June was a busy one, filled with stuffy tube rides and Argos fan purchases. Dinners were al fresco, drinks were sparkling (and pickled-flavoured, apparently) and a new brand arrived to redefine burger sauce. These were our favourite foodie finds from the hottest June in the history of the UK.
The Recipe
The people's princess, anything Ina touches turns to gold. However, with the sun shining, her Homemade Tartar Sauce is the gift that keeps on giving. It's comprised of one blissfully easy step and a handful of ingredients you may already have in your cupboards and fridge. Use it to moisten up sandwiches, elevate your fish and chips, or as a creamy dip- the possibilities are endless while the effort is minimal.
The Show
We spent last month living vicariously through Sophie Grigson as she strolls the streets of Puglia, sharing recipes with neighbours and picking up fresh basil from her local market. Sophie Grigson: Slice of Italy is the summer comfort watch we can't get enough of, plus, between the focaccia baresse and the chocolate and olive oil mousse, there's some great inspiration for your next meal al fresco, whenever the British summer allows it.
The Brand
'Grette was born in a couple's kitchen south of the river, (Brixton to be precise), and has evolved to become an all-natural, incredibly aesthetic line of salad dressings, with the latest being tahini'grette. Here at Food Network, we're big fans of 'Grette, so when we heard of they were branching out into the mayo industry, we got excited. Introducing Nnaise, their new sister brand made with proper ingredients, serious flavour and again, the shamefully but undeniably important feature of having packaging that aligns with a tablescape. We tried all three flavours made with free-range whole eggs, Plain, Harissa, and Pickle. Creamy, smokey, and tangy, choosing one would be like identifying a favourite child. Get all three, and thank us later.
The New Launch
Every summer we are reminded just how much we love pickles, so when we heard that chef and food creator Jesse Jenkins (A.D.I.P.) is bringing pickles to the drinks aisle, we were very intrigued. YEW Pickle is the UK's first pickle-flavoured sparkling water, a creation we didn't know we needed. Natural sparkling water with a splash of briny dill pickle, zero sugar, zero sweetener and nothing artificial. It recently dropped at Planet Organic and yewdrink.com, and might just replace our 3pm diet coke.
The Restaurant
Akub has been around for a few years now, and it's taken us a shamefully long time to try it. Critically-acclaimed Palestinian food in an airy converted townhouse, it's the kind of place where the setting and dishes are equally as comforting, meaning you may hang around longer than planned. Portions are generous, recipes are traditional, and skill is apparent. Risk ordering too much, or live with regret... Until you visit again, of course.
The Event
We're starting to wonder whether Taste of London has a deal with an Etsy witch. Every year they are blessed with blue skies and sunshine, and this year was no different. Paired with a refreshed restaurant line-up, live-fire cooking, and ample spin-the-wheels, this annual trip to Regent's Park will never get old. We left with our hearts, bellies, and tote bags full.
The Experience
On Romilly St you'll pass a townhouse with original Georgian details and couples outside people watching, sipping champagne martinis and slurping an oyster or two. This is Kettner's, a hotel founded in the 1860's. Today, it is decked out in 33 bedrooms, from the cozy kind to the ones with freestanding bathtubs and terraces, a rarity in the heart of Soho. Downstairs, you can reserve a table at one of London’s oldest restaurants, founded by chef Auguste Kettner in 1867. A seasonal menu comprised of the most elegant French dishes of Gougères, Ratatouille, and Freshly baked madeleine that you may not necessarily need, but should definitely order.
