Tag Archives: brunch

Breakfast at The Botanist

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The Botanist is a lovely place to hang out for an after work drink or for lunch with friends but I never thought of this Sloane Square restaurant as a Breakfast venue. The sophisticated interior oozes Parisian charm, it is easy to understand why it’s a favourite with the King’s Road elite.

Arriving bleary eyed on a grey Wednesday morning, we were soon revived by the bright and friendly staff. I enjoyed sitting by the window, the ideal seats for keen voyeurs to inspect (and judge) the tottering fashionistas outside. Juice and coffees arrived promptly to the table. Fresh orange and strong caffeine was just what I needed and soon my brain perked up, ready to pick from the menu of morning delicacies.

Flaky, fresh and warm pain au chocolats provided a light and sweet first course. This was followed soon after by our main dishes… Sweetcorn fritters, roast vine tomato, smoked streaky bacon, baby spinach and avocado salsa (£12) for me and Blueberry buttermilk pancakes with smoked bacon and maple syrup (£11) for my hungry guest. Both were divine, homemade, straight off the stove. We argued about whose dish was better, the waiter agreed the fritters were victorious.

We sauntered off to join the sloanes, after our tasty express breakfast. The Botanist provides the perfect morning spot for friends, couples or business associates, you’ll be pushed to find a better start to the day in the area.

Served Monday-Friday: 8am – 11.30 am
Weekends: 9am – 11.30 am

More information here: www.thebotanistonsloanesquare.com

Brunch at Naamyaa, Angel

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Naamyaa is the first Bangkok cafe in London… an authentic representation of the eateries that feed so much of the Thai population. Well travelled fans of Thailand may be surprised by the split menu which includes some Western familiars as well as the more exotic Eastern favourites. These cafes are most often hidden away in the shopping areas of Thai cities providing sustenance for the hungry locals visiting the blissfully air conditioned centre to shop and eat.

The London restaurant, which comes from Busaba guru Alan Yau, is named after the signature dish on the menu. Naamyaa is a classic Bangkok Breakfast of warm Kanom Jin Noodle served with a plate of pickled morning glory, star fruit, free range soft boiled egg, Thai herb & clear soup. Delicious, comforting and easily personalised according to individual preference.

Occupying a huge space near Angel tube station, the venue could easily be bare and uninteresting but, thanks to the eclectic decor and design, manages to exude character. The central kitchen is very involving and the amazing golden ladies (each and every one is blessed by monks) add some glitz and glamour to the main room.

Naamyaa is now offering a plethora of unique brunch choices, both Eastern and Western inspired. If you want something more familiar try the wonderfully textured corn fritter with crispy bacon, rocket and aioli. If you’re feeling more daring (which I would definitely urge) opt for a more authentic Bangkok dish. We tried the following:

Khao dtom: Thai rice porridge with pork, soft boiled egg, Asian celery, ginger & pork broth.

Changmama’s pan-fried turnip cake with Chinese chive & beansprouts

Rice cake salad with cucumber, ginger, mint & peanut with sweet Thai sauce

Naamyaa with green chicken curry

Morning glory with yellow bean, Thai garlic & red chilli

Satay gai: chicken satay with peanut sauce

Jasmine tea smoked baby back pork ribs

I expected to dislike some of the more curious sounding dishes, but found these to be my favourites. Thai rice porridge with pork is wonderfully warming and light with tender meat. Turnip cake is strangely addictive, soft sweet cubes in a lovely dressing. If you like ribs you will love the Naamyaa jasmine smoked variety, they are melt-in-the-mouth exquisite with a hint of exotic jasmine and a sticky coating.

We experienced a range of the drinks on offer… the freshly infused lemongrass tea with honey was my favourite, a soothing blend ideal for sore throats. Jasmine mango is pretty amazing too, a much thicker fruity drink. There are seven breakfast smoothie options… my guest loved the Maca Peach which uses the ancient Peruvian herb, a superfood for rejuvenating energy levels mixed with white peach, milk and banana, I wasn’t a massive fan.

