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 

Bean Me Up. The coffee is out of this World.

Mine was a happy Monday. George Papandreou had announced he was stepping down. According to the official Scrabble people, "Vav"* is now an acceptable word, along with the sometimes annoying interjection "Sh". But best of all, I enjoyed the unrivalled satisfaction of coffee at Brick Lane Coffee. 

It was once known as Coffee@157 and I can't say for sure what it's called these days ... "The Excellent Cafe Next To The Most Excellent Bagel Shop" perhaps? Anyway, my lack of certainty about its name  does not diminish the fact that the coffee is seriously outstanding.  

Brick Lane Coffee     157 Brick Lane  London   E1 6SB

How was the coffee? Best I've had in London. Fact.

Did they have soy? Yes.

Should you go there? Absolutely. 

Would I go there again? Yes, I may well add it to my list of Spiritual Homes, along with Liberty, Mark's Bar and a bowl of my Mum's chicken soup. 

There's a small shrine to 90s band Bros in the corner, a poster of Charlie Sheen "winning" and even Jesus watches over you while you hydrate at the self-watering station. The Wombats song, Let's dance to Joy Division, is playing.  I just overheard the male Barista recommend a thrush treatment to a customer. This place is special. 

Seldom have I been somewhere so quirky that doesn't sell cocktails. Brick Lane Coffee does sell dreams however. My dream of luscious coffee has come true. Perhaps cold, grey Mondays in London aren't all that bad after all.

*Vav is the sixth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. 

Koya: what Udon are all about

Top on my list of mood elevating places to eat in London’s Soho is Koya. I am a huge fan of Japanese noodles. For me, they are the World’s greatest fast food. Who needs a burger when you can enjoy the noisy slurping goodness of a bowl of Udon?

Koya,  49 Frith Street  Soho  London  W1D 4SG

Koya specialize in traditional Japanese Udon. They’re made daily on the premises, with dough kneaded in the original way (by their feet). Buddhist priests are credited with inventing the Udon noodle. It’s no wonder I feel so blissed out when I eat them.

Koya offer perfect lengths of noodle, rectangular in cross section, served with a selection of seasonal toppings. Today, Pea Vongole Udon is on the menu. I am all about simple pleasures, so Zari Udon is a must order for me. Zari Udon are chilled Udon noodles topped with shredded Nori and a cold dipping sauce made from Dashi, Mirin, and Shoyu.

The perfect spot for a kitchen voyeur is the bench seat that over-looks the kitchen. I think I spot Chris Martin working the Tempura section. The Scissor Sisters are being played on the kitchen’s sound system.  I really do love this place.

So next time you’re…

“Gonna take your mama out all night

Yeah we'll show her what it's all about”

Take Jake Shears advice and take her to Koya. Show her what Udon are all about. Let the good times all roll out.

http://www.koya.co.uk/

Goodbye London. Hola Majorca.

Away from London, but still on-topic.... 

Today's plan - to visit the oldest glass blowing factory in Majorca - but clearly glass can not be viewed on an empty stomach.  My Majorcan friend suggests I make a stop at S'Hostal D'Algaida, a cafe in Algaida, an easy stop on the way.    

S'Hostal D'Algaida    Algaida,  Majorca,  Spain

Algaida is located just off the highway between Palma and Manacor. S'Hostal D'Algaida can be found next to the first roundabout you come across after leaving the highway. Thankfully, it's a very pleasant, quiet roundabout. 

Sisters, who could not be more than four and six years old, are practicing their Flamenco. The smaller one is "the man." The elder, "the woman." Miss Six is quite the task master. I love their passionate, high-spirited performance, but it does nothing to lessen the fact that I feel like a very lost tourist. I wonder if my kindergarden-level Catalan will translate into anything remotely intelligible. Then, one of the three sisters who run the place, comes to my table. I feel immediately at home. She is patience personified, as I stumble embarrassingly through my attempt at ordering. I brutally butcher her language. My efforts to speak Catalan sound like a linguistic massacre. It's badly spoken Italian, Spanish and French, all rolled into one homicidal mess. She smiles.

How was the coffee? Strong and thick, with beautiful crema. It's pleasure in a little cup. 

Did they have soy? Who cares.

Would I go there again? Yes, and I would move in upstairs if the sisters would have me. 

Should you go there? Aside from the great coffee. On offer, a delicious selection of Majorcan cuisine classics, including the best Croquetas I have ever eaten. These, made with fish and spinach, are crunchy outside, pillowy soft inside and perfectly seasoned. I don't care if I eat nothing else this year. Also on the menu, Tumbet - very finely sliced potatoes, eggplant and capsicum - all fried up and covered with a rich tomato sauce. Restorative. 

Any other points to note? According to the sticker on the door, Michelin visited this year. You should too. The oldest glass blowing factory in Majorca is also worth a look.