February isn’t all hearts and flowers – there’s still plenty going on in the food world. New restaurants have been thin on the ground, but The Commander on Hereford Road has reopened and Marco Pierre White has taken over Lanes and introduced a new steakhouse menu. St Pancras Grand opened their whisky bar – a welcome alternative to the frosty fizz bar opposite – and Sushinho launched a sleek lounge bar with an unusual Japanese-Brazilian fusion cocktail menu.
Southbank Slow Food Market – 13th February to 15th February
If you’re trying to seduce a fellow foodie this weekend, head for Southbank’s Centre Square and treat them to oysters, steaks and heart-shaped French cheeses. Look out for new trader Palmavera who stock regional goodies from Sardinia like saffron pasta, rare honey, biscuits, olive oil and super-sweet torrone. The Event Tent will be hosting demos and workshops where you can infuse dark chocolate drinks with chilli; create a Slow Food Valentine’s meal in 30 minutes; and discover intriguing alternatives to Champagne. Entry is free and it opens at 11am.
Sake Tasting at Cocoon – 17th February
From 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Cocoon is hosting an evening of sake talks and tastings organized by the British Sake Association. There are six varieties to try, with food to match, and a chance to learn about the history of this traditional tipple from Cocoon’s sommelier, Honami. Tickets are £25 and must be booked in advance.
The School of Life Valentine's Meal at Konstam – 17th February
Social enterprise group, The School of Life, is hosting a Valentine’s meal at Konstam in King’s Cross. A suitable seductive menu has been put together by chef Oliver Rowe and the organizers will provide a list of conversation topics to guide guests into honest and interesting discussions. Tickets are £45, including three courses and wine, and the evening starts at 7:30pm. To book, call The School of Life on 0207 833 1010.
Pancake Day – 24th FebruaryCelebrate Shrove Tuesday with an American-style stack at Eagle Bar Diner, Automat or Lucky Seven; or go Gallic with crepes at Chez Lindsay, Crème de la Crepe or the Marylebone Creperie. If none of those appeal, try our favourites - Café Anglais, My Old Dutch and the ever-popular Hampstead crepe cart.
Game & Ale dinner at Bumpkin – 25th February
Britain’s oldest brewery, Shepherd Neame, have teamed up with Bumpkin in Notting Hill to host an ale tasting accompanied by a variety of British free range or wild game dishes. The four-course feast starts at 7:30pm and will include top quality game like pheasant, venision, pigeon and mallard. Remember to leave room for the grande finale – a whiskey pairing with pudding!
Whisky Live– 27th February – 28th February
Hosted by the Hurlingham Club (near Putney Bridge), this two-day booze fest features food pairing talks, whisky masterclasses, tastings, book signings and whisky cocktail mixing. Whisky enthusiasts should grab a Friday evening gala ticket (£55) which includes 8 sample vouchers, food, the Whisky Magazine tasting journal, tasting glass, show guide and a goody bag full of miniatures.
If you didn’t get involved in Chip Week (which ends on Sunday 15th), you can look forward to Pie Week and Bacon Week in March!
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