I was relieved to see an absence of jelly rice type Thai desserts, instead we ordered two subtle ice-cream based dishes. I can particularly recommend the Mascarpone ice-cream with strawberry coulis and Thai basil: refreshing, sweet with extra tasty grated young coconut, it would complement any meal.

Naamyaa got our seal of approval all round. Great for brunch, lunch, breakfast or dinner.

For an Eastern twist on the typically Western tradition of brunch, head to Alan Yau’s Bangkok-inspired cafe.

407 St John St., EC1V 4AB‎; 020 3122 0988

More information here: www.naamyaa.com

Cucina Asellina, Strand

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Cucina Asellina was unusually quiet for a Saturday morning, this new Italian eatery on the Strand was the location selected for my monthly brunch meeting with two girlfriends. It was the ideal place for a girly meal with charming Italian waiters and sensational food, all housed within a contemporary, attractively designed venue.

Based on the popular restaurant in New York, Cucina Asellina brings artisanal home-cooking inspired by the traditional flavours and textures of simple Italian cuisine reminiscent of a humble Mediterranean kitchen. It is difficult to fault the tempting menu of classic Meditteranean food and the ridiculously reasonable lunch offers (two courses for £15 or three courses for £19). This Spring, Cucina Asellina is celebrating the bank holiday weekend, with the introduction of its tavolata menu – taking inspiration from the traditional Italian style of dining, which brings family and friends together, centred around a great feasting table. A relaxed dining experience, the tavolata menu offers a variety of Italian sharing dishes, which will be presented in large bowls, allowing guests to serve one another. Priced from £26 for a minimum of two people, this includes a main of pasta, breads and salads. Highlights from the menu include: Square spaghetti, pomodoro, fresh basil and olive oil; Lemon and rosemary organic chicken, truffle crushed potatoes, pancetta and braised cabbage; Saffron strozzapretti, prawns, spinach and butternut squash and Oven baked wild Italian asparagus and pecorino lasagne.

Suffering from various woes, our appetites were all diminished slightly so we made a conscious effort not to over-order, instead picking a few starters to share and a pair of main courses to taste. Stuffed Cerignola Olives with Roasted Veal, Mortadella, Parmigiano with a Semolina crust arrived first to accompany our sparkling bellinis, the perfect appetisers. Next the starters came in a flurry of activity… Oven baked aubergine tortino with fresh ricotta and cheese fonduta, Calamari Fritti, with tomato relish and fresh marjoram and a cheese & meat selection. My favourite was the aubergine and tomato dish, intensely flavoured and appealingly gooey, it was very moreish. The array of neatly arranged cheese and salami tasted fresh off a plane from Italy, presented beautifully with garlicky oil and soft bread.

For second course we opted for Burrata Ravioli with dried tomatoes, infused balsamico and fresh oregano and an indulgent pizza topped with Prosciutto di S.Dadiele, Black Truffle, Fontina & Rucola. The black triangle ravioli was striking and wonderful, stuffed with vibrantly flavoured ingredients and smothered in a gorgeous butter and sage sauce. Ravioli is my ultimate Italian dish, and this was among the best I have tasted. The rustic pizza arrived on a wooden board, crispy and fresh overflowing with toppings. I found the truffle a little overpowering, shadowing the more delicate rocket taste, but the base was satisifyingly crispy.

We didn’t manage to be so scrupulous at dessert time, picking two of the recommended favourites to gorge on despite feeling rather full. The tiramisu was, as they suggested, the best in town… a truly perfect pudding – the contrasting components stacked in a glass tumbler, a fluffy rich cream with a delightful coffee soaked base, topped with dark chocolate shavings and on the side a scrumptious homemade Amaretto ice-cream. The Grappa pannacotta with honey roast pears was less impressive… I found the texture too smooth and was disappointed with the bland flavour.

Cucina Asellina offers stunning simple and seasonal Italian food, just as it should be. The perfect restaurant for any occasion.

336-337 Strand, Aldwych, London WC2 (020 7395 3445).

More information here.