Shackfuyu

As all good Londoners know, Bone Daddies Ramen Bar is a culinary staple of soho. So when I heard about their newest pop up - Shackfuyu (Winter Shack), that had arrived on Old Compton Street for only a year, I had to check it out. With a motley gang in tow, we risked a Saturday lunchtime service (Shackfuyu do not take bookings) and found quite a few empty tables. After being shuffled past the wood burning oven, we were seated in a cosy booth. For a temporary restaurant, you feel instantly at home; the walls are painted a rich emerald green and adorned with white japanese script, while a soundtrack of David Lee Roth and Alice Cooper plays. This was a great start.

I started with an Orenji What?! A cocktail of fine Japanese whisky, triple sec and orange miso. It was presented in the most adorable corked bottle, Bone Daddies branded naturally, and I instantly fell in love. The cocktail itself was a perfect balance of sweet and sharp, the whisky warming my cockles after a morning in the biting wind.

Shackfuyu is based on a concept of small, sharing plates - an idea which I thoroughly enjoy as I get to try so many more dishes. We shared 6 between us plus dessert, which left no room for any afternoon tea.

Mentaiko Mac and Cheese, bacon and cock scratchings  - delicate macaroni in a deliciously creamy sauce, the addition of bacon adding a lovely smoky flavour. The charmingly named 'Cock Scratchings' were a perfect textural addition, finishing with the mentaiko (cod roe) that was an interesting take on a classic.

 

Bitesized yellowtail sashimi tostada with avocado shiso pack a punch! A beautiful mixture of textures and flavours in a petite mouthfull.

Who doesn't love a great chicken wing? These little morsels are a joy to behold - a great combination of sweet and sour, and satisfyingly crunchy.

Fried Potatoes with Japaense Curry Sauce are exactly how they read, simple and classic. The crunchy cubes of golden potato are soft and fluffy on the inside and match perfectly with a Katsu-esque sauce.

 

For a moment of indulgence, order the hand dived roasted scallop with chilli miso butter. A squeeze of lime cuts through this rich dish. The size of the scallop was generous and ladened with butter.

The highlight of this meal was the Hot Stone Rice with Goma Tare (sesame seed sauce), Chilli and Beef.  Placed in front of me was a sizzling hot bowl with compartmentalised ingredients. After giving a lovely description on the dish the waiter stired it together, releasing a delectable cocophany of aromas. On first bite, the rice floated between crunchy and soft and my mouth was alive was tingling chilli and aromats.

To finish, we tried the only dessert on the menu - one that has been in the press a fair few times recently: Kinako French Toast and Soft Serve Ice Cream. Two inch thick roasted soy flour toast is caramelised on the outside and delightfully squidgy on the inside. It was perfectly complimented by the matcha soft serve - a complete winner to a matcha enthusiast.

So head down to Shackfuyu and indulge on some fantastic modern Japanese cuisine at great value for money! Why not follow them on Twitter? @shackfuyu

While you're at it... follow me on Instagram for more delicious foodie pics - @gourmet_georgie

Eating Amsterdam

I don't often get the opportunity to travel outside of the UK, but we managed to grab a week away this February to Amsterdam. If you haven't been, it's an incredibly beautiful city that has so much more to offer than its red light district, chips and 'coffeeshops'. In particular, Amsterdam has an awesome culinary scene that was begging to be explored... So I'm going to share some of my foodie highlights with you!

The Fat Dog

On the corner of Ruysdaelkade and Van Hilligaertstraat sits the entrance to The Fat Dog, adorned with graffiti, you feel as though you are about to walk into a biker bar to sink a few whiskies. But the inside of the petite Fat Dog is warm and invititing. Couples and small groups sit in candlelight, nursing big and beautiful G&Ts to an eclectic and cool soundtrack. With 10 gourmet dogs to choose from, you're spoilt for choice and each dog is intriging. I went for the Speedy Gonzalez -  Chimichuri, guacamole, sour corn, jalapeno-cilantro mayonnaise, pork corn. Although slightly less colourful than I was expecting, the balance of flavours was delicious. Finish of your meal with a hearty slice of vanilla cheesecake to share - creamy, sugary goodness with a buttery biscuit base.

Pancakes!

Pancakes! No I'm not excited, that's what it's called. If you're heading to Amsterdam, you have to indulge in some gorgeous Dutch pancakes. Either at Pancakes! or The Pancake Bakery. I opted for a Deluxe Dutch pancake with apple, mixed nuts, calvados and cinnamon - surprisingly savoury and well balanced. Rob's choice was a joy to behold - spinach, goats cheese, garlic oil and pine cuts. All the flavours of an excellent pizza but with a pancake base. Thoroughly recommended. Pancakes! is also located in the Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) amongst a plethora of boutique shops and cafes.

The Lobby

The best breakfast in Amsterdam? Head to The Lobby - part of Hotel V and right in the centre of the city. I was treated to a gorgeous latte and eggs florentine. The poached eggs were indulgently silky, a hollandaise that had the perfect vinegary tang and toasted brioche buns. Their french toast was laden with cinnamon and syrup, with a dollop of creme fraiche to cut through the richness.

De Bakerswinkel

Pies? Cakes? Sugar? Visit De Bakkerswinkel, of which there are a few branches. The classic Dutch apple pie is a must or if you're heading for breakfast, try the brioche french toast - with extra butter and syrup! They also do an excellent selection of sandwiches and lunch platters. Or you can even book in for a 'high tea' laden with delectable cakes and treats.

