Heliot Steakhouse present Weekend Brunch

Posted on May 18, 2016 by Kesh

Voted London’s best Steakhouse we jumped at the chance to try out the Weekend Brunch on offer at Heliot. Located inside London’s prestigious Hippodrome Casino, Heliot Steakhouse offers an array of popular and traditional Brunch items served with some refreshing and boozy cocktails so we were keen to see how the Steakhouse did Brunch.

As a venue, we were bowled over when we experienced a late dinner here a few weeks ago, the ambience is very reminiscent of a metropolitan New York bar so having been invited to Brunch I was intrigued to see how it would fare. What is striking is that there is something very exclusive about the place and intimate despite the fact it’s set in the midst of a casino and this is most welcome especially if you are wishing to escape the hustle and bustle, noisy teenagers and highly strung side of the Capital. Expect velvet red ropes, unique low lighting and of course a very laid back atmosphere, you almost forget you’re in the heart of busy London.

We’re presented with a very classic Brunch menu alongside their famous USDA Steak options and we must admit it’s very tempting to opt for one of their tasty steaks, but we stick to Brunch and decide from a varied menu comprising of items such as Pancakes, Croque Madame, Eggs Benedict, Eggs Florentine, Eggs Royale etc. as well as Seared Scallops and the impressive Jack Stack which is a pancake, waffle and french toast covered in Maple Syrup. All items are priced fairly from £5-9 and with American style portions this is an absolute steal.

We start with a Passionfruit Bellini to help make our minds up and we are informed that there is a Bloody Mary bar as well as a selection of Bellini’s on offer as part of their Brunch cocktails. Heliot delivers an impressive drinks service offering up unique and inspired cocktails to an impressive list of wines to accompany their menus. You will be spoilt for choice on that front with the bartenders also making your favourite classic cocktails off menu.

We go for the Country Fried Steak which is served with Sausage Gravy, Eggs and Fries and the Croque Madame. Both are generous and hearty and if you’re looking for a real satisfying meal, this is definitely the place to be. Flavoursome, appetising and indulgent this is highly recommended if you’re looking refuel the morning after with just the perfect balance of a good traditional brunch in a swanky, chic and private location.

The staff are a delight from start to finish and with a backdrop of the Pokerstars Live Tournament this is the perfect place to people watch.

The Weekend Brunch menu is available from 11:30am – 4pm
with a lunch service commencing at 12pm

…and for a limited time only (every Saturday until Jun 4th)

The Hippodrome Casino present

Chef Adam Handling Launches new Tasting Menu; Adam Handling at Caxton

Posted on April 19, 2016 by Kesh

Adam Handling Photo By; ‘G & G Goodfellows’ & ‘Duncan Davis’

At only 27, young chef Adam Handling is proof that passion, creativity and skill really does come at any age. With a series of accolades and awards under his belt, Handling’s career is one that some chefs can only dream of. Pursuing his passion of cooking from the age of 10 and eventually finding himself a finalist on Masterchef: The Professionals, Handling now shares with us his imaginative and awe-inspiring creations using themes from his own life in his new menu now launching at restaurant Adam Handling at Caxton. With two tasting menus to choose from, a seven course and an eleven course, I can only scratch the surface when describing the utterly show-stopping dishes which follow each other harmoniously and it’s very clear that Handling has perfected the art of Gastronomy and channeled this with great creativity.

Photo by; ‘G & G Goodfellows’ & ‘Duncan Davis’

Each dish is nothing short of an experience, a menu for real foodies, it’s clear that this menu was created by someone who loves food and the food here is clearly derivative of memories, experiences and places. Don’t let the thought of eleven courses send you into food coma dread, everything here is well thought out, balanced and finely tuned.The first few courses are smaller appetizers ‘Pork & lovage’ and ‘Beetroot, beetroot and more beetroot’. Both of them transport you to a garden with beautifully fresh and seasonal flavours which compliment each other in succession, yin and yang at it’s best.

