Category: Lifestyle

RECIPE | Vegan Thai Coconut Soup

Health food blogger Sophie Gordon brings us this warming recipe to brighten up the dreariest of January days, using creamy coconut yogurt as the star of the dairy, gluten and soya free dish.

CREDIT: Independent Media News

Ingredients.

1 medium sized butternut squash BUY
3 carrots BUY
1 leek BUY
2 small garlic cloves BUY
Small knob of ginger – grated finely BUY
1 tsp dried lemon grass BUY
2 tsp ground coriander BUY
2 tsp ground cumin BUY
2 tsp ground turmeric BUY
1 tsp cayenne pepper BUY
Handful of fresh coriander BUY
Chilli flakes BUY
2L vegetable stock (roughly) BUY
350g The Coconut Collaborative yogurt BUY
¼ – ½ lime – juiced BUY
Salt and pepper to taste

Method.

1. Pre heat your oven to around 190°c. Slice your butternut squash in half (length ways), de-seed and then place flat onto a baking sheet; insides down. Put into the oven and roast for around 35-40 minutes.

2. Put your rice on as rice takes a little longer to cook; follow packet instructions for correct water to rice ratio.

3. Chop up your leeks and carrots. Sauté in some water with the garlic and ginger until a little softer. Add the ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, lemon grass and chilli. Continue to fry, adding a little more water if it starts to dry up.

4. Once this is fragrant and the carrots and leeks soft, add in your vegetable stock. Bring to the boil then allow to simmer for around 10 minutes; season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Once your squash is done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few moments. Scoop out the insides. They should be very soft so will easily come away from the skin.

6. Put into the pot with the stock and mix. Bring back to the boil and then add a squeeze of lime and the fresh coriander, season to taste.

7. Using a hand held blender, blitz your soup until thick and creamy. Add the coconut yoghurt and stir well.

8. To serve, ladle a good serving of the soup into a bowl, adding rice if desired. Top with some fresh coriander and any other seasonings.

*You could also add another dollop of coconut yoghurt on at the end to make it extra creamy

31st January 2017
RESTAURANT REVIEW | Bar + Block

★★★★★ | Bar + Block

The Kings Cross area, if you haven’t recently been, is buzzing. Years ago it was a warren of prostitution and crime, now it’s gentrified with trendy and expensive apartments and a healthy choice of restaurant options.

Bar + Block, in my opinion, is THE restaurant option in the area. it is, in fact the perfect place to go for an excellent and very affordable meal. Located right next to Kings Cross Station on York Way and past McDonald’s and Nando’s, Bar + Block, right underneath the Premier Inn, is an excellent find. In the space that used to be the dreary hotel bar, it has been remodelled, chomped and changed. It’s now a beautiful restaurant where the bar, dining area and kitchen are all in one superbly designed and spacious large room. But it’s not just the layout that’s fantastic, the food is also amazing.

Immediately when you walk in you feel at home. The very friendly multi-cultural staff (mostly Spanish) are all smiley and eager to show you to your table. There are booths, raised tables, seats along the windows, sitting in the middle of the room or alongside the kitchen and the bar – it’s a cleverly designed space so unlike anything I’ve seen. Tables are not at all close to each other – you practically can’t hear the conversations in the room – but it’s the food that Bar + Block is all about.

Bar + Block bills itself as a Steakhouse, and they sure know how to do steaks. There are all sorts – Sirloin, Fillet, Ribeye, Rump – whatever you fancy, plus other various meat-related items. On the cold Sunday night that me and a friend paid a visit – I had the superb Smoked Paprika Chicken & Ribs, and for only £14.95, is best deal in town. Served with spicy beans and french fries, it was a large half smoked chicken with maple flavoured BBQ pork ribs, a massive meal at an excellent price! My friend had the 10oz Sirloin Steak – it was a generous piece that was tender and delicate and put a smile on his face. At £19.50 it’s a good deal as it comes with chunky chips, and for an additional £1.50 you can add sauce. He ordered the ‘B’ Sauce. But be forewarned, it’s spicy, so much so it almost made him cry. Perhaps go for the Peppercorn or one of their other sauces so you won’t need to pull out a tissue. There are so so many more menu choices that initially I really had a hard time deciding. Their Slow-cooked Pork Belly is a great deal at £13.95. Also, the Steak & Cheddar Pie (£12.95), Butternut Squash Risotto (£9.95), Linguine Arrabiata (£10.50), and the Beer-Battered Fish & Chips (£11.50) are all excellent value. The next time I go to Bar + Block for dinner I will have the Mixed Grill – for £19.95 its ribs, bacon, steak and brisket served with corn on the cob and chips – yummy! And of course there are burgers, all served with chips, and all priced under £11.50. The Eurostar employee next to us looked happy with his large burger!

