too: £6 for a starter, £5 for dessert and £12 for a main is unbelievable value, especially when you are talking about this quality of food. <div>
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Bonnie and Wild set up just last week in a 100-and-something-year-old pie and mash shop and will be open every Saturday from now on.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I had an unfortunate accident on the way and managed to break a rather special bottle of wine from </span><a href="http://www.zanotto.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Zanotto</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> on the bus (Bonnie and Wild is BYO). Typically the high street off licence offered a rather poor selection, but I tripped in happily to the sound of '</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Aint No Sunshine When She's Gone</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">' being played on a ukulele as a bright young thing outside exclaimed, 'what is this man… It looks cool'. The pie and mash shop, lined with large green, white and black tiles, with delicate glass lights overhead, certainly looked pretty and was buzzing with diners.</span></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEUcwQ1U6sZGRI5kPrzbHQNW6AFqrNHMlEDQVEv3nEi57ae3LpKhvjyD4U59z7xNPCcP9JK_J0Wb0DpgXL_pcjNdNRMQi0pTDSzR_iiBcF-TQLvBS1_ba1ea_m1wq4RLAFHwhtDlfzcJ8/s1600/BW-4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEUcwQ1U6sZGRI5kPrzbHQNW6AFqrNHMlEDQVEv3nEi57ae3LpKhvjyD4U59z7xNPCcP9JK_J0Wb0DpgXL_pcjNdNRMQi0pTDSzR_iiBcF-TQLvBS1_ba1ea_m1wq4RLAFHwhtDlfzcJ8/s400/BW-4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626219370043132914" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Photo credit above: Sophia Whitfield</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The ukulele player seemed so familiar to me that I assumed I knew him, but it was just that he bore a striking resemblance to Spud from </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Trainspotting</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. A pretty girl led me past the little wooden booths with skinny, pew-like seats through the kitchen to the toilet, sweetly explaining, 'this is a bit of an adventure'.</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehQqsK-rjnhYIbrQZSIwEEULARtxv4Loh9PfFm0E0dO1i-Dfw4eXK2NNGauBnmCjYebFGAUCbDKe_ozGvUfzp9cqcfff7w0k2xQVAD3l77TpMpJZfADaWN4aBilSd5Gui90wtnHSggcgZ/s400/P1040343.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626216386639619858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The weekly changing menu, stamped with three miniature silhouettes of a fish, a deer and a pheasant, was delightfully concise, with three starters, four mains, two desserts. Prices averaging around £6, £15 and £5 respectively, with sides of chunky chips and asparagus £3.50 are particularly reasonable when you consider all of the ingredients are responsibly sourced. The trio of Malden oysters (I went for classic shallot vinegar rather than the tempting seaweed butter), each one three mouthfuls, were as plump and big as a baby's fist.</span></div><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcUSphw7-nzW_sGb-PgemnuJWIU35tLeuyXAZdO4Kwo51I-7B9ywvvyrY7WVCf8nWa8SKbWxPmhMUhhuRqQs6AhOaxs8cxWLDqS427IrXLeD3WNziIaSX1PW_KzWtiHdp8DDRnrVE-wXH/s400/P1040341.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626216732395647266" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In the booth next to me, a gaggle of DJs were having a feed before their set in a Shoreditch disco and although I was eating alone (which I hate to do), I felt, strangely, perfectly at home. Alex Hunter, one of the owners, sat down to share a glass of wine with me. The waiters have a tendency to join the guests at their tables anyway as they take their orders, apparently genuinely enjoying their company. Alex eagerly asked, 'what are you having?' and immediately declared 'the venison is superb!' </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsGqVSGZjSZhK9UhLe-uxHKBKNZM746l3wh_o_GD5X2q9FU6gctIzVvWcHo1Xz0LdcKWM-PQA5ItaYbxQ54l4ehSWktNzaeFtlQqvWIWeYc-M_lt6wp7p4cWBivRyxd8373AUpum1542r/s400/BW-40.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626218146331663730" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Photo credit above: Sophia Whitfield</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Alex may sell private jets for a living, but he insists he is dedicated to offering sustainable Scottish suppers. A little blast of the smell of the sea hit me when I tucked into the main of buttery coley and seaweed with an inspired blast of chilli and the aroma of the wonderfully pungent cheese selection reached me before it did, although by this stage I was completely full.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhdyudevTYRZDcudGq4bpjeeQ36yH71bXSWRD5MyNFBllI4joo95hhXQF8A18VYIMAR9BYwjCBmqojbxx3R7OAZ22y_hkdwHKLr_3KUbzXZ_J1r22eKR925Nf9C-GHYk5HCRk-k3z4cgK/s400/P1040346.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626216956636590450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The joint venture uses organic meats from The Wild Game Co. and sustainable seafood from Bonnie Gull. On Thursdays and Fridays, Bonnie Gull can be found at Leadenhall market, which is where Alex came across the ukulele player and the Glaswegian actor/waiter who work there as shoeshine boys. Alex points out the owner of the pie and mash shop who has just come in for his free dinner, telling me that at its peak, this pie and mash shop once sold 4,000 pies in a day. In its turn, Bonnie and Wild is fully booked for the next three weeks, which is saying something in this economic climate, especially as they have been generated only by word of mouth and the power of twitter. Something exciting is happening with London's dining scene – at last.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Bonnie & Wild at M. Manze, 74 Chapel Market, N1 9ER. Book in advance (bookings@bonniewild.co.uk). Cash only.</span></div></div></div></div>Jane Eggintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855874391343611183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021220194407728724.post-16901628391176307572011-04-11T08:35:00.008+01:002011-04-13T14:55:19.681+01:00Canalside<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQB4muJ9VT9YyjiQi3VCeuyzu_r9-OGRwOyyemSNGu6C1YqaE1FnGtQgNg8tqBsC7t3aStwRtj_Wfrmtrzc0HsnAOlUH0BSTQmVZS98JRcL2RprX_DZbcZCovw_2BMNpMAbqgNstosTkO/s1600/IMG_0062.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQB4muJ9VT9YyjiQi3VCeuyzu_r9-OGRwOyyemSNGu6C1YqaE1FnGtQgNg8tqBsC7t3aStwRtj_Wfrmtrzc0HsnAOlUH0BSTQmVZS98JRcL2RprX_DZbcZCovw_2BMNpMAbqgNstosTkO/s400/IMG_0062.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595064985031730290" /></a><br />The <a href="http://towpathcafe.wordpress.com/">Towpath Cafe</a> may have been created by Lori De Mori, an American Italian food writer, but there is not a hint of pretension in this lovely little unassuming offering, which opened last year without a whisper of media attention. Right on the Regent's Canal (between Whitmore Bridge and Kingsland Road Bridge, N1 5SB) and just five minutes away from distinctly urban Kingsland Road, the Towpath has been delighting joggers, cyclists and passers-by for a year or so now. No need to call on the help of a <a href="http://www.dominos.co.uk/">pizza delivery expert </a> now in this one-time culinary wasteland.