‘Beetroot, beetroot and more beetroot’

We then start to embark on complete indulgence and sensory overload, ‘Liquid gold’ is every bit as decadent as it sounds, two golden cubes of olive oil butter wrapped in white Chocolate and 24 carat gold which are presented filled with Caviar finished with a truffle on top. Now this was the one I was most hesitant to try, fish, chocolate, truffles and gold? This is certainly a brave and ambitious dish to execute but Handling miraculously balances some of the most distinct and powerful flavours with ease, flooding our tastebuds with a flavour of the ocean and leading us nicely on to our next course.

‘Liquid Gold’

‘Crab, apple and Sea Herbs’ is presented on a bed or seaweed and immersed in liquid nitrogen, for once, theatrics in this case is most welcome with the liquid nitrogen flooding the table with a delicate perfume of the sea, it’s incredibly welcome to enjoy the taste of the sea whilst flooding your nose with scents of the ocean.

Key to ‘Mother’

‘Mother’

The theatrics then continues as we are presented with a box which you must open with a little tiny key, in it is our next course; ‘Mother’. The showpiece of the menu, Mother is another dish which demonstrates the skill and fine balancing of quality flavours and ingredients. Slow cooked egg yolk is encased in shavings of apple and combined with celeriac puree, truffle cream and dusted with seaweed powder and truffle crisps. This dish is a delicate dance on the tastebuds and is incredibly satisfying. The texture, taste and temperature get your senses firing on all cylinders. Presented in a bespoke wooden box, this dish really is spectacular in every sense and something which is clearly very special to the chef himself.

Stunning Turbot Dish

‘Beer, beef, chilli, yolk’ is a smaller dish but a welcome interlude presented on a cracker this is probably one of the more relaxed courses but certainly demonstrating just as much skill and flavour. The next dish of ‘Turbot, Limestone and Radish’ was perhaps the more simpler of the dishes in terms of how it is served but definitely the best. This dish needs no introductions, Turbot served on a bed of perfect creamy mash potatoes and radish is a winning combination in my book. ‘Burnt Beef’ really is something to marvel at, and a lesson to anyone who wants to know how to plate a dish in an impressive way.

The final two desert courses almost seem to merge into one as they were devoured with much pleasure, ‘Nitro Tiramisu’ and ‘Chocolate, caramel and blackcurrant’ are every bit as appetising as they sound and my resounding thought was that I could have eaten it all over again even after the nine previous courses. Every course really does take you on a journey and transports you somewhere. To the sea or a garden or in the case of ‘Mother’, to Heaven itself. The work that has gone into such a thing can only be the brainchild of a culinary genius and the acute balancing of every flavour really is the most remarkable feature.
Not only has Handling nailed every flavour combination which you’re faced with when digging into his well-versed 11 courses but every course is presented with creativity, flair and adventure.

When it comes to the restaurant itself, the best thing about The Caxton was that it was so easy-going and how un-pretentious it was. The service was second to none and every member of staff was well informed and a pleasure to talk to. It says something about a place when the other diners are all genuinely having a good time and completely relaxed and this is somewhere which has no airs or graces about it. Just the promise of excellent service, sublime food and ultimate satisfaction. If you love food and you love flavour, this is really an experience like no other, full of wonder and inspiring cookery. Something to share with company you enjoy and somewhere to be adventurous this is certainly one of the best value tasting menus in London priced at only £50 for seven courses or £66 for the eleven course (without wines). Bravo Adam Handling, thank you for my amazing dinner, P.S, how do we create Liquid Gold at home?

For further information or for bookings, please visit: Caxton Grill

Brunch out at Gaucho with their impressive Electro Brunch

Posted on March 5, 2016 by Kesh

Known for it’s unbeatable Argentinian fayre, Gaucho tops the list for exquisite steak and a wine list that would make Jilly Goolden weep. As if they couldn’t get any better, introducing the Gaucho Electro Brunch available 11-3pm every Saturday. We were chomping at the bit to try out this one and it really topped the list.

With a menu worthy of a King, unlimited cocktails, Domaine Chandon and Bloody Mary’s we think this is quite possibly top of the Brunch. Steak lovers, prepare to face your ultimate fantasy, there is certainly plenty of Steak and with other menu items such as Avocado on Sourdough Bread, Pancakes with Dulce De Leche and Eggs Florentine, the menu has really been executed with every taste in mind featuring all your Brunch favourites.