Bar + Block also has an excellent starters menu. This includes the Beef Empanadas and the very good Mini Meatballs (both at £5.95) that we both ordered. I’ve eaten empanadas before and these ones were perfect! If you don’t like your meat, the Mixed Seafood Pot and Garlic King Prawns are also an option (both under £7.95).

As if we didn’t have enough food, with our mains we ordered the Mac & Cheese with Crab (a nice twist on the M&C dish), and heavenly Roasted Winter Veg (all priced under £3.95). And of course, the puddings menu couldn’t be ignored. I highly recommend the Rum & Raisin Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding – absolutely delightful, and served with warm custard – heavenly!. My friend had the Churros Sundae which was packed with vanilla ice cream, lemon curd, clotted cream and crunchy biscuit bites – he loved it (both at under £5.95)!

If the above is not enough to entice you, Bar + Block does an excellent Sunday Roast – available from midday Sunday and for a minimum of two people. First come, first served – it includes sliced sirloin served with Yorkies, beef dripping roasties, carrots, parsnips, Cheddar cauliflower cheese, seasonal greens and rich gravy, and at only £13.50 pp it’s perhaps the best food deal around in Kings Cross!

Another reason to go to Bar + Block? They do an absolutely excellent and very affordable breakfast & brunch! Steak & Eggs (£7.50), The Works (A thick cut of double smoked bacon, sausage patty, beans, salt beef hash, flat mushroom and roasted tomato, topped with a fried egg and toast – £8.50), a veggie option (£7.50), ricotta pancakes (£6.95).There’s also a children’s menu (for both breakfast and dinner) and an express menu served at lunchtime. Or if you prefer to sit at the bar, bar snacks are available.

However, no steak restaurant wouldn’t survive without an excellent drinks menu. Cocktails are great value-priced at £6.99 (we had the amazing Margarita and Bacardi Daquiri – mango flavored! Totally good and hit the spot). A small selection of wine makes it easy to order whatever may go with your meal, and if alcohol is not your thing, I recommend one of the smoothies (7 to choose from!).

Bar + Block is a perfect restaurant in a perfect setting with perfect food. It’s a must visit whether or not you’re passing through one of the nearby train stations. Heck, it’s a destination on its own!

Reviewed by Tim Baros

Telephone: 0203 889 8888
Website:Barandblock.co.uk
Email: barandblock.kingscross@whitbread.com

Address: 26-30 York Way N1 9AA

Opening hours:
Mon-Fri: 06:30 – Midnight
Sat-Sun: 07:00 – Midnight

Photos by Roche Communications

29th January 2017
RESTAURANT REVIEW | Brasserie Zedel

★★★★★ | Brasserie Zedel – perhaps the best restaurant in London?

Steps away from Piccadilly Circus is one of the most beautiful, elegant and affordable restaurants in London. It’s Brasserie Zedel.

If you walked by the entrance to the restaurant you would have no idea that beyond the front door, and down several flights of steps, is a grand Parisian brasserie, with vaulted high ceilings, marble columns, Beaux Arts/Art Deco decor with dozens and dozens of tables to accommodate you for either lunch or dinner. But not only will you find a restaurant, this huge cavernous complex also houses a cabaret lounge (Crazy Coqs) and the elegant Bar Américain. And if that’s not enough, there’s the ZL Café upstairs which is sneakily and actually the entrance to the entire complex.

The restaurant serves traditional French food at amazingly very affordable prices. In what is perhaps the best dinner deal in London, they offer, for a mere £12.75, a three-course Prixe Fixe meal which includes Carottes Rapées, Steak Haché with Frites, and a Café Gourmand or a Tarte aux Fruits. It’s a very delicious and satisfying meal. Or, you can splash out a bit more by trying their Plats de Jour – Plates of the day (£14.25 each), ranging from Poulet au Curry on Mondays to Cassoulet de Toulouse on Wednesday. Highly recommended, however, is the Boeuf Bourguignon, a delicious and tender beef braised in a red wine sauce with a helping of mash potato – it’s absolutely divine (£12.50). Other meat dishes include a whole roast free range french chicken for two (£14.75 each) – I’ve seen it and it’s huge. Other meat dishes include smoked belly of pork (£14.00) or a massive Rib Eye Steak (£25.75). If fish is your thing, Zedel will deliver. Deep fried whiting, trout, and seabass, among others, are all on offer, and all under the friendly price of £17.75. Side dishes (entrées) are all in abundance – with cheeses, onion soup, endive salad, steak tartare and fish soup and more to allow you to start the evening with a nibble. And to end the evening you can pick from cheese dishes to a Tarte au Citron, a Chocolate Souffle, to my favourite – champagne poured over mandarine sorbet – an absolute steal at £5.50. And the drinks list has top notch wines, biéres and cidres and champagnes to complement any and all the main courses.

