Tuesday 31 July 2012

Today Kate Likes...

Pappy's: Last Show Ever


Pleasance Dome, Queen Dome, Edinburgh @ 20.20
1st - 27th August 2012
Tickets Here

Today Kate Likes...

Matthew Crosby is Matthew Crosby in Matthew Crosby (The Show)


Pleasance Courtyard, Beside, Edinburgh @ 16.00
1st - 27th August 2012
Tickets Here

Today Kate Likes...

Rob Beckett's Summer Holiday



Pleasance Courtyard, Below, Edinburgh @ 18.00
1st - 27th August 2012
Tickets Here

Today Kate Likes...

Chris Martin: Spot The Difference



Gilded Balloon, Balcony Room, Edinburgh @ 20.45
1st - 27th August 2012
Tickets Here

Today Kate Likes...

Joel Dommett: Nunchuck Silver Medallist 2002


Pleasance Courtyard, Attic, Edinburgh @ 20.15
1st - 26th August 2012
Tickets Here

London Picnic Club, Platterform

London Picnic Club is the next Pop- Up from Platterform in their new semi permanent space on the top of Magdalen House, Tooley Street.

Since Bonnie - On -Sky, Platterform has completely overhauled the interior of their space, in two days, into a charming picnic garden, fully equipped with Hoopla, giant Jenga and a small movie screen.

For the £32.50, paid upfront online, you are treated to a cocktail on arrival alongside your three courses and tapas. We all went for the shrubs cocktail, which was slightly too bitter for my liking but it definitely captured the atmosphere and theme of the night. Seated at a low table with cushions to the side of the restaurant, and more importantly next to the bar, we had the best seats in the house with the most amazing view of the sunsetting behind the Shard.


With Prosecco flowing (reasonably priced at £29 a bottle) our cheese, meats and pickles arrived. They were delicious and the only fault would be there just was not enough of them, however we didn't have to wait long for our next course. The Prawn Ceviche with popcorn was to die for, and the slight tartness of lime was perfectly complimented by the Cucumber, melon and endive salad. We then split the mains between us with 3 x Squid and Chilli sauce and 2 x Chicken Stir Fry , however we may have got this wrong. Personally preferred the Chicken stir fry, with the creamy coconut rum and angostura bitters served with both crunchy and soft Yam fritters;  and could have cleaned the plate by myself very easily. In all honestly I felt the squid rice, puffed and fried calamari with dill and chill sauce was fairly nondescript and despite filling us, could not compare.



On top of our £32.50 a head, we only spent another £15 each on drinks, which for the amount we drank could not be faltered. Food was nothing short of delicious and we left on a real high, feeling incredibly satisfied and slightly smug that not everyone knew of this place yet. However this is all set to change I imagine. London Picnic Club was only meant to stick around for 3 weeks before an Indonesian BBQ took its place however with the success of this menu they have decided to keep it running for as long as they see fit, with new dishes being added on a weekly basis.

5th Floor, Magdalen House, 136 - 148, Tooley Street, SE1 2TU
http://platterform.com/
@platterform






Monday 30 July 2012

Today Kate Likes...

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival



1st - 27th August 2012

Over the next week or so Kate will be posting her most recommended shows, restaurants and bars for your stay in the Scottish capital.

Friday 27 July 2012

Today Kate Likes...

The Start of The Olympics



Opening Ceremony of London 2012
Tonight, 27th July 2012

Thursday 26 July 2012

Today Kate Likes...

Little Minka




The new edition to Kate Spade's Cobble Hill Collection.
Exclusive online: Get it here

Tuesday 24 July 2012

Today Kate Likes...

Pig and Butcher, Islington



Opens Today, 24th July
The third gastropub from the restauranteurs behind Princess of Shoreditch and Lady Ottoline.
Rustic Food with freshly sourced meat and fish.

80, Liverpool Road, Islington, N1 0QD
@pigandbutcher

Monday 23 July 2012

Ritas Dining

Ritas Dining is a new pop up on Stoke Newington Road from the owner of Brunswick House Cafe, Jackson Boxer. Originally meant to be a fried chicken shop, they chose to widen their scope, and the menu that evolved is much more varied. There doesn't seem to be an underlying theme to the menu; from Patty Melts to Fried Chicken Rolls and Ox Heart Taco's; and although the menu seems slightly greasy, what arrives is heavenly.

On a Friday night the whole place was rammed, we arrived about 8.30pm and there was little chance we would get a table and so we settled in on stools at the bar, right in the middle of the action.