G's Really Really Nice Place

Continuing my 'eggsterdam' tour, we started Valentines Day with brunch a G's. Every bit as hip as an East London cafe, Gs uses old records for it's menus and has a whole list dedicated to Bloody Marys. I started off with a Bacon Bloody Mary and followed with their Healthy Benedict - two poached eggs served on spelt on a bed of cottage cheese with sauteed spinach & avocado. The spelt bread added a new dimension to the traditional florentine and kept me going for hours of canal walking. Rob ordered Le Beef Burger - custom-made for G's by their local butcher “louman’s” just the way G likes it: topped with lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickle & mayo. It was juicy and slathered in mayo but gorgeous. I recommend the Challah Cinnamon French Toast - jewish braided bread soaked in egg / milk / cinnamon then pan-fried crispy and toppedwith banana slices.

 Little Collins

If you're wandering the streets of Amsterdam's bohemian residency - De Pijp, you'll want to stop by Little Collins. A petite Austrailian run cafe serving feast worthy food. The flat white coffee isn't widely spread throughout this city, so I was overjoyed to find it on the menu at Little Collins. Their crockery was reminiscent of Caravan, and I got a pang of homesickness. I munched my way through a huge skillet of Kasundi Eggs - Roast pumpkin, spiced chickpeas, feta, coriander, yoghurt and sour dough toast; I was eventually defeated but this brunch item is something I will definitely be replicating at home.

Lanksroom

Finally, the stroopwafel. For those who aren't familiar with this revelation, stroopwafels are made from two thin layers of baked dough with a caramel-like syrup filling in the middle. You can buy them in supermarkets in England, but they originated in Gouda (Netherlands). To get a taste of tradition, head to Lanksroom for a stroopwafel with different flavoured caramels. Coffee Caramel is a winner!

Red Thai Coconut Curry

Looking for a quick, healthy and protein packed meal for one? Look no further than my Red Thai Coconut Curry - super quick, easy and delicious!

You will need: 
- Chunks of Chicken (as many as you fancy eating but I recommend 200g)
- Red Thai Curry Paste
- 1/2 tbsp Coconut Oil or alternative cooking oil
- 1/2 tin Coconut Milk
- Vegetables of your choice

Get your super awesome coconut oil (if you haven't heard about how brilliant it is - check out Lauren Conrad's roundup here), put half a tablespoon in a pan and heat until melted.

Add your chicken chunks and fry until lightly brown.

Take your Thai Red Curry Paste - I used one that was brought back for me from Thailand by my Aunt. But any supermarket red curry paste will do - you can even swap it for green curry paste! 

Add your curry paste and a splash of water to help break the paste down. Fry for a couple of minutes to release the flavours.

Add half a can of coconut milk (don't forget to shake the can first) and your chosen vegetables - I used green beans and tenderstem brocolli to add crunch. Let it simmer until you have a rich and thick sauce (around 15 minutes).

Serve and enjoy!

I did it for the Nookie.

When I'm not in one of the restaurants I support, I will generally either pick up lunch from Pod or Itsu as they have the most diverse and interesting options for healthy eating. I'm also a terrible snack fiend - especially when I'm bored. So finding new and delicious snacks that will still keep my body healthy is extremely important. 

Pod supply one of my favourite snacks that I'd love to share with you - Nookie Bars!

My two favourite flavours are Peanut Butter and Milk Chocolate Chip, and Almond Butter, Spirulina and Dark Chocolate Chips. The peanut butter option is a little more naughty and tastes like a Snickers. Whereas the my other favourite allows me to get all the nutritional benefits of Spirulina in the most delicious way possible.

Where can you get some Nookie? 

Check out their 'Where to Buy' guide - http://www.nookiebar.com/index.php/8-top/4-where-to-buy

The Year of Mindfulness

Happy Tuesday blogosphere! Is it just me or does anyone else find Tuesday worse than Monday? It's such a moot day! 

I haven't been posting regularly this year and as ever I'm disappointed by that. I find myself at a bit of a crossroads as I'm currently engaged in a role that takes all of my energy - both mentally and physically and I feel that I am often teetering on the cusp of a burn out. That doesn't mean that I don't take enjoyment from it (although we all have bad days and frustrations). 

However I'm in a position where its time to assess my goals and plans for the future. I've never been someone who has a clear vision of what they want to be; there are so many things that I enjoy and that I can challenge myself with. I try to focus on every day happiness, being calm and at peace with myself and the world around me. 

In my quest for this lifestyle, I have taken up hatha yoga. I couldn't have imagined the effect this would have on my mind or body. I am only practising on a Friday but it is the absolute highlight of my week. If you know me, you'll know that I have challenges with my movement and what exercise I can do, but hatha yoga allows me to practice at my own pace and still feel a great achievement every week. This week I achieved baby pose for the first time and couldn't wait to tell my partner. 

I often wish I could find this level of peace and fulfilment in my every day life. Whilst writing this post I was waiting for 'the drain' or what is officially called Waterloo and City line. It is always like herding cattle - people pushing, elbowing and tutting. There was visibly no room on the carriage and so I stopped to wait for the next train. A gentleman behind me wasn't happy with this decision, pushed me out of the way and flung himself into the already tightly packed crowd. He looked back at me as the doors strained to close around him and shook his head in disgust at me. 

I live in such a toxic environment that these moments of tranquility and my day to day career achievements have become so much more important to me. 

Where do I go from here? As usual, I have no idea. But if you have any words of wisdom you'd like to share or ways in which you find peace amongst the bustle of every day life, I would love to hear them. 

A side note: Things that also help...

Yogo girls, avoiding people, Taylor swift, two good friends, cake.