Category: Food And Drink

RECIPE | Coffee Jelly with Cream

CREDIT: Pixabay

Serves 8
Prep 5 mins (3 hours minimum chilling)
No Cook

Coffee lovers and addicts will adore this meeting of dessert and post-dinner coffee. In an unusual twist on a kids party pudding normally served with ice cream comes a surprisingly good and sophisticated version that is perfectly paired with cream. This dessert is not overly sweet and has a distinctively clear taste of coffee. The recipe is easily halved if you would like to make less. Serve in tumblers for pretty presentation.

COFFEE – 1 cup of coffee provides the following of your daily recommended intake; 11% B2, 6% B5, 3% of manganese and potassium, 2% of magnesium & B3. Although these are small amounts, most coffee drinkers are likely to have more than 1 cup a day.

Coffee is also a great source of anti-oxidants. Other health concerns coffee is believed to help with are; protection from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, lowering risk of Parkinson’s, protecting the liver, reduce the risk of depression, lowering risk of stroke, and certain cancers.
SOURCE: ( http://authoritynutrition.com/top-13-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coffee/ )

Ingredients.

8 tsp high-quality instant coffee
2 sachets gelatine (12g each) – or use 8 gelatine leaves
30g caster sugar
1000ml cold water
230ml hot water

Double cream, to serve.

Method.

1. Pour the 230ml hot water into a bowl and sprinkle the gelatine onto the hot water. (it is important that gelatine is added to the water and not the other way around).

2. Stir quickly until mixed thoroughly.

3. In a large bowl combine the instant coffee with some of the cold water from the 1000ml you have measured out. Whisk until the coffee has dissolved entirely.

4. Pour in the remaining cold water whilst stirring.

5. Add the water with the gelatine mix in it to the coffee and stir thoroughly.

*You could at this point add a shot of whisky for another flavour, if you like.

6. Pour into a mould, casserole dish or whatever will accommodate the jelly mix in your fridge. You want to be able to transfer the jelly once set into tumblers so when you pour cream over the top there are various nooks and crannies for the cream to flow down and look pretty on.

7. Chill for at least 3 hours in the fridge.

8. Serve in tumblers with cream poured over the top.

13th April 2017
RESTAURANT REVIEW | Smith & Wollensky, London

★★★★ | Smith & Wollensky, London

Smith & Wollensky is a New York institution and has found it’s way to London, and it’s thriving. It offers all sorts of steaks, and it comes with a price. Expect to pay no less than at least £75 per person – this is a place where definitely how the other half lives. Their steaks are perhaps the finest in the UK, in a restaurant that’s elegant and that defines the word fine dining. The minute you walk into the restaurant, which is just a few minutes walk from Charing Cross Station and right off the Strand, you will encounter a lovely classy restaurant with incredible art deco decor – it’s got a New York feel, with white tablecloths, very classy pictures, and spotless throughout, with a bar that’s very inviting. It’s a place to definitely impress, either your boss, your girlfriend, or perhaps your mom.

Smith & Wollensky may be a once in a lifetime dining experience for some (or most) but it’s perfect for businessmen (company credit card) and those wishing to splurge on a nice meal. The cheapest steak on the menu is an affordable £39 (the Premium Irish Fillet Mignon) – but it’s a tiny 225g. The 400g Rib-Eye steak is a better option at only £42, but the better selections are, of course, the priciest. Another Premium choice – the Tomahawk (1kg and perfect to share) is £78, while the USDA Prime Day-Aged Steaks – and other selections – start low (Sirloin 395g) at £49 and go up to the 700g T-Bone at £78. On the night we went to the restaurant, it was a Monday night, and it was obviously a slow evening as there were only a handful of customers in a place that seats 340 people in both it’s upstairs and the cavernous space downstairs. Lucky for me they had my favorite steak – the chateaubriand, and it was cooked to perfection. It was recommended by the very friendly and very knowledgeable Sabina who said it was big enough for two, but I ate the whole thing, with the excellent Béarnaise sauce giving it a nice flavor. My dining companion had the Kansas City Cut Bone-In Sirloin (595g at £64) and it was delectable, delicious and extremely tasty, and again cooked to perfection. Both of us had never actually tried this type of meat before – now we are both huge huge fans. Smith & Wollensky steaks are charbroiled in one of their four grills, and they employ a full-time butcher where most of it goes through a careful dry ageing process for 28 days to ensure you get the tastiest, freshest meat in town.

