October’s Food & Drink News with Eat With Ellen

Buongiorno! As I write this, I’m on an epic roadtrip through Europe, taking in all the food and drink I can find in France and Italy. Champagne, cheese, wine, truffle, pasta. You name it, we’re trying it. But don’t worry, I’ve not forgotten that everyone back home needs some foodie fun. We’re getting into autumn menus now ready for Halloween, Bonfire night and all the fun that the end of the year brings with it, and plenty of new places to visit, menus to try and treats to enjoy. Ciao for now!

MUST DO

London Cocktail Week

Where to start! There’s absolutely tonnes going on for London Cocktail Week, which runs from October 2nd-8th. It’s the world’s biggest cocktail festival and a massive celebration of London’s thriving cocktail scene. If you get yourself a digital pass you’ll be able to enjoy £6 cocktails in more than 250 venues across the week, as well as discounts in bars and advance tickets to The Cocktail Village in Spitalfields. You can try masterclasses and limited edition cocktails, pop-ups, collaborations and creations by some of the world’s best bartenders. For more information visit www.drinkup.london/cocktailweek

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Ella Canta by Martha Ortiz

If you can’t get to Mexico City any time soon to try Martha Ortiz’s world-renowned Dulce Patria, you’ve got somewhere a bit closer to home to try now. Ella Canta, Spanish for ‘she sings’, will apparently bring the ‘spirit of modern Mexico to London’, blending ancient cooking skills with contemporary style. Adjoined to the Intercontinental London Park Lane – also home to Theo Randall – it will include some of Ortiz’s famous dishes along with British produce. You’ll be able to try things like ‘Vampire ceviche with mango and sangrita sorbet or ‘Pato al mole negro’ or check out the bar with its rare mezcals and tequila and signature cocktails.

Ella Canta, One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, London, W1J 7QY. Nearest stations – Hyde Park Corner, Green Park

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Duck and Waffle Local

Duck and Waffle Local, Duck & Waffle’s new casual sister restaurant in Piccadilly, has launched a new brunch menu under the direction of Dan Doherty. It will run on weekends and bank holidays from 10am including Duck & Waffle favourites like the eponymous duck and waffle, colombian eggs and shakshuka but you can also get your chops around new dishes like breakfast duck burger of confit duck, duck fat rosti.

Duck and Waffle Local, 52 Haymarket, St James’s, London, SW1Y 4RP. Nearest station – Piccadilly Circus

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Sofitel Wine Days

Until the end of the month you can join in Sofitel Hotels’ celebration of wine and ‘art-de-vivre’. Held at the group’s hotels around the world, Sofitel Wine Days takes place during the traditional wine harvest period in France and gives the wine buffs amongst you the chance to try different vinos, check out wine-based cocktails and enjoy food and wine pairings.

If you want to get involved check out the Alsace Wine and Food Pairing at St James Bar or the Plats du Jour Wine Pairing at The Balcon. Visit …. For more details.

Sofitel London St James and SoSPA, 6 Waterloo Place, London, SW1Y 4AN. Nearest stations – Piccadilly Circus, Charing Cross

The Balcon, 8 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5NG. Nearest stations – Piccadilly Circus, Charing Cross

MUST TRY

Veuve Clicquot X and Charlotte Olympia

A long-awaited collaboration between Veuve Clicquot X and Charlotte Olympia launches on October 2 exclusively to Harrods. If you’re looking for gorgeous gifts, you’ll love this. Cork-inspired accessories, a clutch box inspired bottle gift set and a made to order statement trunk with the full collection inside. Perfect if you’re forward planning for Christmas or hey, you might just want to treat yourself!

Until next month, Ciao!