We started with Hibiscus Margarita and a Dark and Stormy which kicked off the evening nicely, followed by rounds of Desperadoes. Dishes are smaller than expected but all as sounding as delicious as the next. We decided to split 4 between us, starting with the Patty Melt and Soy and Ginger Chicken Wings served with pickle and watermelon. I could have easily eaten another Patty Melt  and its moorish caramelised onion jam on my own and it was a struggle not to order myself one and gorge myself in secret. The plump Soy and Ginger wings were delightfully sticky and not too fatty. As per our visit to Elliot's, I'm not normally a fan but have been proved wrong twice now.

We let that settle before debating our next course of action. Due to the unadventurous nature of my other half, we weren't allowed to order the Duck heart baked beans or Ox-Heart Taco. Instead we went for the fried chicken sandwich and green chilli Mac n Cheese. I think we may have peaked, with our first two dishes and so although they were both delicious, they didn't quite live up to our expectation. Which by this point were sky high.


The Clientele is quit trendy however don't let this put you off. Staff were are lovely although frantic -  with the waitress unnecessarily trying to sneak me a small portion of beans on the side, before being shouted at by the chef, food was great and although fairly loud, the atmosphere was electric. This place is still a (slightly) hidden gem so I would suggest to get yourself there sharp-ish.

Open for dinner from 7pm, Tuesday to Saturday.
33-35 Stoke Newington Road
@ritasdining

Thursday 19 July 2012

Brooklyn Bite

Talk about judging a book by it's cover, the slightly stark modern interior of Brooklyn Bite didn't seem to have much of an atmosphere and made me worry we had over-antipicated our visit. However the food wine and company (their staff - one in particular) more than made up for it.

We had arrived late at 9.30pm and we were soon the only ones in the restaurant so had their undivided attention. The choice's of toppings were too much to take in and so we asked our waiter to decide and order for us. We were not let down.


What then appeared on our table was what can only be described as, as a beast. It was huge and I would probably not go for an 18" again however it was delicious, the base was not too thick and crust was soft and easy to eat; so easy that we devoured it in less than 25mins. All washed down with a (slightly over priced) bottle of wine, quirkily served in water glasses.

We left at closing time, feeling very full and slightly drunk; Despite the lack of customers, Brooklyn Bite certainly made an good impression, in more ways than one.

http://www.brooklynbite.com/
342, Kings Road, SW3 5UR
@Brooklynbite

Today Kate Likes...

The Phene, SW3



Tucked down a small residential street, it's relaxed environment is perfect for summer drinking. 
9, Phene Street, Chelsea, SW3 5NY

Wednesday 18 July 2012

Today Kate Likes...

Flat Iron, Shoreditch



Couple of weeks ago I wrote about Flat Iron's appearance on the Shoreditch eatery circuit. 
Today is the day. Get yourself down there asap.


Flat Iron @ The Owl and The Pussycat on, 34 Redchurch Street, London
@flatironsteak

Tuesday 17 July 2012

Today Kate Likes...

Burger and Lobster, Soho



Opening today, Tuesday 17th July.
2nd opening of the hugely successful Burger and Lobster opens on Dean Street today.
Unlike the Mayfair branch, advance bookings will be taken (as of next week)

36, Dean Street, W1D 4PS

Elliot's Cafe

We booked for Elliot's Cafe quite late in the day (4 days before) and so had to settle for a 9pm sitting. We tried to get in a little earlier at 8.30pm however it was so rammed there was no chance. This is a true testament to the great atmosphere and food Elliot's serves up.

Elliot's Cafe works directly with Borough Market, opposite and their menu is a direct correlation to what is in season and popular at that time. No two visits are therefore the same.

Our waiter was friendly and funny and judged our mood just right; He helped us along the way however we needed very little encouragement to order ourselves a bottle. Wine by the bottle was quite expensive and so we settled for a cheeky bottle of Prosecco (it was a birthday after all) which was comparable in price.



The rustic interior of the restaurant was reflected in their food; We decided to share two starters, the sliced pipers with garlic butter and the deep fried chicken wings. Both were delicious and not too filling. I am not normally a 'eat off the bone' kind of girl however my attitude changed at approximately 9.27pm Thursday 12th July when our chicken wings arrived.

We then uncharacteristically decided to both go for the Lambs Belly and Roasted Tomatoes, as it sounded too good to share with another dish. It melted in your mouth and the mixed ripened roasted tomatoes were the perfect compliment.

The criteria for the evening was fun, relaxed, great food and wine. Every one of these boxes was ticked.