Smith & Wollensky offers up a handful of starters, but knowing that we were going to have a meat feast, we went for salads. I had the wonderful Iceberg Wedge, which is exactly what it says on the tin, and it was draped with lovely blue cheese dressing, tomatoes, and extremely delectable bacon lardons (strips). At only £12, it was worth every bite. My dining companion had the Wollensky Salad (£10). It came with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, potato croutons, bacon lardons (yummy again) mushrooms and topped with delicious dijon Vinaigrette. The salad was not sexy, but it was functional.

The main courses don’t come with sides, so of course you would definitely want to order starch and vegetables to accompany your meat dish. You’ve got your choice of French or Cajun Fries or Whipped Potatoes. I had the Baked Potato – perfectly cooked, with butter, bacon bits, cheese, and sour cream, all on a bridge dish! But I would highly recommend the Hashed Brown Potatoes. If you’ve ever been to America you know that the hash browns there are shredded potato cooked on the grill, and the portion at Smith & Wollensky was gynormous and excellent. A must! Also on offer is Truffled Mac ’n’ Cheese and Onion Rings. In the vegetable department, order the Mixed `Vegetables – you name the vegetable – it’s in this dish. All the sides are smartly priced between £5 – £10 pounds each.

Smith & Wollensky has a too big to mention wine list, but the waiters will recommend the best type of wine to accompany your meal. They also have an excellent drinks and cocktail menu. We had the Old Cuban (Havana Club 3, Lime Juice, Mint Leaves, Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut NV Champagne, Sugar Syrup) and the Stage Three Dacquiri (Havana Club 7, Koko Kanu, Lime Juice, Nutmeg & Vanilla Syrup, Chocolate Bitters). They were both very good but it was the Old Cuban that was more refreshing, lighter, and a bit more flavorable.

The dessert menu really has to be mentioned. There is what they call the ‘Gigantic Chocolate Cake’ – and it is gigantic. It’s actually enough for four people. Moist chocolate layer cake brushed with Baileys Irish Cream, chocolate mousse and covered with dark chocolate ganache at only £18 – it’s practically the best deal on the menu and it’s the richest, guiltiest and best pleasure in town!

There’s really a whole lot to mention about Smith & Wollensky besides the food. As mentioned, the decor is abasolutely divine, the downstairs area has the feel of being in another country (Paris, or perhaps the dining room of the Titanic), and there are three private dining areas for group or company bookings. Smith & Wollensky sits in the Adelphi building on the very quiet street that is John Adams Street, so there are no loud trucks, or lost tourists or selfie takers walking by. It’s secluded enough to be out of earshot of loud traffic, yet it’s just one minute away from major transportation – ideally centrally located. Adelphi translates to brother in Greek, and it was three Adams brothers (John, Robert, James and William) who orignally built the surrounding area in 1768. And close to 250 years, it’s still an elegant area where Smith & Wollensky comfortably resides.

Smith & Wollensky is also running a promotion on their Tomahawk steak. Guests can tuck into the monstrous Tomahawk Steak – a juicy challenge for even the most committed of carnivores – served with French fries, creamed spinach, mushrooms and a bottle of Viñas del Vero, Cabernet/Merlot – perfect for two to share – at just £95! Also, keep your eye on Travelzoo and Living Social as Smith & Wollensky does put on offers that are excellent deals. A recent one included the Chateaubriand with cocktails each for two with four sides at a very cheap price of £45. But don’t let the high prices put you off – Smith & Wollensky can be an affordable place to eat, whether for dinner, lunch or even weekend brunch (which includes not just steaks but also french toast, pancakes, eggs and waffles). And Smith & Wollensky will also be serving an amazing three course Easter Sunday Menu for only £59.00 per person. Elegant food at elegant prices – well worth every penny!