As mentioned above, there is also the Crazy Coqs cabaret room, offering top notch talent in the world of cabaret and beyond. Previous performers have included Brian Batt, Steven Brinberg (the world’s most famous Barbra Streisand impersonator), to actress Sally Kellerman and Julian Clary. Coming up is an, even more, star and talent-studded lineup including the comedy cabaret of Coqs favourite Miss Hope Springs, X-Factor winner Matt Cardle, restaurant Critic Grace Dent, drag queen extraordinaire La Voix, and the House of Q, an all new night of cabaret, burlesque, music, mime and more. Have a look at the website as there are a lot more upcoming acts and so the programme really needs to be looked at and studied.

For more about the program and the restaurant, please go here:
https://www.brasseriezedel.com

Reviewed by Tim Baros

Brasserie Zédel opening hours:
Mon – Sat: 11:30 a.m. – Midnight
Sunday: 11:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
20 Sherwood Street
London
W1F 7ED
Telephone: 0207 734 4888
For general enquiries, please email: info@brasseriezedel.com
BAR AMÉRICAIN
Monday – Wednesday: 4.30pm – Midnight
Thursday – Friday: 4.30pm – 1.00am
Saturday: 1.00 pm – 1.00am
Sunday: 4.30pm – 11.00pm
ZL CAFÉ
Monday – Friday: 8.00am – 11.00pm
Saturday: 9.00am – 11.00pm
Sunday: 11.30am – 11.00pm

PRICE: £££ (explained)

STAR: ★★★★★ (explained)

25th January 2017
CLASSIC CAR | Alfasud 1.3

All good things come from the ‘South’

(C) STUART M BIRD

Bruno Tonioli isn’t the only quick stepping rapid rumba dancer to come from Italy. In 1972 a motoring equivalent named the Alfasud was unleashed to the motoring world.

I have more than a soft spot for the Alfasud. If I am ever asked what car would be top in my fantasy garage of 5, an Alfasud is there. My second car was an Alfasud Ti. It was a three-month love affair that financially ruined a then 17-year-old Stuart.

Alfa Romeo needed a small car that would entice young people into the marque of Alfa Romeo. In 1967 a Viennese designer named Rudolf Hruska was entrusted with the task of turning the dream into reality. The premise was to design, develop and instigate the building process of a small car that would then hopefully get those new customers to buy other Alfa Romeos and so on.

There were three main prototypes presented. The first before Rudolf had joined only made it to the drawing stage. The second called the Tipo 103 was deemed too expensive to produce. This was a front wheel drive with a 900cc 4 cylinder twin cam engine in a three-box four-door saloon style body. The third incarnation was the Alfasud as we know it today.

(C) STUART M BIRD

Thankfully for Rudolf Hruska, Alfa Romeo had some unused facilities in a southern region of Italy in Pomigliano d’Arco. This is where the Sud or South in Italian comes into the name. The Alfasud is also the reason why ‘Milano’ was removed from the Alfa Romeo badge because now their cars were not only built in Milan.

The Alfasud was a major departure for the Milanese company. For a start, it was to be front wheel drive. Secondly, it was to use a totally new engine in design. In some ways, it did have twin cams but that isn’t totally true. The 4 cylinder boxer engine had one cam per two cylinders so was still classed as a single cam. I still like to think of it as a twin cam. Having worked previously for Porsche and Volkswagen it was no surprise that Rudolf would opt for a flat four designed engine. The layout allowed for a low centre of gravity and a low bonnet line. This really becomes evident when you drive one.

The body design was entrusted to Giorgetto Giugiaro of Ital design. This forward-thinking designer designed some of the most iconic cars ever to grace the roads and some that he would rather forget about. In the presence of this man don’t ever mention the Morris Ital.

