Category Archives: Restaurants

#BBQbound: St Simons Island

Locals and vacationers alike know the best bites on St Simons Island are cooked in the kitchens and smoked in the pits at Southern Soul. You’re more than welcome to add my nod of approval to the consensus. Continue reading

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Good Stuff #47

Good stuff and lots of it! Here’s the low down on some fine things to see, sip or savour – all of which I’ve recently come across and thought were worth sharing with you. Enjoy. Tacopedia: The Taco Encyclopedia Published … Continue reading

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Mangal 1.1 at Bedroom Bar, Rivington Street, Shoreditch

I’m not sure this offshoot matches the yum or atmosphere of the Arcola Street original, but if you’re hankering quality kebabs in Shoreditch you could do a lot worse than Mangal 1.1. Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Savannah

From Charleston, I skirted my way along the South Carolina coast until I made it to my home state of Georgia for a few days more of BBQ and kindly hospitality before heading back to London. First stop in Georgia was picturesque and gracious Savannah, where a too-short but so-good lunch set a delectable tone and kept the bar raised high for an especially for delicious finale of my trip. Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Charleston

Next stop on my carnivorously inclined Deep South expedition was the beautiful and historic port city of Charleston, South Carolina where a new breed of pitmaster appears to be taking over the culinary scene with an approach to making wood fired, slow cooked meats that’s as yummy and inventive as it is a mouth-watering tribute to the area’s great BBQ traditions. Continue reading

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Pit Stop: A Barbecue Road Trip Across the American South (Great British Chefs)

Here comes American Thanksgiving, a day set aside to be thankful for what you’ve got… and eat way too much food. As an American, it’s an occasion I take seriously, the giving of thanks (and, of course, the eating part). … Continue reading

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The South’s Best BBQ Road Trips (OneTravel)

Today is Go for a Ride Day, a day to hit the road to head off and discover something new – or at least inspire you to start planning that epic road trip you’ve been dreaming of for years. One … Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Pitt County, North Carolina

An epicentre of epicurean wonder (as long as you love whole hog BBQ), Pitt County is a prime destination for some of the best tasting meat in America. I had no idea so much good BBQ could come from such a concentrated and largely rural area. Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Chapel Hill is a city I know fairly well from more youthful days. But I’d not been back there for well over a decade – and I must admit I knew nothing of the BBQ there. I’m pleased to report the town is as agreeable place as even – and that the BBQ is fantastic. Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Hillsborough, North Carolina

The small town of Hillsborough, North Carolina made a big impression on me, despite only being able to drop in for a short overnight stay. Completely off my radar before planning my BBQ Bound itinerary, the town is now my top choice for a repeat visit of all the stops I made during my three weeks on the road. Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Lexington, North Carolina

This small town (population 19,000) is home to its own signature Lexington style of BBQ (also known as Piedmont or Western Carolina style). Made with wood-smoked (a mix of hickory and oak) and chopped pork shoulder (aka Boston butt) and usually served “wet” with a vinegar and ketchup based red sauce, the BBQ as a sandwich or more typically as a tray jammed full of BBQ and a side of “red” coleslaw that’s been mixed with the same red sauce instead of mayonnaise, and hushpuppies. It’s distinctive and delicious. Continue reading

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#BBQbound | Road Notes: Arkansas and Tennessee

Blazing a path from Dallas to Memphis and then on through Tennessee to my next destination (stay tuned), I made a few tasty stops along the way. What was on the menu for my roadside dining? Well, BBQ of course! Continue reading

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Finger Lickin’ Pheasant? Limited Edition Phast Phood Pheast at The Jugged Hare Pub

Popular Barbican Gastropub, The Jugged Hare, is launching a limited edition “Finger Lickin’ Pheasant Bucket” available from 16 to 22 November in celebration of National Pheasant Week. Feeling game? I was when I accepted an invitation to sample a bucket. … Continue reading

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Preview: Thank Ya Papa NOLA Style Thanksgiving Dinner