Tel: 020 7321 6007

Home

Email: enquiries@smithandwollensky.co.uk
Twitter: @SandWollenskyUK
Address:
The Adelphi Building
Covent Garden Riverside
1-11 John Adam St
London
WC2N 6HT

Opening hours:
Monday-Thursday: 12pm – 10.30pm (last orders)
Friday: 12pm-11pm (last orders)
Saturday: Brunch: 11am-3.30pm (last orders); Dinner 5pm-11pm (last orders)
Sunday: 12pm-4:30pm (last orders)

6th April 2017
REVIEW | The Luggage Room at the Grosvenor Square Hotel

Pre-WW2 Grosvenor Square (GS) was considered one of the four most uber-cool hangouts in the Old Smoke – receiving its name from the reigning Duke of Westminster (1700-32) Sir Richard Grosvenor, who kicked off the square’s construction around 1721.

In the 1920s GS was a playground for the ‘Bentley Massive’: Tim Birkin, Bernard Rubin, Woolf Barnato and Glen Kidston. The quartet hogged the south-eastern corner of said square, neighbouring each other in separate gaffs. Bon viveuring was high on the sports-car-lovers agenda – the Bentley boyz all-day soirees and shindigs became renowned – booze was guzzled like that of Mercer Series 5 Raceabout’s engine, with no finishing line in sight.

We owe thanks to The Duchess of Bedford’s hearty appetite for the Low Tea Movement – tucking into a biscuit or two, served on a low table, to keep her ‘strength up’ before supper soon caught on.

The Grosvenor Square Hotel, GS, is home to the decedent Luggage Room, a speakeasy-esque bar that feels like you’re imbibing aboard the Titanic but with the same interior and tailoring as the exterior of a Louis Vuitton trunk. We were very much at home.

It was a roaring welcome to the roaring 20s style establishment – as soon as we parked our derrières we were offered: Punch a la Romaine: Champagne and Romaine sorbet, plantation 5yr fresh ginger extract. Fresh lemon juice, House made lemon sherbet, egg white built and served up, at £14. The zing and zest from the sherbet and lemon juice hits you first, beautifully softened by the egg white and champagne, all merged with a ginger undertone. An acceleration to fifth gear – scrumptious.

Low Tea, means tea – so tea, is what we had. We shared a Lapsang Souchong: think log-fires, grandad’s pipe and that time you snogged a cigar smoker. A bit like ferret legging, not for everyone, but for those that do – a huge amount of pleasure. Now stocked in our office. As well as: China White Monkey: a light and delicate bouquet of freshly cut lemongrass infused with dainty floral flavours – pleasant.

The alluring array of savoury and sweet delicacies was served in a prohibition era, American medical box – all adding to the 20s eroticism.

Ours for the taking: Pickled New Forrest Mushrooms, Thyme, Crème Fraiche Tarts – a decent crunch to buttery pastry, the herb, creme and shrooms worked. H Foreman & Sons Smoked Eel, Horseradish, Crème Fraiche Vol Au Vent – as eels go, this slippery sucker had it goin’ on – lacking that metallic taste (that’s a good thing) the fishy flavour is complemented with a gentle punch from the horseradish – all fused by the crème.

Devonshire Wild Boar Sausage Roll, Tiptree Grain Mustard – we have a #winner (emoji: smiley-face wavy-hands). Hummmm – yum scrum. Beats those of Maltby St Market. Quality sausage – who doesn’t like one of those? Lyburn Smoked Cheddar & Sage Scone, Spiced Pear Chutney. The cheese notes pulled through but a tad dry – the mild, but bursting with pear-power, chutney made up for it.

Devilled Balmoral Venison, Free range Clarence Court Scotch Egg. On par with Mac & Wild’s – if you haven’t tried Mac & Wild’s wares yet; stop reading this and immediately book a table – you neanderthal. My deers, egg-cellent. “Luggage Room Signature” Tea-Cured Salmon by H Foreman & Sons, Caviar. Pure class on a white ceramic spoon – the fish eggs popped salty gorgeousness seconds after touching the tongue, lifting the salmon to another seafood taste level.