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiQrafwPyfZ4litzLQ5XsF51gj4ZugJxZsBr_OcU2P40PzMruRSzfSvO5rrrFl2KdaPpigwkJmYOdJWLT_cU9oWcvpPOJjW5lruh8TEutsfK4WN6JSY2EpGjrDpR8L1SgCbamAHXNaX6M/s1600/IMG_0064.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiQrafwPyfZ4litzLQ5XsF51gj4ZugJxZsBr_OcU2P40PzMruRSzfSvO5rrrFl2KdaPpigwkJmYOdJWLT_cU9oWcvpPOJjW5lruh8TEutsfK4WN6JSY2EpGjrDpR8L1SgCbamAHXNaX6M/s400/IMG_0064.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595065199885758338" /></a><br />The coffee imported from Caffe Piansa in Florence is served by barista Amanda Thompson. Chef Laura Jackson cooks up simple but delicious British and Italian dishes from what is little more than a hole in the wall. As I sat eating my porridge and fruit as I waited for the attached bike repair 'shop' to mend my broken brake, a burly, grey haired man, who was clearly a regular, hopped off from his dredger to order a spinach salad. The cafe has proved so popular that a pontoon has cleverly been transformed into an extension.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhpf_gHxANS05xMU140TV-HGRcN193VthLL57XDM3qkz2eolkx_iS5qjMu9RG0jAWfUvky-m4x3ZWJlRxgZoMwp6lWrWTCK425HN-Lca9Yxlz7w0uUoyw1_sVclpyoLmgUgNJaWf00ZVt/s1600/IMG_0066.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhpf_gHxANS05xMU140TV-HGRcN193VthLL57XDM3qkz2eolkx_iS5qjMu9RG0jAWfUvky-m4x3ZWJlRxgZoMwp6lWrWTCK425HN-Lca9Yxlz7w0uUoyw1_sVclpyoLmgUgNJaWf00ZVt/s400/IMG_0066.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595065462270590674" /></a>Jane Eggintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855874391343611183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021220194407728724.post-48952048022219501422011-03-27T20:50:00.025+01:002011-04-28T13:50:53.819+01:00My favourite VietnameseThe restaurant is <a href="http://www.viethoarestaurant.co.uk">Viet Hoa</a>. It was the first to appear on this stretch of Kingsland Road over a decade ago, with its signature red and white checked tablecloths, but you wouldn't recognise it now. It was a busy Friday evening and we hadn't booked: there was no room upstairs but it was no problem. We were accommodated in the funky basement complete with sunken astroturfed floor and legless chairs, which the restaurant rather ambitiously describe as 'garden tatami'. The bar itself is – not obviously – made entirely out of recycled materials including dried moss and park benches. <a href="http://www.tescofinance.com/personal/finance/finance/creditcards/index.jsp">Credit cards</a> are accepted, although the prices are so reasonable that a meal here shouldn't break anyone's bank.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5Hozq80FA6UQS78iPoKc6ngvccJzG3qlZ-_vaqWFV67-FGi0U1u2Pwmtx2vaagnPbzxpLTlgyUI7C_yQBwICdT5xlsAL2dN__KqTeRL8D8Zxy5_Vm3uiGM0KvP0Q0tbrmyvtX0YmpM8_/s1600/IMG_0150.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5Hozq80FA6UQS78iPoKc6ngvccJzG3qlZ-_vaqWFV67-FGi0U1u2Pwmtx2vaagnPbzxpLTlgyUI7C_yQBwICdT5xlsAL2dN__KqTeRL8D8Zxy5_Vm3uiGM0KvP0Q0tbrmyvtX0YmpM8_/s400/IMG_0150.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588870149442305570" /></a><br />The staff here couldn't be sweeter. When I told our waitress I wanted to go to Vietnam, she wrote down a couple of places on the back of a receipt and then gave me her email address, urging me to get in touch for more information.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FbJqcnkx3XwSefd53feXxbvSB-cI3x5e8sMjqS2-puoyRsNh11_Xe0g2hlq_5r7W-TCgHFo01O1pPSoYAfj-Jaw265yQIwpM2PjsHm5CQb0-C1n2rm1HPESCp39H_v5qQbnsxWrc4_v-/s1600/IMG_0157.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FbJqcnkx3XwSefd53feXxbvSB-cI3x5e8sMjqS2-puoyRsNh11_Xe0g2hlq_5r7W-TCgHFo01O1pPSoYAfj-Jaw265yQIwpM2PjsHm5CQb0-C1n2rm1HPESCp39H_v5qQbnsxWrc4_v-/s400/IMG_0157.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588870468677721874" /></a><br />I got very excited because my cousins from Scotland let me order for all of us. I ordered a lot (see below) and it was all delicious. We really couldn't fault it. There was a small mistake and they didn't bring one of the starters and one of the main courses: chicken satay and drunken chicken with cloud ear mushrooms. But even that turned out to be a blessing in disguise as we probably wouldn't have made it up the stairs if we had eaten any more.<br /><br />Starters:<br />Summer rolls, <br />Beef in betel nut<br />Crispy duck pancakes<br />Banh xeo - crispy pancake of prawns and vegetables<br /><br />Mains:<br />Stir fried prawns with bok choi<br />Vegetable noodles<br />Chicken with chilli & lemon grass<br />Beef with chilli & black bean sauce<br />Jasmine rice<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVP8rtlU6JXYIotoZVnlogyCmxp4m3pW5HEOiHnfJQOu3zjwplYZoEH9_ZWTL46I07Mh6zo9lqFgJ3be2vwkQ1aoE2WZ1gA0bmrh0zsTngIvMpDGQMPos74IXRQMKEyuR4trkF4hPFdqX/s1600/IMG_0161.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVP8rtlU6JXYIotoZVnlogyCmxp4m3pW5HEOiHnfJQOu3zjwplYZoEH9_ZWTL46I07Mh6zo9lqFgJ3be2vwkQ1aoE2WZ1gA0bmrh0zsTngIvMpDGQMPos74IXRQMKEyuR4trkF4hPFdqX/s400/IMG_0161.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588870781054195682" /></a><br />'Beautiful' declared my husband's cousin, who was still talking about the prawn and bok choi dish two days later.<br /><br />The parting shot on Viet Hoa's slick website says:<br />'We hope you enjoy the new East London. It's getting smarter.' Quite.Jane Eggintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855874391343611183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021220194407728724.post-70023531979774990812011-03-01T21:59:00.012+00:002011-03-02T16:31:58.554+00:00The Best Sunday Roast in London<div style="text-align: justify;">'That's never a penalty,' declares my husband, glued to the football match on the screen a few feet away from our table. I have no idea how he can take his eyes off the most perfect Sunday roast I have ever seen – and one which costs less than a fiver. I feel great sympathy towards the straggle of shakey-looking, bright young things who clearly haven't been to bed. They have just been turned away because they haven't booked and I hear them mumbling something about trying to get a <a href="http://www.dominos.co.uk/">pizza delivered</a> instead.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lw_R_X7MFUxsIhcJtuiPIknAtpEG2agHZTcud4NDeBYz08Pay8paH1p1s24PV7gIyO44QtvcWVoy8PCAUGXvYvbX4JAHJzmdly6ZasYKPFdTKYZ7qtkyY5i-KZ6p7TSKvvW5wIRzxmSh/s400/P1030337.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579240445150376050" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div>Having Sunday lunch at the Pride of Spitalfields (3 Heneage Street E1 5LJ), for me, is like travelling back into a soothing '70s time warp. There is no choice; you get chicken, pork or beef depending on what the kitchen has decided on. It is served almost instantly (although I have to say my mother never managed to do this; I remember, age six, trying to keep my eyes open at 10pm on a Sunday school night with the beef apparently still not cooked) and you don't get much conversation. It is also free - well, practically, where else can you get a proper two course Sunday lunch for six quid?