america – The Cultural Exposé

What we’ve been up to… Shake Shack

Matilda — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 10:23:43 +0000

For all the fanfare that surrounded the launch of this US import last month, we wanted the dust to settle before we got a whiff of the burgers, dogs and fries at Shake Shack, which has seen endless queues since opening on July 5th. So what’s the fuss?

Well, it’s legendary status in New York has understandably peaked the interest of ex-pats and burger lovers, despite coming into an arena already heaving with every kind of burger outlet you can think of. So if you’re after a meal that will trump some of the finest in town and absolutely blow your mind, you won’t quite get that here. However, what you will get is pretty darn good meal that prides itself on freshness, in fanciful surroundings (gotta love Covent Garden!) and presented with a neatness that adds to the novelty of a fast food-cum-bougie burger bar.

The Shack Burger is a simple, compact sandwich that can come as a double and is served with the softest bun we’ve ever tasted – so a definite thumbs up for that. But we preferred the super tasty Shack-cago dog, and it’s lavish dressing of relish, onion, cucumber, pickle, tomato, sport pepper, celery salt and mustard.

Add to that a side of awesome crinkle fries washed down with a shake-made lemonade and you can see why Shake Shack’s quite a fun visit as they do what they do well. But If the mains don’t woo you, the frozen custards probably will, coming plain and simple or in a range of creative flavours that change every month.

Much has been said about the pricing at Shake Shack (which is a tad steepish for what you get), but the trade-off is a uniquely American experience with a pretty cool menu that’ll save you the plane ticket abroad.

For more info, visit: www.shakeshack.co.uk

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Somewhere you should go… Rattlesnake Live Bar & Kitchen

Lucy Palmer — Tue, 07 May 2013 10:00:54 +0000

As my work recently relocated to North London, I’ve found myself exploring the other side of the river far more – and I’ve always known Angel has a great selection of pubs and restaurants for after work fun, like Rattlesnake, likely to become one of my main Angel haunts.
It somehow manages to be everything – a bar, restaurant and live music venue – but still be good at all three. They also understand that the skill to a good drinks menu is too keep it simple, Visiting with a friend known for being a cocktail devotee, she proclaimed she tried the best Old Fashioned she had ever had. And while the food isn’t over the top – we’re talking burgers, pizzas and Tex-Mex – it’s all classic American food but all done to a good standard. For me anywhere that offers sweet potato fries is a winner.

Given the American-style bar menu, the decor follows suit, all exposed brickwork and leather backed booths, tv screens showing Westerns and bison skulls pinned to the walls. It strikes the right balance though between themed and tacky, and if anything it’s far more kitsch and ironic, and largely accurate to what you’ll come across in the USA.

The real appeal to Rattlesnake is its cosy live music venue located at the back of the bar. Their upcoming lineup is impressive and varied and includes indie, dance and electro, featuring up and coming bands. From the outside it gives off an indie intimidating air – perhaps because it knows how good it is – but inside is a welcoming bar with friendly staff, great drinks and a live music venue, making it a destination for your hitlist this summer. (Words: Lucy Palmer)

For more info, visit: www.rattlesnakeangel.com

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Somewhere You Should Go: Teen Dreams Prom at The Book Club

Lucy Palmer — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 11:00:39 +0000

I’m one of those people that retailers love – give me a holiday or event and I will buy decorations, bunting, cards and decorate cakes accordingly, but Valentine’s Day I have never got into. As someone who celebrated National Hugging Day and Christmas Jumper Day, even for me it never quite worked. But whether I like it or not February 14th is fast approaching – so here’s you chance to embrace the soppiness of it all by heading to The Book Club for their very first Teen Dreams Prom.

Having been to previous Book Club events, it’s their attention to details that makes their nights so amazing – so here, you can come dressed up as your favourite teen movie stereotype to spend ‘seven minutes in heaven’, tell your ‘one time at band camp’ stories to win prizes and play beer pong in true American film fashion. There is even the chance to vote for Prom King and Queen (maybe it will be you?) So get your tiara on and indulge in the Mac N Cheese and Chicken Wings and grab one of their specially created cocktails. For all you singletons out there, the My Milkshake Brings All The Boys To The Yard (a strawberry variety with creme de framboise, vodka and whipped cream) sounds like it might just do the trick! (Words: Lucy Palmer)

Teen Dream Prom takes place on February 14th. For more info, visit: www.facebook.com/events/314012568718689/

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