January Food News with Eat with Ellen
Happy New Year! Okay, we’re already back in the swing of things and January 1 seems a far distant memory, but there’s still plenty of the month to get through and the struggle that comes with leaving long days of mince pies and mulled wine behind as we all try to get motivated for normality.
I’m not really a big fan of all the ‘new year, new you’ stuff and I certainly don’t subscribe to going from shameless indulgence to depressing deprivation, but I get that we all want to rein it in a bit after what felt like weeks of excess through the festive season. Whether you’re a fan of things like Veganuary or Dry January or just want to cut back a bit and remind yourself what fruit and veg feels like, there’s plenty out there that means you can still cheer yourself up with food and drink.
I’ve found a few little things that should appeal to all and maybe help fend off any January blues, just while you get yourself in order enough to make some serious 2020 plans. Don’t forget to let us know your own recommendations so we can all join in the fun. And again – Happy New Year!
Muse, Belgravia
January sees Tom Aikens open his new London restaurant, Muse. The converted Georgian townhouse on Belgravia’s Groom Place will house a 25-cover fine dining restaurant. According to the blurb, the menus are inspired by nostalgia and “pivotal moments and key people from Tom’s personal life and career”.
You’ll be able to enjoy six and ten-course tasting menus, with dishes including Conquering the “Beech Tree”, inspired by memories of Tom climbing a huge beech tree with his twin brother at the end of their garden. There’s also a bespoke cocktail list crafted by Ryan Chetiyawardana of Mr Lyan and Lyanness fame but in a twist, all cocktails will be prepared by the chefs.
The restaurant is set over two floors, with open kitchens on each – both have counter seating – while the ground floor is home to a cocktail lounge. Worth a visit, I reckon.
Muse, 38 Groom Place, Belgravia, SW1X 7BA. Nearest stations – Knightsbridge, Victoria
Fenjiu afternoon tea at Harrods
New year may be gone, but you get a second bite of the cherry by getting ready for Chinese New Year with this exclusive Fenjiu afternoon tea at Harrods.
If you haven’t heard of Fenjiu, it’s a premium type of Baijiu – China’s white spirit. It’s a bit of an acquired taste but don’t knock it until you try it. To celebrate Chinese New Year 2020, Fenjiu has partnered with Harrods to create an exclusive afternoon tea menu combining East and West traditions and inspired by the Chinese game of Mahjong, The Lucky Set.
The Lucky Set Afternoon Tea with Fenjiu will include bespoke chocolates in the design of Mahjong tiles, a patisserie selection inspired by Chinese good luck symbols, a selection of savoury sandwiches including duck with hoisin sauce, and Harrods apricot jam infused with Fenjiu served with a selection of scones.
You’ll also get a bespoke Harrods Signature Fenjiu Cocktail, “Wealth and Fortune”, made with Fenjiu Bamboo 5-Year-Old, Longjing tea cordial, white wine, bergamot liqueur, pear liqueur and lemon juice.
Afternoon Tea with Fenjiu will be available from January 11 to February 16 at the Harrods Tea Rooms situated on the 4th Floor of Harrods. Priced at £68 per person, you can pre-book on 020 7225 6800 /or by emailing reservations@harrods.com
Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7XL. Nearest station – Knightsbridge
Non-alcoholic fun with Near & Far, Camden and Peckham
If you’re after something a little less booze-fuelled, Near & Far has launched what it’s calling London’s largest non-alcoholic drinks menu. The extensive selection, unveiled across its sites in Peckham and Camden, include mocktails like ‘The Virgin Margy’ and ‘Designated Driver’ as well as non-alcoholic beers, wines, spirits and fizz.
From this month, both are also launching dry bottomless brunch options with gluten-free, vegan and veggie options that are perfect for that New Year health kick. Dishes include options like sweetcorn fritter, spicy house baked beans, charred broccoli and halloumi or sweet potato and quinoa burger, mojo picon, spinach, agave glazed bagel.
Both brunches will be available throughout January on Saturdays & Sundays, 12pm -4pm. Advance booking is required via HERE.
Near & Far Camden, 48 Chalk Farm Rd, Chalk Farm, London NW1 8AJ. Nearest stations – Kentish Town West, Camden Road
Near & Far Peckham, Level 6, Peckham Levels, 95A Rye Lane, Peckham SE15 4ST. Nearest station – Peckham Rye
Brindisa launches Brindisa Kitchen at Borough Market Kitchen
I’ve told you before about The Borough Market Kitchen, the new communal dining space at Borough Market, and this month there’s a new addition. Spanish food specialists Brindisa are opening Brindisa Kitchen at The Borough Market Kitchen.
The restaurant will be walk-in only, with guests sitting round a marble-topped, horseshoe-shaped bar, and the food and drink will apparently “guide visitors on a culinary journey in the footsteps of an ancient Spanish pilgrimage, ‘La Ruta de la Plata’”.
There’s a seafood counter where you can take your pick of the day’s freshly landed catches, or you can choose from anything from bar snacks and salted meats and fish to wild game, lamb and pulses. You’ll also be able to try award-winning cheeses from farms dotted along La Ruta de la Plata and desserts like cherries in orujo, a grape liqueur, or daily-changing sweet fritters.
The drinks menu also follows the latitude of the trade route, from single estate sherries through to Asturian cider and wines from Alvar de Dios’ vineyards around León, Zamora and Salamanca.
Brindisa Kitchen will also be open for breakfast with options like migas, churros and thick hot chocolate, as well as stove coffee. And if you haven’t got time to spare, you can just grab a snack to go throughout the day.
Brindisa Kitchen, Borough Market Kitchen, Winchester Walk, London
SE1 9A. Nearest station – London Bridge