</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCSVR8n7BQL4az3RaiMhUupH4wQnM1zftQRNTAXssQFxCgSqbZK07MwfndJOsv4EBoq_NjE_-kDnrPWSBRmCeUONP0I_RLD27R5SwDcwDV4C6G6IZdGGHLN3Fs-DcU8zNVfo_lPftA04UQ/s400/P1030339.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579240835514838882" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div>This is classic British grub laid out on a red and white wipe down check tablecloth, dished up by a motherly platinum blonde in sheepskin slippers. Utterly unpretentious, the Pride of Spitalfields has to offer the best Sunday roast in London. You get four vegetables, two kinds of potatoes: roast and mashed, a jug of gravy, AND yorkshire pudding whether it is roast beef or not. Once you have got through that lot, a cheerful voice will ask: 'are you ready for your dessert?' This could be anything from Walls Viennetta to school dinner style pudding and custard. We were a bit disappointed to be presented with tinned fruit salad and custard, but let's not forget we are talking £6 for two courses.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSWbz4O-wWUSEWC3AODn-P6_wsRqUJHASDlTCkbCiJnzTPWwxvvvh-PgHuzhdn_xrxr-qzNhW6r22eo3sKNSkCTfx9UP4pFztL_UA8r0v-eP_xx3eEyc4UeOsJP2eiA7gxLj3e06EIkyw/s400/P1030340.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579241263036246898" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div>The 'Pride' is a wonderful time warp, where the ageing pub cat rubs up against the old boys at the bar, who happily rub shoulders with some of the bleary eyed fashionistas lolling on the sofas. Paying £13 for a Sunday roast consisting of some dried out slab of meat, greasy potatoes and one veg by a skinny, miserable north (or west) Londoner just sends me into a fury. Well, it would do, but I don't do it anymore. If you go to 'The Pride', do book, but don't expect the staff to be snotty; they are not, it is just that the 'dining room' only seats about 12 people, so they just like to know. </div><div><br /></div>Jane Eggintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855874391343611183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021220194407728724.post-41334640404350765222011-02-28T17:01:00.014+00:002011-04-01T12:04:04.794+01:00Crêperie du Monde<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxlil3az2n65pmycq8nBPlw5kcPV50frR4RR4XfNY5yr8BG8aRmSKWGU7OU2qrZEAFtm9TF-fsRN7elklBl-z7iGdf4i7JLK1kLJCqTx61NbYHxt3LxRFwpFac89Pw6MNYpyQQX8k149K/s1600/P1030544.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdg2If59u4WokvxwTbza82dKD9qIqNG2LNRqT4BNleHBsIwGnuKpwW355HcjkmbFAX2PdHpJ1YUQGN5P6_DfY1SzM_1N0dwWeTc-4Lm-q05bXrqRZcu3uSyiNmYfFrG5LYqOqL4_YelVP/s1600/P1030543.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdg2If59u4WokvxwTbza82dKD9qIqNG2LNRqT4BNleHBsIwGnuKpwW355HcjkmbFAX2PdHpJ1YUQGN5P6_DfY1SzM_1N0dwWeTc-4Lm-q05bXrqRZcu3uSyiNmYfFrG5LYqOqL4_YelVP/s400/P1030543.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578787717151279730"></a><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="large">This lovely little 'world' crêperie is the funkiest place on charming Chatsworth Road (Number 51, Hackney, London, E5) and certainly at the centre of my universe. It is just round the corner from my house, so I am often here on the squashy retro leather sofa in the window, working away on the wi-fi, writing up my travel features and earning myself a little <a href="http://www.tescofinance.com/personal/finance/finance/travelmoney/index.jsp">Travel Money</a>. </font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAaUhLWq7zOQs6eKXCbTkCLdEBMDO2sXmJ_V2oax2dApK7Xq9q1AZvWFqbfNC1646x7nfgeCME2snPfix3tmllEygQkUDHj0evrUmHllwz4qGxFQnesgD6xDqDCmuynoNN9ynegOHzIwr5/s400/P1030545.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578794445883074562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; "></font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="large">I spend it too, of course, on the delicious freshly made juices with mouthwatering combinations of spinach, ginger, pear and beetroot. The crêpes are the thing, though, whether with white, vegan or buckwheat flour. Their names are as imaginative as the decor, featuring distressed furniture, much of it reclaimed, tables made out of old wooden floorboards and empty vintage picture frames on the wall. I can recommend the Oriental Infusion with teriyaki chicken and green beans; my favourite though is the brunch classic of smoked salmon, scrambled egg, asparagus, hollandaise and salad. Sweeth-toothed crêpe lovers may want to go for an 'English Countryside', with apple cinnamon and fresh cream or the 'London Loves' combo of banana, caramel and ice cream. Are you one of those people who for some strange reason have a thing against crêpes? Why not try a Belgian waffle (with reduced prices for little ones) or a fluffy omelette – plain, cheese or with mixed herbs?</font></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxlil3az2n65pmycq8nBPlw5kcPV50frR4RR4XfNY5yr8BG8aRmSKWGU7OU2qrZEAFtm9TF-fsRN7elklBl-z7iGdf4i7JLK1kLJCqTx61NbYHxt3LxRFwpFac89Pw6MNYpyQQX8k149K/s400/P1030544.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578788089084272498" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="large" style=" ">You may come across one or two young 'creatives' on their white apple macs, but this little spot is far away from the wannabes of London Fields and far from being pretentious – yet. A stray yummy mummy might wander in with their offspring, and you could see some bright young things having an impromptu brain storming at the big table at the back but, again, they don't spoil things. I normally order a cappuccino, served in a delicate china cup, but every now and then I get a 'Persian Pomegranate', a lovely, tart, blood red herbal tea in a white mug. </font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="large" style=" "><br /></font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" size="large"><br /></font></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Jane Eggintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855874391343611183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021220194407728724.post-82464422994765324202011-02-26T18:57:00.018+00:002011-05-03T11:45:38.463+01:00Hackney Homemade and Vintage Market<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWyjTkGaPeQjHCHBCAP-3v-9pFLPcjN9byGQiNI2xWuFooYVJ5aKI-Eqkk-fNqKvDcQ-pBsg8hS3g3Nxyf2IbmxBTPTtv-4-i1ENNLDwhljIsAFQRlObDptGEOPA4-_YL7RoScS9ix283/s1600/P1030118.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWyjTkGaPeQjHCHBCAP-3v-9pFLPcjN9byGQiNI2xWuFooYVJ5aKI-Eqkk-fNqKvDcQ-pBsg8hS3g3Nxyf2IbmxBTPTtv-4-i1ENNLDwhljIsAFQRlObDptGEOPA4-_YL7RoScS9ix283/s400/P1030118.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578077666938407314" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIx5HWOtZ03fGzjPSPH-UF2G3toC1vWX62ZrdfL92jnuwOcjrHzKU0VM___NKUXhxfN7Ef538kD3ulsr4iWRgtJjhdt9F8XRVp8KighsvDSpKIzMcuFrCqiEkRYYp7CBrSzwUCIDX4_Mm8/s1600/P1030129.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIx5HWOtZ03fGzjPSPH-UF2G3toC1vWX62ZrdfL92jnuwOcjrHzKU0VM___NKUXhxfN7Ef538kD3ulsr4iWRgtJjhdt9F8XRVp8KighsvDSpKIzMcuFrCqiEkRYYp7CBrSzwUCIDX4_Mm8/s400/P1030129.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578075949261582450" border="0" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">H</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">ackney Homemade and Vintage Market takes place in the courtyard behind the independent bookshop, the Book Box (</span></span><a href="http://www.bookboxonline.