The Botanist

I've been a bad blogger of late, but I'm back in business.
Mama Elkington is up in town for the next two nights to get some much needed Christmas Shopping in, and of course shopping builds up an appetite!!!!
So when the offer came in to go or lunch on my lunch break I was all for it.

Choice of venue, The Botanist.
Located on Sloane square it's the perfect place to meet mummy for lunch as it's located conveniently close to mother ship aka Peter Jones and a hop skip and a jump away from where I work!!

After a big bear hug and air kissed we wasted no time and began checking out the menu. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Pre & Post Theatre and of course Bar snacks they do it all.
But our focus was on Lunch naturally.

To my joy some warm crusty white bread was served asap along with velvety butter, which to my delight melted as I spreed it.

The main event..Drum rolls please.. Isle of Man King Scollops, brown shrimp, parmesan and cauliflower puree with seared cauliflower. It didn't last long. 

We weren't the only ones enjoying our meal, I heard this American woman next to me exclaim 'This is the  best salad I have ever had!!!!'.

And to finish CHOCOLATE, they know the way to a woman's heart, miniature treats of truffle and fudge goodness. I was in heaven. 

 I highly recommend the Botanist at any time of day. The interior is spacious, fresh, inviting and there is always a warm buzz of friends chatting, along with a great menu.

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The Russet & Jam Sandwich

Last night I made my way to The Russet in Hackney to go to the event Jam Sandwich (an evening of live musical acts). 

Our friends George Cosby and Darls were going to be playing together (click here to listen to their music) so naturally we wanted to support. Also it was an opportunity to listen to some other great new bands!!!

The Russet was the perfect venue for such an occasion. A restaurant/ bar, slightly kooky/cool, very welcoming and a great space for performing musicians. 

They had barrels of Cider, I thought this was Genius!!!

I loved their Tip jar....Made it worth leaving a tip..

We arrive just in time for George and Darls few.... So after grabbing a quick drink at the bar, which was sprouting a tree or wooden horns I'm not so sure, we settled down on the comfortable sofas surrounding the stage.  

They gave a great performance and there music was amazing needless to say. 'Buttons' was my fav song, heart melting in a good way. I would love to have musical talent like these two. 

They were followed by an American guy who was quite comical, he treated us to his saw playing....Yes he made music with a metal saw and the bow of a violin. I can't say it was may favorite sound every but a funny experience. I think I preferred his guitar playing. 

I couldn't resist a little nose around in the break. I had to pap some of the funny/great random objects they had dotted all over the place.

I think I could take this... Maybe not.

I wore my The Kooples boots as I thought they were quite appropriate/ urban music edgy. 

Next up was AHI a husband and wife musical match. They were insane and the combination of violin, guitar, and vocals was fantastic and really powerful. You can buy then on itunes so have a listen. 

They were actually serving free Jam Sandwich's 

A few other acts came and went.....Plenty Wild was the last of the night and oh what a way to end a great evening listen to them here or follow them on facebook and twitter, it's seriously worth your time. Jonty, Lo, and Tim created their band last year and i'm so glad they did, these guys have some serious talent. 

I think everyone else felt the same way...

Time for home I was tempted to grab one of their amazing freshly ground coffees for my trip back....But instead I left quietly hee. 

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Lamb Lollipops & Rosemary Wedges

Carrying on my lunch time extravaganza, I though it was time to step it up a gear today. So Lamb Lollipops with pea and mint puree, home made redcurrant jelly and Rosemary wedges are on the menu.

You will need:

• Lamb cutlets

• Frozen Peas

• A Potato

• Red Current Jelly

• Sea Salt

• Pepper

• Mint

• Olive oil

• Lemon

• Rosemary

First make your Puree, just boil the peas then once they are cooked, drain them and blanch them in cold water. (This is essential as it makes them keep their colour and not go brown over time.

Add some lemon, salt, pepper and the mint and wiz up until its a smoothish consistency. Cover with cling film and set aside in the fridge.

Next up, slice up you potato in wedges and boil for about 7 mins so they are slightly soft but not crumbly. 

Drain and then mix up with Rosemary, a pinch of sea salt, olive oil and pepper. 

Fry them in a preheated pan, until they are evenly golden and crunchy.

I had previously rubbed in Rosemary, olive oil, salt and pepper into my cutlets. So now just used the same pan to fry them up, about 6/7 mins on each side. (I like it quite pink in the middle)

I'm really lucky and my mum makes the most amazing home made red currant jelly. So I just dipped my brush in and stroked it across my plate... ( I just like things to look good, a little silly I know)!

Just a few finishing touches of the mint and pea puree and it's lunch time....

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