Alexandra Kalinowski reminisces while she reviews the Up In My Grill residency at The King & Co.
It’s been two years. Two years since I did it. It’s weird to think just four years ago I indulged in it almost daily. I was that addicted. I loved being surrounded by people without being forced into conversation. It could just be me, and my big fat juicy burger. And then a kebab. And then some pad Thai, and before I knew it, I’d eaten the entire street food market in one setting.
Somewhere between moving to the UK and now, I managed to make a few friends. I just wanted to sit and relax without losing three of them for a half an hour as we each waited in our own queues. And so the joy of going to markets became less and less, until it turned non-existent. But I suppose that’s the beauty of residencies. I can still eat my favourite food in London, this time, served to my table, alongside a cold German pils.
So down to Clapham I went for Up In My Grill’s residency at beloved neighbourhood pub The King & Co. If you haven’t heard of them, James and Henry set up their stall in 2013 with the aim of bringing Argentinian flavours to Britain. What started as affordable, flavoursome steaks has now morphed into a wide menu of burgers, crispy lamb belly, aubergine parma mess and short rib. And because old habits die hard, I did try all of the dishes they’ll be serving at the two-month residency.
To fully immerse yourself in the American childhood, grab the bacon chilli burger because yes, American cheese is the only way to do it right. And even though I’m no veggie, the crispiness of the aubergine burger with marinara sauce and mozzarella went down a treat. But you’d be doing yourself a disservice to miss out on the lamb belly with green sauce. Because even though the boys specialise in meat, their vegetable game is strong (ahem the side of charred greens with garlic and nduja is no exception). And for an extra touch of comfort, order the onion fries, and thank me later when you say yes to the jalapeno pepper.
To do it right, bring a large group of friends so that you can grab of bite of everything. Or head to The King & Co’s fourth Birthday Party during their three-day celebration from the 14th to the 16th of September. There you’ll be treated to a popup cocktail bar, limited edition kegs, BBQ by Up In My Grill and a few rounds of bingo.
If, like me, you got a bit tired of the standing and eating combination, The King & Co’s new residents just may be the ones to satisfy the withdrawal. After this, I know it won’t be another two years until my next street food bender.
Up In My Grill will be at The King & Co Monday through Saturday until 3rd November. On Sundays, the pub will host roast lunches and dinners made by The Elm Park Tavern.
The King & Co can be found at 100 Clapham Park Road, London, SW4 7BZ. For a full list of birthday celebrations, go to thekingandco.uk/events/4th-birthday-celebrations.