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="cursor: pointer; color: rgb(59, 89, 152); text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">www.bookboxonline.co.uk</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">) and on the pavement outside, on the corner of Chatsworth and Glenarm Roads Clapton, London, E5 0LH.</span></span></span></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">For information about forthcoming market days, take a look at our </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=201822139846098"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Facebook page</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Our impressive roll call of local traders sell a variety of handmade and vintage goods. These include collectible ceramics, vintage toys and furniture, artisan food, home made herbal creams, handcr</span></span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">afted jewellery and and screen-printed pillowcases.<br />For a stall or more information<br />contact<br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">jane@hackneyhome.co.uk</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br />07956 934 768<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal;font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:16px;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 15px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></span></div><span><span><span style="font-size:100%;">The People<br /><br />These are just some of the talented people who have been part of Hackney Homemade and Vintage Market.<br />• Ingrid Behic sells desirable homemade goods including beautifully crafted fabric hearts, toys, cards and decorations.<br />• Jo Thorpe www.jothorpemosaic.com is an established and innovative mosaic artist who produces decorative mosaic panels and jewellery – Jo's work can be seen in Westminster Cathedral.<br />• Patricia Bennett is an expert knitter, selling baby cashmere balaclavas, who also runs popular knitting courses.<br />• Kirstin Ingham is a graduate of Leith’s School of Food and Wine specializing in artisan creative cooking.<br />• Elsa Hamaz is a skilled herbalist who creates her own exquisite herbal creams, herbal teas, syrups and tinctures, all free of any artificial ingredients.<br />• Adam Cobbold sells handmade cushion covers using vintage British fabrics from pre-war to the 1970's as well as contemporary textiles from Morocco, Iran, Cambodia and India.<br />• Hazel Thomson www.thechalkhouse.com is a designer with an architectural background who designs and makes her own sought after range of laser cut plywood and acrylic jewellery.</span><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 15px;font-family:'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;" ><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:'times new roman';" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></span></div></div>Jane Eggintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855874391343611183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021220194407728724.post-83934290242440506242011-02-03T09:34:00.005+00:002011-02-03T09:45:35.545+00:00On the Edge of the Olympic Site<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlMOi-1BHMe24kE6D72ahBk8R8tkOsz1RUEUOI9qvX4y5Ns1loCA9u_cuy9v8pZ0n1rLJeGoks4C0A93dNKcoySAVOUPhtpdbaJepJsZQhyphenhyphenm4dNEqUD-3M0b4C8G9ZzbdqP2NK0oE3yWl/s1600/David_Rees_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlMOi-1BHMe24kE6D72ahBk8R8tkOsz1RUEUOI9qvX4y5Ns1loCA9u_cuy9v8pZ0n1rLJeGoks4C0A93dNKcoySAVOUPhtpdbaJepJsZQhyphenhyphenm4dNEqUD-3M0b4C8G9ZzbdqP2NK0oE3yWl/s400/David_Rees_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569394497032108578" /></a><div>As someone who lives right on the edge – of the olympic site, I am both concerned and fascinated by how our neighbourhood, particularly Hackney Marsh and the River Lee, has been transformed before our eyes. David Lee has created a series of bold, yet moving images over the last two years, recording what has changed, looking at the echoes of history and the re-imagining of this unique area. David's exhibition runs from 3rd - 27th February at <a href="http://www.pagesofhackney.co.uk/">Pages</a>, our wonderful local, independent bookshop that puts on startlingly good events.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Jane Eggintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855874391343611183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021220194407728724.post-80459855287839538542011-01-31T22:00:00.013+00:002011-02-03T16:51:32.265+00:00Town Hall Hotel<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAX1H5k4ILKMkGRV8jtdYYAwM8xDDSEyaS1BLLPWm5XKDygeWJP2MMw3QPobvjWOx8NB56buw_CO4pjYDmK77CDyUf3NIq-ou57NLwWQViGO7g0jXQIUxcIVa62BdQkthQyAD7hTTGdTir/s1600/P1030316.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAX1H5k4ILKMkGRV8jtdYYAwM8xDDSEyaS1BLLPWm5XKDygeWJP2MMw3QPobvjWOx8NB56buw_CO4pjYDmK77CDyUf3NIq-ou57NLwWQViGO7g0jXQIUxcIVa62BdQkthQyAD7hTTGdTir/s400/P1030316.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568477426521248578" /></a>This little gem is a wonderful addition to an undeniably grubby corner of the East End. The original Edwardian building of the <a href="http://www.townhallhotel.com/">Town Hall Hotel</a> has been transformed into a sparkling boutique hotel with no less than 98 rooms and apartments. I was surprised to find the hotel even has its own pool and spa. There is a staggeringly good restaurant – which I vowed to return to (it's booked out for dinner for the next three months) and the Viajante (which means Traveller in Portuguese) is a real find of a <a href="http://www.viajante.co.uk/bar.html">bar</a>, where I imbibed more than one fine cocktail.<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04Xlw_opTSJ_H0mbpsAUiHJ7Vln-R3UuckYGUAGE9MsFNBss4g_juSwpOIlFYnG3pUaR7krPJkp0YhXb_QYwenTTG-BC_SqnFckQisQ7K4lNNaftuKzdV_Bp0-vFzNiVYC3aO5l4_2PaI/s400/P1030313.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569505333257348354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div>The low lit, buzzy, intimate bar with slick yet friendly service reminded my (very experienced) drinking companion and me of our favourite drinking dens in New York. We asked for a Sake Tomi, a delectable sounding gin, watermelon and sake cocktail, but learnt that the bar was (rather optimistically, we thought) switching over to a new spring menu. It is not just the juices that change seasonally, but the spirits too. So expect the list to change like that for any reputable restaurant. From that point on we happily handed over control – very wisely it turned out – to our bar man. ‘We like to talk to guests and find out what they would like’, he explained and, as he mixed our chosen drinks, we went for a whirlwind tour of the fine hotel.</div><div> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Gd_Fel-dF2oukTF4CTLVwnyKNhdUY0t6GfF-Fqd5BwqSmBJ-yqLgqYI-YsQvaxFs65z9tlhHBBg2kun-u89xAlUflq1CtCKyeyzIPioQlIBbGnGQl7KCXQhMgO2ezdEW3D7_BcoqXtB5/s400/P1030310.