Islington – The Cultural Exposé

What we’ve been up to… Cabana

The Cultural Exposé — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 11:00:34 +0000

The World Cup taking place in Brazil this year has naturally sparked a renewed interest in all things cultural about the country – including the food. So it was with delight that TCé got to try a hip kind of Brazilian food experience in town with an invite to Cabana – a rapidly-expanding chain which as of last month, opened its fifth branch on Islington’s Upper Street. It’d seem that its popularity comes down to the fact that while it attempts to stay as culinarily authentic as possible with the street food and barbecue (our food on the evening was easily two thumbs up), it doesn’t shy away from the trendy relishes, top-notch customer service and Western accessibility that have made Nandos and Wahaca widely successful in recent years, making this a choice destination for a fuss-free Friday night out with friends. To kick off, we recommend the crispy cheese pastels or pulled pork sliders, while anything from the spicey malagueta chicken skewers to a generous plate of ribs will have your tastebuds thanking you later. Oh, and the caipirinhas and Cachaça cocktails won’t disappoint – try a flaming kiwi version or the proud Dream Team 1970 (made with Cachaça, green chartreuse liqueur, fresh passionfruit, vanilla and citrus topped up with prosecco) if you’re feeling adventurous. Check out our pics from the night below, but for more info, visit: www.cabana-brasil.com

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What we’ve been up to… Elk in the Woods

Lucy Palmer — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 11:00:46 +0000

London is awesome for its nightlife but sometimes a long, lazy Sunday lunch with friends is the best thing in the world which was how I was introduced to the Elk in the Woods. Angel already boasts so many great restaurants, but I was excited at the prospect of somewhere new and delicious – and Elk offers both a quirky menu with the Scandinavian-style decor to match. When we sat down to see we had the table facing out onto the street, providing the perfect people watching view as we munched. My friends and I split three of the small plates between us – crispy pheasant with spring onion, parsnip and pancakes with homemade plum sauce, halloumi with homemade preserved lemons and salt and pepper calamari. It was my first time trying pheasant so I was pleasantly surprised by the rich taste and the different take serving it in Chinese style. The calamari was good with a nice freshness to it and the halloumi, hard to go wrong with my favourite cheese, was simple but delicious. My main course of char-grilled lamb cutlets with seasalt savoy cabbage mash, crispy kale and a rosemary and wild berry gravy was wonderful hearty food. This is definitely a place for meat eaters with few vegetarian options on the menu but with the meat they cook it well. Just remember to save room for dessert – luckily I was joined by a friend as indecisive as me so we ordered the chocolate fondant with mint ice-cream and the popcorn ice cream sandwich with salted caramel to split between us. But food aside, the service was a bit slow – so I’m grateful we got a table with a view as it gave us something to do. Granted, it was busy and the weekend but three hours in there was too long. Still, the sheer delicious joy of the puddings could warrant a return. (Words: Lucy Palmer) For more info about Elk In The Woods visit: www.the-elk-in-the-woods.co.uk

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Something you should see… Casablanca: The Gin Joint Cut

Jane Duru — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 10:00:59 +0000

How do you stage one of the greatest films of all time? Spoof it, of course. That seems to work for Gilded Balloon, in their comedic production of Casablanca. A three-strong cast take up the iconic roles of Rick Blaine, Ilsa Lund and Victor Laszlo, in a faithful retelling of the classic love triangle, played out against the backdrop of Morocco during the Second World War. Casablanca is a seedy little bed of corruption and Rick’s bar the hangout of choice for its lowlife denizens, corrupt officials and emigres desperate to flee this purgatory. When two hard-to-get exit visas come into Rick’s possession at the same time, Ilsa, his ex-lover, walks back into his life with her husband, and he’s forced to make a choice between his old life and the possibility of a new one.

Gavin Mitchell gives an especially good turn as Rick, down to the characteristic drawl and seen-it-all eyes; in fact, there are strong performances from all three actors, but that’s where the respectful homage ends. Director Morag Fullerton has distilled the story into key vignettes that will be familiar to anyone who’s seen the film, but she leavens the love story with such a fun-loving combination of slapstick, audience participation and sporadic tap-dancing that this is one production you don’t dare take seriously, and it is all the better for it. Besides playing the main protagonists, each actor has another three or four characters to inhabit. Clare Waugh evades all danger of ever being pigeon-holed, going from doe-eyed love interest Ilsa to hateful Nazi Major Strasser in the swish of a swift costume change, whilst Jimmy Chisolm’s camp Captain Renault is quite possibly the comedic star of the show. The ‘battle of the anthems’ scene is a highlight (a tip: brush up on your French).

Casablanca: The Gin Joint Cut manages to take a movie classic, inject it with just enough irreverence to make it a thoroughly enjoyable romp, whilst retaining just enough respect to make you want to watch the original all over again.

Casablanca: The Gin Joint Cut runs until October 21 at the Pleasance Theatre, Carpenters Mews, North Road, N7 9EF. For more info visit www.pleasance.co.uk

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Something you should see… Babel

Matilda — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:00:35 +0000

It’s easy to see how the biblical account of Babel can inspire writers, with its theme of a united humanity that’s bound by a single language, vision, journey – and put in the context of a multicultural city like London, the idea of this utopia can really get you thinking. Many people from all walks of life live in the capital, but what does it take for us to be truly connected with one another? And if, so, what would that look like? This collaborative production with BAC, World Stages London, Young Vic, Wildworks, Lyric and Theatre Royal Stratford East sets out to explore this question and more, with an ambitious and incredible set-up in Caledonian Park.

There’s a diverse cast of nearly 500 brilliant (and many non-pro) actors and they mix with the audience, whether on the ominous path into the park or within the grounds where you might spot a male Indian dancer delightfully present a folk piece or listen to a laddish security guard pay homage to his town through spoken word. All the while, there’s mysterious bell ringers dressed in Middle Eastern garb crying “it’s time to build a new city” as the “security” storm around watchfully – but it’s not clear exactly what’s going on until midway into the show and you understand the significance of “The Tower” in bringing the people together once again. It’s just a shame that at times, the storyline is a bit confusing to follow (which could be due to sound issues or the sheer vastness of the park, as where you stand depends on what you pick you up), but for the most part, the visuals, characters and music all make quite an impact. So for an alternative theatre experience where the takeaway will have you appreciating the cultural uniqueness of London that’ll little bit more, Babel’s the ticket (just remember to dress up warm!) (Words: Matilda Egere-Cooper)

On until May 20th. For more info, visit www.babellondon.com

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