To wash down the mini puds we were steered in the direction of Jack Rose (“You jump, I jump remember?”): Laid’s Applejack, House-made Grenadine, fresh lime juice, nutmeg shaken and served at £14. Cranberry in colour with ripe apple aromas – not even an iceberg could sink this beverage – an undercurrent of spice and hints of citrus kept all afloat.

Next up: Luggage Room Limited Edition Plantation Rum Syllabub – neither a mousse, crème or parfait – room temperature, creamy and airy with a strong orange current, quite unique – superb. Tiptree Tawny Marmalade infused Carrot Cake – steam pudding moist but without the residue – laced with sweet-carroty-goodness – (emoji: thumbs up). Classic Victoria Sponge – the late Queen would’ve been chuffed: sponge, jam and cream – nothing went wrong. Neat.

As well as Tiptree Jarred Scone Trifle. This deconstruction malarkey – in France you can now buy steak tartare in a can, from a vending machine! Anyways, this spoon full of – a lot of sugar – did not help the medicine go down. Too sweet – not toot sweets, different film – an overload of sickly cream. And to finish us off: Salted Caramel Meringue. Think French macaroons – crisp, honeyed and sugary with a smidge of seasoning – oui oui oui.

Bentleys, Vuitton cases and buoys are not required – you won’t wanna jump overboard. Appetites – not dissimilar to that of The Duchess of Bedford’s, a good palate and your manners (the service is exceptional), are.

Low Tea £48

The Luggage Room
Grosvenor Square
London
W1K 6JP
Book: http://luggageroom.co.uk/bookings/
T: 0207 493 1232 E: info@luggageroom.co.uk

Opening times: Low Tea. Wednesday – Saturday from 12.00, last sitting 15.00 – Low Tea. Sunday 12:00 – 17:00. The Bar. 17.00 till late

6th April 2017
RESTAURANT REVIEW | Tang, London

★★★★ | Tang, London

There’s a hidden gem of a restaurant right next to the Central YMCA near Tottenham Court Road – it’s called Tang.

And hidden is the key word. You could walk right passed it if you weren’t looking for it. Nestled right between the YMCA and VQ Diner, Tang is identified by its name on the wooden door and its menu to the left, and it’s named on the overhang. And do me a favour, and don’t walk by, go into this tiny venue (maximum capacity is 38) and you will step into a place that does not feel like you’re in London. Welcomed by the friendly staff, the restaurant contains Chinese-style newspaper wallpaper, a cosy space, an open kitchen, and tiny photos that line one of the walls. Its unique feel is akin to being in a restaurant anywhere in Asia, yet it’s the food that make’s it worth walking in.

Southern Asian specialities (Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore) are included in the menu that’s very small yet bursting with lots of appealing courses. We had two starters – the Fried Chicken (£5) and the Black and White – tofu (£4.50). The Fried Chicken (marinated in black bean soy milk and coated in batter) was nine generous-sized pieces which came with a three chilli hot sauce. While we almost all but ignored the hot sauce, the chicken was scrumptious and moist. The ten pieces of tofu were light and soft, and an unusual dish you can’t quite find anywhere else. It was served with white miso sauce that was perfect for dipping both the chicken and the tofu, and both very good value.

We were both pleasantly surprised at our dinner choices. My dining companion had the massive Chicken Tang (a soup in a roast chicken broth with bean sprouts, egg, bok choi, spring onion, and garlic chips) and it was absolutely superb! Flavours that went very well together and was a beautiful-looking dish. She was in heaven with its rich substance – and it’s healthy food as well! (A veggie option of crispy tofu is on offer as well) I wanted something with meat and was glad I ordered the Beef and Rice. Braised beef and tendons served with coriander and jasmine rice was gorgeous, with its bok choi and crispy noodles included. It’s packed with flavour and highly recommended, though it didn’t quite fill me up so I would suggest a wallop more of rice be added to the dish. Both dishes cost £9 each – a great deal.

