Latest news with #EzekielBertrand
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
I went to Sutton's LA Café, but calling it a ‘café' doesn't do it justice anymore
There are places you visit once, and there are places you return to again and again because they keep surprising you. LA Café is firmly in the second category. I've been there several times since I first discovered it last March, and each time I visit, the expectations are a little higher. Somehow, they always manage to meet them. Just before their fourth anniversary, I stopped by again, and once again, I left impressed. It was a warm Friday just before noon when I dropped in, ready for something light but satisfying. I ordered a peach and lemon iced tea, expecting the usual chilled drink to keep me cool. (Image: Ezekiel Bertrand) What I got instead was something that made me pause. It was crisp and delicate, a perfect balance of soft peach and sharp citrus. Not too sweet, not too sharp, and far from artificial. Just clean, refreshing and exactly what I needed. I've had plenty of iced teas before, but this one really stood out. The word "refreshing" gets thrown around too easily, but here it applies in the truest sense - it reset my mood for the day. At LA Café, the specials change every single day; that's one of the things I admire most. You never know what's coming, but whatever it is, it's always worth trying. That day's special was a wagyu beef burger with seasoned chips, served with truffle and hollandaise. (Image: Ezekiel Bertrand) I'll be honest - I had no idea what wagyu even was. Ankur, who's as friendly as ever, explained it to me. Wagyu is a Japanese breed of beef known for its high level of marbling and rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavour. It's not the sort of thing you expect to find in a local café. But that's exactly the point: calling LA Café a café doesn't do it justice anymore. Yes, the word is still in the name, but this place has evolved into something more. With its ever-changing menu, high-quality ingredients and thoughtful presentation, it feels much more like a bistro. It's casual but ambitious, and local but impressive. The burger itself was one of the best I've had in a long time. I took a photo first, of course, but ten minutes later, the plate was empty. The beef was juicy and rich, the bun held its shape without overwhelming the filling, and the hollandaise added a silky finish I didn't know a burger could benefit from. It wasn't messy or overloaded, just well-constructed and satisfying from start to finish. The chips were golden, crisp on the outside, and fluffy inside. The seasoning gave them life, and the drizzle of truffle and hollandaise added a layer of indulgence without making them too heavy. They didn't go cold, they didn't get soggy, and I didn't leave a single one behind. One of my favourite things at LA Café is the set of little squeezy bottle sauces they leave on each table. I always go for the chilli one. I physically can't eat a dry chip, and this sauce saves me every time. It's warm rather than fiery, smooth rather than overpowering, and it cuts through the richness of the chips beautifully. I'm convinced it would make even the plainest plate of fries worth finishing. By the end of the meal, I was full for the rest of the day. Not in a weighed-down, regret-my-lunch kind of way, but in a comfortably full. It's a rare feeling to leave a lunch spot feeling like you got everything you wanted without anything overdone. That's what keeps me coming back to LA Café. There's a standard here that never slips. Whether it's a quick visit for a drink or a full plate special, everything feels considered. The team know what they're doing, the menu stays exciting, and the food always lands exactly where it should. As they head into their fourth year, it's clear that this place has outgrown its original label. The word 'café' may still sit above the door, but this is a bistro through and through. It's rooted in Sutton but would hold its own anywhere. It continues to surprise me in the best way, and I already know I'll be back sooner than I should be.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘If you're planning a trip to Manchester I've found the restaurant you should go to'
I had dinner at Embankment Kitchen in Salford, Manchester, and I was so impressed that I returned the very next day for breakfast. This experience stood out to me for several reasons. For starters, it was my first proper dining-out experience outside of London or North Surrey. Secondly, this restaurant is part of CitySuites II - a luxury aparthotel in the heart of Manchester - though it's not directly attached. Instead, it's just a 15-second walk from the main building, giving it the feel of an independent, stand-alone spot while still being linked to the hotel. From the moment we arrived, the service was warm and welcoming. We were greeted by friendly staff who showed us to our table beneath a ceiling decorated with tree branches and leaves. The atmosphere was stylish yet comfortable, with a nice balance between modern decor and a relaxed, approachable vibe. We were handed the menu, and it was clear from the start that we were spoilt for choice. Dishes like roasted porchetta and salt and pepper squid made narrowing things down a challenge. In the end, I opted to start with the halloumi fries served with sweet chilli sauce - a classic choice, but one that Embankment Kitchen elevated. The halloumi was fried to perfection: golden and crisp on the outside, warm and soft inside. The sweet chilli sauce added just the right