Eat & Drink
Originally published on Tuesday, 23rd August 2011
Do it Yourself
London’s best chefs are giving up their secrets
London is bursting with just-opened restaurants right now. But sometimes we just don’t feel like blagging our way around yet another no-reservations policy, or having power lunchers eavesdrop on our heart-to-hearts.Luckily for us, DIY cooking just got gourmet. The scene’s top chefs are publishing cookbooks, there are restaurant masterclasses to help us up our game, and Michelin-quality delivery services for when we need to fake it.
Now we’re not saying that staying in is the new going out – but sometimes it feels good to lock the doors and eat lobster.
MAKE IT
After lessons in how to cook Ovaltine kulfi with caramelised banana at Spice Market’s new series of culinary classes, we’ll be ready for any dinner party. There are also advanced masterclasses at Benares, and Claridge’s does regular sessions on British standards like puds and pies. Easy, right?
FAKE IT
Sometimes we wish Le Gavroche did takeaway. But until then, the next best thing is Real Food Delivered Daily, from ex-Nobu and Hibiscus chef Natalie Brawley. Dishes like poached swordfish are made from farm-fresh, organic ingredients, and delivered straight to your door.
RECREATE IT
We’ll have to wait until spring for Russell Norman’s Polpo book (and we’re already dreaming about homemade zucchini fries) but there are lots of great gourmet cookbooks to explore in the meantime. We already love Moro East and can’t wait for Hawksmoor at Home, which will divulge the secret of the steakhouse’s amazing kimchi burgers.
INFO
Spice Market, Monthly classes start 24 Sept, £80
Benares, Next advanced masterclass 25 Sept, £350
Claridges, British pudding masterclass 17 Sept, £200; Grouse pie masterclass 8 Oct,
Real Food Delivered Daily, £35 per day
Hawksmoor at Home, 13 Oct, £25
Polpo, 10 May 2012, £25