In just five years the Pomigliano d’Arco factory was up and running giving much-needed employment to the southern inhabitants of Italy.

Sadly it didn’t all go to plan and industrial problems with an inexperienced workforce meant the Alfasud never made it the success it could and should have been. Strikes and poor workmanship were two key areas of failure. But you’d not think about these when you think Alfasud. What comes to mind is rust. And rust they did, even in areas where you wouldn’t expect it to. These rusted within two years of building.

Now forgetting that the Alfasud dissolved quicker than an Alka-seltzer, the car was a phenomenon.

(C) STUART M BIRD

Launched with a little single carburettor 1186cc engine, the 63bhp engine thrived like no other engine for revs. The raspy sound was intoxicating. And this intoxication quickly led to criticisms from the press for MORE power.

The handling at the time was legendary and for about a decade after launch, it was still the car other manufacturers tried to emulate. Alfa Romeo was quick to silence the critics with spoilers, sports style wheels, quad headlights, a rev counter and 5-speed gearbox which were all added to a two-door body and the Ti was born.

Then there were more problems. Supply and demand could not be met. This thwarted further development of the two-door shell being available in the lower spec models and the estate version ever making an impact outside of Italy. The much-needed hatchback-style body was delayed and finally arrived in 1981. However, the pretty ‘Sprint’ did make it, adding sporting sex appeal in a coupe style body with a hatchback boot.

Still, people wanted, even MORE, power. The Alfasud would end its 12-year production run with a 1490cc engine, twin carburettors and 105bhp in the Ti Green Clover Leaf.

The car used for this review belongs to Stefan. A lifelong fan of the Alfasud having had several over the years and a family who also had a love for the little Alfa Romeo. This is his 1982 series 3 1.3 SC with just 36,000 miles on the clock. Low mileage it might have but that hadn’t stopped the ravages of time taking hold. It has been subjected to a full body restoration prior to purchase. Since Stefan purchased the car he has nursed it through a full engine rebuild and sorting out the mechanical side of things while also removing the drama button from the dashboard. The car has had its problems. He says “Now not only does it look great, but runs just like the Alfasud should, smooth torquey flat four engine with that wonderful music to your ears raspy exhaust note.”

Stefan entrusted me with the keys. It has been 24 years since I last drove an Alfasud. It all came back to me very quickly. The heater fan switch on the end of the column stalk is a stroke of genius. The narrow footwell not so. The peddles were still as close together as I remembered. The low-slung engine allows for a low bonnet line. Il had forgotten that. It’s quite startling at first.

On the move, the steering was direct and nicely weighted. The assisted 4 disc brake system as powerful as ever. The inboard front discs allowing to eliminate unsprung weight during forceful braking. The ride and handling compromise still spot on in every way. The little 79bhp 1351cc engine was as fizzy as I remembered it with a rasp and pop from the exhaust that they became known for. It’s also smooth.

I could enthuse about the Alfasud until you fall asleep and even when you do I can still prattle on about them. So I’ll finish with a thanks to Stefan for letting me have a play and reigniting a long lost love affair.

With thanks to Gay classic car member Stefan for the loan of his car.

25th January 2017
RESTAURANT REVIEW | The Laughing Gravy

★★★★ | The Laughing Gravy

A restaurant with a funny name sits between Southwark tube stop and Elephant & Castle – it’s The Laughing Gravy.

Blackfriars Road is a bit of a restaurant no man’s land. Right near Southwark Tube station is the excellent upscale Polish restaurant Baltic, and then a few blocks south is The Laughing Gravy, nestled into it’s spot amidst the new expensive apartment blocks and conversions that have made this neighbourhood upscale.

And upscale you will need to be as The Laughing Gravy is not cheap. Most of the hearty mains are priced between £22 and £24 each (though there are few lesser-priced options as well), while the starters are all above £8 each and the puddings no less than £7.50. The Laughing Gravy has been operating as a restaurant for around 6 years, and they are definitely doing something right. Head chef Michael Facey, along with a very friendly staff, deliver a varied modern British Menu, and it has just been named best restaurant in the Southwark and Waterloo area by Time Out.

There is truly something for everyone at The Laughing Gravy. The starters range from Pigeon and Oxtail Sausage Roll to the Roasted and Pickled Heritage Beetroot and the Wild Garlic Infused Roasted Artichoke. The Beetroot (at £8.50) was an absolute explosion of colours and flavours. Served on a black plate, it was a rainbow of beetroot with goat’s cheese and apple puree, candied cashews and kale. Served as a cold dish, it was sexy and perfect. The Artichoke starter was quite the opposite, a bit bland, though the artichoke puree and potatoes saved it from being a total waste – though at £8.50 there wasn’t a whole lot on the plate.