level of zingy sweetness, making it a moreish, satisfying way to kick off the evening. Alongside the food, Embankment Kitchen boasts an impressive drinks menu. I decided to try the butterscotch martini, made with Teichenne, espresso, Absolut vodka and caramel syrup. (Image: Ezekiel Bertrand) I'm not exaggerating when I say it was one of the best drinks I've ever had. Sweet, smooth, and indulgent, it tasted like dessert in a glass with just the right kick. I enjoyed it so much I finished it before my main course even arrived, and immediately ordered a second. For my main, I went with the steak and ale pie, which came with colcannon mashed potato, buttered kale, tenderstem broccoli, roasted parsnips, and a rich red wine gravy. (Image: Ezekiel Bertrand) The pie itself was generously filled and had a beautifully flaky pastry top. The filling was hearty and comforting, with the ale and beef working perfectly together. The mash was creamy with just enough texture from the cabbage to keep it interesting, and the greens were fresh and well-prepared. The gravy brought everything together with a deep, savoury flavour. I will say I wasn't quite ready for how piping hot the pie was, but once I took that into account, every bite was a pleasure. With my meal, I also tried Salford Rum — a spiced rum with rich, warm notes that's a bit trickier to find down south. It had a bold flavour profile, slightly sweet with hints of vanilla and nutmeg, and went down very smoothly. It felt like a nice touch of local flavour, and I appreciated being able to try something I wouldn't normally find in London. Now, I always like to believe there's room for dessert, but on this occasion, I was simply too full. That's not a reflection on the food - quite the opposite, actually. Every course was so satisfying that I couldn't fit another bite. At the time, I told myself I didn't regret skipping dessert. Writing this now, I slightly do — although in fairness, the butterscotch martini might've filled the dessert slot without me realising. It was sweet enough to count, and delicious enough to make up for it. Embankment Kitchen was so great that I returned the very next morning for breakfast. And, if dinner was anything to go by, I had high expectations. I went for the Italian sausage and new potato hash, which came with onions, garlic, spices, a fried egg on top, and a drizzle of fresh herb oil. Once again, I was blown away. The potatoes were crispy and well-seasoned, the sausage was rich and flavourful, and the onions and spices gave the whole dish a lovely depth. The fried egg, cooked just right, brought everything together, and the herb oil added a freshness that lifted the dish. It was a satisfying, flavour-packed way to start the day, and one I'd happily order again. Overall, Embankment Kitchen exceeded my expectations. The staff were consistently friendly and attentive, the food was beautifully prepared, and the drinks were genuinely memorable. For me, what stood out most — beyond the high-quality food and drink — was how relaxed and unpretentious the entire experience was. Whether you're staying at CitySuites or just passing through Manchester, I highly recommend making time for a meal — or two — at Embankment Kitchen. From start to finish, both dinner and breakfast were fantastic, and I'll definitely be returning next time I'm in the city.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘I had dinner at a London rooftop bar with brilliant food and STUNNING city views'
I went to a rooftop bar in west London, and it turned out to be one of those unexpectedly delightful experiences that stick with you. Tucked away next to the iconic Television Centre in White City, The Broadcaster offered a cosy yet lively escape from the dreary weather outside. Upon arriving, we stepped into a lift with clear signage: G - pub and bar, 1 - dining room, 2 - the playroom, and 3 - rooftop bar. We were whisked away to the rooftop bar. Despite the recent burst of spring warmth giving way to dark clouds and drizzle, the weather only added to the atmosphere. From up high, we could see west London stretching out in the distance, with Westfield glowing under the stormy sky. There was something cinematic about the view—London in its moody glory. The Broadcaster had a way of making the bleakness outside feel vibrant with its warm lighting, stylish decor, and laid-back but buzzing energy. As we settled into our seats, we were handed two menus—one boasting an extensive drink selection and the other filled with tempting dishes. I started with the St Ives monkfish scampi with curry tartare, and I can safely say this was a winning choice. (Image: Ezekiel Bertrand) The batter was light, crisp, and golden, encasing tender, juicy pieces of monkfish that almost melted in my mouth. The curry tartare was a standout—creamy with a delicate spice that elevated the scampi without overpowering it. Alongside it, I went for the baked sourdough with whipped butter and sea salt. I'll admit, I'm always a little sceptical when I see 'sea salt' on a menu - is it really? Or just regular table salt in disguise? But this time, they weren't lying. The butter was silky smooth, and the salt crystals gave it the perfect kick. Simple but done exceptionally well. When it came to the main course, I was torn between two options: the beer-battered Cornish hake with triple-cooked chips, crushed peas, and house tartare or the 32-day dry-aged beef burger with smoked cheddar, bacon, truffle aioli, and skin-on fries. After much deliberation, I went with the burger—zero regrets. (Image: Ezekiel Bertrand) This was