Review: Tonkotsu Bar & Ramen, Soho

Sometimes I just really fancy some noodles - warming, fun and delicious - whats not to enjoy?

I took What The Cook to Tonkotsu one Friday evening for ramen and was seated straight away. I had heard there may be queues but luckily we got in just in the nick of time, as the queuing started as we left.

I was starving, to put it lightly, so we went for sides - tofu and salt and pepper squid. The Hiya Yakko Tofu was simply served fresh and cold, with a light dressing - the chilli oil wasn't too overbearing either. It was possibly on the tad expensive side at £4 for a block of tofu that had a few spring onions laid on top but 'when in Rome', as they say.

The tofu with bits of green on top.

Then came our ramen bowls, which I was rather excited about. Tonkotsu have their own noodle machine and you can really tell that the noodles are fresh, they were the perfect elasticity.

We both went for the signature 'Tonkotsu' bowl which featured pork stock, thin noodles, pork belly, half a soft boiled egg and various veggie bits.

The Tonkotsu signature bowl

I was pleasantly surprised at how not overly salty the soup was, everything seemed genuinely homemade and fresh, the noodles were fantastically elastic (I may have mentioned that already), I'm not sure what they soak the egg in but it was appetising whatever it was. I think I could have had another bowl. 

I had high expectations as I'm a big fan of Bone Daddies ramen, but I think although Bone Daddies has a lot more excitement and flair (and bigger portions), Tonkotsu is a bit more authentic and homely - and again - the noodles were great. 

It didn't end up being as 'cheap and cheerful' as I had expected but I would definitely come here again, if anything for the noodles. 

RATING: 4 out of 5

Sweet potato and quinoa cakes

Once upon a time, I bought a box of three coloured quinoa from Wholefoods. To add excitement to quinoa I started researching around for other ways to use it. Don't get me wrong, I love quinoa but it can be quite dainty if you just have it like that with the rest of your meal. So I found this recipe that told me to mix it in with sweet potato.

The good stuff. Obviously cook it as advised first.

The other good stuff - sweet potato - mashed using a fork.

Combine the two with one egg. I also added in some thinly sliced spring onions and a bit of spice. Season. And combine together. 

Here's the not-so-messy part - use a fairly large spoon, scoop and place onto a baking tray. Squash down a little bit to make an even round and bob's your uncle - your hands stay clean. You can either choose to give it a little shallow fry - 2/3 minutes on each side depending on how crispy you like it, or for the healthier option - place in the hot oven for 20 minutes until it looks like it will hold together. 

The rest of my meal - the tiniest bit of porkchop with mustard, my quinoa and sweet potato cakes with veg AND salad. The English mustard tasted really good with the cakes actually. I would have preferred my cakes a bit more crispy but I was opting for healthy - it really added to my meal so I felt more full afterwards. It's a good thing to have when you have bits of everything left in the cupboard that you want to finish, and very simple to make!

Chocolate Week!

So, err, someone decided to have a national Chocolate Week (12-18 October 2015)...and no one said no! No surprises there.

Here's the top picks of the bunch to celebrate:

Chocolate and Cranberry Indulge Massage Package at K West Hotel
Sweet sticky heaven at K West Hotel in Shepherd's Bush. How do you fancy being wrapped up and massaged in the good stuff - the limited edition K Spa package is priced at £125 per person and includes a Cranberry Body Wrap, a deliciously aromatic Chocolate Balm Massage and access to the hotel's award-winning Wet Spa facilities. Not scoffing now are you?

Chocolate Afternoon Tea and Desserts at Lancaster London
Guests can experience unusual flavour combinations such as chocolate and black olive tartlets, warm savoury feta cheese and dark chocolate chip tarts. Freshly baked Divine Chocolate scones will also be included served with a chocolate praline spread (yum). If that wasn't enough, other sweet treats include honey and chocolate lolly pops, coffee and chocolate opera, milk chocolate brownies as well as a selection of finger sandwiches - of course.

Michelin Star Lobster and Divine White Chocolate Dish at Bohemia

Head chef Steve Smith has created something a tad special in the form of a white chocolate and lobster starter, made with butter poached lobster, cauliflower and Divine White chocolate with sorrel and caviar. You had me at lobster.