Wednesday 18 July 2012

Sorry Morrissey.

FLAT IRON STEAKS.



Now, those of you who know me, know that I am a devout carnivore. I am. I cant help it. I truly believe its inherant. You will never see write ups on this blog about the latest soy and tofu hang out because it just isnt me. I do have a boyfriend who doesnt share this love, so you will get to see other culinary options from the places I visit too from time to time. I dont want to alienate or offend anyone, I try to be as honest as I can whilst I write, otherwise whats the point eh?
Ok, down to business. Now, when I hear the words 'pop-up restaurant' I generally get excited. What cuisine will they serve, what is the concept, the location, how long will it be available, its an almost thrilling experience before such places have even opened their doors.
BUT. When I hear the words, 'Flat Iron STEAK AND COCKTAIL pop-up restaurant' well, I'm positively giddy.
As hard as it is to believe, this isnt an 'Ode to Meat' this is a review of sorts of Flat Iron Steak at The Owl and Pussycat, Shoreditch. Always ahead of the curve in one way or another, be it with their 'tarted up boozers' or hugely successful festivals (Field Day, The Apple Cart, Beacons anyone?!) 580 Ltd have re-invigorated the restaurant above The Owl and brought a stunning culinary experience to Shoreditch....and I, am about to try it.

The Owl and Pussycat restaurant has been literally stripped back to bare brick for Flat Iron. Bare bulbs and candles in jam jars litter the walls and the tables are simply set with cutlery, menus and candle light. The simplicity of the setting reflects the simplicity of the menu. 




Firstly, as gimmicky as it may be, they have replaced all knives in this place with mini meat cleavers. Mini meat cleavers for cryin out loud! So you are the butcher. The power lies with you. Sort of. After a brief look at the menu, and a munch on the enamel cups full of salted popcorn, I go for the Flat Iron (medium rare, as recommended by the chef) with triple cooked dripping chips, bearnaise sauce, a house leaf salad and fresh horseradish cream. The latter of which is made by hand at a butchers block by our table. These small but effective details really make the difference. The veggie option is a roast aubergine with tomato, basil and parmesan which comes as a side dish or main course.




It arrives. A slab of meat spilling across a wooden block, thinly sliced to perfection. The chips in a small enamel dish and a vision of lovely green leaves form the salad. The steak is simply delicious. So soft and tender, it literally melts in the mouth. Slathered with the smooth and creamy bearnaise for one bite, the fiery kick of the horseradish in the next, each mouthful is wonderful. The chips too are crunchy and enriched by the fact they're cooked in beef dripping.....3 times!




This was accompanied by a Smoked Thyme Bramble, fruity and infused with thyme without being too 'herby.' They have a selection of cocktails, created by Nate Sorby of The London Cocktail Club, and all designed to enhance the flavours of what you're eating. If cocktails aren't your thing, there are plenty of other options such as Flat Iron Stout, Meantime London Lager and a selection of wine served by the glass or carafe.

And if that wasn't enough then came a small glass dessert of a caramel mousse topped with salt. Without the salt, its Angel Delight (I love Angel Delight) but add a pinch of rock salt at our waitresses recommendation and it takes on a completely different taste. Its lovely and a perfect amount to end the experience.

Flat Iron is brilliant. I loved every aspect of it and the attention to detail is not missed out on any aspect of it, and it really shows. Already planning my next visit.


www.owlandpussycatshoreditch.com/
www.steakiswhatyouwant.com/
www.twitter.com/flatironsteak
www.facebook.com/flatironsteak



Friday 6 July 2012

Its National Fried Chicken Day!

STREET FEAST.....AGAIN.



Believe it or not, I do eat elsewhere other than Street Feast, but it is so damn good and it allows me to simultaneously hit up multiple yummy vendors and their awesomeness all at once, so why the hell not I hear you cry?! 

Street Feast have been moving around London venues the last couple of months in true nomadic fashion, but behold! They have settled in Dalston, East London, a large blank canvas of industrial metal works and containers which is now filled with SIXTEEN, count em up, thats sixteen food stalls. Along with Camden Town Brewery and Dalston Cola providing the refreshments!








We found ourselves in a very fortunate position tonight as we were the VERY FIRST people to try Roost. No seriously. Number 1 and number 2. So maybe I am the first to review it?? A new venture which boasts, 'good honest chicken' from free range chicks, we went for chicken legs and thighs fried in buttermilk. The batter on the chicken doesn't come out of the frier with the day-glo KFC look, its a darker, heavier looking batter, but in no way soggy. It encases itself around the chicken but doesnt cling to it or make the combination sticky in anyway. As we chatted to the Roost fellas they said they wanted the batter to almost have a chip shop 'scraps' feel when it fell from the chicken. and it really does. The chicken itself is beautiful. the fact it is free range is evident. The meat is so tender and juicy, teamed with the crunchiness of the batter. Chicken Cottage this aint. It was just delicious. 


I will be going back next week (GREEDY PIG!!!) for the Chicken Caeser Salad burger......I have to. The bun is glazed with parmesan, come on!





www.twitter.com/weareroost
www.weareroost.com



Time for dessert. Oh my. What a dessert.

I went to the lovely ladies at Molly Bakes. I was completely spoiled for choice. Did I want a strawberry dacquiri 'cuptail' or a red velvet cupcake, or perhaps a cherry amaretto cupcake?? I didnt want any of those. Well, I wanted them all but had to make a decision on one.

I had......an Oreo Cookie Whoopie Pie. And truth be told I was inclined to google them as I wasn't entirely sure what they were! Well, they are like 2 mini mounds of cake with a rich, creamy and sweet filling. This one being laced with Oreo cookies. It has been a long time since I havent been able to clear my plate. a very long time. I could only manage half of it. HALF! They are sooooooo delicious. The cake is so dense but dosnt leave you feeling sluggish and then to team this with the cream centre, which is rich yes, but not sickly. They are cakey geniuses!

www.twitter.com/mollybakes
www.mollybakes.co.uk








So there you have it. I LOVE Street Feast. And I will be back there next week to make my way further round each and every stall!

www.streetfeastlondon.com
www.twitter.com/streetfeastLDN