If you’re tee-total or if you just fancy a fresher option, fear not, the blend your own juice bar was a particular highlight. With a table of seasonal fruit and veg, just take your pick of whatever you like and voila, the fantastic hosts will mix you up a special custom juice in no time.

The menu has been designed for you to feast your way through every dish after all you do have a good 4 hours to enjoy everything. The Sandwich items are slightly larger if you would prefer a bigger dish, but we recommend trying out everything you can as many times as you can. We were thoroughly stuffed to the eyeballs when we had left but not gonna lie, definitely wished I had time to order at least 3 of the items again.

The impressive feasting and the outrageously cool ambience of Gaucho are just a few reasons why everyone should pay them a visit at least once in their lifetime. But with a price tag of only £45pp Electro Brunch is a no-brainer. Eat, drink and be merry and let Gaucho’s Electro Brunch be the motivation which gets you out of bed on a Saturday.

The Electro Brunch will take place every Saturday at Gaucho Piccadilly, Gaucho Chancery Lane and Gaucho Smithfield from 11am to 3pm with unlimited food and drinks included for a price of £45 per person.
For more information call Gaucho or visit: www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk/restaurants/piccadilly

Try the Best of British at newly vamped Boyds Grill & Wine Bar

Posted on February 26, 2016 by Kesh

This week saw the re-launch of Boyds Grill & Wine Bar situated in the heart of London’s Trafalgar Square. Created by Charles Boyd and designed by Paul Clarke and Nick Preece, this masterful creation has a menu every bit as striking and luxurious as the fine furnishings and exquisite chandeliers. It is the distinct personality of Boyd’s that really does set this restaurant apart with quality touches such as their innovative use of the finest British produce to create their varied menu.

At Boyds, the use of British produce doesn’t have to mean ‘Pub Grub’ and Executive Chef, Nate Brewster really has pulled out all the stops to showcase his international cooking techniques to the finest British ingredients. The Sipsmith Gin Cured Salmon was particularly impressive served up in Sashimi style pieces with Daikon and Buttermilk Sorbet as well as the Seven Hour Braised Lamb Leg with Carrot and Apple puree. The meat dishes on the menu are particularly impressive with lamb so tender it will literally melt in your mouth. But fear not, if it is classics you’re after, your needs will be met with a Nate Brewster twist. Try the Mac and Wookey Hole cheese bite with BBQ sauce. It really is every bit as indulgent as it sounds and will leave your mouth-watering for more.

The space has been designed to suit all needs whether it’s for a casual bite at the bar or a more formal dining experience. Boyds have ensured that the same menu is available in all the areas and please don’t let the historic Victorian clad interior fool you into thinking only fine fayre is on offer. Boyds have ensured that it’s a venue you can pop in for nibbles after work, pre-theatre or for a quick bite at lunch. We recommend trying out the tapas style meats and cheeses on offer, all British may we add. The fine selections have been sourced from top UK producers such as White Lake Cheese and Trealy Farm only the best at Boyds.

As well as their great British food offering, Boyds Grill & Wine Bar will be serving the very best of wines at good value prices as well as a selection of tasty cocktails. All the wines can be enjoyed by the glass, thanks to the newly installed ‘By the Glass’ machine which preserves the wines at their peak.

All in all, Boyds has a very unique and pleasant feel. The beautiful bronze bar and stunning artwork really transport you to Old England with a contemporary twist and the impressive, well thought out menu will leave you more than satisfied. Every dish is Instagram-worthy may we add, so if you’re looking to wow your followers with some impressive looking dishes or wow your date, mum, manager, new client with some outstanding food and ambience than look no further than Boyds Grill & Wine Bar.

The restaurant is open all day and evening Monday to Saturday from 8:00am – 11:30pm.