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568476013184004658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal">The bar and restaurant are part of the building constructed in 1909 – as we swung through some double doors, we walked into the section built in 1939. I loved both the communal spaces and the stylish, modern rooms and apartments that combine the classic features of this historic building with East London edginess – an assured blend of the classic and eccentric. As we walked past two statues of Truth and Happiness, we learnt how the venue had been used in film shoots and sit coms. Anna, our guest relations guide, showed genuine enthusiasm for the place, exclaiming: ‘I am fascinated by the building’. She told us how the owner of the hotel got married here, saying ‘so he must have the building in his heart’ as she tapped her chest.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We return anxiously to our cocktails, only to find we have taken so long Alex has made us some new ones. I get a Buffalo Bourbon with Buffalo trace whiskey, served imaginatively in a jam jar. My companion, Ruth is presented with a Japanese Matcha tea with gin, lemon and egg white in a delicate Japanese ceramic cup (the barman has his own collection), laced with some pretty white flowers. There are no generic glasses here. The cocktail list is assured, and very reasonably priced – with prices hovering around 7 or 8 pounds.</p> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEP-O26ac_KGdzF1TeYomxk1AjdwFLZS1DNiFUMiyoNldGv8RUOvVkqpZT3y7lvVrOn5Mn7rDZM5SDvxnG62A9T3jg8fFBTMbVpIaohbRD7dIHNl1TZRYj1nIB2o-P5QW7kCnstdMKAbz0/s400/P1030320.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568476541390067106" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal">The decadence of the Breakfast Martini appealed – a chase marmalade, vodka and cointreau combo billed as the ‘first drink of the day’ – but instead I plumped for a rum with Porter foam and angostura served in a half pint handled beer glass. Other concoctions we felt compelled to try included Absinthe Saki, a gin, cucumber, mint, lemon and champagne creation and ‘Traveller number 3’, a refreshing blend of lemongrass, gin, orange bitters and bubbles. In an attempt to soak up some of the alcohol, we tucked into some delicious bar snacks of prawn samosas with cucumber yoghurt and dry aged beef burger, stacked with vanilla onions, stilton and crispy root vegetables.</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BfyUJ0BJInbuDt-7i121NmGgei34EYCJoiIgRM19jRXuKZCBxRo_WZ-_e-A71PkF0byaBWRj7V5BBHGwT7yHk9kMWxeOovmCN2loBfwbwePPLZApLwOUfsS-gHTUEdNDva7kfEFJ9z-Y/s400/P1030312.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569504770277271394" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal">Alex winced when I mentioned molecular cocktails and foam, which seemed to be a feature of his drinks, but went on to show me a photo of his latest creation on his phone– a vodka cocktail in a miniature flower pot topped with chocolate for a soil like topping.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Forgive me if I forget the rest of ingredients – by this time we had pretty much worked our way through the whole cocktail menu. Alex told us he is planning a cocktail tasting event, which I hope to attend, so watch this space. I also hope to be able to stay the night at the Town Hall Hotel so expect a full review. Book between now and the end of February and get a whopping 50% off the regular room rate.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">‘We could move in,’ we whispered to each other. As we were leaving we heard someone else say the same thing.</p> <!--EndFragment--> <div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div></div>Jane Eggintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855874391343611183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021220194407728724.post-60995131539554389772010-11-24T21:11:00.008+00:002010-11-24T21:33:10.928+00:00The Pig's Ear<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iDTMK6QNUcgXLEHF2-p-CRmQP2aszllyLyT9qUJnpAXGNzxjvJNYTIUEYvMFqslTVkovawUmzKmqQLXrVaB8ay2BqhtC1B0iJKlFxtOJOyZT0B4l2noUtd8wwG7bWoIG68ChR24khSfr/s1600/PE+2010+update.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 291px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iDTMK6QNUcgXLEHF2-p-CRmQP2aszllyLyT9qUJnpAXGNzxjvJNYTIUEYvMFqslTVkovawUmzKmqQLXrVaB8ay2BqhtC1B0iJKlFxtOJOyZT0B4l2noUtd8wwG7bWoIG68ChR24khSfr/s400/PE+2010+update.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543230839122280962" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Pig’s Ear means beer in cockney rhyming slang in case you didn't know – I didn't. The <a href="http://www.pigsear.org.uk/">Pig’s Ear Beer and Cider Festival</a>, organised by the East London and City (ELAC) branch of the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) takes place in the <a href="http://www.theroundchapel.org.uk/">Round Chapel</a> in Powerscroft Road, E5, from Tuesday November 30 to Friday December 3. This year it showcases 17 new beers from seven new London breweries: Brew Wharf, Brodie’s, Camden, Ha’penny, Kernel, Redemption and Sambrook’s. “The renaissance of brewing in London is wonderful and astonishing. None of the 17 London Beers on offer existed just two years ago; now they’re praised by more and more quaffers,” declared organiser Derek Jones. “They represent the revival of a once-glorious London brewing tradition. For centuries the city was Britain’s leading brewing centre but most breweries closed in the post-war period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>These new producers are expressing skill and innovation that will give London new brewing status.” Derek Jones went on to say that the Grade II listed English Heritage building built in 1871 with a magnificent three sided gallery “will become a Chapel of the Blessed Barley and Holy Hop for almost 150 notable Real Ales.”</p> <!--EndFragment--> <!--EndFragment--> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Jane Eggintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855874391343611183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021220194407728724.post-40979412727785533412010-11-03T14:44:00.006+00:002010-11-03T15:23:15.220+00:00Hackney Homemade and Vintage Market<div>A new market selling homemade and vintage goods is to open in Hackney on November 7th. It will take place in the courtyard behind the lovely independent bookshop, the Bookbox (<a href="http://www.bookboxonline.co.uk/">www.bookboxonline.co.uk</a>). </div><div><br /></div><div>The Bookbox, which boasts a charming ceramics cafe in its basement, is at 53 Chatsworth Road, Clapton, London, E5 0LH, UK on the corner of Glenarm Road.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The People...</b></div><div><br /></div><div>The emphasis is on local, quality goods that are either handmade or vintage.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the very first market, there is an impressive roll call of traders. </div><div><br /></div><div>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Christa Davis (<a href="http://www.christadavis.com/">www.christadavis.com</a>) selling vintage clothes, reconditioned cashmere and her latest designs. </div><div><br /></div><div>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Rhea Daley-Serieux (<a href="http://www.eatmyheartout.com/">www.eatmyheartout.com</a>), a talented young Hackney photographer selling prints and postcards.