Sunday, February 21, 2010

Review - Ottolenghi Knightsbridge

So I'm back on the rock after a few days in London. Looks like I'll be eating dhal for the next week after 'investing' heavily in various London eateries.

So where did I make it to?

Plus...errrm...Pret and Marksies....but you probably know what they're like

I was sooo excited about going to Ottolenghi, their food is definitely my cup of tea. Delicious filling salads with loads of herbs/spices and amazing cakes, all beautifully presented with loads of colour.

I hit the salads in the form of

  • Chargrilled broccoli with chilli and garlic
  • Green beans and mange tout with hazelnut
  • Roasted aubergine with saffron yoghurt
  • Courgette with feta
  • Roast fillet of beef with a l0vely dipping sauce (watercress and mustard I think)

Then after much consideration I went for carrot cake and a vanilla/mascarpone friand style something for dessert.

Everything was beautifully presented and chock full of flavour

They have 4 branches over London, I'd highly recommend a detour :o)

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

London calling.....wahooooo!

I'm off to London next week for a few days of hard work......hehehehe........'research' in the capital's eating establishments. In order to provide the best quality eating experience for my cookery school + catering clients back here. Yes, I am doing it for you! My dedication knows no bounds.

Possibilities include....Mark Hix's new place in Soho, Tim from Island Seafare/Paddy's Market was there last week and recommends it. Well he does supply them with queenies so it's must be good!........Leiths Cookery School to watch a few demos........L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon looks pretty slick so may be graced with my presence.

Meeting up with my brother so expecting some Italian goodies..........Andrew if you are reading this.....get to the shop please

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Relish Cooks column.....hits Manx Independent

On the first week of every month I'll be gracing the pages of the Manx Independent with my new cookery column. Featuring loads of local food-involved people.

First up I headed to Teare's Butchers, where Mark butchered a lamb. Then I toddled off to the cookery school to cook Lamb Tagine. See it all in photos/video here at http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/Relish-the-chance-to-tuck.6042744.jp

There's no knead for that...

Hahahaha........am I the only person laughing at the hilarious food pun?

Much as I can appreciate the care and attention that goes into kneading and shaping a hand-made loaf......sometimes I just can't be bothered doing it. Enter *da-da-da-da-daa-daaaa* this fab little no-knead loaf.

The recipe was developed by a little lady called Doris Grant in the 1940's, if you google 'Doris Grant loaf' you get tons of hits. Okay I accept, not many of you will be joining in on that one.
  • 2tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing
  • 700g wholemeal flour
  • 200g white flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 7g fast action yeast
  • 850ml warm water
Grease 2 large loaf tins (if you don't have loaf tins you can use any tin with a side 3cm of higher).
Mix the dry ingredients in a big bowl, then add the oil and water. Mix well with a spoon, at this point it will look highly unappetising. Divide the mix into your tins, then cover with tea towels and leave to rise (doesn't have to be in a warm place) until the mix has doubles in size. Mine took ages because my kitchen was chilly that day, about 3 hrs. Be patient otherwise your bread will be too heavy.

Cook the bread in a hot 200degree oven for 40 mins, until they are crispy and golden. Then take them out of their tins and give them another 10mins in the oven. Give the base a tap, if it sounds hollow, it's ready.

It comes out fairly dense, a good healthy bread that freezes really well.

I have been enjoying mine toasted with avocado/lime juice/sesame seeds/salt/pepper