Tapas Brindisa and The Rake.

I was recently taken on a wonderful date to Borough Market. We started off at Tapas Brindisa. While it can sometimes be difficult to score a table at this hot spot, it is easy to saddle up to the bar, grab a glass of wine, and order some Tapas while you wait. 'S' just ordered the book, 'Where Chef's Eat' and the restaurant is on the hit list of London's greatest foodies, so I think you can take my word for it.



We had a delicious meal. My gentleman friend adores the Traditional Black Rice, but as I am a little less adventuresome, I was turned off by the idea of Squid Ink.





The Croquetas de Jamon were AMAZING (but can you ever go wrong with Croquetas?).  Croquetas make me think of Barcelona, as there were few meals on this trip when I didn't indulge!

I also REALLY loved the Padron Peppers, and am hoping to attempt them at home. The nice thing about Tapas Brindisa is they have some recipes on their website. Click here.



After dinner we headed for a night cap at a small little pub called The Rake. This little place is tucked away on a Market back street, but you really must give it a try. It's so small it feels like the perfect clubhouse.

This is a short post as I didn't have my camera out with me, but I enjoyed both places so much, I wanted to tell you about them. 

I had never been to Borough Market in the evening, and I loved the vibe (not quite as Edgie as Shoreditch, but definitely more diverse than my Clapham bubble).

There are other great bars and restaurants in the area, so if you're new to London and you have a free evening, head over and check it out.

Photo Credits:

peppers

Croquetas

Restaurant Front

Salami

The Rake Outside

The Rake Inside

*if these are the original sources and you see a photo that's yours, please let me know. I will be more than happy to remove it. I did my best to find the original source and credit it above.

Borough Market and Salad Lyonnaise.

I finally made it to Borough Market on Market day. This is a feat, as I had been countless times before, but never on a Saturday, and heading there on a Saturday is a similar experience to Granville Island on a weekend (not advisable). While the market is extraordinary, you do have to navigate the crowds of tourists, Londoners, and (again like Granville Island), gushy couples (does that sound bitter?), as the South Bank is a weekend hot spot for some fresh air, and great people watching.

 Apart from the more permanent shops (as seen in some of the above photos), there is a more traditional market set-up with your expected weekend vendors. This is the area that I was dying to see. Definitely arrive with an empty stomach, as there are more handouts than your average trip to Costco!

Another bonus- My favourite coffee shop (Monmouth Coffee). No seriously, after I stepped in this place 3 years ago, I'd been contemplating quitting my day job and opening up a similar shop in Vancouver. The plan was for Mr. 'Curve Ball' to open up an adjoining cheese shop....how things change!

You can't really tell from the photo, but it has a long communal table with fresh croissants, baguettes, butter, and jam in the centre. There are brownies, muffins, and other treats on the side, with the expectation that patrons will help themselves, and declare their purchases when they pay for their coffees. Feels just like the kitchen table.

And you thought the coffee shop was amazing...

Done.

And what came of your market purchases (besides the above, damn cheap bottle of red) you ask?

Allow me to introduce today's Guest Chef, 'S', with our yummy dinner....

Salad Lyonnaise 

(Yields 4)

Salads Ingredients:

8 thick slices of bacon, cut into 1/4” pieces (or equivalent amount of lardons)

Olive oil 

1 medium shallot, minced 

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

1 teaspoon whole grain or Dijon mustard, 

A combination of both Freshly ground salt & pepper 

1 head frisee (curly endive), rinsed and separated 

4 fresh eggs

Baguette or Crusty bread 

Method:

Fill a pot with 4” of water and a splash of vinegar and bring to a boil.

In the meantime, in a frying pan over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil followed by the bacon and cook until crisp. When cooked through, remove bacon from pan while reserving olive oil and bacon drippings. 

Saute shallots briefly and remove from heat. 

Whisk in vinegar and mustard and season to taste with salt and pepper.

By now, water should be boiling; turn down to a simmer. Crack eggs carefully, one at a time, into water and cook approximately 3-4 minutes. Scoop out with a slotted spoon and place on paper towel to rid of excess water.

Arrange frisee on plates, followed by shallot vinaigrette and bacon pieces. Top with poached eggs and serve with a piece of fresh, crusty bread to sop up excess vinaigrette, egg, and bacon bits.

Do you have a favourite local market?