Infuriatingly intangible, difficult to define and supremely savoury – what exactly is ‘umami’? Zoë Perrett gets to grips with this tricky taste… Ever get that warm glow of ultra-satisfaction from a particularly flavoursome titbit or a spoonful of deeply-savoury gravy? Umami. Ever had cause to take pause after biting into a rich, ripe tomato? Umami. Ever […]
The name of Russell Norman’s Farringdon trattoria may translate as ‘ugly’, but, says Zoe Perrett, Brutto is a beaut Yeah I’m beyond fashionably late visiting Brutto, but that’s down to the similarly tardy opening of the Elizabeth Line, without which Farringdon was a right faff for this Isle of Dog-ian. Now I can zip from […]
In which Zoë Perrett gets tarted up and checks out a Derbyshire hotel with a lengthy heritage and fantastic food Confession time: we went to Bakewell and committed a culinary crime. Any fule kno you’re supposed to buy your sweet treats from the town’s Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, whose once-owner Mrs. Wilson put the […]
Filipino food virgin or veteran? Whichever end of the spectrum you sit, says Zoë Perrett, your tastebuds’ll do a tango here Beneath a black-and-white striped awning, a gorgeously garish pink neon sign announces tonight’s dinner destination. Despite that 80s Miami aesthetic, we’re in Kensington not Florida and, just to mess with our minds a little […]
This novel stage adaptation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is a jolly good show, opines Zoë Perrett in her review for Northern Soul My first encounter with A Christmas Carol featured a load of Muppets, witnessed by my primary school self on the screen of the communal telly-on-wheels rolled out for the end-of-term film. Twenty-odd years […]
At a luxurious Fortnum & Mason supperclub, Hélène Darroze – aka ‘The World’s Best Female Chef’ – treats Zoë Perrett to an unforgettable dinner ‘The World’s Best Female Chef’ just cooked me dinner. And, as you’d expect, jolly nice it was too. Mein host’s brother is also in the house; here to share a few […]
If you’re of a certain age, you’ll recall a youthful Take That insisting that ‘everything changes but you’. You know what? The lyric is a lie. In the past decade or so, my dining companions and I have all changed dramatically – and so, too, has the area in which we dine this evening. Once the […]
Zoë Perrett finds a little piece of Peru in London’s Soho – and likes it very much You know that thing where your dear friend has just given birth and you’re hoping against hope the baby’s cute so you don’t have to feign affection? The same scenario is true of lovely chefs and their new […]
At Hostal La Torre, Zoë Perrett feasts her eyes on one of the White Isle’s most spectacular sunsets It’s easy to feel smug when the patio of your studio faces one of the most beautiful sunsets in Ibiza – and to feel smugger still when it’s also situated opposite hot-property bar, restaurant and residence Hostal […]
Food stuff by Zoe PerrettOctober 11, 2018 Leeds food by Zoe PerrettOctober 4, 2018October 5, 2018 Leeds food by Zoe PerrettSeptember 27, 2018October 5, 2018 Food stuff by Zoe PerrettSeptember 18, 2018October 5, 2018 Food stuff by Zoe PerrettSeptember 18, 2018October 5, 2018 Food stuff by Zoe PerrettApril 23, 2018 Food stuff by Zoe PerrettMarch […]
Fergal Connolly’s all-in-one Indonesian fried rice dish is traditionally served for breakfast, but it’s every bit as good to whip up for a weekend lunch or a dinner-a-deux. Serves 2 INGREDIENTS 200g basmati rice 2 tbsp oil, for frying 5 Asian shallots, peeled and finely sliced 4 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 1 tbsp shrimp paste […]
Date night dining? Look no further: Zoë Perrett says that this supremely-romantic French restaurant will save you a trip to Paris Twinkling fairylights? Check. Candles in wax-dribbled bottles? Check. Music that perfectly complements – and enhances – the atmosphere? Check. Charming staff, an enticing menu rammed with bistro staples, wonderfully eclectic decor? Check, check, check. […]
The Michelin-starred chef brothers are the men behind a rather tasty restaurant empire which includes the uber-luxe Galvin at Windows, the ale-appreciating Galvin Hop, and Essex gastropub Galvin Green Man. At the latter, the duo champions the produce of their home county – and offers the delicious ‘Host A Roast’ – a shared family dining […]
Zoë Perrett discovers a brilliant Brit-Basque bolthole brings a little slice of sunshine to South London You perch on a stool in front of a wooden counter loaded with charcuterie, cheese, and fresh produce. Something hits the tiny kitchen’s plancha with a sizzle; your nostrils twitch as a bowl of patatas bravas sails by; albarinho […]
