Eat with Ellen’s June Food News
I probably shouldn’t say this, but I’m pretty sure summer’s here folks. We’ve had some glorious weather over the past few weeks – I’ve been out and about with my hubby and pooch exploring new places, including a trip down to Padstow for seafood heaven, a slightly less gourmet break closer to home and a lovely little mini cruise with my mum (no dog on that one).
All were delightfully accompanied by a generous portion of sunshine that fortunately has decorated life at home as well, bringing barbecued dinners and that deep-seated desire I have for all the gin and tonic.
I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who is excited about sunny days and long, warm nights, as this month’s round-up is full of ideas involving picnics, barbecues, outdoor terraces and much, much more. So get yourselves outside and enjoy the sunshine before it disappears. Here’s this month’s food news…
MUST GO
‘Noshville’ on Granary Square
Short notice, I know, but this weekend London street food experts KERB are back with their first free weekender of the summer – Noshville. The two-day celebration of Americana food, drink and live music at King’s Cross’ Granary Square is free to get into and will bring everything from fried oysters to buttermilk-fried chicken, as well as linedancing, cocktails and music from the Maverick Music Festival. So head on down for a good old hoedown.
Granary Square, King’s Cross, London, N1C. Nearest station – King’s Cross
Sexy Brunch at Sexy Fish
Bringing the sexy brunch parties of Ibiza, Las Vegas and Sydney right to your doorstep, Asian-inspired restaurant Sexy Fish in Mayfair has launched ‘Sexy Brunch’. The first one took place in May and it’s continuing through June, complete with brunch menu and cocktail list plus top-notch music and world-class DJs.
Each Sunday from 11.30am to 4.30pm you can enjoy an Asian-focused menu, great cocktail list and tunes from a different VIP guest DJ each week.
Sexy Fish, Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square W1J 6BR. Nearest station – Green Park
Midsummer Celebrations at Aquavit London
All this month, Aquavit London is celebrating the Swedish tradition of Midsummer with special dishes, a set menu for private events and a Midsummer’s Eve event on June 23. Although some people celebrate Midsummer’s Eve here, in Sweden the longest day of the year is a magical day marked by singing, dancing and an offering of food and drink.
Throughout June and July, Aquavit London is serving a traditional Midsommar tallrik (Midsummer dish) of four types of herring, Vasterbotten tart and new potatoes with dill on the a la carte menu while a specially-designed menu will be on offer for private parties.
And on Friday, June 23, Midsummer’s Eve will be marked in full tradition with a maypole, pop-up bar and food stand and live music. It’s free but you’ve got to register here beforehand.
Aquavit, St James’s Market, 1 Carlton Street, London SW1Y 4QQ. Nearest station – Piccadilly Circus
Belsazar Botanical Garden terrace at Old Bengal Bar
All summer, head to Old Bengal Bar to see its terrace transformed into a beautiful botanical garden serving a menu of exclusive cocktails created with premium vermouth brand, Belsazar.
The German wine aperitif has revamped vermouth to create four different varieties: Red, White, Rosé and Dry, and its partnership with Old Bengal Bar will see bar manager Tomas Vykopal’s range of cocktails incorporating fresh herbs, teas, fruits and premium mixers to enhance the herbal notes of each of the four different Belsazar vermouths.
Old Bengal Bar, 16 New St, London EC2M 4TR. Nearest station – Liverpool Street
Drambuie cocktails at The Bar at the Athaenaeum Hotel & Residences, Mayfair
This month, Drambuie is collaborating with The Bar At The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences in Mayfair to launch ‘The Navigator’ cocktail. The perfect serve for all seasons, ‘The Navigator’ is composed of 45ml Drambuie 15 Year Old, 30ml Rinomato Aperitivo and topped with East Imperial soda water. The cocktail is best enjoyed in a high ball glass and garnished with a grapefruit twist.
‘The Navigator’ recipe was crafted by Italian bar and beverage consultant Giancarlo Mancino. Mancino co-created the orange bitter Rinomato aperitivo in 2015, one of the few artisanal aperitivo liqueurs made using classic methods. The aperitivo features rich aromas of orange peel, vanilla, gentian root and cinchona bark, and an initial sweetness to taste is answered with an intensifying bitter finish.
This warming drink is immensely satisfying, and enjoyed in such exquisite surroundings it tastes even better. With roots in Scotland and Italy, The Navigator will be available to enjoy at The Bar At The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences for £15 until the end of 2017.
MUST TRY
Berlin Picnic Hampers from German Gymnasium
Because who can resist a picnic hamper? German Gymnasium have launched a range of contemporary hampers created in partnership with Wines of Germany. Launching this month and available until September, you can either enjoy them on the restaurant’s own terrace or take them off to your picnic destination of choice, whether it’s Granary Square or Regent’s Park or further afield.
Each picnic comes in a steel hamper complete with wayfarer-style sunglasses for two. More importantly, each of the three available has been designed to highlight a different German wine, whether it’s ‘Sekt’ (Germany’s answer to Champagne and Prosecco); Riesling; or German Pinot Noir.
On top of that you’ll get an assortment of German delicacies created by Executive Chef Bjoern Wassmuth, including Bavarian ‘Giga’ rolls, Bavarian cheese, and sweets like Nussecken, a buttery shortbread topped with apricot jam and hazelnuts and finished with chocolate-dipped corners.
German Gymnasium, King’s Blvd, Kings Cross, London N1C 4BU. Nearest station – King’s Cross
Black Coconut Ice Cream from Jude’s 
Yes, it’s a thing. The latest flavour to join the family at Jude’s is black coconut. Made with coconut and coconut ash, apparently it’s set to be the ‘edgiest’ summer treat in London. ‘Nuff said.
It’s available from Pear Tree Cafe in the heart of Battersea Park. Check it out and let me know your thoughts!
Pear Tree Café ,Lakeside Café, Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ. Nearest station – Battersea Park
OUT OF TOWN
Damian Clisby at The Gallivant
I’ve told you about The Gallivant before, lovely place that it is. And as well as being a little haven of food-filled loveliness right by Camber Sands, they put on a fair few events – many food-related of course. This month they’ve got Damian Clisby, executive chef & head of culinary research and development at the renowned Petersham Nurseries, taking over the kitchen on June 19 to celebrate the first Romney Salt Marsh Lamb of the season.
Romney Marsh lambs are literally from the Gallivant’s doorstep (in fact, 95% of its infredients are sourced from within 15 miles of the restaurant) and are hand-selected then hung for around seven days.
Damian will be cooking up a storm at The Gallivant on June 19, with a four-course menu available for £50pp. Book by calling 01797 225 057 or visiting www.thegallivant.co.uk
The Gallivant, New Lydd Road, Camber, Rye TN31 7RB.