For the main course, my dining companion and I decided to have meat and fish. I ordered the Lincolnshire rib eye steak (225 grams), and I am glad I did. With onions, plum tomatoes and mushrooms, it was perfectly cooked (I asked for M to MW), and that’s exactly what I got. Both sides were cooked dark brown, and it was tender and scrumptious. It was served, under the meat, with delicious Madeira (wine) sauce. At £23, it was worth every penny. My companion had the Roast Lemon Sole (£22.50), and it was a panoply of seafood. Not just sole, the dish also included Devonshire crab and sweetcorn dumplings, kale, braised celery and sweetcorn curd and crab bisque. She was very happy with her portion, which I thought was a good value considering how much seafood was on the plate. Other menu choices in the lower-priced range include the Aberdeen Angus burger (£13.50), Superfood Salad (£11.50), and the Roast Heritage Vegetables (£14.00). Other higher-priced recommended items include the Roast guinea fowl (£22), Pan-fried seabass (£22.50), and the Lamb Rump (£22.00). Sides are a must and include Hand cut or Truffle chips, or the excellent Salt baked champs (mash potato) (£4-5 each).

I recommend having a dessert as there was quite a selection. My companion had the Plum, quince, Madeira and honey crumble, and it was just as we expected, crumbly delicious. I had the Champagne, mango and lime cheesecake, and it was small yet heavy and came with a tiny doughnut. Next time I will order the Treacle and apple tart or the Salted caramel mousse (£7.50 to £8.50).

The restaurant’s wine, beer and cocktail list goes on for days. There are about 24 cocktails to choose from, my companion was happy with her margarita, while I was happy with my Lemon Drop (Ketel One vodka, fresh lemon juice and Cointreau) – though it was very sweet. Other options include the LG Bloody Mary to the Hazelnut Martini and the divinely sounding Waterloo Sunset (elderflower liqueur and gin topped with champagne and Chambord – and the most expensive drink on the menu at £13.50). With my steak, I had the full-bodied and delicious French 2014 Cotés du Rhone – highly recommended. The Laughing Gravy’s wine list includes wine from other countries including Italy and Spain – it’s one of the most exhaustive wine lists I’ve ever seen.

The Laughing Gravy sits about 50 people, it’s got a small welcoming bar past the entrance, and a room that’s big with high-pitched ceilings. Beautiful wood floors and a smart decor makes The Laughing Gravy cosy and comfortable. Noise levels get a bit high when they are busy (we were there on a Saturday night), but it’s bearable. The staff are very welcoming and our waiter Oliver and hostess Freddi made us very welcome from beginning to end, including when I accidentally put the menu on top of the candle and it caught on fire. Luckily the restaurant survived the fire though your wallet might not be so lucky.

Reviewed by Tim Baros

Telephone: 020 7998 1707

thelaughinggravy.co.uk

RESTAURANT HOURS:
Monday to Thursday: 1200 – 1500 & 1700 – 2200
Friday: 1200 – 1500 & 1700 – 2230
Saturday: 1200 – 1600 & 1700 – 2230
Sunday: 1200 – 1630

Address: 154 BLACKFRIARS ROAD, LONDON SE1 8EN

22nd January 2017
CAR REVIEW | Fiat 124 Spider Lusso Plus 1.4 MultiAir Turbo

★★★★ | Fiat 124 Spider Lusso Plus 1.4 MultiAir Turbo

On Days like these…

Have you ever bought an album because of a car before? While I understand that he isn’t Italian, he is synonymous with an Anglo-Italian classic movie so having been given the new Fiat 124 Spider I had to get myself a Matt Monro album to go with it.

In a month that saw the shed leak, the garage leak, a roof tile fall off the house narrowly missing my Fiat Tempra and the trusty hatchback take in water quicker than the Titanic, I decided that testing the open-top Spider would be quite fitting. When faced with so much water and chaos what can possibly go wrong with a car that has a fabric roof? I’ll tell you, it snowed!

Fiat were once makers of great small sports cars. The range was made up of humdrum saloons, estates and coupes topped off with a little something cheeky for the weekend. The last time Fiat tried this was with the Barchetta. It was cheeky alright, just let down by the use of the last generation of Punto chassis.

