I was invited to the Harvey Nichols branch to try out their ‘Tokyo Tea Party’ – a very quirky, very stylish, very Instagrammable experience that was only missing one thing: the tea. If you want that, you gotta pay extra. But what it lacked in tradition it made up for with a first-class yet affordable menu, which I’m pretty sure is down to chef Scott Hallsworth’s Nobu credentials. I mean, honey BBQ short rib puffs? Freshly-made donuts? A confit duck and taro croquette? That’s a seriously hip selection of savoury and sweet dishes that also included a fine salmon and avocado maki with rocket aioli.  And the cocktails we ordered separately weren’t too shabby either.  Check out pics from my recent visit below – but for more deets, visit: www.kurobuta-london.com.

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Written by its star chef Virgilio Martinez, it’s a vibrant collection of simple, healthy recipes that showcases the creative talent of this Peruvian powerhouse and the wealth of flavours the cuisine is known for.  At 224 pages, it’s a generous tome featuring plenty of gorgeous photography, and it covers everything from small plates to drinks and afters. Highlights include Martinez’s introduction, plus a glossary to quickly bring you up to speed on traditional ingredients like chia seeds, quinoa and ceviche. There’s even a visual breakdown of how to make a pisco sour (because if there’s one thing I wouldn’t mind mastering in life, it’s that!).

To find out more about the cookbook, visit Octopus Books. 

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Le Bistrot du Pientre

This classic Parisienne bistro has lovely staff, beautiful décor and the yummiest crème brulee I’ve ever had in my life! My friend couldn’t stop praising their tartare de boeuf (beef tartare) while my poulet fermier rôti avec frites et salade (hearty roast chicken with fries and salad ) was just a generous as it could be. All this deliciousness came at a higher price than we expected, but there’s no denying we got what we paid for.

116 Avenue Ledru Rollin, 75011 Paris, France. Closest station: Bastille. bistrotdupeintre.com

Le Tibourg

Le Tibourg could easily be written off as a tourist trap given the locality, but the food inside this trendy hotspot in Marais didn’t disappoint. A delicious club sandwich was twice the size I expected, and my friend also gave her burger a two thumbs up. The TripAdvisor consensus might tempt you to avoid this spot if past reviews are to believed – and to be fair, the service was frustratingly slow at times – yet overall, I couldn’t fault it. The prices were reasonable, the food was on point and I would happily visit again.

19, rue du Bourg Tibourg – 75004 – Paris Closest metro: Hotel de ville www.yelp.com/biz/restaurant-bourg-tibourg-paris

Chez Janou

On a last minute hunt to find an amazing French restaurant for Sunday dinner, Chez Janou was recommended to us by a local pharmacist. His reasoning – “great food, not too pricey”, and he even drew a little map on a Post-It note for us to get there. He wasn’t kidding; Chez Janou is one of those quirky neighbourhood spots that are so highly revered, you actually need reservations to eat there – and by the time we left, there was a short queue to get in. Luckily enough for us, we managed to secure a table for two and enjoyed an evening of great wine, charming service, and really, really, really good food. This included the petit chevre roti au romarin (a warm tomato sauce topped with goat’s cheese that we polished off with bread); magret de canard au romarin (an exceptional roast duck with rosemary potatoes); and pot-au-feu (a simple yet exquisite beef stew). With wine, all this set us back a mere 62.50 Euros (£44.60) for two – a bargain for a night that was nothing short of fine dining. I can’t wait to return!

2 Rue Roger Verlomme Closest metro: Chemin Vert chezjanou.com

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Like a high-end pizza? The spinach and ricotta crepe that followed had a crispy with a gooey centre that made me want more. The accompanying salad was a truly southern specialty of spinach, candied pecans, cheese and hot pepper jelly dressing.
Then there was a lineup of three iconic American dishes: slow cooked beef brisket, biscuits and gravy, and macaroni and cheese. All were like care packages from home. The brisket was beyond tender; a fork was only there for manners’ sake. The mac and cheese was decadent and delicious, peppered with thick chunks of bacon, while the biscuits and gravy outdid any version currently on offer the capital.
The chef, Michael Bolous, not only worked in kitchens in Boston and New York City, but also received a degree in American History, with an emphasis on regional cuisines. His thorough understanding and love of the food shines through in dishes that are both homages and modern improvements. The food at the Fat Bear is one of the best translations of American fare for the British market and should not be missed. The residency at the Sun and 13 Cantons continues through the end of November, including special menus for Thanksgiving. (Words: Barbara Cole) 

