Sushi, Sushi, Sushi

Sushi isn't just available in a restaurant or takeaway....

Its just as easy to make it yourself and also twice as fun! 

I first made sushi nearly two years ago, after returning from China and inevitably exploring London's China town and the chinese supermarkets. 


I think the best thing about making sushi is picking the things you like best to go inside. If you really hate avocado, take it out. If you are in love with cucumber, stuff it in, its all your choice.
The same goes for the meat element, there is a huge variety of meat and fish you can choose from, such as beef, duck and chicken to salmon, tuna, crab, prawn and eel. You can even stick to a simple, good old vegetarian options, such as omelette, tofu or one of the best being philadelphia (or cream cheese to be correct).  


Now, forget thinking you need a million and one things to make it. 
The key elements to sushi are:
1) Sushi Rice (japanese rice)
2) Nori Sheets (Dry Seaweed)
3) Mirin - (rice wine vinegar)
4) Makisu - Bamboo rolling mat
5) Vegetables (eg cucumber, carrot, avocado)
6) Neta - raw fish/meat


Tip: My best advice is go to a chinese supermarket for these products. They are better quality and half the price of those in western supermarkets, plus its all part of the experience. 

Smokey Fish Pie

Everyone loves a good comforting fish pie.... and I don't know about you, but I personally can't stand any pre-made white sauce meal of any kind. They just seem very artificial and you can never tell whats in them. I can assure you its not your simple home-made butter flour and milk sauce though. 
When its so easy to make your own.... why go out and buy one??
Give this recipe a go and see how simple it is. Any comments or even pictures would be very welcome.


There are lots of varieties you can do and many types of fish you can use. From salmon, cod and haddock to shellfish like prawns, muscles,clams and many more. Just about any type will work well.
I choose a smoked haddock of the frozen variety - yes thats right, frozen or fresh whichever you happen to have. 


Tip - the smoked paprika gave it a nice intense flavour, but use sparingly. 


Try the recipe below- and for a vegetarian option with the same sauce omit the fish and add hard boiled eggs look at Veggie Fish-less Pie. 

Ralph Lauren Restaurant Review

                  

                                                                                          Overall:  4/5

http://www.rlrestaurant.com/about.asp

I have to admit I was a bit taken a back finding out Ralph Lauren had a restaurant. I couldn't quite picture it.  However, upon entering, I felt I had inflitrated a very British Club House, gaining assess to an exclusive display of wealth and luxury. Comfort seemed key to this design, with a large fire place at the entrance and large soft leather chairs and booths to relax in. 

The menu was based around American classics such as Caesar and Waldorf Salads, Steak, Crab Cakes and Club sandwiches as well as the all American Burger. 

I went for the Lobster Bisque -$8.50 to try something I never had before and I have to say I would choose it again and again. It was smooth, creamy and full of flavour. My only criticism maybe that I had about one chunk of lobster in it, a couple more would have been ideal. 

I also sampled the Tuna Nicoise Salad- $22, which again was on top form with Tuna was cooked to perfection.

For dessert I shared the Creme Brûlée (Bourbon-Madagascar Vanilla with Seasonal Fruit)- $8, which lived up to my high creme brûlée standards with a nice hard caramel top. 

However, unfortunately I do have to report some negative aspects. Firstly, when ordering we were notified that the restaurant was out of Oysters,which was a disappointment, along with bananas of all things. This seemed strange to us as they could easily have gone down the road to get some (no banana splits for us). 

Secondly, we were served the wrong glass of wine and after disputing that it had to be right, as the waitress saw it poured, she then brought the right glass of wine. I therefore had to mark the restaurant down for these two points. 

Overall I would recommend visiting Ralph Lauren Restaurant for the high quality food and ambience.

"Рыбный Базар"- seafood restaurant review

Overall: 4/5

Рыбный Базар- or simply "Fish Market" I was introduced to just a couple weeks ago when taken by some Russian friends. 

It is seafood at its finest. There are around 45 species of fish to choose from and a further variety of ways you want it cooked. The restaurant believes in quality and letting the natural flavours come through, so doesn't over power the fish courses with sauces so mask the fish. 

It was here that I tried my first Oyster. A large decorate plate came full of large exquisite Oysters, with an explanation of the origin of each one. We had a range from Ireland, Portugal, Canada to Spain, Holland and France. They had a great fresh taste and served simply with a squeeze of lemon; perfect. 

I choose to go for something a bit different for my main - Cuttlefish "Da Vinci" - 850 rubles

Tender meat of cuttlefish in a sauce of three kinds of Italian cheese combined with black truffles. 

The dish was listed under pasta on the English menu, but I was quite surprised/bewildered when it came out. It was served in a deep round silver bowl on a stand with a candle underneath to keep it warm and accompanied by polenta slices. 

The sauce was rich creamy and full of flavour and the polenta cakes were a great lighter option to go with this. 

The unconventional serving of this dish was an unexpected delight, I would recommend this dish to visitors, but be warned it is very filling.