Not so anymore with the new Spider. Underneath it is a Mazda MX-5. Now take that with a pinch of salt because the chassis was a joint development between Mazda and Fiat. While that doesn’t sound very exotic I can tell you that it translates into a beautiful chassis that never fails to satisfy.

What Fiat have given you over the MX-5 is their own 1368cc multiair engine. It’s not as rapid as the MX-5 or as lustful in its revs. The MX-5 we tested last year would scream to 7000rpm, the Fiat is all done by 6000. Once wound up above 2700rpm, it will trounce the MX-5.

In performance terms that translates into 140bhp at 5000rpm with 240Nm of grunt being delivered at 2250rpm. All this power and fun for over 40 miles to the gallon if you’re good. A little less if you are not. The paper spec to the actual driving feel doesn’t quite come out like that and this is probably not helped by the high gearing in all but first gear. The dashboard gauge will tell you to change up keeping it below 2000rpm. Totally pointless in almost every situation. Even crawling in traffic requires first because second is too high.

The multiair has 2 modes. Gutless city poser below 2500rpm or manic mayhem over 3000rpm. You can drive it 2 ways, cruise and enjoy the views or allow it full range and have it try and kill you on wet roundabouts. I’ll accept that is a little bit of an exaggeration. It needs to be respected in some situations though you can have some naughty fun with it. The traction control kicking in more readily than in the MX-5. The level of adhesion even in the wet was good. The chassis allows for this however if you are too lead-footed, when the engine comes on tap at 3000rpm it will give you a wake-up call. Thankfully it doesn’t make you too nervous all of the time. A little release of adrenalin over a journey is quite rewarding.

Get over this little annoyance and the Spider behaves in a civilised way. It’s not your all-out road rocket. The original never was and it’s nice to see this one isn’t either. It’ll take you places with wind-in-the-hair excitement and comfort. It’s a sports car at the end of the day, and not a lazy man car. The joy of a proper sports car is twirling the short throw gearstick back and forth. What it lacks in this department is a little rorty exhaust note.

As with any car with a removable top, it is easy to fold down manually in seconds and there is almost no buffeting at any speed. I was still able to keep dry in what felt like a monsoon above 45mph. I looked a prat but what the hell. The heating and heated seats doing a fine job on a winter’s weekend in keeping me warm.

It’s a win lose win situation with the Fiat 124 Spyder. Finally, it is a Fiat product that doesn’t look like a 500. It looks bloody lovely. Sadly the inside is Mazda. Thankfully it has that joint venture chassis so it handles like a dream.

So only thing that lets the Spider down really is in how Mazda it is inside. The original had a dashboard screwed to the dashboard made of wood with some dials. You wouldn’t want to recreate that however making it look different would have been a bonus. Like the 3 facia dials. The digital one for temperature and fuel look out of place. It needs dials with needles. What it needs are more dials. Changing the dashboard really would make it feel such a different car. Again on the model I had, the tobacco leather strip runs short across the dashboard. For visual pleasure, it needs to run across the entire length.

The other thing the Spider really needs is Fiat’s own infotainment system. Most certainly on the DAB radio. The one fitted is from Mazda and it is far too fussy and clumsy to select stations. The one I tried in the new Tipo was joyous because it simply worked so well.

Style wise it is beautiful. Some have bemoaned the size of the overhangs. I like them. It is in keeping with the original lines. What Fiat have managed to do is finally tidy up the rear. Whatever they did to it back in the 60s and 70s always looked like a job your dad did in the shed. If anything they could have exaggerated the upper flicks of the rear wings a bit more. The front is a pleasure to look at. Somehow it also manages to look wider than the MX-5.

To sum up the Spider over the MX-5 is easy. The Spider isn’t your all out sports car. It’s a touring car with the ability to go very quickly. What it needs is the option of the limited slip rear diff as fitted to the MX-5. If that was fitted it would sharpen an otherwise Bellissimo dressed package.

If I had the money right now I’d be putting down a deposit for a Lusso Plus in magnetic bronze metallic with tobacco leather and adding historical alloy wheels. In the meantime, I’ll just play with the model I bought in my bed instead.

Like
Looks
Comfort
Performance

Dislike
Infotainment system
Lack of an exhaust note
Mazda interior

The Lowdown
Car – Fiat 124 Spider Lusso Plus 1.4 MultiAir Turbo
Price – £23,295 (as tested)
MPG – 44.6 (combined)
Power – 140 bhp
0-62mph – 7.5 seconds
Top Speed – 134 mph

22nd January 2017
RESTAURANT REVIEW | Mamie’s

★★★★ | Mamie’s

If you’re looking for an excellent crépe in Covent Garden, I’ve got the place for you.