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

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This exhibition brings together the ethos of elBulli and the moment’s legends are made of. Perhaps it’s a surprising decision to host a culinary show in an arts venue? But, this isn’t the first time they have had presented their food on the art stage.
In 2007, the restaurant hosted a stand at the international arts fair Documenta, in Kassel. Its inclusion sparked debate about the kind of artistic disciplines that can be included in the museum. The pavilion transported two people daily to experience the culinary delights in the restaurant in Spain. Their presence also confirmed their position as an institution of the culinary arts that existed head and shoulders beyond its counterparts; a far cry from its humble beginnings as a beach bar in the 1960s.
This exhibition will no doubt add further fuel to this debate about how the culinary arts ‘fits in’. But it will also illustrate the creativity, imagination and talent, not so distinct from artists themselves, of all those have pushed the boundaries of food experimentation. Prepare to feel hungry. (Words: Laura Thornley)
On until 29 September. For more info: http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/visual-arts/elbulli-ferran-adria-and-the-art-of-food

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Having visited Peru at the ripe old age of 14, my lasting memories of the national cuisine were roasted guinea pig and rainbow trout – the latter quite lovely, the former a scene straight out of Pet Rescue. The cuisine since then has evolved thanks to the help of a few gastronomes who are exporting a sophisticated version of their complex cuisine. Virgilio Martinez who runs Central Restaurante in Lima, opened Lima London in Fiztrovia to rapturous ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’. Their style is to mix the authentic, indigenous ingredients with an haute cuisine twist. The food styling is right up to date, but their ingredients are definitely something more out there. Ancient inspired products such as red kiwicha and sacha inchi oil are present as well as the token fois gras, restaurants of a certain stature can’t do without. They also have an extensive Pisco cocktail menu (that’s the firewater of Peru, made from grape brandy).

Lima’s more casual and funky cousin Ceviche is unbelievably popular with the Soho crowd, with queues regularly gracing Frith Street. It started life as a tweet, yes, strange but true, by Martin Morales who desperately wanted to open a Peruvian restaurant. As its name suggests Ceviche takes as its focus the national dish – Ceviche: raw fish cooked in Tiger’s milk – a citrus emulsion that coagulates the protein, similar to the cooking process. If near raw fish products are a step too far (and they really shouldn’t be) there is plenty else on offer including grills and yes, another Pisco bar. It’s wise to book ahead as this place gets packed to the rafters, and that’s probably why the next addition will be arriving in the not too distant future (spring 2013).

If the centre of London is too hectic, then Islington also has a relatively new Peruvian offering in the form of Tierra Peru. A slightly lower key affair that has developed from humble Camden Market roots into their Essex Road establishment. If one thing is true of Peruvian cuisine, they have got a lot of different peppers and potatoes. And, the Tierra Peru menu has an authentic mix of both. The emphasis is on the classic here, so if you want experimental Peruvian I would stick to Lima. But for a local traditional flavour this is your place. Tierra Peru has a strategically placed sign that points to Peru, a mere 10,189km away. Luckily for you Londoners the flavours of Lima are right here on your doorstep. (Words: Laura Thornley)

Have you tried Peruvian food or know other go-to spots in London? Comment in the section below! 

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Ora is a fantastic smart Thai restaurant cursed with an abysmal location (location, location).  Little Portland Street is an alleyway in the unlovely area north of Oxford Street that property developers have tried unsuccessfully for years to rebrand as Noho. The previous occupant of this site was Annex 3, the short-lived West End off-shoot of Shoreditch favourite Les Trois Garcons.

Ora’s owners are clearly unperturbed that the eponymous three boys, with their pedigree, couldn’t make a go of it here. Money has been spent to good effect on giving the long, large dining room and adjoining cocktail lounge a sleek, dark, Christian Liaigre-ish makeover, and an elegant interlocking design rather like a curvy Union Jack runs across staff t-shirts, embroidered leather place-mats and menus. There’s confidence as well as incense in the air….

To read the rest, click here to visit Hugh Wright’s blog twelvepointfivepercent.com

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Pic: WenLin Soh, Edible Experiences

The +65/plusixfive supper club is devoted to Singaporean food (+65 is the international dialling code for Singapore), and the founder and resident chef Goz (pictured) and friends regularly entertain people in his home, cooking classic dishes with a modern twist. Guests bring payment (a minimum amount is suggested) and a bottle. If you’re looking for a fun, friendly supper club in someone’s house then this is a good place to start. http://plusixfive.wordpress.com

ferdiesfoodlab is a regular supper club run by Simon Fernandez. Simon started a few years ago, as an extension of cooking for friends, and this has now evolved into regular banquets at Toynbee Hall, a grade II listed building. The events are usually fortnightly, on a Friday evening, and a minimum contribution of £45 is required from all guests. These always look like amazing parties, and have attracted some really good reviews. http://www.ferdiesfoodlab.co.uk/

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