BACKDOOR SALON

After weeks of anticipation, I finally attended my first supperclub! - hosted by The Backdoor Kitchen (kick-started by the amazing duo Rob and Fabio), and sponsored by Aperol Spritz UK & Campari.

Held in SALON, above the British charcuterie seller Cannon and Cannon in Market Row, their first pop-up series consisted of two different slots - Brunch and the Italian Aperitivo.

With the map and directions in hand, I made my first trip down to Brixton, not really knowing what to expect...
 For some reason I haven't really ventured down south that often, but nonetheless, I went with an open mind.

Once again my bad sense of direction led us looking like two lost Asian girls (which we obviously were), standing on the side of the street trying to identify the location on Google maps...

We did eventually find our way there, passing by some other really hip and cool places on the way. Lots of open barbecues going on around the area as well.

 

Checking out the charcuterie whilst waiting for doors to open

When it was time, we were shown up a narrow set of stairs which led to the SALON...

 

 

 

It was a rather cool and casual atmosphere, and passerby's were welcome to pop in for the Italian Aperitivo from 1pm onwards.

 

We started off with our complimentary cocktails. I went for the Aperol Robs (BDK's latest invention: egg white, fresh grapefruit, mint leaves, brown sugar, iced cold Aperol) whilst Wendy went for the Shakerato All-ananasso (ice cold Aperol mixed with Vodka, lime, brown sugar and pineapple juice) - both exclusively created for the event.

Absolutely loved the sweet minty flavour of mine...could have downed a few more glasses!

 

The first dish was Conchiglie Ripiene - oven baked shells stuffed scallop coated in breadcrumb, parsley, black pepper, pecorino cheese, egg white, all topped with mussel and prawn sauteed in wine, oil and garlic.

Just reading out the description makes you drool with anticipation doesn't it?

And it looked so delectably delicious served on a plate.

So fresh and tasty - I especially loved the tantalizing, big juicy scallop that was hidden under the breadcrumbs.
All that was missing was a warm, sunny beach - we would have been sorted then! 
Oh, and some Baywatch beach-boy eye-candy would be a nice addition to it as well...

 

The second course was Cannelloni del Salone - canelloni pasta stuffed with spinach and ricotta/seabass and ricotta with sweet pepper cream/sauteed mushroom. 

Melted ricotta cheese...so smooth and rich...*discreetly wipes drool off*.

Both were equally good, it was hard to choose which I liked better!

The third course was Grigliatina alla Zafferano - grilled chicken breasts marinated in paprika, garlic, black pepper, topped with saffron and pecorino cream served on a bed of caramelised onion, pinenut and sultana.

Nicely marinated chicken and I really liked the saffron and pecorino cream.

An interesting combination of the sweetness from the caramelised onions and sultanas, with the savoury chicken and sauce.

 

The fourth and final course was the 'Secret Dessert'. Apparently it's a tradition that the description of the dessert has always been kept a secret, and only revealed on the day itself - even my (usually fool-proof) powers of persuasion had let me down!

Sponge fingers soaked in Aperol and covered in a generous amount of SUPER creamy mascarpone cheese - a seriously indulgent (and naughty!) finish to the meal.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to stay on for the Italian Aperitivo, as much as I was tempted to take up on the offer...

I suppose I will just have to browse with envy at the Aperitivo photos posted - if only photos were edible!

 

 Thank you to the amazing team at Backdoor Salon for making my first supperclub experience a truly satisfying and memorable one.

Looking forward to next time already x

The Cheekster (a.k.a. ChubbyBunny), signing off x

THE GREAT STREET FOOD 'TOUR'!

It is rather rare that I get my Friday evenings off - and at the right time as well when the major street food markets were on.

Not wanting to miss out on the best bits, Wilkes suggested that we do a 'Street Food Tour'. Counting down the hours until finish time at 5pm, this hungry bunny hurriedly made her way to our first stop - Red Market near Old Street. 

 

I ordered a Duck Confit on brioche from The Frenchie (@thefrenchieuk). Shredded duck confit leg, crispy duck skin scratchings (!), caramelised red onion chutney with rocket and mustard - delicious.

Besides Red Market, you can also find them at Camden Lock and Brick Lane Sundays.

 

 

Next were some soft shell crab burgers from The Crabbieshack (@Crabbieshack). Less filling than your usual burger, but tasty nonetheless.

 

 

 

We were lucky enough to get a lift to our next destination - Street Feast London at Dalson Yard.

 

 

Also a place where our four-legged friends make new friends!

Had THE best octopus curry from Vinn Goute Team (@VinnGoute), a family run street food trader serving Seychelles inspired street food.
Their VINN GOUTE sign and bright yellow stall is very distinctive, so you definitely won't (and should not) miss them!

Next I had a couple of Korean tacos from Kimchinary (@kimchinary) -  one of each since both sounded (and looked) so good! And tasted even better!





Third and final stop for the night - KERB does Peckham!










Got a taste of Kooky Bakes' (@KookyBakes) caramel dossant - their version of the croissant+donut.





As you may have noticed, the quality of my pictures slowly deteriorates as the sun starts to set. Unfortunately my iPad fails miserably under low lighting...I'll have to persuade dad into getting me a new camera teehee ;) 

Our street food journey continued the next day...

Scheduled to work an early morning shift at 7am on a Saturday (rubbish shift but thankfully very rare), I wasted no time to clock out at 1pm sharp to head to KERB Saturdays at Granary Square.














The word 'lobster' seems to always catch my eye, so I went for the lobster roll from the Market Gourmet (@Market_Gourmet) stall. 



Once again, I had some food from Vinn Goute...because it was that awesome!
Went for 'Steve's Special Box' - definitely HIGHLY recommended ;)





Sweet and refreshing ice lollies from Ice Kitchen (@TheIceKitchen) after tasting Ribman's (unnamed) hot sauce! Obviously didn't break out in a sweat - I was trained well from birth haha.
I had the French Twist which had frozen chunks of raspberries in them.
Apologies for the half-eaten ice lolly, I got overexcited...

Gourmet Artisan Lollies with an interesting combination of flavours - definitely worth checking out.







So that pretty much rounds up my street food 'tour'! It's a shame that I missed out on Truck Stop at Wood Wharf. Based on the photos and reviews it looks like it went fantastically well!
Ah well, always next time. 
It was my first time visiting all these different markets...but certainly not my last. 
So much good food consumed...could have totally eaten more. *Consciously rubs my 'food baby'*. Hmm...maybe not such a good idea.

Watch this space for more foodie adventures!



Anddd...that's a wrap!

 

Oops...wrong one!
...that was one tasty wrap though! 



The Cheekster, signing off x