Dining
Down the Hatch!
Never really putting myself down as an ‘oysters and champagne’ kinda gal (…more like kebab and cider), I nonetheless thought I had better give it a shot, all in the name of food discovery. Upon entering the Rivington Bar & Grill, one is immediately taken in by great atmosphere and the bustling crowds, which do much to inspire confidence in their food, as well as the establishment itself.Reclaiming the Hot Dog
Having walked many times to Old Street station, I often spotted the hot dog vendor by the side of the road, and one day vowed to return (with money) to purchase one of his delicious treats. Last week, that day finally dawned. On a rare sunny day, I headed over to the Big Apple Hot Dogs stall to talk to the owner about what makes their hot dogs just so bloody good, having recently seen reviews in such publications as Metro and Time Out.Welcome to the Water Poet
Embarrassingly, regardless of the time of day, season or situation, I often need a cup of tea. Not to say I don’t often dabble in a beverage or two (my friends can definitely agree on that), but there have been times where my beer-sipping friends have given me a raised eyebrow whilst I sheepishly sipped out of my ‘old lady’ cup and saucer. This is why I like the Water Poet, where there is something for everyone. Located on Folgate Street, just seconds from the delights of Spitalfields Market, it is a place to quickly stop and catch your breath.Getting the Munchies
If, like me, you haven’t enjoyed a proper Sunday roast since you left the ‘nest’, and/or can’t be bothered to open a cook book (let alone cook), despair not; Munch Catering at the Red Lion in Hoxton Square may very well be the answer to our prayers. Renowned for its plastic glasses, you’d be surprised to know that it serves some pretty fantastic food. One need only attend one of its massive Sunday roasts – which could well satiate the population of a small Eastern European city – to catch my drift.Hanoi Rocks – Well … Not Really.
After leaving the Labels Catwalk Show in nearby Rivington St. cold and hungry at 11 PM, my friend and I anxiously wandered the buzzing side streets of Shoreditch in pursuit of a hot and hearty meal. Finding ourselves at the crossroads – in both the literal and figurative sense – we were divided between going to Saf, a seemingly organic and healthy option, and Little Hanoi, an unflattering Vietnamese restaurant flooded by bright fluorescent lights, but nonetheless bustling. Being in the mood for a proper bowl of noodles, my friend was able to placate me, and lure me away from the healthy gems of Saf.Bavarian Beer Bonanza
Being a no-nonsense beer aficionado (who needs wine?), when my friends suggested we check out the Bavarian Beer House on City Road, I jumped at the offer. Although I was excited enough by the prospect of downing golden draughts of premium German ales and lagers, I definitely was not expecting a one-of-a-kind sensory experience that would leave me wondering if I was, in fact, still within the limits of Shoreditch.Holy Cow
Not being a fan of mindless violence or fire-starting, I nevertheless hit the streets of Shoreditch last week. But instead of throwing bricks through people’s windows, I rather decided to treat myself to a massive steak dinner. I chose Le Bouchon Breton in Spitalfields as my destination, because if you’re going to eat steak, you have to do it properly. For instance, if you go to Wetherspoon’s (as much as I love it) and order a steak – well, let’s just say you’d be better off not doing that. You will get part of a cow – yes - but definitely not a bona-fide fillet or T-bone.Rock the Casbah
On this occasion I was walking past what I thought was yet another shisha bar near Old Street, when I peeked in the doorway and couldn’t help but revel in the parade of culinary delights being placed on tables in what appeared to be a pretty well-done-up Moroccan restaurant. After making a mental note of the place, I rang up my mother, who has more or less the same outlook as me (i.e. that if food is in the equation then it is pretty much going to be a good day), and we arranged to go and check it out.