Boyds Grill & Wine Bar

 8 Northumberland Avenue,

London, WC2N 5BY

Tel: 0207 808 3344

 www.boydsgrillandwinebar.co.uk

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Serves Gentleman’s Wager Cocktail at Mayfair’s Galvin At Windows

Posted on December 15, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL has created a beautiful bespoke cocktail

‘THE GENTLEMAN’S WAGER’

now being served at iconic GALVIN AT WINDOWS, Mayfair

JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL, the leading luxury Blended Scotch whisky, has created a bespoke cocktail with whisky at its heart, to celebrate the launch of the short film

‘THE GENTLEMAN’S WAGER II’

The short film, starring Oscar-nominated actors Jude Law and Giancarlo Giannini, tells the story of two men who enter a wager over a priceless vintage Delahaye 135S car.

As we follow Jude’s efforts to win the wager, we see that it is only through the gratitude he shows people along his journey that he is able to succeed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzME9i03PpI

Boris Ivan, Bar Manager at Michelin star London restaurant Galvin at Windows, at London Hilton on Park Lane, created the cocktail with the beautiful setting of the film – Italy, France and Monaco – in mind. Ensuring the warming flavours paid homage to the stunning European landscape and cultures.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label forms the base of the drink, which is blended with Antica Formula, a particular type of vermouth from Southern Italy, and is of geographical and cultural importance to the area. The ingredient represents the location where Jude and Giancarlo start the race, and its warm and rich flavours embody the luxury and elegance of the Italian way of life.

By contrast, the nutty and sweet Creme de Chataigne represents Monaco, the principality in France where the race fishes, and evokes the flavours of wood given to whisky while aging. A touch of chocolate bitters completes the cocktail to give a round, rich finish.

Commenting on the launch, Boris Ivan states: “The Gentleman’s Wager cocktail is the very embodiment of The Gentleman’s Wager II and was inspired by the beautiful setting in which the short film took place. I wanted the cocktail to be warm and full of flavour, without overpowering the senses, so I drew cues from the rich and memorable tastes, sights and smells of Italy, France and Monaco, which all feature in Jude Law’s the journey to win the wager.”

The Gentleman’s Wager cocktail (£14) is available now from Galvin at Windows.

About Johnnie Walker Blue Label…

Johnnie Walker’s most prestigious whisky. Probably THE most famous super-premium blend, made up of the finest old-aged malt and grain whiskies. The Cristal of the blended whisky world, Blue Label’s bold, multi-layered palate and silky delivery ensure that it sits unchallenged at the top of the Johnnie Walker pile.

About Galvin at Windows…

Galvin at Windows has maintained a Michelin star every year since 2009. The restaurant has set the bar for French haute cuisine with Chef Patron Chris Galvin and Head Chef Joo Won at the helm in the Kitchen and is known for the outstanding service and attention to detail all overseen by General Manager Fred Sirieix. With over 30 awards to its name Galvin at Windows is one of the great success stories of recent years and a true star of the London restaurant scene.

www.galvinatwindows.com

About Boris Ivan…

Born in Poprad, Slovakia, Boris started his career in the bar industry whilst at University in Slovakia, working part time at different bars. In 2004 he moved to London and took a position at the Soho Hotel. After over two years working behind the bar Boris decided to and move to Prague where he worked as Assistant F&B manager at the Crowne Plaza. During the four months that he lived in Prague, Boris studied the art of Japanese mixology and together with Stanislav Vadrna worked as external bar consultant in award winning bar, UFO.

In August 2008 he left Crowne Plaza when he was asked to come back to the Soho Hotel as senior bartender before moving to Hush, Mayfair. At Hush Boris was part of the development team and won several awards for molecular mixology at the First Bar Show in Barcelona.

In 2010 he joined the Disaronno Mixing Star Competition and won 1^st place in early 2011 represented UK in European Mixing star final. After a busy year, Boris left Hush bar and accepted position in newly opened Mint Hotel, Tower Bridge, where he ran the Sky Lounge bar for the next 8 months. In August 2011 he left the Sky Lounge team and started as Bar and Club Lounge Manager in Le Meridien Piccadilly. In April 2013 he joined Galvin at Windows team as Bar Manager where he looks after every aspect of the bar and makes London’s best cocktails.

Introducing Richmond’s Chicest New Bar No.1 Duke St.

