Showing posts with label Mediterranean. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mediterranean. Show all posts

15 November 2011

Tomato & Olive Tarts


I've been looking back at all my posts- mainly because i can never remember what i have cooked in past months & have to check that i'm not repeating myself. Something i do a lot in life. Just ask the Houseboy. I definitely got through ingredients phases, for a while it was Spinach, then Chorizo, then a brief dalliance with anything pastry related. I guess we all have our favourites, or more likely get stuck in a rut. I once tried to make something new each time i cooked dinner but realised that i had taken it too far when the Houseboy practically cried with relief after i served him Sausage, Peas & Mash. Occasionally less is more. I just really like more.     

So i have been busy eating as usual, actually while i talk about me & eating - for those who don't know what i look like - i'm not some demonic twenty stone fiend, although granted i like to see myself as Miss Piggy to the Houseboys Kermit, im a fairly normal looking lady. I just really like food (& could indeed stand to loose a few pound - but who doesn't) At the weekend we strolled round the corner to see our nearest neighbourhood friends The Squire & his lady friend Miss Windler. A couple who like food & wine as much as we do we were highly anticipating Sunday lunch & boy o boy we were not disappointed. Proceedings kicked off wit a retro baked Chicory & Parma Ham, a dish i haven't had in ages. Chicory is a vegetable which easily forgotten about which is mean as it's a fantastic choice. The main was a rich & hearty Osso Bucco served with Polenta. The meat was from Randalls Butcher in Fulham & was absolutely delicious. The marrow was wobbly, the meat tender & the sauce rich. It made me want to eat it everyday. Which would probably kill me within eighteen months but would be worth it. I made a dessert of Apple & Raspberry Crumble (recipe to follow) to finish up. As expected there was more than one alcoholic beverage served so needless to say Sunday evening was spent lying on the couch watching films & dozing. A perfect Sunday!


This is really more of a putting ingredients together sort of dish rather than a recipe, but it's very nice & great to serve as a starter or make them smaller & serve them as canapes. I'm not being lazy i promise, the next recipe will be more substantial, in the meantime, shush & go & make this.    

Ingredients:
serves 4. 
  • 1 packet of ready rolled puff pastry
  • 1/2 jar black olives
  • 1 punnet of cherry tomatoes
  • 3 spring onions
  • 1/2 a garlic clove
  • s&p
Method:

Pop a baking tray into a preheated oven of 200C. While it's heating up half the cherry tomatoes & black olives, finely slice the spring onions & crush the garlic. Mix them all together & season. Take the puff pastry & cut each person a postcard sized section. Prick all over leaving a border round the edge. Place the mix in the middle, brush the edges with a little milk. Using a spatula carefully place the 'puffs' onto the pre heated tray & bake for 20 minutes. Voila!

23 August 2011

Where to eat in London #1



This week heralds the start of a new blogging strategy, or at least an attempt at one... In order to boost the weekly contents without boring everyone rigid with what i get up to, i will also be talking about places to eat in & around London. From Sushi to Sunday Roasts & Takeaways, healthy & unhealthy i will endeavour to try them all. For you, because i'm that kind of friend. And Houseboy, don't panic i won't be dragging you along to every meal. Just most of them.

This weeks pick is the fantastic Megan's a Mediterranean hide away in West Fulham. My companion was the lovely Miss Stewart who very kindly took me out for belated birthday celebration as she was away for my July festivities. I have walked or cycled past Megan's literally every week for the last two years & always thought it was just (albeit a very nice looking) a small daytime coffee shop. Well i was wrong on that account. With a small but lovely dining room leading onto a fantastic outdoor space, its a great retreat from the busy world.   


We started off with the Antipasti Sharing Platter which was served on wooden board & consisted of an array of Sliced Meats, Rocket, Crostini & Salamis. Generous portions, fresh as can be & a great selection made it an idea choice to kick off proceedings. I merrily danced on to the Whole Artichoke served steamed with Vinaigrette. Some people write off artichoke as too fiddly & hard work but i'm a fan & this dish did not disappoint. Fresh, hot & a delicious sauce. Miss S. chose very wisely & had the Pan Fried Scallops with Rocket. Perfectly cooked, with a zesty dressing it looked like a perfect summery choice.


After effectively two starters i decided to relatively light on the main & then saw the french fries. Game over & it was the Grilled Octopus with French Fries & Salsa Verde. The Octopus was grilled & served very plainly-there's nothing worse than taking away from the natural flavours. The Salsa Verde was good but not as piquant as some i have had (i'm spolit though as the Houseboy makes a blinding version) The fries were skinny, salty & crispy & a perfect accompaniment to the dish. Miss S. was captured by the Chicken Breast Paillard with French Fries & Tomato & Coriander Salsa. Nicely charred round the edges, great flavour & well seasoned it was again a nicely executed dish concentrating on fresh produce rather than faffing with lots of ingredients. 

So if you are looking for somewhere to have a glass of wine with the ladies, catch up with an old friend or woo a new lover, this intimate, friendly restaurant is the perfect choice. And it must be good because Nigella Lawson was at the next table & looked like she was having a great time. 


Details:
Megan’s Restaurant & Deli, 571 Kings Road, London, SW6 2EB. Tel: 020 7371 7837 info@megansrestaurant.com

By Day:
Monday until Friday: 8:00 – 17:30
Saturday: 9:00 – 17:30
Sunday: 10:00 – 17:30

By night:
Mon – Sat: 19:00 till late  

* All images are from the restaurant website.