Hello fellow eaters,
Autumn is well and truly here, although confusingly not *that* cold yet. I’m not wishing the temperate climes away, but I am thrilled that more and more I have hankerings for soup, stews and hugs in a bowl. This is particularly underpinned with the world being *still* on fire. There’s not much more I can say on that, beyond, look after yourself, find comfort and soothe your soul with your friends and your food.
Coco and I, more me than her, admittedly, are doing a bit of a tour at the moment. Italy, Kent, Derbyshire, Leeds and Washington in as many weeks. Never fear, we still have recipes and restaurants to report, many in London and some further afield.
I will also be looking forward too, with November on our doorstep, which means Christmas is definitely on its way, as much as some of my friends are refusing to acknowledge this yet, Alex, looking at you ;) There will be a foodie Christmas guide coming soon.
I have also been reliably informed that I owe you a toasted sandwich edition, if there’s anything else you’d like to see, just hit reply! For more regular updates, you can find me on Instagram - @thedairyfreecookwrites
It’s been a little while since I’ve been in your inbox and much food has been had. Perhaps one of the best meals was at Bao in Soho. It’s been hugely hyped and talked about, and I am very late to the party, but so glad I finally made it. It was joyful both in food and company, with a long overdue catch up with a friend in Manchester, who was very kind to me and lent into my exploration of the menu.
Between us we ordered… a fried chicken bao (both of us - this was able to be done dairy free, at the time they didn’t have the pork and unfortunately the classic had milk in); guinea fowl chi shang rice, house pickles, trotter nuggets with burnt chilli sauce, crispy noodle chips, scallop with yellow bean garlic, peanut milk (him not me) and a glass of wine.
It was absolutely brilliant, full of character and a great vibe for catching up with friends or a first date. I think it came to about £60ish for two people, I’d say it was reasonably priced, and 100% worth a visit if you haven’t been. They also have two set menu deals - £15 between 12 - 6.30pm or a solo dinner at £20 (which I love the idea of).
I tried it so you don’t have to… I’ve been trying a lot recently, so this section is going to be packed for weeks. Today though, or at least outside in SW London as I type this, it’s still drinks-in-a-can season. I tried Waitrose’s Igo organic rose wine in a can (£3.99 and also comes in red and white). Personally, I didn’t rate this, and instead would go for their mini bottle of Maison Castel Cotes de Provence rose (£3.15, slightly cheating as it’s in a glass bottle not a can). If you’re looking for a larger option, their Bijou Le Chic rose in a pouch is a very good idea (and currently on offer!).
Something to make… I’m doing a little bit of experimenting with making chilli oils at the moment, particularly as I have friends who don’t eat either onion or garlic. It’s an interesting challenge and one that I’m approaching with enthusiasm and obvious gusto. First up, honey and chilli oil. Whilst I’m still refining it, definitely give this a go, it makes two almost full small jars.
Ingredients:
¼ cup of chilli flakes
1 tbsp of five spice
A pinch of pepper
2 tbsp soy sauce
¼ cup honey
1 cup of plain oil (I used sunflower oil)
Method:
Put the chilli flakes in a warm, dry pan and toast them for a couple of minutes.
In a bowl, mix the soy sauce and five spice into a paste.
Add the paste to the pan, stirring and cooking for 5 minutes.
Add the honey to the pan for an additional five minutes, continue to stir to avoid it sticking.
Finally, add the oil, until it bubbles lightly, crucially it shouldn’t boil.
Jar or save in the receptacle of your choice, and enjoy.
This oil works brilliantly with dumplings, cheese and biscuits (I’m reliably informed), as the coating of a roast chicken (last night’s experiment) and a whole host of other things.
Something to drink… I have signed up to the Wine 52 monthly delivery, and thoroughly enjoyed a Szolovesszo Hungarian white wine. I can’t find the exact one online, but there are two very similar ones from the Hungarian Wine House and the Wine Society. I’d not had much Hungarian wine before, and am thrilled to have discovered it. Watch this space for more recommendations.
Something to buy… despite the fact that I absolutely do not have room for any more gadgets, I recently bought myself this juicer. Surprisingly I use it all the time, I’ve made juices for drinking and others to go in things like ice cream etc. It’s super easy to clean and really reasonably priced, particularly when you look at how much green juices cost. My only word of warning is the celery juice rumours are true… it does mess with your system a little bit so partake with caution!
Something to watch… I have absolutely inhaled Bad Sisters on Apple TV. It’s dark, funny, poignant and above all a love letter to sisters and the women in our lives. Sharon Horgan has brought her magic to this show, which has a stellar cast of women, supported by some great men, even if one is painfully unlikeable (John Paul). Joyfully, Daryl McCormack from Good Luck to You, Leo Grande is back, a very welcome sight.
Something to listen to… Ewan Mainwood has released his new single - Waiting for you, which has been on repeat in my house all weekend, and as my brother put it ‘a real bop’. For a slightly different vibe, The 1975 have released their new album - Being funny in a foreign language which brings with it all the feels. Matty is all over Tik Tok at the moment, and did a Chicken Shop Date with Amelia Dimoldenberg which is worth a look.
Things to read…
I’ve been to a few book events recently and recommend all of the books - A Certain Hunger, Takeaway and My Last Supper.
Having a Halloween party or looking for a new way to serve cocktails? Tiger are selling reusable drinks syringes (I’m going to use mine to make drinks, fill donuts, the opportunities are endless).
A thought provoking read about Afghanistan's youngest Mayor, Zarifa Ghafari, who left her home country and returned.
I can’t attend this, so please can one of you go? Letters Live - an evening of the celebration of literary correspondence.
I love Vittles, and am a very happy subscriber, and recent owner of Jonthan Nunn’s London Feeds Itself. It covers a whole range of food writing, including Peckham through the ages and an ode to London pubs.