Posted on December 3, 2015 by Kesh

If you needed another reason to visit the beautiful Richmond, then we have come prepared with a delicious new offering. What used to be an infamous Scream Pub situated at the top of Duke Street has been replaced and taken over by the same dream team who created No. 11 Pimlico Road and No. 32 The Old Town.

No. 1 Duke Street is a breathe of fresh air in the heart of Richmond. Retaining the same familiar charm and elegance No. 11 and No. 32 hold, the bar embodies and oozes class without even having to try hard, something that owner Mel has perfected to a T. What differentiates each one is that they all have their unique personality and soul.

Having attended the opening with a fellow Richmond resident, her response was staggering when describing the previous pub, The Lot, and the miraculous transformation that had taken place. Undoubtedly the bar was buzzing with joyful clientele enjoying the inventive cocktails made by the super professional and attentive staff. So, if you’re after a tasty treat, a date night or a fabulously organised event, we think it’s time for you to hotfoot it down to Duke St Richmond to check it out for yourself.

http://www.no1dukestreet.com/#comingsoon

No1 Duke St.
Richmond
London TW9 1HP

Opening Times
Monday – Thursday, Sunday: 9am -11pm
Friday – Saturday: 9am – Midnight

A Walk On The Wyld Side! Helen Anthony Featured In The Wyld Society Fashion Event

Posted on December 2, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

The Wyld Fashion Society is a fashion event held once a month at The W Hotel, showcasing all the corners of fashion every month, becoming not only a great fashion event to learn new trends, but also a fantastic networking opportunity to connect with some of the largest brands in the fashion industry.

At their event in November, The Wyld Fashion Society brought Menswear into the spotlight, showcasing British designer Helen Anthony.

Helen Anthony is the new premium British marque.

British in style and design and unrivalled in quality. We tailor the highest quality garments, produced from the finest leathers, yarns and wools, with unparalleled style and haute couture. Our designs are contemporary, sharp and daring, yet retain the essential classic elements that make them appeal to the more discerning gentleman.

Helen Anthony are British and are proud to be part of the heritage that has defined the British fashion industry as a world leader and trend setter.

Get into Helen Anthony, get into London and mark your mark on the fashion scene!

“Fashion is an art and craft that reflects on the nature of the body and on the individual creativity” – Anthony, Designer at Helen Anthony

Helen Anthony is the rising star of Savile row, Helen Anthony is breaking out of the conventional molds, setting his own rules and letting his imagination run free.

His range of high-quality, bespoke and ready to wear suits, leather collection and hand knitting collection offers a versatility rivaled by none other.

For whatever the occasion, Helen Anthony will have something to allow you to look, and ultimately be your best.

As a full-scale expression of his own perspectives and ideas on clothing that he couldn’t find on the set brands and shops he had around him in his youth, he took it into his own and started creating his unique designs. The brand name stemmed from the combination of his own and his great grandmother’s, which takes the first half, and not only serves as a heartfelt dedication to her continuous inspiration, Helen Thomas was in fact Anthony’s upmost supporter and very first teacher of basic tailoring skills.

Throughout the years, the label has evolved, following a steady course of bold yet elegant designs. Anthony’s creative line travels a precise trajectory through striking individualism whilst maintaining an effortlessly classical foundation. The use of an eclectic and fearless colour scheme reflects the diversity of global fashion that Anthony wished to represent through his collections.

It is not only enough to be seen, but also to be understood if we are ever to be truly known. Decide who you are. Choose who you want to be…”– Anthony, Designer at Helen Anthony

“We are the quiet confidence, the assured style. We are the unique statement, that brave message that delineates us from the rest”

#‎Wyldfashionsociety‬ ‪#‎Wfashion‬ ‪#‎HelenAnthony

http://helenanthony.co.uk

About The W Hotel…

Off Leicester Square in the vibrant West End, this hip hotel has an ultra-modern glass facade. It’s within a 5-minute walk from the Underground, Piccadilly Circus and the National Gallery.
With contemporary furnishings, mood lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows, the swanky rooms integrate modern bathrooms into the main space. All have custom beds and flat-screen TVs. Suites add living areas, custom artwork and iPod docks, some also include DJ stations, Jacuzzis and/or cinemas. There’s a sleek cocktail lounge and a Southeast Asian restaurant, plus a chic nightclub with a signature oversized mirrorball. Spa treatments are available (fee).

http://www.wlondon.co.uk/

10 Leicester Square, London W1D 6QF

:020 7758 1000

www.corinne-modelling.co.uk

Corinne@frostmagazine.com

@ladycdtt

#LadyCorinne

Hot Vox Presents… At The Spice Of Life Soho Tonight Featuring The Klik

Posted on November 27, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

Situated smack bang in the middle of Soho, HOT VOX and THE SPICE OF LIFE brings you right to the centre of London’s best music.