There was one choice for dessert and it was the only choice you’d ever want. The Sugarcane Shiso Sorbet was out of this world! It was sugarcane (purchased in Brixton) with shiso leaves (tasting like mint) to give an absolutely refreshing ending to your meal – it was perhaps the best sorbet I’ve ever had.

Tang also has a wide selection of perfect drinks to go with your meal, from local beer (London Beer Factory) to soft drinks (from the Karma Cola Company) to the very good juices (Owlet Fruit Juice). I had the delicious pear and ginger fruit juice – apple and elderflower was another option. The drinks on their menu you will more than likely not find anywhere else – they’re that unique!

As I live close to the restaurant, I plan to return and try some of their buns (fried chicken, braised beef or crispy tofu), all at the ideal price of £4.50 or less. And the broccoli salad (£4.50) looks like an ideal small dish to look forward to.

Tang is an absolutely affordable restaurant where two can easily dine for as little as £32. The staff are warm and friendly, and Canadian Jamie will answer any questions you will have about the menu. As it’s an open kitchen any questions you might have the cooks are right in front of you! It’s an intimate noodle bar that’s warm and welcoming – I can’t wait to go back!

Tel: +44 (0) 207 300 3324

https://www.tanglondon.co.uk

Email: hello@tanglondon.co.uk
Twitter: @TangLondon
Address: 111 Great Russell Street
London, WC1B 3NQ

Opening hours:

Monday: Closed
Tues – Fri: Midday -3pm & 5pm – 10pm
Saturday: Midday – 3pm & 5pm – 10pm
Sunday: Closed

22nd March 2017
RESTAURANT REVIEW | BabaBoom

★★★★ | BabaBoom

BabaBoom is the perfect restaurant in an area of London that shall, and will, embrace it.

It’s a cozy, warm and petite place which serves food a bit different from the nearby Brewdog, Coté Brasserie, and The Breakfast Club restaurants. And the food at BabaBoom is really really good.

Two can dine here easily for less than £50. And while the menu is quite small, the food on offer is varied, large, and delicious!

On a cold and wet Sunday night me and my dining companion found BabaBoom very buzzing. Most of the 44 seats in this small restaurant were full – everyone from the staff to the customers to the cooks looked very very happy – which we noticed while we were led to the quieter back section where we enjoyed a new gastronomical experience.

The Sweet Potato Tahini starter was superb! Served with a nicely charcoaled pita bread, along with beetroot, celery and fennel, it was a perfect dipping meal. The sweet potato gave this hummus-like dish new life – I can’t recommend it more. My dining companion had the Rose Harissa Labneh starter, which also came with the same vegetables and pita bread, yet the labneh was topped with chilli, unusual but it worked! But the best was yet to come.

I had the Rotisserie Lamb Shoulder as my main course. And at £11.75 it was to die for! Served over a charcoaled pita, there was lots of succulent and tender lamb, along with a large helping of cole slaw, and a huge tasty cooked onion. I enjoyed every bite, though it was almost too big to eat as a sandwich. My dining companion had the Saffron & Orange Chicken Shish, as a salad, very colorful and served on a large plate. It came with the aforementioned coleslaw along with red peppers, and extremely tasty crispy flatbread. Though he felt the chicken tasted a bit plain, sauces were served with it to add to the flavor. Still a great deal at £9.25. Other kebabs on the menu include goat, short rib and falafel – something for everyone!

Just so that we can taste more of the menu we ordered a few sides. I can’t explain how delicious the Dukkah Fries were! Small and crispy, and cooked with 25 spices (!!!!) which gave the fries a fabulous kick – different, again, but worked so well! Also recommended is the Harissa Roasted Squash Tabbouleh and the Smashed Aubergine with Pomegranate and Tahini. And to top it off, each side is only £3.50 or 2 for £6.00. An excellent bargain.