Approx. £35 a head (2 course and wine)
Book early
http://elliotscafe.com/
12 Stoney Street, Borough Market, SE1 9AD

Monday 16 July 2012

Today Kate Likes...

Paul Simon, Graceland, 25th Anniversary



The iconic album has been re-released for its 25th anniversary. 
If possible, its even more touching than before.

Thursday 12 July 2012

Today Kate Likes...

THE SUN

Finally it has stopped raining for 1 day.
Everyone make the most of it please, can be sure that I will.

Wednesday 11 July 2012

Today Kate Likes...

When I'm 65 Season, BBC One

If you haven't started watching some of the shows this week in this season then get on to Iplayer and rectify it immediately. 
Heartwarming documentaries.

Tuesday 10 July 2012

Today Kate Likes...

Bompas and Parr Crazy Golf
On the roof of Selfridges, London



Designed to look like a giant display of cakes of London landmarks
Running until end of September
Tickets are selling fast, available here for timed entry.


Monday 9 July 2012

Bonnie On Sky - Seafood Shack

Platterform has taken up residency at the Skyroom from 5th July, for the rest of 2012. The first venture to appear there is a collaboration with seafood restauranteur Bonnie Gull, Bonnie On Sky. 

Situated on a roof top with deck chair lounge, amusement pier balcony and bar, this exciting new pop up, will serve up exquisite seafood combinations and cocktails, for £33 a head for a three course meal and cocktail on arrival. Dishes include Queen Scallops panfried with yorkshire chorizo and burnt lemon dressing and Crispy BBQ mackerel with gooseberries and vegetable slaw. All of which make my mouth water already.


Reservations are for 1.5hours each however little encouragement will be needed to stay after and sample a couple (if not all) the cocktails on their menu. 

You must be quick with booking (link below), I have sadly missed out on taking the other half for his birthday as I was just too slow with the uptake. I have to say, I haven't been this excited about a pop up for a VERY long time.


Platterform Website: http://platterform.com/
Sky Room, Tooley Street, SE1 2TU

Today Kate Likes...

NEW GIRL
Back to E4, Tomorrow, Tuesday 9th July @ 21.00, E4


If you miss it, catch it here.
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/new-girl

Wednesday 4 July 2012

Today Kate Likes...

Independence Day @ Brooklyn Bite
Complimentary Red, White and Boohoo shot with every Purchase of any 12" or 18" pizza.
Only valid tonight, 4th July 2012.


342 Kings Road, London SW3 5UR

Dach and Sons - Tonight

Tonight, 4th July 2012, sees the opening of the sibling bar/restaurant to Purl and Worship Street Whistling Shop, Dach and Sons.

Follow the success of Spuntino and Lucky Chip's Slider Bar, Fluid Movement has gone for a more New York style bar, with the focus on Whisky, Beer,  Hot Dogs and Sliders. As with their other establishments the science behind their cocktails and food is key and will be central to their ensured success.


They have branched a little further out this time, and allowed the northern part of London to enjoy their cool, speakeasy environment, although I am sure this will not limit us all to make regular visits.

68, Heath Street, Hampstead, London, NW3 1DN
http://www.dachandsons.com/
@DachandSons

Tuesday 3 July 2012

Today Kate Likes...

Impractical Jokers, BBC3
If any of you saw the American version on this, we are now in for a treat with the UK version. 
Pilots seen here.


Monday 2 July 2012

Today Kate Likes...

Wimbledon Tennis Championship 2012  
Like Henley, fingers crossed for good weather. bring on the Pimms and Stawberries
28th June - 8th July 2012  
http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/index.html  

Sunday 1 July 2012

Today Kate Likes...

CSI Sunday, 5USA  
We all have our own guilty pleasures
http://www.channel5.com/channels/5usa  

Flat Iron - Shoreditch

In the search for simplicity the 18th of July sees the opening of yet another pop up restaurant in Shoreditch. Following in the footsteps of Upstairs atthe Ten Bells, Flat Iron is setting up shop above The Owl and The Pussycat on on Redchurch Street.

They will serve only one dish - Steak and Salad. There will be only 1 cut of meat too, the shoulder. Charlie Carroll, Operations Advisor Of Wahaca, insists that this cut of meat is not widely used enough and the restaurant wil endeavour to provide affordable, delicious steak to all(if you can get a table).

This honest menu will be complimented by unique cocktails created with the help of Nathan Sorby from London Cocktails Club.

Flat Iron @ The Owl and The Pussycat on, 34 Redchurch Street, London
@flatironsteak