Eat & Drink
Originally published on Friday, 16th November 2007
Esca
For those looking to combine a bit of a walk in the park with lunch and a browse around a good specialist food shop this weekend, Clapham Common followed by a visit to Esca should cut the mustard.
Although the owners Sami and Charmain Wasif are Egyptian Esca has a rather Scandinavian feel and is particularly inviting and festive at this time of year.
While one wall is lined with epicurean treats, from tuna stuffed peppers to rose confit, Sicilian rum truffles to seaweed chutney, the other has a long counter from which to choose a plate of freshly-made Middle Eastern koushari (a lentil and chickpea dish), roasted root vegetables or salads like wild rice, pumpkin and pomegranate.
Cakes and pastries are baked on the premises - there are tarts, brownies and creamy things galore - and breakfasts, I'm told on good authority, are also something special, whether you fancy scrambled eggs and smoked salmon or a bacon baguette.
With communal table and bench seating at the back it's a very easy place to spend a large portion of the day and even feel like you've achieved something if you manage to do a bit of Christmas shopping at the same time - just don't be too smug about it.
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-8pm • Sat & Sun 9am-8pm
Place: 160 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UG
Cost: £12
Book: 020 7920 8626