BabaBoom calls itself a charcoal kebab kitchen, and that’s exactly what it is, and more. And more is what you get. They also serve brunch! Chose from teas to unlimited coffee and juices, to a boozy brunch with bloody mary’s and mimosas and margaritas (I had one with dinner and it was slush good fun!). For brunch you can choose from a Meat Kebab (sausage, date glazed bacon, tomato, 2 friend eggs & labneh) to a Veggie Kebab to a dish called the Ultrarunner (2 soft poached eggs, labneh, tabbouleh, fattoush salad & flatbread), to and including Eggy Bread (basically french toast)! Yum Yum!

BabaBoom combines middle eastern flavours with quality British produce to deliver outstanding meals at very affordable prices. And well worth a trip to Battersea.

Telephone: 07809903181

http://www.bababoom.london

Email: Hello@bababoom.london
Twitter: @BababoomLondon
Address: 30 Battersea Rise SW11 1EE

Opening hours:

MON 06:00PM – 10:00PM
TUE 11:45AM – 10:00PM
WED 11:45AM – 10:30PM
THU 11:45AM – 10:30PM
FRI 11:45AM – 11:30PM
SAT 10:30AM – 11:30PM
SUN 10:30AM – 10:00PM

BRUNCH: Saturday & Sunday 10:30AM-3:00PM

9th March 2017
RESTAURANT REVIEW | Marquis of Wellington

★★★ | Marquis of Wellington

Who is the Marquis of Wellington and what is he doing in Bermondsey?

The Marquis of Wellington was another name for the 1st Duke of Wellington (Arthur Wellesley), one of the leading military and political leaders of the 19th century. It’s also the name of a pub in Bermondsey down a lonely and dark stretch of road alongside railroad tracks that go into London Bridge. The Marquis of Wellington is not your typical pub – there’s no fish and chips nor sausage and mash on the menu. It is, however, doing things a bit different – it’s a pizza joint that also serves street food!

First off, let’s mention the pizza. There are eight to chose from, from salami to sirloin steak, porchetta and apple to prosciutto crudo, which is what my Italian dining companion had. It was a beautifully-looking pizza, very large (eight slices), topped with sun-blushed tomatoes, wild rocket and of course prosciutto. It was big enough to feed two people! However, it was very oily, too oily for my dining companion to eat with his hands. The pizzas are very good value and priced between £7 to £9.75 – a great deal considering how big they are! I, on the other hand, had that night’s pop-up street food choice. Lucky for me it was Smokin’ Lotus (smokinlotus.co.uk). I had the option of either the 8-hour smoked char siu pork rib, the 10- hour slow smoked beef brisket or the smoked tofu, so it was suggested to me by the manager to have the pork rib salad box (no more sandwiches were available on a Saturday night at 8 pm). The salad box came with Asian style ‘slaw with a creamy sesame dressing and Japanese style mashed potato salad. All I have to say is that it was delicious. The pork was grilled to perfection, the slaw was absolutely tasty, and the mashed potato salad was simply divine. And at £8 it was an excellent deal!
Fresh garlic bread is also a big part of the menu at the Marquis of Wellington. They are massive and excellently priced at under £4.50 each. My companion had the mozzarella, basil pesto and sun blushed tomatoes – he said it was very good but again, the bottom of the bread was oily. My San Marzano tomato with grilled aubergines and parmesan was perfect – the bread was crispy and the toppings were superb.

The Marquis of Wellington is located on the Bermondsey beer mile – a section of Bermondsey where you’ll find lots of local brewers. I drank the Anspach & Hobday Pale Ale beer – blond, delicious, beautiful and recommended. The Marquis of Wellington has other great selections of local keg and cask beers, alongside quality beers from around the world. And it being a pub, the Marquis of Wellington serves all the usual liquids – wines, spirits, bottled beers, etc.

It was a Saturday night at 7:50 pm when my friend and I walked it. It was extremely loud and rowdy and we struggled to get a table even though we had a reservation. It took a bit to figure out how things worked – if you’re eating from the menu, the menu that is supposed to be on your table (ours wasn’t), you need to tick what you want and then take it to the bar to order. We ordered at 8:10 pm and were told that the street food concession was already closing! Early for a Saturday night – luckily I got their last served meal of the day.