Mamie’s, on Catherine Street, right across the street from the Theatre Royal where Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is playing, serves many varieties of crépes – both sweet and savoury (also known as galettes). Nestled in a three-story building, Mamie’s is a cozy place for cozy food and has something for everyone. If you’re looking to make the visit a full meal, then your first course will be a galette – there are 9 galettes to choose from, all made from buckwheat, gluten free, and healthy. If you like salmon, you’re in luck – there is Salmon and Cheese as well as a dish called La Baudelaire, which my lunch companion had, with salmon, mushrooms, a fried egg, and cheese, along with lettuce on top. At £9.50 it’s a bit pricey, but it’s served open-faced (as opposed to rolled up) – and it is large. Other options include the Forest Compléte – egg, ham, emmental cheese, créme fraiche, mushrooms and onions (£8.90), and the cleverly-named L’Edith Piaf – blue cheese, pears, walnuts and mixed salad leaves (£7.90). I had the delicious La Chateaubriand – a rolled galette wth sausage, onions, whole grain mustard and mixed salad leafs – a snip at £7.90 – and very very tasty.

Of course, when I think of crépes I always think of the sweet kind – the ones you buy at markets and, if you’ve been to Paris, you can find loads of créperies that serve them – they’re a French institution! And at Mamie’s they’re delicious! I had the homecooked apples and cinnamon crépe. Talk about perfect, it was so so good, and very large, and at only £4.90 an excellent deal. You can choose from other options including Nutella (£4.90), pears and chocolate (£4.90), La Magritte – home cooked apples, caramel and vanilla ice cream (£6.90) or the La Henri Dés – Nutella, caramel and marshmallows (£5.90). Or if you’re a bit too full from your main course, then a butter & sugar or a lemon & sugar might be best for you (£3.00 and £4.50 respectively).

Mamie’s also has a small menu of starters including tapas and salads (though two were sold out on the day we visited), as well as an excellent beer and cider menu, and a cocktail menu that are specially-made and all at £8.00. But Mamie’s is very unique in two aspects of its business – the way you order and what you order. When you sit down you are given a computer tablet to place your order. Each course and drinks options are on the main page – and each dish has a picture of it – so you know what you’re getting! But even more clever is that for each galette and crépe, you can add additional items as toppings. So in the case of one of the galettes, you can add more salad, honey, an extra egg, ham, or onions, all at a very small surcharge. And in the crépe world, feel free to add jam, chocolate, pears, apples, perhaps turn it into a flambée – almost anything you want! There is also dairy free and vegan options. So if this doesn’t entice you I don’t know what else will!

French born Aymeric Peurois opened Mamie’s in early August and has designed his restaurant in the style of Brittany. As a child, he used to go to his grandmother’s house in Brittany (Mamie’s means grandmother in French) where she used to make crépes. So Aymeric, who is a former financier, decided to leave his job and open Mamie’s, which can seat around 40 people on both the ground and first floor (though five of the tables on the first floor are extremely close to each other). Aymeric is very passionate about the place, and he has plans to turn the basement into a cider bar/cider cellar. It’s a beautiful room, made to look like a speakeasy, and it’s got a see-it-to-believe-it large map of Brittany on the ceiling! Très incroyable! I really wish Aymeric all the luck in getting this business established and successful – it’s a very cute and cosy spot right in the heart of the West End.

Reviewed by: Tim Baros

Address: 19 Catherine St, London WC2B 5JS, UK

Phone: +44 20 7836 7216

For opening hours and to check the menu, please visit:
mamies.co.uk

12th January 2017
The Gay UK Motoring Hounours list of 2016

What a year 2016 was. Over 30 new cars reviewed ranging from city cars, hatchbacks, pick-up trucks and big and small SUVs.

In the last year I have enjoyed what I have been given, been dismayed at what I had been given, annoyed and elated all at the same time. Well sort of. Some cars annoyed me in their stupidity of things while some I was full of admiration for how they did things. Sometimes it was because they didn’t do things that made me enjoy them all the more.

I have sat down and whittled it down to my top 3 of 2016. Let me know if you agree in the comments below.