</div><div><br /></div><div>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Colin O’Brien (<a href="http://www.colinobrien.co.uk/">www.colinobrien.co.uk</a>), an acclaimed Hackney photographer, selling posters, framed prints and books.</div><div><br /></div><div>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Jane MacIntyre (<a href="http://www.hackneyhome.co.uk/">www.hackneyhome.co.uk</a>) selling vintage clothes and homeware. </div><div><br /></div><div>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Jean Morris, who also has a stall at Broadway Market on Saturday, selling vintage postcards and prints. </div><div><br /></div><div>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Ingrid Behic’s homemade goods include fabric hearts, toys, cards and Christmas decorations.</div><div><br /></div><div>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Mary selling vintage ceramic homeware, much of it from the 1950s.</div><div><br /></div><div>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Patricia Bennett is an expert knitter, selling baby cashmere balaclavas amongst other handmade items, who also runs popular knitting courses at Venetias.</div><div><br /></div><div>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Kate Georgiou selling classic vintage clothes from the last 20 years as well as lovely homemade items.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>The Philosophy...</b></div><div><br /></div><div>is that stallholders and shoppers alike will enjoy a pleasant Sunday as part of their local community.</div></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocsNYtv7RDc4fCktcrlYeZy26_BjWfaprMCuG63QZWh8sqkAxTtCbC1EL_Iml6lyQ-kXMbmtrkGmFxzvImwlg5KapdD_ry6BSs5POEjeJp6dhSLVqfibI2UOpXZHIasKpezGJGbdZRuBv/s1600/HackneyHomeMade+Market.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 273px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocsNYtv7RDc4fCktcrlYeZy26_BjWfaprMCuG63QZWh8sqkAxTtCbC1EL_Iml6lyQ-kXMbmtrkGmFxzvImwlg5KapdD_ry6BSs5POEjeJp6dhSLVqfibI2UOpXZHIasKpezGJGbdZRuBv/s400/HackneyHomeMade+Market.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535334614186306034" /></a>Jane Eggintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855874391343611183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021220194407728724.post-44856269968758059912010-09-29T20:01:00.008+01:002010-10-15T11:14:07.663+01:00A rustic feast in the heart of Hackney<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFODVDlR7fTsn_j3HTAI_NaDKjmGEiSpTDXkTIvzb9_tJhZVqdT7vRNlGx9FXofaKqypFt399VPRPJXLFdMXe_w0ksZnJ55YWJT0go1AiM6Wd5D2mT3XJRr_WBsFkG7OYiAaLm0-VN7Iu/s1600/P1010969.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFODVDlR7fTsn_j3HTAI_NaDKjmGEiSpTDXkTIvzb9_tJhZVqdT7vRNlGx9FXofaKqypFt399VPRPJXLFdMXe_w0ksZnJ55YWJT0go1AiM6Wd5D2mT3XJRr_WBsFkG7OYiAaLm0-VN7Iu/s400/P1010969.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528211554283159906" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Once a month, usually on Tuesday, <a href="http://www.susazzagoni.com/">Su Susazzagoni </a> hosts a spectacular supper called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Cena Agrituristica</i>. This feast is all about the special secret dishes that are rarely seen outside traditional Sardinian farmhouses. Yet here they all are in Victoria Park, at a buzzing local trattoria which is a great place to meet friends, or even have a romantic meal.</div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p>The Cena is a 17-course meal to remember – a three-hour extravaganza that is the antithesis of fast food; I suggest you have nothing more than Ryvita for lunch.</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLQ8k8DIxtXTGECiiXY6Eby57-Qf9sjDfX8ds_ulho0-aUGKg-4M6KoepNXY9-_z83sAmZ-kFkHr66q3-5QMqkZc9wI6vtnTO6snj5YdNCxMTKGjkwCRWgyj14QV4WDS3iPvXaSbpl0E-/s1600/P1010978.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLQ8k8DIxtXTGECiiXY6Eby57-Qf9sjDfX8ds_ulho0-aUGKg-4M6KoepNXY9-_z83sAmZ-kFkHr66q3-5QMqkZc9wI6vtnTO6snj5YdNCxMTKGjkwCRWgyj14QV4WDS3iPvXaSbpl0E-/s400/P1010978.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528212010497810482" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>We arrived to a warm welcome from sweet, smiling host Elena, and after settling in, the first of ten starter dishes arrived. As always, eating here was an education: “There isn’t a restaurant in Sardinia where you won’t find seafood salad”, explained Elena. She was rightly proud of her Sardinian meatballs, made to ‘nanny’s recipe’, which involves a half and half mix of pork and beef, with breadcrumbs and nutmeg.</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Still on our starters, we tucked into a vegetarian antipasti of chargrilled aubergine, courgette and pepper (that to me seemed classic Italian) as well as a unique dish of chicken livers in an onion and vinegar sauce. My husband declared, “even the lentils are yummy” – words I never thought would be uttered from his Scottish lips. Elena reveals the secret of their tastiness, “I am the chef’s worst nightmare: I made him cook the lentils three times this evening until they were right.” I sipped slowly on the robust red wine – Rosso Valle del Tirso <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>from the centre of Sardinia – and taking Elena’s advice, paused for a little break before the next course.</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Malloredus cun sattizzu</i> (Sardinian pasta with fresh aromatic sausage) was served with ricotta and spinach ravioli in a delicate yet rich tomato sauce. The sausages were divine, pure pork, a little salt and fennel.</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4QpG-FicpLYwd8zMI0bK8cUljmrfIzthIS27ofT9Abkm4J6VFAjz7BT4_3v73Y8h9-gudpxDeqsrsJ6Dq9V2MH1RHXrqizJ8RzcH4RZGNWiSZJKqdivKD8BT8PMfvsRUeimVFjxxL1hf/s1600/P1010983.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4QpG-FicpLYwd8zMI0bK8cUljmrfIzthIS27ofT9Abkm4J6VFAjz7BT4_3v73Y8h9-gudpxDeqsrsJ6Dq9V2MH1RHXrqizJ8RzcH4RZGNWiSZJKqdivKD8BT8PMfvsRUeimVFjxxL1hf/s400/P1010983.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528213104783837554" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>We tucked into melt in the mouth suckling pork with roasted potatoes and crudités and managed to finish with dessert of sweet, star-shaped biscuits that were surprisingly – and gratifyingly – delicate.</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> “It’s heaven” announced my husband at the end. Seconds later, I heard a man on the next table repeat the same words. I would add that it’s great value, with generous portions and good quality ingredients. This is fine, unadulterated food, hand made, prepared with love and served with confidence.</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5ek6sIWJmjaPg2O0qyBgQ3aiZ7VqNH9KIKUvn1WF3M7KK0pIvc7WD5-xnUufnaLqwv5qX3aOPpfpWK4sA3FAEZJKPGEDk4G8BVG8j1e8wwSdyWfBF0uSTjS13gGs-6UioX-E_5gqzDS8/s1600/P1010984.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5ek6sIWJmjaPg2O0qyBgQ3aiZ7VqNH9KIKUvn1WF3M7KK0pIvc7WD5-xnUufnaLqwv5qX3aOPpfpWK4sA3FAEZJKPGEDk4G8BVG8j1e8wwSdyWfBF0uSTjS13gGs-6UioX-E_5gqzDS8/s400/P1010984.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528211109920205698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><o:p> The Cena Agrituristica costs £45 per person, and comes with a bottle of wine for two to share.