The pub was in a bit of disarray, and the empty table the friendly waitress found us was a bit dirty. The food came out fast and furious, but after our meal we were told they had run out of dessert – by 9:30 pm! Also, the pizza and garlic breads are served on cutting boards – I’ve never been a fan of eating off cutting boards because food tends to get into the wood and, if not properly washed, you might be tasting the pizza a customer might have had the day before. Nonetheless, good things are about to take place at the Marquis of Wellington. Just four months old, they plan to have live music on Thursday nights, will soon have a quiz night, and more street food options are planned. They also have free Wi-Fi.

The locals are lucky to have this pub on their doorstep, and visitors to the area will enjoy it as well, but it might not be worth trek all the way to Bermondsey when the West End will do for any type of pub and food option you want. The food = ★★★★, the pub itself = ★★, so it warrants ★★★.

To find out the upcoming street food traders at the Marquis of Wellington, follow them on Twitter @MoWBermondsey or Facebook – Marquis of Wellington

Telephone: 020 7394 0246

http://www.marquisofwellingtonbermondsey.co.uk

Address: 21 Druid Street, Bermondsey, London, SE1 2HH

Opening hours:

Mon – Thu: 11:00 – 23:00

Fri – Sat: 11:00 – 00:00

Sun: 11:00 – 23:00

Food served: Mon – Sun: 11:00 – 22:00

28th February 2017
RECIPE | Sex Salsa
The perfect recipe to get your sex drive back up and running
CREDIT: Jordan Lohan
Sweet & Fiery | Serves 4 | Prep 15 mins | No Cook

Pineapple contains the enzyme Bromelain, which can improve libido in men.

Pomegranate increases testosterone levels, believed due to its array of antioxidants. Also shows an increase in Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS), which is essentially the same function as a medication like Viagra etc.

Garlic a potent testosterone booster, and again increases NOS.

Onions as with garlic, contain allicin that thins your blood and thus improves circulation.

Chilli Capsaicin promotes circulation and endorphins for the feel good factor.

Parsley more antioxidants and a great odour neutraliser for the onion and garlic!

Ingredients.

½ pineapple, in small chunks
1 pomegranate, seeds of (around 80g)
1 red onion, finely chopped
1 bunch (30g) parsley, chopped
1 large red chilli, thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 lime, juice of

Method.
1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl, season and serve along side grilled or barbequed meats or vegetables. Alternatively, go for prawns as these pack Arginine which will increase your NOS levels. Store in an air-tight container for up to 24 hours.
22nd February 2017
RECIPE | Romance Rescue Remedy

Juice your way to a stronger boner.
CREDIT: Jordan Lohan
Serves 2 | Prep 5 minutes

Blueberries – literally little blue “pills”! Lowering cholesterol improving blood flow & circulation, leading to harder erections.

Beetroot– contains boron, an aphrodisiac and booster of sexual stamina.

Almonds (whole & milk)- high in Arginine. Good fats for blood flow & production of testosterone as well as Zinc for men’s hormones & libido.

Bananas– rich in Manganese/Magnesium which are essential for the optimum prostate. Also contains Bromelain, a strong hormone regulator and increaser of libido.

Coconut Water– the “fluid of life” – hydrating, cooling and is said to be able to replenish our reproductive systems.

Raw Cacao Powder– contains Phenylethylamine, a stimulant which is usually produced naturally within the body during moments of arousal.

Maca– Utilised widely for balancing hormones and increasing endurance.

Ingredients.
250ml unsweetened almond milk
250ml coconut water
10 almonds
150g blueberries
150g cooked beetroot
2 bananas, sliced & frozen (I keep sliced bananas in the freezer ready)
1 tbsp raw cacao powder
½ tbsp maca root

Method.
1. Place all ingredients into a blender, and blend. Top up with coconut water if consistency is too thick for you. Serve.