3) Nissan Navara NP300 Tekna

Despite my local authority not liking the Navara as I was prevented from entering the dump with garden waste in it, I happened to love the Navara. Its sheer size and car like cabin made it a joy to be in. The fact that with its 360 degree camera made parking a breeze, it was really easy to live with. And you wouldn’t want to damage the Navara. It’s one ruddy handsome bastard.

Admittedly I did find it a bit wayward in 2 wheel drive mode because I was always unladen. Inner rear wheel spin was always there in the wet. Put it into 4 wheel drive and its manners became impeccable.

The interior was well thought out and well put together. The price was also enticing and possibly one of the many reasons as to why there are so many on the road. For wall that you get in the Tekna double cab package, it is so very cheap in price.

On the road it was smoother than an empty pick-up should be. It was also surprisingly quick. Apart from some vocalised engine noise, overall it was never harsh even over poor roads and it was macho. All that was missing on the options list was a testosterone package to make the interior smell of sweat and hard graft. That might have just elevated it to second place.

2) Peugeot 208 GTi Sport

Second places goes to a car that did nothing to annoy me. The simple fact that I could pull away without my seatbelt on was refreshingly nice. I know that sounds quite bad and is illegal, but when you want to move the car off the drive way it was so simple to do. The 208 put YOU back in control of decision making. If you so wanted you could also start the engine with it in gear. None of this foot on clutch or brake pedal nonsense.

What the 208 lacked in niceties and overall refinement it more than made up for it with its sheer brilliant chassis packaging and entertainment ability. A Peugeot this good as a road going go-kart has been a long time coming. The 206 and 207 lacked so much that l thought Peugeot had given up on making fun cars.

The point and squirt ability of the car made it a hoot to drive fast. It would get a bit hair raising if you pushed it to within an inch of its incredible abilities with a touch of over steer though unlike its great ancestor, the 205, it was all so much more easy to control.

Yes refinement over long journeys was an after thought in some ways. However if you want comfort in a GTi then don’t buy the Sport edition. And don’t buy it either if you want to carry people in the rear. Personally l don’t really care about rear leg room. I loved the 208.

1) Jeep Renegade Trialhawk

If I am honest I didn’t hold out much hope for the Jeep. In the past they had always been a bit hit and miss. Poor build quality and road going dynamics were sometimes in short supply. Enter Fiat who quickly changed that. The Renegade looked good, was well specced and throughly enjoyable.

There were a few things I didn’t like. Well 2 if I am honest. It didn’t look good in red and the mud splatter on the rev counter still haunts me probably more because it looked like poop and reminded me too much of my day job.

On the plus side the other little touches and attention to fine details were rewarding and pleasant. It was logical. It is big enough for what you need and yet small enough to make it easy to park. The long drive to Birmingham was a walk in the park and it handled a sudden lane change at speed like a sports car. Something I didn’t expect it to do.

At first I thought it wasn’t cheap at £31,765 (then) however when compared to its Fiat 500x sibling at £25,935, that extra £6 grand doesn’t seem a lot for what you got. Go the other way and spend another £6000 and you get the Cherokee M Jet we also tested. Suddenly for what you get it all starts looking like really good value.

And the fact that this has won “Best small 4×4” by 4×4 Magazine for two years in a row says it all. I wasn’t able to test its 4×4 ability but I won’t argue with 4×4 Magazines decision on this one. They know a few things about off roading.

So there you have it, my top three of 2016. There were some that were close to coming into my top 3 but they just missed it. If I were allowed a 3.5 then l would award that to ‘Giggles” the Renault Twingo. I grinned from ear to ear like a Cheshire cat with that one. That was one car I was very sad to see go back.

9th January 2017
COCKTAIL RECIPE | Pomegranate Gin

Add the rosemary and a drop of gin with a tablespoon of ice into a shaker and bash it about a bit. Add both fruit juices and the gin, and shake. Pour into a glass through a strainer and top with ice and a few pomegranate seeds if you have them.

28th December 2016
COCKTAIL RECIPE | Elderflower Gin

50ml gin

30ml elderflower cordial

100ml tonic

1 lime wedge

Fill a tall glass with crushed ice. Pour over the gin, cordial and tonic. Stir & serve with a wedge of lime.

28th December 2016
COCKTAIL RECIPE | Cherry Gin

In a glass, muddle together the cherries, simple syrup, and lemon until the cherries are a little bit squishy. Fill the glass with crushed ice, pour oven the gin and stir. Top up with soda water and garnish with a few more dried cherries. A good tip to remember in general is 30g of dried fruit counts as one of your 7-a-day.

28th December 2016