March Food News with Eat with Ellen
Eek, I’m late. Sorry guys, it’s been one of those months. Needless to say, this time of year is not the easiest. It’s that limbo period where we seem to just be coping with storm after storm, grey skies, and not much else.
I guess I could steer clear of mentioning the dreaded C word (coronavirus – not the other one) but I feel I can’t. With panic rife, supermarkets being cleared out like it’s some kind of apocalypse and events being cancelled left, right and centre, I suppose I want to use this column to make one plea.
Before you cancel a restaurant booking, refuse to leave the house, or take any other extreme action that contradicts official advice just because of what you see on social media, or on the news, just remember what happens to all those places you’re boycotting.
Independent restaurants and bars, food events, and all the other things that operate mainly through passion rather than profit, need your custom to survive. So if you walk away right now without warning, there’s a good chance some of them might not be there when you come back.
No, I’m not saying to ignore official advice. But I’m just saying let’s all be a bit measured in our response shall we. Anyway, enough of that. Without further ado, here are a few things I’ve dug out for you that might brighten up the rest of March and carry us all through until the sun shines.
Royal Opera House launched Swan Lake Afternoon Tea
Like ballet? This might be one for you. To celebrate the return of Swan Lake, the Royal Opera House has introduced the Swan Lake afternoon tea inspired by the classic ballet.
Running Thursdays to Saturdays from March 12th to April 18th, the afternoon tea includes includes an assortment of savoury and sweet treats as well live performances by a Royal Ballet pianist. You’ll get to try savouries like glazed gammon, grain mustard butter and pickled gherkin on granary bread, as well as the classic scones and jam. The sweets inspired by Swan Lake’s characters include a white swan macaron with chocolate wings and a black swan currant and cassis cheesecake.
The Swan Lake afternoon tea caters for dietary requirements, including gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian menus, and you can also opt to add a Swan Lake-inspired cocktail. There are several sittings for the Swan Lake afternoon tea and prices are from £45 per adult and £27 per child.
Bow St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DD. Nearest station – Covent Garden
Les Platanes launches South of France-inspired brunch
If you fancy a taste of the South of France without leaving London, you could try the new brunch menu at Mayfair’s Les Platanes. Available every Saturday and Sunday, it literally brings the taste of the South of France to you.
Expect dishes such as Brouillade (soft scrambled eggs covered with Perigord Truffle) and duck liver pate with comte ‘popovers’, as well as a Gruyere souffle or a classic Croque Monsieur. Guests can enjoy dishes separately or opt for the full two or three course menus. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you can try one of Les Platanes desserts, including Crepes Suzette, chocolate tart and waffles.
Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday priced at two courses for £32 and 3 courses for £37.
Les Platanes, 26-28 Bruton Pl, Mayfair, London W1J 6NG. Nearest stations – Green Park, Bond Street
Lost Society lands in Putney
If you’re a fan of Lost Society then you’ll be pleased to know it’s landed in Putney.
Known for its quirky style, the SW15 location offers an open-plan setting and colourful seating areas.
You can enjoy seasonal cocktails, craft beers, moreish small plates, raucous weekend brunches and award-winning Sunday roasts, all complete with live music and DJs throughout the week. The perfect antidote to any March blues going on.
160 Putney High St, London, SW15 1RS. Nearest stations – Putney, East Putney
Norma introduces a new Sunday roast
Sicilian hotspot is offering a new Sunday roast starting this month. The menu is all about sharing with friends and family and dishes will change regularly with the seasons.
Kicking off is kind of what I need right now this minute – mini caciocavallo (a stretched curd cheese) and mozzarella arancini with arrabbiata sauce, followed by a whole roasted free-range chicken with lemon thyme and garlic, roasted potatoes, seasonal Italian vegetables, roasted cauliflower and parmesan gratin. All followed by the classic ‘Norma’ Tiramisu for dessert. Comfort food at its best.
Norma, 8 Charlotte St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 2LS. Nearest stations – Tottenham Court Road, Goodge Street.
CBD Cocktails at Rumours, Mayfair
Heddon Street’s playful resident Rumours Mayfair has launched three CBD-infused cocktails for the detox season as well as introducing CBD to their shisha menu. CBD cocktails include Passionate Buzz (CBD, Passionfruit and Lemon), Green Haze (CBD, Elderflower Julep and Mint) and Pink Elephant (CBD, Raspberry and Cranberry). All are available now and priced at £9. The Green Haze is particularly refreshing and tasty. The venue also offers a range of mocktails including No-Loma (Pink Grapefruit, Agave and Salt), Apply-Mint (Apple, Mint and Egg White), Wat-A-Melon (Strawberry and Watermelon Sugar) and No-Jito (Blueberry, Passionfruit, Strawberry and Mint) priced at £8.50, and the bar snack menu is phenomenal – from spiced edamame and a freshly made truffle arancini to a variety of tasty plant-based options, as well as mouthwatering tuna and beef carpaccios, this is the perfect pitstop in the heart of the West End.
Rumours, 4 Heddon Street, W1B 4BS – nearest Tube Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circus.
New to Try
West Berkshire Brewery has launched a brand-new portfolio for 2020 as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. The latest additions to the portfolio includes the brewery’s first-ever alcohol-free beer, a new pilsner and brand new pale ale. The brewery will also be launching a series of seven seasonal specials which will be rolled out throughout the year.
The new portfolio builds on the success West Berkshire Brewery’s current range, while also taking into consideration the growing trends around moderation and the continued excitement in the craft beer category. Joining classics such as Good Old Boy and Renegade lager, both recent winners at the SIBA and LBA awards. My favourite is the Detour (4.5% ABV). Crammed full of tropical fruits and citrus flavours, this beer is perfectly balanced. Designed to pair beautifully with food, the citrus notes of the pale ale offer a natural pairing with Mexican spiced chicken tacos with guacamole. Available direct from the brewery or via Matthew Clark.
