Why British Food Doesn't Suck
30/08/12 16:17
There exists a resounding myth circulating amongst a seemingly large portion of the American population: the stereotype that food in England is dull, monotonous and underwhelming. Well, that quite simply is just not the case. In fact, that assumption is so far fetched that the misinformed who still take heed to the notion are most likely the elite of sites like Yelp, yapping away about how over priced their foie gras was. London is a culinary capital of the world, home to many celebrated chefs’ restaurants littered throughout the bustling, rain kissed streets. So how, I ask, does a city armed with a plethora of intuitive and creative culinary masters from all corners and cultures of the globe have terrible food? Quite directly, it does not. One just needs to know what to look for is all.
Once upon a time Britain’s food was utterly utilitarian, pragmatic and unadorned, consumed for nourishment and that was all. Although, much like the winds of industrialization that too has changed. A culinary metamorphosis first made way in London in the mid twentieth century. Scores of Indian restaurants wiggled their way into what was the beginning of a scene. With flavors of cumin, anise, garam masala and curry, with multitudes of once coveted and unattainable spices, a revolution began. With uprising revolt against the previous norm of bangers and mash, fish and chips and other repetitive fare, hordes of Britons adopted the foreign dishes as their own, eventually even knighting chicken tikka masala as a national dish.
London’s Indian restaurants now live in spades throughout the city, from posh establishments in old bank buildings to closet sized joints on busy streets. Each one has something truly unique to offer. Though upscale, contemporary places like Zaika should not be ignored, one will be satiated with all the taste of India that Britain has to offer in cramped, dive bar-esque locations such as Hot Stuff. Here, the food is strong yet comforting. It is served on humble paper plates with plastic utensils, bringing one a feeling of inner warmth and satisfaction while caressing the taste buds with the essence of a far away land.
Today cultural fusion remains strong in England, moving past the introductory Indian and replenishing the scene with authentic tastes of Vietnam, Italy and Lebanon alike. From a simple beginning in 1998, Ishbilia has established itself as a true embodiment of Lebanese flavor and lifestyle with the guidance of chef Alkhlaifaoui. With an extensive menu and a tapas style cuisine it is easy to become overwhelmed, yet solid choices lay in the simple pleasures of traditional fare like kafta and lentil soup. There is certainly no shortage of traditional Italian fare either, as one could easily take a ride on the tube to Camden, meander to the western side of Clerkenwell, and set foot into the hidden delight of London’s “Little Italy.” For a more refined meal, Cacciari’s in Knightsbridge offers a traditional four course Italian menu with wonderfully reinvented favorites that include seasonal vegetable soups, veal escalope, and handmade tortellini.
Certainly there is no shortage of fine dining in England’s culinary landmark. With a bounty of posh, high-end, reservation only venues one can easily eat as if the queen herself were gracing the table with her presence. A well known celebrity chef, Gordon Ramsay, hosts well dressed dinner guests at his multiple restaurants strewn about the great city. Seemingly overrated due to Ramsay’s unique television persona, the renowned restauranteur’s top spots boast menus and atmospheres with anything but gimmick and ruse. At Maze, located in Mayfair, diners are welcomed into an enchanting world of hand-picked wines by a knowledgeable and exceedingly hospitable sommelier. The seven course chef’s menu highlights the best of french contemporary cooking with intuitive plates of rabbit, duck and foie gras terrine, each prepared with a style and spirit all its own. Similarly, Petrus and Claridge’s are top choices of Ramsay’s amongst London’s elite dining crowd.
There is much to chew in Britain’s capital city and one has been greatly misguided to think that Britain’s culinary choices are still bland and unexciting. Of course, traipsing over to Westminster or other fanny-pack ridden areas such as Leicester Square and dashing into the first British pub with the union jack flying high is not going to be the best bet. Disregard the tourist traps, but that should not have to be said. The best gems of the city will usually be slightly off the beaten path and many reside in hotels.This should not be a deterrent as the wee bit of walking and likelihood of getting somewhat lost will help to work up a strong appetite.The late Samuel Johnson once stated, “When a man has become tired of London, he has become tired of life.” This holds true for not only the entirety of the city, but for the ever emerging and expansive gastronomic scene there as well.
Once upon a time Britain’s food was utterly utilitarian, pragmatic and unadorned, consumed for nourishment and that was all. Although, much like the winds of industrialization that too has changed. A culinary metamorphosis first made way in London in the mid twentieth century. Scores of Indian restaurants wiggled their way into what was the beginning of a scene. With flavors of cumin, anise, garam masala and curry, with multitudes of once coveted and unattainable spices, a revolution began. With uprising revolt against the previous norm of bangers and mash, fish and chips and other repetitive fare, hordes of Britons adopted the foreign dishes as their own, eventually even knighting chicken tikka masala as a national dish.
London’s Indian restaurants now live in spades throughout the city, from posh establishments in old bank buildings to closet sized joints on busy streets. Each one has something truly unique to offer. Though upscale, contemporary places like Zaika should not be ignored, one will be satiated with all the taste of India that Britain has to offer in cramped, dive bar-esque locations such as Hot Stuff. Here, the food is strong yet comforting. It is served on humble paper plates with plastic utensils, bringing one a feeling of inner warmth and satisfaction while caressing the taste buds with the essence of a far away land.
Today cultural fusion remains strong in England, moving past the introductory Indian and replenishing the scene with authentic tastes of Vietnam, Italy and Lebanon alike. From a simple beginning in 1998, Ishbilia has established itself as a true embodiment of Lebanese flavor and lifestyle with the guidance of chef Alkhlaifaoui. With an extensive menu and a tapas style cuisine it is easy to become overwhelmed, yet solid choices lay in the simple pleasures of traditional fare like kafta and lentil soup. There is certainly no shortage of traditional Italian fare either, as one could easily take a ride on the tube to Camden, meander to the western side of Clerkenwell, and set foot into the hidden delight of London’s “Little Italy.” For a more refined meal, Cacciari’s in Knightsbridge offers a traditional four course Italian menu with wonderfully reinvented favorites that include seasonal vegetable soups, veal escalope, and handmade tortellini.
Certainly there is no shortage of fine dining in England’s culinary landmark. With a bounty of posh, high-end, reservation only venues one can easily eat as if the queen herself were gracing the table with her presence. A well known celebrity chef, Gordon Ramsay, hosts well dressed dinner guests at his multiple restaurants strewn about the great city. Seemingly overrated due to Ramsay’s unique television persona, the renowned restauranteur’s top spots boast menus and atmospheres with anything but gimmick and ruse. At Maze, located in Mayfair, diners are welcomed into an enchanting world of hand-picked wines by a knowledgeable and exceedingly hospitable sommelier. The seven course chef’s menu highlights the best of french contemporary cooking with intuitive plates of rabbit, duck and foie gras terrine, each prepared with a style and spirit all its own. Similarly, Petrus and Claridge’s are top choices of Ramsay’s amongst London’s elite dining crowd.
There is much to chew in Britain’s capital city and one has been greatly misguided to think that Britain’s culinary choices are still bland and unexciting. Of course, traipsing over to Westminster or other fanny-pack ridden areas such as Leicester Square and dashing into the first British pub with the union jack flying high is not going to be the best bet. Disregard the tourist traps, but that should not have to be said. The best gems of the city will usually be slightly off the beaten path and many reside in hotels.This should not be a deterrent as the wee bit of walking and likelihood of getting somewhat lost will help to work up a strong appetite.The late Samuel Johnson once stated, “When a man has become tired of London, he has become tired of life.” This holds true for not only the entirety of the city, but for the ever emerging and expansive gastronomic scene there as well.