We know we’re always banging on about food, but it’s particularly difficult to stop when there’s so much going on. Here are the week’s foodie happenings that caught our eye.
Our big tip this weekend is Brighton’s hottest reopening – Kitgum. A week later than planned due to a number of setbacks, not least co-owner Fayaz breaking his ankle, it’s worth the wait. Their new bigger Hampton Place home allows them to really focus on the things that made Kitgum, well, Kitgum: inventive plates inspired by Gujarati, Persian and East African flavours, carefully selected tunes and a warm, communal atmosphere that’s designed to feel more kitchen party than restaurant. And succeeds.
From Thurs
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In other newness, there’s a delicious new addition to Preston Street as Tamarind, the Thai restaurant from Seb and Fon of Chilli is now open.
And Lunch Deli, the new food biz from Bonsai Plant Kitchen is now open at The Open Market with Asian-inspired subs, summer rolls, corn ribs and Vietnamese iced coffee.
Tiramisu-tasting pro George (aka @tiramisugeorge) has turned his hand to the making and teamed up with Pommy’s Pizza on four tiramisu specials this June. We’re into the fourth and final week and it’s over to George’s (and our) favourite – Vin Santo and Cantucci.
Amari has hopped over from Baker Street to Surrey Street for five days for Patio’s latest kitchen takeover. Croquetas, torched mackerel, confit artichoke – it’s the stuff tapas dreams are made of.
The words hidden gem are hideously overused, but we’ll allow it here as Tun Tun on Lewes Road is just that. The cosy Bangladeshi cafe is running another Biryani night on Saturday (7pm) and it’s the perfect opportunity to tuck into huge sharing plates of authentic dishes, cooked by owner Shamima who grew up in Dhaka. For £35, you’ll get starters like puffed bread with slow-cooked spiced potatoes, lamb and vegetarian (paneer, egg and mixed veg) biryani, creamy firni rice pudding and shemai (a sweet Vermicelli pudding), plus unlimited refills of delicious lassi and masala chai. And you can bring your own booze for no corkage. We went to the first one and it was a real treat. Call 01273 675886 to book.
If you need a Sunday plan, we’d recommend a trip over to neighbourhood bar and cafe Curio for their Sunday Sessions. This weekend, Casa Azul are slinging their tasty tacos from midday and Ty Abiodun is on the decks from 2pm.
Fine-dining restaurant Furna is launching a new concept – Table 35. The idea is that you and up to eight of your pals can book to tuck into 10 seasonal sharing plates for £35 per person every Wednesday and Thursday. They say the plates get more generous the larger the table, but you can also book for just two of you.
From Thurs 2nd July
In sadder news, we’re losing yet more brilliant restaurants:
Get down to Apiary while you can. The buzzy beekeeper-owned bar and cafe announced this week that it’s closing up for good on 29th August after two years of delicious honey-laced food and drink and warm hospitality.
The Gingerman has also announced a closing date for their much-loved restaurant – Saturday 25th July – so make the most of the last few weeks to enjoy the excellent food in this intimate restaurant. Their Sunday roasts are always well worth a look too.
It’s no secret that hospitality is struggling and the UK”s high VAT rates (at 20 percent, they’re some of the highest in Europe) are part of that problem – you can sign the petition calling for VAT to be slashed here.