22nd February 2017
RECIPE | Turn On Truffles
These dairy free truffles are perfect to boost your sex drive
CREDIT: Jordan Lohan
Makes 20-30 (depending on your size- that’s truffle, not penis) | Prep 30 mins | Chill 3-4 hours

To increase the vitamin C & antioxidant levels, which will protect the Nitric Oxide in the body (essential for harder erections & sexual response), incorporate the zest of 2 oranges whilst heating the coconut milk.

Cacao is a natural aphrodisiac, but I think we all pretty much knew that. The science behind cacao is that it contains Phenylethylamine, a stimulant which is usually produced naturally within the body during moments of arousal.

Coconut (oil/milk/flakes) will work together to increase sex drive, whilst giving you healthy fats, balancing hormones and a general boost of energy levels.

Pistachios High in Arginine which converts to Nitric Oxide. Most nuts do contain arginine so feel free to choose your favourite kind.

Ingredients.
Method.
22nd February 2017
RECIPE | Arginine Salad, perfect for a lacking libido
Perfect for a lacking libido
CREDIT: Jordan Lohan
Serves 2 | Prep 15 mins | No Cook

All the seeds, walnuts and watermelon contain an amino acid called Arginine. It’s this enzyme that helps maintain a healthy immune & hormone function. Arginine gives a helping hand in enlarging the blood vessels, enhancing blood flow to the penis. Upping your Arginine levels can boost erectile response and turns into Nitric Oxide in the body.

Chives contain high vitamin C which will protect the Nitric Oxide in the body. Viagra essentially induces erections using Nitric Oxide.

Beetroot contains boron, an aphrodisiac and booster of sexual stamina.

Feta increases testosterone levels.

Spinach ecdysterone also increases testosterone.

Ingredients.

2 small raw beetroot, peeled & shaved (use the leaves too)
100g feta, cubed
100g watermelon, cubed
100g organic spinach, washed
50g walnut halves
30g pack fresh chives, snipped
25g pumpkin seeds
25g sunflower seeds
25g sesame seeds
Rapeseed oil

Method.
1. Dry toast the pumpkin and sunflower seeds over a low heat in a frying pan for 5 mins. Remove from the pan, and then toast the sesame seeds for 2 minutes.
2. Mix all the prepared ingredients together in a serving bowl, drizzle with rapeseed oil and serve. Also lovely with a touch of balsamic.
22nd February 2017
RECIPE | Rainbow Pancakes

Get your rainbow on this Pancake day with these incredible Rainbow Pancakes

Ingredients.

–          1 large egg

–          135g plain flour

–          130ml milk

–          2 tablespoons butter

–          Food colouring – red, yellow, green, blue, orange and purple

–          Toppings: rainbow sprinkles, raspberries, whipped cream and strawberry laces

Method.

Add the flour, egg and milk into a bowl and whisk to a smooth batter.
Separate the batter into five separate bowls for each of the different colours of the rainbow.
Add food colouring to each of the bowls until you’re happy with the shade. You can combine primary colours to make a wider range; for example, red and yellow can be mixed to make orange.
Add a little oil or butter to a medium-sized frying pan and put on a medium-high heat.
Add the batter to the pan once hot and cook for one minute on each side – with the all important Toss Off in between.
Repeat this process with all of the different coloured batters until you have enough for your rainbow pancake stack.

Comedians Katherine Ryan and David Morgan battled it out for the title of Biggest Tosser at the launch of Terrence Higgins Trust’s pancake-themed fundraiser, Toss Off.

And to mark LGBT History Month, the TV favourites whipped up a stack of rainbow pancakes.

The charity is urging supporters to host a party for Pancake Day (28 February) and raise money to support people living with HIV.

David, who co-presents I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! NOW, said,

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my first Toss Off because I love rainbows and I love pancakes. As a gay man, HIV support, prevention and awareness-raising is very, very close to my heart and I’ll happily flip some pancakes with my friends to support Terrence Higgins Trust this Pancake Day.”

Friends Katherine and David came along to East London LGBT venue Dalston Superstore to see just how much fun it is to Toss Off for Terrence Higgins Trust.

16th February 2017