</o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></p> <!--EndFragment-->Jane Eggintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855874391343611183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021220194407728724.post-56322236292337025132010-09-06T15:06:00.006+01:002010-09-06T16:38:58.386+01:00Riverside Cafe<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1aSIteM8MeMy-XgOYKsHRC8ovJzec4Up7Ug_Fl-wyxn7LZYlO31UD6mNGp5OTLx20iTEpXKFXyuSpFevuLQgcfkKNyK-dzVjgEahsAvWZQKr-zg-2oFHnC8n7q3c54t3UNLr2AGab8c7/s1600/P1030257.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1aSIteM8MeMy-XgOYKsHRC8ovJzec4Up7Ug_Fl-wyxn7LZYlO31UD6mNGp5OTLx20iTEpXKFXyuSpFevuLQgcfkKNyK-dzVjgEahsAvWZQKr-zg-2oFHnC8n7q3c54t3UNLr2AGab8c7/s320/P1030257.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513807882209209682" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9gTKe34BEu1J2BwP3TgFxNT2TNob1-ygAs-qN67TYMWe49ie3c-_94nvhaPUA1qCn7lFP4Ut1S9U5J0WqOy1rM5H2lXnPeIOB9Vbutkc0BT651_9H5LOiqwSW1dCW8BXlVMLaF0xYLM7d/s1600/P1030259.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9gTKe34BEu1J2BwP3TgFxNT2TNob1-ygAs-qN67TYMWe49ie3c-_94nvhaPUA1qCn7lFP4Ut1S9U5J0WqOy1rM5H2lXnPeIOB9Vbutkc0BT651_9H5LOiqwSW1dCW8BXlVMLaF0xYLM7d/s320/P1030259.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513806385872327778" /></a> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">At the bottom of the huge sweep of Springfield Park’s Spring Hill, which looks as if it could have been transplanted from Hampstead Heath, is the beautifully basic Riverside Cafe. Sit in the café’s steamy interior or on one of the casually scattered chairs next to the River Lea and the Lea Rowing Club. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>I normally go for a faultless and very reasonably priced (under a fiver) English breakfast, but they serve good omelettes, filled baguettes and a range of cakes too. Despite appearances and the bargain prices, the service is (generally) friendly and so efficient it would put most sophisticated restaurants to shame. Just across the water are the wilds of Walthamstow Marsh Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, where an old breed of cattle still graze in the summer. It is just one part of the pretty <a href="http://www.leevalleypark.org.uk">Lee Valley Park</a>, which languishes for a full 26 miles along the banks of the River and is London’s biggest open space, crossed by a network of footpaths.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Riverside Cottage, Spring Hill, Clapton E5 9BL Tel: 0208 920 3994</o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: -webkit-xxx-large; line-height: 18px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>Jane Eggintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855874391343611183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021220194407728724.post-57229438000261272692010-07-26T16:30:00.003+01:002010-07-26T16:35:27.688+01:00Last of the Real High Streets<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NWLKTt_tQ_YtOFEgQXtBsbxcj00pkPTAjyjArLOcAc_SQ4MqbziMGwSx5mmAT3EH0cQuPu1bXFolmjcpN_yZblz4VDmGJXhPrtnRPk4hWsLqjaOW9fwrt_nQ9GVnDpTqkzRiIsce-jI1/s1600/Kashmiri+Kebab+IMG_6970.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NWLKTt_tQ_YtOFEgQXtBsbxcj00pkPTAjyjArLOcAc_SQ4MqbziMGwSx5mmAT3EH0cQuPu1bXFolmjcpN_yZblz4VDmGJXhPrtnRPk4hWsLqjaOW9fwrt_nQ9GVnDpTqkzRiIsce-jI1/s320/Kashmiri+Kebab+IMG_6970.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498238692264633522" /></a><br /><div>Next to the bakery on Chatsworth Road is ‘The Shop’ – which has changing window displays but nothing for sale. The Shop is actually a home, and the owner readily admits he could never leave this ‘peculiar and wonderful street’. Made up almost entirely of independent shops, Chatsworth Road is a rare jewel among the homogeneous high streets of modern Britain. There’s no McDonalds here, no Gap, no Starbucks – just a roll call of unique businesses that locals love.</div><div><br /></div><div>Paks Cosmetics, a Black hair and beauty shop that caters primarily to African Caribbeans, does a brisk trade, while a steady flow of customers buy fresh yams and plantains from the Caribbean supermarket next door. ‘Mighty Meats’, the local butcher of 30 years standing, and a tyre shop that has been trading for 50 years are typical of the treasured old guard. Stalwarts like the Kashmiri Kebab shop and Jamaican take away reflect a more recent demographic. And now, a new breed of outlets is multiplying.</div><div><br /></div>See my full story about the '<a href="http://www.hackneyhive.co.uk/index/2010/07/chatsworth-road-last-of-the-real-high-streets/">Last of the Real High Streets'</a> on www.hackneyhive.co.ukJane Eggintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855874391343611183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021220194407728724.post-35229541116679281962010-05-31T23:21:00.009+01:002010-06-05T22:10:09.015+01:00A Taste of Sardinia<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVsEzyESxsoGXDl9pZKnskRfUH2ByrTiAjOsmzwWQZStBddNx7FTzPKpVeLPYAQOoIEJ5xFh318E3DVhzoB5mmL7Ku9TVl3rKwsBnGNLuW7z1cfRAh0CAsl4Hi-NB33YIZt5r59_vDLES/s1600/P1010431.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVsEzyESxsoGXDl9pZKnskRfUH2ByrTiAjOsmzwWQZStBddNx7FTzPKpVeLPYAQOoIEJ5xFh318E3DVhzoB5mmL7Ku9TVl3rKwsBnGNLuW7z1cfRAh0CAsl4Hi-NB33YIZt5r59_vDLES/s320/P1010431.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479397367449394018" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8X5aWxmdChK7DlI7m7hyZSSU5I4LFxDu9Afdoo8fYQX8Go0fKihQ6M3CCAsX5efHSSmpEpdz3XvP9zIpxPAXgg-RZ7OXofAjQ5WYp7wXbChpdXlkD0Mzuclww19B5jHr1RJnxrLXepqoD/s1600/P1010439.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8X5aWxmdChK7DlI7m7hyZSSU5I4LFxDu9Afdoo8fYQX8Go0fKihQ6M3CCAsX5efHSSmpEpdz3XvP9zIpxPAXgg-RZ7OXofAjQ5WYp7wXbChpdXlkD0Mzuclww19B5jHr1RJnxrLXepqoD/s320/P1010439.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479396968055602034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AHG5G5mFRZ6wjIVrTV4gGA3rO1aoys9DuExV5_rZ6_PB7eyMjBKrFUerhhdDrbdX7x0weZY2-X1z5VZQLpuz9h716lRk881zfgV25X2RoLG8Nh1H42AG2A4ThykzBKCtdf8m0uiWZXy3/s1600/P1010427.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AHG5G5mFRZ6wjIVrTV4gGA3rO1aoys9DuExV5_rZ6_PB7eyMjBKrFUerhhdDrbdX7x0weZY2-X1z5VZQLpuz9h716lRk881zfgV25X2RoLG8Nh1H42AG2A4ThykzBKCtdf8m0uiWZXy3/s320/P1010427.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479396432966964402" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBnCz_m8BrDhmbYTbLHoXJX7BShkyhMpouuQSfgZl4HOKwCm0p3zsUF_ttFPJuv9txvok301CaFXSoockjc68LZrw3Uemg75TU_P24phMldR9wAuMbtenZ5fWzkpzgxOk4711CSVLQk_P/s1600/P1010422.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBnCz_m8BrDhmbYTbLHoXJX7BShkyhMpouuQSfgZl4HOKwCm0p3zsUF_ttFPJuv9txvok301CaFXSoockjc68LZrw3Uemg75TU_P24phMldR9wAuMbtenZ5fWzkpzgxOk4711CSVLQk_P/s320/P1010422.