Guests to the Thank Ya Papa celebrations can expect a ten-course Thanksgiving feast designed by Michelin trained chef and replete with seasonal cocktails, candied yams, deep fried turkeys and “the best live Dixieland music this side of the Mississippi,” from the 25th to the 28th of November. Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Memphis

It had been more than 20 years since I’d last been to Memphis, and I was glad my BBQ Bound road trip passed through it, affording me the chance to reacquaint myself with this fantastic town so prominently set on the banks of the mighty Mississippi. Indeed, a tour of the best BBQ destinations in the South without a stop in Memphis would have been remiss. Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Dallas

From Austin I headed north to Dallas, a city I’d never visited before and one that I really wasn’t certain whether I’d take to or not. I ended up regretting not having more time to spend there. As for the BBQ, Dallas wound up being one of the tastiest pit stops of my three week road trip. Continue reading

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#BBQbound: Austin and the Hill Country

If y’all ain’t never been, let me tell you that Austin is as happening a place to visit as any in the USA. With a booming local economy and a population busting at the seams with an unprecedented number of folks flocking to live there (as much for the opportunity as for the all-but-guaranteed blue skies and sunshine) the city nevertheless retains a warm and informal feel that would have even the prickliest of pears soon feeling at home. Continue reading

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#BBQbound: An Epic Quest for the Best BBQ in the American South

I don’t mean to rub it in, but I’ve just returned from one of the sauciest adventures I’ve ever undertaken: a three-week road trip covering more than 2,500 miles across six states. The aim of my low ‘n slow sojourn was as straightforward as it was overindulgent – to find (and devour) the best BBQ in the American South. Continue reading

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Win a Pair of Tickets to BBC Good Food Show London 13 or 15 November

Interested in nibbling your way through an array of some of the UK’s best food? I’ve got a pair of tickets to share with one lucky reader for the upcoming BBC Good Food Show at Olympia London (plus tix to the Supertheatre). Keep reading to find out how you can win. Continue reading

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Spitfire Ales: Why You’ll Be Drinking Mo’ Beer for Movember

November means Movember according to Maddie Salters who celebrated with Spitfire Premium Kentish Ale to kick off the month the raising money and awareness for sufferers of prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental illnesses. It’s that time of year again. … Continue reading

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Cocoa Loco: Chocolate For Breakfast Never Looked So Good (Or Healthy!)

A photo posted by doisy & dam (@doisyanddam) on Sep 25, 2015 at 2:14am PDT Join Maddie Salters for a wholesome superfood breakfast. The scene outside of the 26 Grains Porridge Cafe could have been taken straight out of a … Continue reading

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Breakfast at The Alice House Queen’s Park

A recent invitation to try the newly launched morning menu at The Alice House in Queen’s Park (its sister venue in West Hampstead has been serving breakfast for a while now) proved a great reason to get up early and enjoy that most important meal of the day recently. How do like your eggs in the morning? Go tell Alice. Continue reading

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4 of the World’s Best Cities for Pizza (OneTravel)

October is Pizza Month, so we’ve compiled a short list of where to get the best in the world. Now, where did I leave out and where do you think the world’s best pizza can be found? Should your hometown, … Continue reading

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Create Your Perfect Pizza at PizzaBuzz, EC2

Custom-create your own pizza pie at newbie pizzeria, PizzaBuzz, on Worship Street (about halfway between Old Street and Moorgate Stations). While you’re there, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, have a beer, some burrata and maybe some homemade ice cream too. Whether … Continue reading

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The Bell & Brisket Kitchen Takeover at The Barley Mow, Shoreditch

I’ve known Bel Shapiro – owner of The Bell & Brisket – for a number of years now and have been a fan of her “seriously pimped up salt beef bagels” all the while. I’ve also very much admired how she’s resisted any trendy urges to “go burger” along with the hipster tide and rather has looked to more local gourmand traditions to come up with something yummy that’s no less “street” and certainly just as zeitgeist-y as any other London grub you’re apt to sink your teeth into. Continue reading

