Review: Duck & Waffle

So it has been on my London bucket list to make a visit here in the early hours of the morning - just because it's open. It's a novelty of having a restaurant open at 3am. Oh and the amazing view of London obviously, being on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower, Duck & Waffle is a place everyone needs to visit at least once.

I made a visit on a rainy early morning so my picture isn't that good (but I quite like the fact the kitchen is reflected in the mirror amongst the rain drops).

Of course I ordered the signature dish of Duck on Waffle - duck confit, fried duck egg on a bready waffle with maple syrup. It shouldn't work, but it does.

We also ordered the Roasted Octopus - chonzo (or chorizo), potato, lemon and capers. I love octopus, tentacles and all but I found the chorizo to be very overpowering, or there must have been an accident with the salt pot, because it was overly salty to the point where it wasn't that enjoyable.

Duck & Waffle on the left. Roasted Octopus on the right.

Staff are very friendly and helpful. We were given the white wine instead of the red we ordered, which was rectified and allowed to keep the white wine - why anyone would, or could, drink red AND white wine in one sitting is a bafflement, but that's what happened. The waiter even gave us a hug for no apparent reason, random but fun. I guess it just added to the atmosphere of a 3am restaurant call...

Like its neighbour downstairs, Sushi Samba, it's an upmarket place and you basically pay for the view, with the food secondary. That doesn't mean the food wasn't good, it's good quality, simple and effective. Everyone should try the duck and waffle - because why wouldn't you? You won't forget this place in a hurry.

4 out of 5 for the overall experience.

ED's Brunch!

Don't you just love it when your friend called Emma cooks you Eggs Benedict at their house with their retro dining table and chairs?

Delish!

I guess it's my turn now...

That's Cranberry and Raspberry juice by the way...

See? Sushi!

I discovered a lovely sushi place near my office the other week called See Sushi - how I have never made a visit during lunch (they do bento boxes at lunchtime) or even a cheeky after work outing, bamboozles me.

The exterior of this place is very unsuspecting, and it's not located in the most obvious place, but I think  that's why I like it. There is a little sign with its green logo and an arrow however directing you to its restaurant. Behind the post office on Praed Street in Paddington/Edgeware Road, you wouldn't think it was anything special. Step inside and it's a lot like the Tardis - much bigger and better on the inside.

They have an extensive menu, with lots to choose from. For any sushi novices, there are explanations and descriptions of each dish - hot and cold, cooked and raw. Special mention goes to the tofu, of which we ordered 2 rounds of.

Our sushi platter

Prices are average, what you would expect when ordering fish. There were 4 of us and 2 bottles of Prosecco and thought we got a very good deal and value for money. Don't expect too much from the drinks menu, just simple wines and beers on offer.

Like any oriental or asian cuisine, service is service. No frills but helpful enough, something I'm very used to, so if you're not, expect it.

I would definitely come here again. 3.5 out of 5.

Barú: It's so FLUFFY

I was recently sent some Chocolate wrapped 'Clouds' by Barú - the contemporary confectionery brand. In other words, marshmallows covered in luxurious chocolate.

The signature marshmallows are made using a carefully developed recipe that includes real honey and ground vanilla pods to create a soft, light, melt-in-the-mouth experience. Complemented with a generous coating of luxurious milk or dark Belgian chocolate. Some are plain, some have a rich Sea Salt Caramel top. Each piece is individually wrapped. They are available from Waitrose RRP £2.99.

I tested these in the office and asked everyone to give me a one word review - the main consensus was that it was quite chewy, I think the word 'robust' was used. I think the description of it being a 'cloud' may have given the impression that it was to be a light treat, soft and would dissolve in the mouth. I found that it was quite a 'chunky' bit of confectionery, which is by no means a bad thing. The flavours are delicious, especially the Sea Salt Caramel one, after a minute the caramel really takes charge of the dark chocolate and marshmallow. 

It's a nice treat for after dinner, and one of these bad boys really will be enough. A Work Colleague (alias Angry Aubergine as she would like to be known) even went as far as saying she may even re-think leaving the minty chocolate treats in favour of the Cloud. 

Sophisticated packaging and even more sophisticated ingredients, the Barú range of treats are definitely ones to think about for those special dinner occasions. There is also a Christmas range - ideal as any gift! Be sure to add these to your shopping list!