not your average burger. The patty was thick, juicy, and packed with rich, dry-aged flavour, perfectly complemented by the smokiness of the cheddar and bacon. The truffle aioli was a game-changer, adding a luxurious depth without being overwhelming. The skin-on fries were crispy, golden, and well-seasoned—a proper sidekick to an already standout dish. By this point, I was full—but there's always room for dessert. I went for the chocolate tart with ice cream, and it was the perfect end to the meal. The tart had a silky-smooth, rich chocolate filling with just the right amount of bitterness to balance out the sweetness. Paired with a scoop of ice cream, every bite was indulgent but not overpowering. (Image: Ezekiel Bertrand) To top it off, I ordered a glass of Baileys, because why not? The combination was pure bliss. The Broadcaster's rooftop bar isn't just about the food—it's about the whole experience. From the atmospheric view of west London under stormy skies to the warm, inviting space inside, it strikes the perfect balance between lively and relaxed. The menu is carefully crafted with high-quality ingredients and thoughtful flavour pairings that make every dish memorable. If you're looking for a rooftop spot in London with great food, a vibrant setting, and an unbeatable vibe, The Broadcaster is a must-visit. And if you're lucky enough to visit in the summer? Well, I'm already jealous.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘I went to a new bar at London Bridge and I'd rate it SIXT33N out of 10'
I went to an underground bar at London Bridge, and its name is how much I would rate it out of ten. My journey to SIXT33N didn't start quite as planned. Upon arrival, I found myself slightly disoriented, initially heading to the wrong venue entirely - BRIX. A small misstep, but it set the tone for what would turn out to be an evening full of surprises. After being redirected to the basement, I stepped into SIXT33N and was immediately met with an ambiance unlike any bar I'd been to before. Forget the familiar hustle and bustle of a Spoons; this was a world of jazz, low lighting, and plush seating that made for a laid-back yet sophisticated atmosphere. The seating arrangement was a mix of cozy sofas with cushions and stylish chairs, adding to the relaxed, lounge-like setting. Once seated, we were handed the menu, a well-curated selection of bar snacks and drinks. This was when the excitement really began. My first drink of the night was a masterpiece: Patrón Silver, Crème de Violette, Lavender Sugar, and Fresh Lime. But the real showstopper wasn't just the drink itself; it was the presentation. The waiter lit the lavender garnish on fire, filling the air with a sweet, floral aroma. Who knew burning lavender could smell so incredible? (Image: Ezekiel Bertrand) The drink itself was smooth and well-balanced, with a delicate blend of floral and citrus notes that made every sip an experience. With drinks in hand, we delved into the food menu, starting with Loaded Fries. (Image: Ezekiel Bertrand) I'll admit, I'm usually hesitant when it comes to loaded fries, but this dish changed my mind completely. Topped with a fried egg and pulled pork, the flavours were rich and indulgent. Normally, I'd need a generous helping of BBQ sauce to enjoy a dish like this, but for the first time, I found myself eating fries without the need for condiments; it was that good. The atmosphere continued to impress as the night went on. The jazz-infused playlist gave the venue a nightclub-like feel, but without the ear-splitting rave music I typically avoid. It was a perfect middle ground; lively but not overwhelming. Next up was another round of drinks, and I opted for the Tamarindo - a bold mix of Patrón Silver, tamarind, poblano chili, and piloncillo. The smoky heat from the chili paired perfectly with the tangy sweetness of the tamarind, creating a complex yet highly drinkable cocktail that had me savouring every sip. We continued our culinary adventure with BBQ Brisket Croquettes served with Jalapeño Aioli, Oakwood Smoked Cheddar, and Béchamel. Each bite was packed with deep, smoky flavours, perfectly complemented by the aioli's subtle heat. The crisp outer layer of the croquettes gave way to a rich, creamy filling, making them an absolute must-try. Feeling indulgent, we decided to order more food and got the Grilled Tiger Prawns with Tequila Hollandaise, Aleppo Chili Crumble, and Tarragon. The prawns were cooked to perfection, but it was the sauce that stole the show. (Image: Ezekiel Bertrand) In fact, we found ourselves asking the waiter to leave the plate so we could scoop up every last drop. To round off the evening, I went for the Blood Orange Margarita, a vibrant blend of Patrón Silver, Campari, Cointreau, fresh Sicilian blood orange, and black lava salt. It was the perfect mix of bitter, sweet, and citrusy flavours—a fitting finale to an already memorable night. Of course, no meal is complete without dessert, so we ended on a sweet note with the Baklava Cheesecake. (Image: Ezekiel Bertrand) A flawless fusion of two beloved desserts, the cheesecake was creamy and indulgent, with just the right amount of nutty pistachio crunch. Overall, SIXT33N is an absolute must-visit. With expertly crafted cocktails, mouthwatering food, and a killer atmosphere, this place is bound to become a go-to spot for those looking for something different in London Bridge. The exceptional service, particularly from David, aka 'The Scouse Barman,' who made the experience even more enjoyable. SIXT33N is set to be a booming success, so get in while you can.