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My Mini Grand Tour: A Great Stay in Gruyeres

A most memorable part of my recent visit to Switzerland was the time spent in and around Gruyères. In a lot of ways, the area was an ideal stomping grounds for me. Offering access to amazing art, great regional food, … Continue reading

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My Mini Grand Tour: Abbaye de Montheron

Set beside the Talent River within the wooded Jorat Valley (and only about a 15 minute drive outside central Lausanne), the Abbaye de Montheron is an ideal venue for special occasions, dynamic dinners paired with long forest walks, and quick rural retreats without having to put too much of a pause on all that urban luxury just up the road in Lausanne. Continue reading

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Waffle On at The Watch House

Waffle On at The Watch House is an evening kitchen takeover that, as far as I know, is an indefinite collaboration. Still, I’d recommend heading over ASAP because Waffle On’s buttermilk waffles are delish and The Watch House is comfortably cosy café whether you’re craving waffles or not. Continue reading

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Piled High and Fantastically Assembled Sarnies: Cafe Mish, Shepherd Market

I can’t claim to live in Mayfair, but any given week sees me passing through there multiple times. So a new (and good!) place to eat that doesn’t require making a reservation, refinancing my mortgage, or wearing fancy clothes is a most welcome addition. Continue reading

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One Sixty – City: “US Style” Smokehouse and Bar

After epic success with its original restaurant in West Hampstead (I’ve never been but have heard great things), the team behind One Sixty have opened a sister site roughly equidistant to Liverpool Street and Aldgate Tube stations. Meathead carnivores and folks in the area who like a strong drink: start salivating now if you haven’t already dabbled in the excesses on offer. Continue reading

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Good Stuff #45

Good stuff? Great stuff! And so much of it I’m having trouble keeping track and sharing the best of it in a timely manner. But don’t let my inadequate ability to blog efficiently get in the way you having a wonderful time. Have a look a this list of fine things to see, sip or savour – all of which I’ve recently come across and thought were worth sharing with you. Enjoy. Continue reading

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Grillstock London: A Walthamstow Hillbilly’s Homecoming?

So, I was all sorts of messed up this weekend. Not because of the beer (although I had access to copious amounts of it). Or the whiskey (similarly ample volumes were at my disposal). Or the meat (there were mounds of epic proportion). But because, as a judge at the Grillstock BBQ festival in Walthamstow, wave after wave of out-of-context familiarity kept slapping me silly with wafts of hickory smoke, the lilting plink of a banjo here and there, and the sight of thousands of folks come together to celebrate their love of slow and low cooked meat. Continue reading

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Squid Kitchen Brings Madrid Street Market Style to The King & Co, Clapham

Continuing with its pop-up approach to pub grubbing, The King & Co in Clapham has opened its kitchen to Madrileño style street food vendors, Squid Kitchen. A match made in heaven? It is if crisp craft beer coupled with cones overflowing with calamari sounds like you kind of fiesta. I loved my nosh through the recent launch party and am happy to gloat … erm … share the highlights of that occasion with you. Continue reading

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International Street Food Challenge: Orange Buffalo’s Wings and Blue Cheese Dip

I had a lot of fun foraging my foodie way through TravelSupermarket’s International Street Food Challenge a couple of weeks ago in Shoreditch. The free event offered guests the chance to sample a variety of authentic and delicious dishes cooked by a variety of vendors from around the world. One of the highlights for me was getting to chat with Nick White, one of the founders of Orange Buffalo, and have a bite of his awesome and fiery Buffalo wings. Continue reading

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Donostia Social Club at Pop Brixton

I’ve snooped round container village Pop Brixton a few times now since it opened back in the spring. I like the vibe. I love the food there too – especially what’s being cooked up at street food trader Donastia Social Club’s first permanent pintxos bar loftily situated on the top level and near the entrance. Continue reading

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