For the love of vegetables...

More great publicity for  Matt Wilkinson's cookbook, Mr Wilkinson's Favourite Vegetables, in the March edition of Australian Gourmet Traveller! Always happy to see my photos out and about.  

Milkbar : coffee has its perks for those who have bean so lucky

Coffee plays two main roles in most of our lives. It's either a break from work or a welcomed aide to keep us working. It's our right-hand man/girl. For me, it's also an opportunity to connect, see friends and hug a friendly Barista... And the most huggable of Barista's I know, works his magic at Milkbar. He makes great coffee too. 

Milkbar   3 Bateman Street   Soho   W1D 4AG

How was the coffee? Creamy, nutty, delicious.

Did they have soy? Yes.  

Should you go there? Yes. There is a great breakfast menu, which includes my personal favourite, homemade beans on toast with a generous slab of goats cheese on top. 

Would I go there again? Yes. And I have. 

Milkbar doubles as an art space, featuring works for sale which change with regularity. Oddly, they don't have a bathroom and this is a small space, so seating is also limited.

Along with its sister cafe Flatwhite*, Milkbar is another in an increasing number of Antipodean-run, quality, anti-chain coffee shops. Londoners are now finally seeing coffee as the social glue that those of us from that group of rocky islands in the Southern Pacific have known it to be for years. Coffee brings people together mate/bro. It's true. Milkbar brings people together too. In hugs and in coffee. 

* Flat White, 17 Berwick Street, Soho  W1F 0PT

Mr Wilkinson's Favourite Vegetables by Matt Wilkinson

Finally, it's on the shelves! Mr Wilkinson's Favourite Vegetables by Matt Wilkinson. Art design by Studio Racket, illustrations by Miso, chapter introductions co-written by Brydie Smith and styled by Caroline Velik. This was an incredible collaboration for me and I believe, the result is a beautiful and unique cookbook. A celebration of vegetables that even the most hardcore meat lover will love.  

Coffee@Goswell Road: she's no bastard child

NEWS FLASH! Previously blogged about Coffee@157 has a sister and her name is Coffee@Goswell Road. I'm very pleased to report that she is no bastard child! She's totally legitimate and we were introduced this morning. 

Me? Exhausted after my encounter with the nearby Indian Visa Factory. 

She? Effusive, over flowing with caffeinated goodness and ready to embrace me with genuine affection. 

Coffee@Goswell Road     154 Goswell Road     EC1V 7DT

She mirrors her sister's vibe. They could be twins actually. A selection of slow burning log (and the like) visuals are being projected onto the wall. There's a little kid in the corner trying to make friends with the complimentary bike pump. This place is very cycle friendly. There's even a spot to park your ride inside. Fairtrade coffee is their focus and just like Coffee@157, this feels like a place where I could spend some quality, paper reading/people watching time. 

How was the coffee? OK. Not nearly as good as Coffee@157, but certainly acceptable. 

Did they have soy? Yes. 

Should you go there? Yes. Not specifically for the coffee, but for the fun of it. And my soy flat white was only 2.50 which is a bargain in any currency. 

Would I go there again? Yes. Not specifically for the coffee, but for the fun of it. 

Oh Coffee@Goswell Road. I was having such a lovely time and then you felt compelled to torture me with the long, high-pitched complaining cries of Chris Martin. Before this moment, my answer to the  gorgeous glowing red neon question on the wall which asks "my heart is yours, do you want it?" would have at least given me momentary pause to ponder my answer. But now, after this unpardonable indiscretion, my answer is quick to come and absolute. Not today Coffee@Goswell Road. Not today. But tomorrow? Well tomorrow is luckily another day.

Climpson & Sons: good coffee but not worth the bleeding ears

I love good coffee. I think we all know that to be true. What I don't understand is the music of Rihanna. 

Hopefully you can therefore understand my utter perplexion when, after months of wanting to go there, I finally make my way to THE birthplace of London's East-end independent coffee scene, Climpson & Sons, to be greeted by Rihanna. Well her music actually. The Only Girl in the World? I don't think so honey. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't hoping for Iron Maiden, but maybe The Pogues??? Strange first impression Climpson & Sons. Strange first impression.

Climpson & Sons    67 Broadway Market   E8 4PH

How was the coffee? Pretty good. But to be honest, I am completely preoccupied by the realisation that they're playing her entire album. Wwhhhaaaattt? 

Did they have soy? Yes. 

Should you go there? Broadway Market is worth checking out, as is London Fields, which is at the northern end of the street. 

Would I go there again? Yes, but only when in the neighbourhood and when Rihanna is not on rotation. 

Climpson & Sons offer five espresso blends. They also have a great  service whereby then send you a bag of freshly roasted coffee every month, depending on what's in season and what's best. Such a great way to taste the finest coffee from around the World. 

http://webcoffeeshop.co.uk/

Marion's Kitchen

Masterchef Australia contestant Marion Grasby, has released a range of Thai-inspired gourmet ingredient kits. I had the pleasure of photographing the Thai Green Curry print Ad for her. Her products are really worth trying. They're authentic and she has meticulously sourced the best ingredients. 


http://marionskitchen.com.au