Brindisa

I found Brindisa while wandering around Borough Market soaking up the atmosphere on a Friday afternoon and absent-mindedly picking treats to take with me on a visit to see my boyfriend. I went into their dark shop out of curiosity and found two men stood at a counter in one corner carving paper-thin slices of cured meat from large joints in metal stands. They kindly offered me samples of various cures, explaining the different flavours and tastes. It was something of an awakening for me as I fell in love with the sweet, woody flavours and soft textures. Of course, I then had to buy some - 50g of their Teruel ham (£3.50). We devoured it only a day (and one hundred miles or so) later with fresh, sweet tomatoes and plenty of salt and pepper. Divine!

Monmouth Coffee Company

I love coffee. I didn't always. In fact, as a wide-eyed pup I used to stare in amazement as adults supped this hot beverage, certain that it was quite impossible for anyone to actually enjoy* a mug of the bitter-smelling, foul-tasting, murky liquid. Now, of course, my tastes have changed but I tend to save coffee for best - it isn't cheap and tends to leave me a little dehydrated. Saying that, I like nothing more than a hot cup of milky sweet coffee to warm my hands and my tummy while I people watch with a sketchbook or newspaper.

I discovered the Monmouth Coffee Company while perusing Borough Market. It has an honest aesthetic - various coffee beans in tantalising heaps awaiting customers to make their choice and take them home in paper bags for their own private delectation and a large scrubbed wooden dining table to sit around. In the mornings, a breakfast of bread and jam (£2.50 per person) is laid out with a variety of jams (and marmite -yuck- if you're that way inclined). A little pricey for a meer student like myself but their coffee is good and you'll often hear murmurs of appreciation about a particular jam or another around the table so maybe one day I'll have to bite the bullet, open my wallet and give it a try. (All in the name of research, of course...)

*Maybe they're just pretending to like it because grown ups can, I reasoned with myself, like they do with wine, football and kissing.

Flour Power

Can anyone resist a tower of freshly baked, aromatic chocolate brownies? I don't think I've met anyone yet who realistically can. While walking through Borough Market one morning, I laid eyes on a deliciously arranged market stall complete with rich-looking chocolate brownies. It belonged to a friendly company called Flour Power. And they don't just have a clever name... They sell all sorts of baked goodies from crusty loaves to cake, all with an organic ethos. I dutifully bought a slab of brownie for my morning tea break and wasn't disappointed, though I must admit, it wasn't mindblowing; I have had better, made better myself but it wasn't half bad. Since then, however, I've also sampled their Carrot Cake, which is a definite winner.

Borough Market

I've headed off to the Big Smoke for a month long course about architecture. I'm looking to expand my horizons and challenge myself while discovering the confidence I once had. London is a fantastically busy place and I tend to relish it for that fact; I can be anonymous and carried along with the crowd.
I have been prompted, however, to pause in some places and take in the sites, sounds and smells. Borough Market in SE1 is one of those places. A vibrant, bustling energy fills it up to the rafters from Thursday to Saturday each week while some traders hold permenant positions among the fray during the week too. It's only a two minute walk from our studios so it's perfect for a break. I'll keep you posted during my journey of discovery and, in the meantime, why not do some exploring yourselves?

Review: Fishworks, Bristol

Bristol's Fishworks was the venue for a small birthday gathering for my boyfriend, who rather loves his fresh seafood. I wasn't in charge of organising the booking but was suitably impressed (kudos to his family) and thought it was worth a mention. We all shared starter platers and some large bowls of houmous with bread to start. The platers were a fantastic way to start our meal and whet our appetites with a little sample of everything - a glug of fish soup (served in an espresso cup, very cute), smoked salmon, a baked oyster and potted shrimp. They were fine between two but would be better for one if you're ravenous! Our orders were hindered by the fact that, it being a Monday, there was little fish about (as fishing boats don't go out on a Sunday). Saying that, the quality was very good and the flavours superb so we shouldn't complain. They also have a fish counter which means you can choose some nice fresh fish to take home to enjoy.

In short, Fishworks is a great choice if you enjoy seafood. There are a few things to keep in mind though: Don't book for Monday if you want their full selection (it was a bit of a case of "Okay, so can you tell us what we can have, please?") and it's a little pricey.

Quick Lemon Chicken Salad

Summer Days are coming to an end but until those evenings draw in, make the most of those warm afternoons with a sunny citrusy salad. I have a few different recipes for lemon chicken but while the weathers nice, I think we should be out there enjoying it, not inside slaving over the stove so here's a quick chick option so you can get out there sharpish!

Quick Lemon Chicken Salad
You will need:
For the chicken
Chicken breasts (about one per person, chopped)
Red Onion (sliced) Garlic (to taste)
Thyme (fresh or dried)
Honey
Juice of One Lemon and a little of the rind

For the Salad
Iceburg Lettuce
Watercress
Sweet Ramiro Peppers
Yellow Pepper
Cherry Tomatoes
Granny Smith/Golden Delicious Apple
- Brown the onions, garlic and chicken with the thyme until golden brown; this will take a few minutes and is important to ensure the chicken is cooked through
- Drizzle over with the lemon juice/rind and add honey to taste - it should be a balanced sweet/sour taste but not overly sweet.
- Let the lemon juice reduce until syrupy and slightly sticky, which usually takes about ten minutes over a low heat.
- While it is reducing, chop the salad and dress with a little cider vinegar. Serve the chicken on top of the salad.

Magic Roll!

Bristol is home to the fantastic Magic Roll Takeaways. I discovered them whilst trying to find something a little different for my lunch while working near the Clifton Triangle. They're open all round the clock but the really amazing stuff is rolled out at lunch time when they will fill a wrap with whatever fillings and sauces your heart desires. They win with me because they put jalapeno chilli's in their sandwiches; they're really on to a winner. Think of it like a better, fresher and more local Subway. As well as lunch, they cater for breakfast too so pop in and try their porridge on your way to your morning meeting (though don't forget to grab a serviette too!). Lunchtimes get pretty busy so make sure you set aside some time for your order - trust me, it's worth it. You can also phone ahead if you're in a rush. Give them a try!