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479395909551808610" /></a><br /><div>When I attended one of the highly recommended cookery courses at <a href="http://www.susazzagoni.com/">Su Sazzagoni</a>, it was much more than an delicious introduction to Sardinia's unique cuisine. It was a complete, sensory immersion in the island's traditions, geography, history and wine. This included a very enjoyable lunch that almost rivalled my memorable <a href="http://http://hackneyhome.blogspot.com/2010/04/su-sazzagoni.html">dinner at the restaurant</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>I, and the other would-be chefs sat down to a flavoursome, meaty (vegetarian alternatives were available) starter of salami with fennel and parma ham. As we sipped on Vermentino, a very good dry white from the island, our host, the lovely owner, Elena, told us that even the grapes grown in Sardinia are completely different from those found in the rest of Italy. It was explained to us that Sardinian cuisine uses lots of simple, seasonal and fresh ingredients and very little chilli or butter.</div><div><br /></div><div>We moved over to the kitchen where the twinkly eyed, smiling chef showed us how to make light, buttery gnocchi. Fans of mashed potato – I imagine that is just about everybody – can use some of the same tricks. There was a certain amount of adapting from local recipes necessary to take account of the availability of ingredients, and the chef suggested we use Maris Piper potatoes, even though they use red potatoes in Sardinia. The potatoes should be boiled whole in their skins (which means they absorb less water), before removing the skins when still hot and then sieving. </div><div><br /></div><div>We went on to cook, and eat, a flavousome seafood fregola (often described as a Sardinian couscous, but actually rather more like a risotto), and malloreddus alla campidanese (a spicy sausage pasta), all the while assisted by the friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgable staff. </div><div><div><br /></div><div>This resulted in some other useful tips:</div><div><ul><li>Cook mussels and clams in oil – not water – in order to preserve their flavour.</li><li>After cooking seafood in a pan, soak up the flavours using white wine and use the liquid in your risotto.</li><li>If you make fresh tomato sauce with basil and don't add anything else (such as pine nuts), it will keep for much longer.</li></ul></div><div>When I was at Su Sazzagoni, a couple who had come for lunch were pouring over a map of the island with Elena the owner. Having tasted something of Sardinian food, they were eager to visit the island. I felt the same way. D. H. Lawrence wrote that Sardinia is '<i>lost between Europe and Africa and belonging to nowhere'</i>. Yet although the island is actually closer to North Africa than to Italy, Sardinia does not seem to suffer from any lack of sense of identity.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Jane Eggintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855874391343611183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021220194407728724.post-76258588068431942152010-05-10T16:01:00.004+01:002010-05-10T17:21:42.936+01:00The Mayor of Mesquite Chooses East London<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1F59n4GFwmSjPy6YWPqx7Cnv6x00rnQTNC2PFOGdSXWdkCZmQZ5rkGN61MV7sAi2My_9x0CS9-5Qk5UMwdvKAT7ZGUbAtMUpMTJO88GR2hF4CW3kfS9JOQyleIVZERtnp9_O0sc2_Q5J/s1600/SusanHolecheck2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1F59n4GFwmSjPy6YWPqx7Cnv6x00rnQTNC2PFOGdSXWdkCZmQZ5rkGN61MV7sAi2My_9x0CS9-5Qk5UMwdvKAT7ZGUbAtMUpMTJO88GR2hF4CW3kfS9JOQyleIVZERtnp9_O0sc2_Q5J/s320/SusanHolecheck2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469657723492308690" /></a><a href="http://www.mesquitenv.com/person/mayorsusanholecheck">Susan Holecheck, Mayor of Mesquite,</a> visited London for the World Travel Market: <div><br /></div><div>'I knew my trip only afforded one day for relaxation activities and I wonder how best to “feel” London. Well, the answer came with a visit to the Columbia Road flower market<i>. </i>I started out for the market around 9 a.m. A faint mist had started, but coming from a city in the United States where it only rains 3 inches a year, I found the moisture not intrusive, but rather welcoming. The cold penetrated my very existence and seemed to be daunting. But within minutes my body was more consumed by the sights and smells from the fabulous array of flowers and plants. The floral colors seemed brighter, the petals on the flowers more perfect, the green of the plants luminous. I wish I could have purchased all the bundles. Then there were the smiles on the vendors’ faces as they called out for purchase of their wares. I listened to the people as they spoke, I smelled the delicious aroma of a neighboring coffee shop, I saw retailers exhibiting their fashions. I was in London! The memory of those few hours walking the streets of the flower market is indelible. I would suggest that if you ever have an opportunity – let <a href="http://columbiaroad.info/">Columbia Road</a> treat your senses.'<div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Jane Eggintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855874391343611183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021220194407728724.post-2860649578982300882010-04-28T20:02:00.004+01:002010-04-28T20:33:10.909+01:00Give it a Grow<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRuGtl5XKKd6_6FUfaYzadrzI6hYx22WxXg0a-Ii2xej4sWX5TQNnovr_6RFXJKemv6-TQi4vcT3czwY_PPhR2aKpmS0-T2Q6SuJptIsAVPrPTXqgRfcasbOrto_40_8NPuC-G5aZqwcO/s1600/P1010467.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRuGtl5XKKd6_6FUfaYzadrzI6hYx22WxXg0a-Ii2xej4sWX5TQNnovr_6RFXJKemv6-TQi4vcT3czwY_PPhR2aKpmS0-T2Q6SuJptIsAVPrPTXqgRfcasbOrto_40_8NPuC-G5aZqwcO/s320/P1010467.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465273247405678034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8uk2DTiMAtbwSIWjc0cVI_82dhAvLh2pp1O0-hV4-5X6lmf5RCW3fYScOOghjiUUh3wqnmiFRND2rB2o7w4dcmuhm2P4qmEbvQ417w-r1fn8SPREsR-4erFY9ScXvF6mLuiyo2hSAoy3/s1600/P1010465.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8uk2DTiMAtbwSIWjc0cVI_82dhAvLh2pp1O0-hV4-5X6lmf5RCW3fYScOOghjiUUh3wqnmiFRND2rB2o7w4dcmuhm2P4qmEbvQ417w-r1fn8SPREsR-4erFY9ScXvF6mLuiyo2hSAoy3/s320/P1010465.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465272755502733666" /></a><br />What is it about garden centres and hairdressers that makes them so fond of a pun? I quite enjoy a good one myself and anyway am a staunch supporter of <a href="http://www.growingconcerns.org/">Growing Concerns</a> hidden between the Hertford Union Canal and St Marks Gate entrance to Victoria Park. This charming community garden centre in a lovely spot is run by a relaxed and knowledgeable group of people, offering a wide range of plants and accessories, all reasonably priced. They serve coffee and ice cream too. Growing Concerns, as one of the few small, locally run garden centres in Hackney, indeed the whole of the East End, is a special place that deserves support. After a very long wait, it has only recently received support from British Waterways and Capital Growth to transform their area from a 20-year old rubbish dump to a wildlife haven, orchard and vegetable patch. They have just kicked off their season of Community Growing Workshops, every Saturday 11am–1pm (by donation, call or email to reserve a space). Currently aimed at children and their carers, it is hoped to host workshops for adults only too.<div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Jane Eggintonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15855874391343611183noreply@blogger.com