We’re a hungry bunch. Eager to check out the latest foodie trends and try out the hottest openings. This month, we’ve paid a visit to Notting Hill’s new (ish) Kuro Eatery, sampled the cult ramen dish from Chef’s Table star Ivan Orkin, and got stuck into Waitrose’s PlantLiving range.
Kuro Eatery
Kuro Eatery
We took a look at Kuro Eatery, the new food-focused sibling of Notting Hill fave Kuro Coffee.
Making our way through the Mediterranean-inspired menu, we were particularly wowed by the tagliatelle with smoked cheese, egg yolk and crispy pork. The Japanese potato salad – washed down with one or two of the natural wines from the list – was a winner too.
And don’t tell everyone, but the bakery round the corner, Kuro Bakery, serves up some cracking cakes if you’ve still got room for something sweet. We managed to squeeze a couple in…
Ivan Mazemen
A first look at Ivan Mazemen
Fiona got a first look at Ivan Mazemen – ramen king and Chef’s Table star Ivan Orkin’s 12-week residency in Session’s Shelter Hall.
Hitting the UK’s shores for the first time, New Yorker Ivan opened one of the most popular noodle shops in Tokyo, before opening his internationally acclaimed restaurant back in NYC.
Starters included Ohitashi greens, kales sesame salad, and Japanese fried chicken. Then it was onto the mazemen, Ivan’s cult-staple made famous in his Tokyo and New York ramen shops. The broth-less ramen – made with a concentrated sauce and thick, flat rye noodles – was certainly umami-packed.
PlantLiving by Waitrose
Living the plant life
All power to the PlantLiving vegan range at Waitrose, which Becks has been steadily eating her way through.
From the rich and aromatic tikka masala with chargrilled vegetables and cashews, to the rich and smoky vegan chilli with rice, and a must have side of spiced rainbow vegetable fritters. Full marks to the team behind the PlantLiving range which is a taste triumph. It’s available in chilled and frozen, and there’s something for everyone, even the staunch carnivore! Next on the list to try is sweet & sour tofu and no egg fried rice.
Cheddar Gorge & Wookey Hole
Gorging on Cheddar
Leila took a trip to Cheddar Gorge and was in foodie heaven. First, thanks to the black vanilla ice cream at Wookey Hole Ice Cream Parlour, then of course, the cheese!
Leila says: “We took a little family trip for my husband’s birthday. We visited Wookey Hole Caves and had some proper old school fun in the arcades, then sampled the local ice cream, which was amazing. After, we drove through Cheddar Gorge and couldn’t pass without stopping at the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company where we tasted their delicious cheeses. I can highly recommend the oak smoked and vintage varieties. We also tried a cave matured Cheddar, a cider, garlic & chive variety, and a Cheddar with tomato & onion. My idea of cheese heaven.”