The higher temperatures have arrived, and they have provided London with a new lease of life. We are prematurely wearing shorts, ordering Aperol spritzes, and frolicking outside past 6pm. Spring is in the air and between the sun shining and the chance to grab a free wagyu steak on Wednesday, life is good. Here's what to eat and drink in London this week.
2 Veneti Turn 20!
2 Veneti are hosting a very special dinner in celebration of their 20th birthday this Thursday. On 26th March, the award-winning chef Giorgio Locatelli will takeover the kitchen with an exclusive menu worthy of such a milestone. With a career spanning 40 years, Giorgio has made a name for himself as one of London’s most beloved Italian chefs and for the evening has created a menu including roasted sea scallops, celeriac purée, saffron vinaigrette and celery followed by asparagus risotto with gorgonzola cheese and wild garlic. For mains, braised veal cheek with potatoes, spring onion, cos lettuce and summer truffle and finally, tiramisu for dessert.
WAGYU STEAK GIVEAWAY FROM A BRAND NEW FLAT IRON
Think that London has enough Flat Irons? Think again. Another one is set to open in Piccadilly as a new neighbour to The Devonshire. The doors will officially open on Thursday, 26th March from 12 noon, however they're marking the occasion with a 300 Wagyu steak giveaway on Wednesday, 25th March, from 5pm. First-come, first-served, so we'd recommend leaving the office a little earlier than usual!
Orerry Opens its Doors
Last week, we caught up with Chef Mike Reid and asked him what restaurants he has on his radar. His answer was Orerry by Pierre Minotti, which is set to re-open this Thursday in Marlybone after its three month refurbishment. The menu is a classic French affair, with each dish composed of British and French produce treated with precision and respect, sourced directly from fishermen, farmers and makers personally chosen by Pierre. If that's not convincing enough, in the words of Mike, Chef Pierre Minotti is a "top, top, chef. And a really nice guy." We're sold!
A Limited Edition West African Burger comes to Heard
Heard ruffled a few feathers when they introduced the fine dining burger. However, after a successful first year it seems the demand is, in fact, there, and now, they've collaborated with the Michelin-starred Chef Akokomi to create a masterpiece of juicy British beef, bold spices, tamarind jam, punchy sosu kaani and slowly caramelised yassa onions in perfect harmony- the Akoko Burger, to be enjoyed with loaded kelewele fries and an ice cold beer. It's available until the 30th April at Heard’s two locations in Soho and Borough and much like the swift span of mini eggs, take advantage of it while it's here- you will be kicking yourself later.
Impala Arrives in Soho
It's already been cited on Top Jaw, and Impala is finally set to open this Thursday, presumably to a large queue outside. This restaurant is led by Chef Meedu Saad and is part of the Super 8 group, which is behind Kiln as well as Smoking Goat, Brat and Mountain where Chef Saad has previously worked. The menu is Egyptian and Mediterranean-inspired, so skewered meats and fish sizzling over charcoal, large sharing salads, and "generational family-crafted harissa." This one is set to be the spot of the summer.