From jazz and Jamie Cullum to legends such as Bob Dylan, this building has had a historic blend of great names through its doors.

Here, HOT VOX concocts a flavour filled night of music, with a perfect blend of artists to give this well loved traditional pub a night to remember.

So spice up your night and taste some of London’s hottest artists!

Tonight, My Pet Shark will be supported by Pike Prada, Pryam, Olivia Cipriani and The Klik.

THE KLIK are a six-piece Rock/Rap/Reggae band from Essex in the UK.

Together for three years, this coming January 2016, The Klik – Toggz (Rapper/ Vocalist), Cobez (Rapper/ Vocalist), Ellis (Vocalist), Ross (Guitarist), Rob (Drummer), Nat (Bass) – have been slowly raising their profile from first-off receiving plays on FRQ.fm, Essex Radio in Maldon and Chelmsford, and internet stations, to now receiving plays on BBC Introducing in Essex, getting big support from Ollie Winiberg, the presenter of the show, being invited in for a live session.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03763lc

With the release of their Stress Levels EP, the band went from playing local gigs at The Edge in Basildon and Chinnerys in Southend to now playing well-renowned and legendary venues in London such as The Garage in Islington, The Dublin Castle in Camden, culminating in a sold-out gig at Brixton Jamm for Hot Chip’s official after party.

The Klik have also been number one in the Essex Hip Hop Chart on Reverb Nation for a six-week stint, still now bouncing around in the top three.

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/stress-levels-single/id904240550

Now working in collaboration with Scott Day of Razor Gang Records Limited, The Klik will be releasing a new single on 7 December ‘Find My Way’.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B017O8KTYM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1447690316&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165&keywords=The%20klik%20find%20my%20way

https://www.reverbnation.com/theklik7

#TheKlik

The Klik will be appearing tonight – 7:00pm – 11:00pm

Tickets £6.00 available from: http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/artist/hot-vox-tickets/934926?brand=hotvox

About The Spice of Life pub…

A pub that has truly stood the test of time… surviving two world wars and retaining its traditional charm. It is thought that there has been a tavern on the site of The Spice of Life since around 1750, although its present incarnation was built in 1898. It was known then as The Cantons, and this name can still be seen in the building’s stonework as well as on the flags held by the rooftop gargoyles overlooking Cambridge Circus. The tavern underwent a few name changes over the next 80 years, becoming The George and 13 Cantons, The Scots Hoose, and then finally The Spice of Life in 1986, when McMullen (the Hertford Brewers) became the owners. The Spice of Life is apparently a reference to a line in the William Cowper poem ‘Task’ …variety’s the very spice of life / that gave it all it’s flavour…”. As well as being a listed building, The Spice of Life also has an esteemed musical heritage. In the 1960’s and 1970’s The Scots Hoose (as it was called then) was a popular venue for folk musicians, and saw many great acts of the time, such as Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Cat Stevens, Bert Jansch, The Strawbs and Sandy Denny performing here. Then in the heyday of punk in the late 70’s The Spice of Life became a regular haunt for many punk musicians and followers, including The Sex Pistols. In the late 90’s a thriving Jazz Club started up at The Spice, and has attracted many top acts, such as Jamie Cullum, Soweto Kinch, Darius Brubeck & Daryl Sherman.

McMullen & Sons Ltd, the family brewers of Hertfordshire established in 1827, remain the owners of this historical property to this day.

To learn more about McMullen visit: www.mcmullens.co.uk

The Spice of Life, 6 Moor St, Soho, London W1D 5NA

Tel: 020 7437 7013

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