Originally published on Friday, 14th November 2008

Favela Chic

Once a mere den of delicious debauchery, I popped along to Favela Chic to sample the recently revamped menu from their new head chef (poached from the nearby Shoreditch House, apparently). And you know what? They have me convinced.

To be fair, it's hardly Michelin Star. But the dishes were fresh and bright, the flavours successfully "weird" (quoth the new chef). The service - marking a change for the venue - was attentive, yet without denting the atmosphere. Our sea bass was gorgeous, in its coconut and chilli sauce; the salads sharp and refreshing on a grumpy autumn evening; the chocolate fondant seductively gooey, the fruit salad with guarana nectar a delight of gastronomic escapism; and the tiny cinnamon and monkey nut treats with our coffee made a perfect conclusion to the meal.

You have to go for the cloth-trading extravaganza that is Swap-A-Rama. Definitely make an effort to catch a few of their seminal nights of Brazilian hip-swaying. Absolutely make at least one caipirinha-driven night, Favela style. And now, I'm pleased to say, it is positively worth heading there for a more civilized bite and a cocktail. Before things get down and dirty, of course.
       
Hours: Tues-Sun 6pm-1am (Fri-Sat -2am)
Place: 91-93 Great Eastern St, EC2A 3HZ
Web: favelachic.co.uk
Book: 020 7613 5228

 

by AC