MUNCH Quorn Foods Culinary Periodical
5 YORK
INSIDE Hidden food gems sparkle across this beautifully preserved medieval city with its winding alleys, glorious architecture and deep history
April 2022 • Issue 5
MUNCH
Quorn Foods Culinary Periodical
I love how York celebrates its independent food producers and restaurant scene. Hopefully this month's Munch will give you a head start on what's exceptionally good in and around town! Stu All design and editorial created in-house by the Quorn Culinary Team unless stipulated. Please contact culinary@quornfoods.com to feature or feedback.
EATING YORK EXECUTIVE CHEF, STU HENSHALL HIGHLIGHTS THE BEST PLACES TO EAT IN THIS HISTORIC CITY
CHEF SPOTLIGHT
CRAWL THE WALL
Skosh Chef Patron Niel Bentinck The 4km walk can be broken up for refreshment at one of eight spots from gives his thoughts on what drives his creativity and how it affects his cake to cocktails vegetarian offering
4
13
CONTAIN YOURSELF
BATTLE OF THE BABS
This month's street food spotlight finds another box park supporting independent food vendors
7
York boasts not one but two vegan kebab offerings. We compare the vegan kebab options of Doner Summer and Shambles Kitchen
COFFEE CULTURE
14
Six great coffee spots to check out along with the roasters information to find your perfect grind
8
BLUE BARBAKAN A look at one of York most enjoyable and welcoming eating experiences. From perogi to borscht, this Polish restaurant has tons of flavour to go along with its charm
10 SKOSH Highly regarded, and rightly so, as one of the best restaurants in York if not the country
12
HAXBY BAKEHOUSE If you have eaten great bread in York it probably comes from Haxby Bake House. This award winning bakery and delicatessen now supplies fine dining restaurant and cafes alike
15 I'M QUORN-VERTED All this talk of a kebab has us wanting to knock up a quick one ourselves using our Quorn Makes Amazing Peri Peri Pieces
16
Crawl The Wall
MICKLEGATE SOCIAL 148 MICKLEGATE Situated on the corner of Micklegate overlooking the medieval Bar and City Walls the Micklegate Social stands proudly at what used to be the main entrance to the City. The little sister of Fossgate Social it hosts an impressive 10 taps and always stocks offerings from Ice-Cream Factory which they brew themselves and easily contends with the best in the IPA game. A relaxed trendy environment is equally enjoyable for a coffee as it is a beer and there are regular comedy and music gigs in the basement.
PERKY PEACOCK BARKER TOWER, NORTH ST A small family owned coffee shop, café and bar, located in one of the oldest buildings in York. Barker Tower was built in the 14th Century, originally for the purpose of collecting a toll from visitors entering the city. In this unique café you can sample from a range of freshly baked goods or enjoy a drink from their extensive wine and cocktail list. Grab one of the outdoor seats to gaze along the river or head down to the dungeon to enjoy a far more enjoyable time than had you been there 700 years ago.
BREW + BROWNIE 5 MUSEUM STREET Brew & Brownie believe in and are inspired by seasonal, local where possible, quality ingredients and extensively research Yorkshire’s best produce, such as Raydale Preserves based in the sleepy village of Stalling Busk, Johnson’s free range eggs, Bishy Road’s M & K butchers, not to mention Haxby Bakehouse’s amazing bread and also serve real loose leaf tea from Brew Tea Co. Needless to say their cakes are to die for but it is also a great spot to grab some brekkie. Check out their herby portobello mushrooms with cashew butter, slow roast tomatoes, toasted seeds on Haxby Bakehouse sourdough .
DÖNER SUMMER 40 GILLYGATE Welcome to the garden of vegan! You enter through what looks like the entrance to hair salon to be greeted by welcoming staff and the year round heated garden space with wooden booths. The neon menu boasts unique vegan fast food and drink offering inspired by the street food of Berlin. Expect plant-based kebabs, vegan fried chick'n, loaded fries, and beers from Northern Monk as well as classic sodas. Easily one of the tastiest spots in York and well worth a look.
AMBIENTE TAPAS 14 GOODRAMGATE A relaxed, Andalucian-inspired bar ideal for a spontaneous lunch or a glass of wine overlooking the busy street, whilst their formal restaurant area is perfect for a leisurely evening sampling our Spanish fare inspired by seasonality. The fact that they have 3 sites across York and 2 more outside the city shows the appetite for their high quality tapas including: Pan-fried kale with candied walnuts, vegetable crisps & a blue cheese dressing, Garlic & pimento roast cauliflower served with cashew nut purée to name a few!
DOE BAKEHOUSE 43 LAYERTHORPE So much detail goes into every aspect of Doe Bakehouse, from the brightly coloured decor that make you feel as though you’ve fallen into a bag of liquorice allsorts to the amazing latte art, artistic packaging, and super, friendly staff. If you’re wanting a happy, fun, colourful, and glitter-filled experience, you’re in the right place. Every month the menu changes, as the team get together to talk through ideas and flavours but you are sure to find something to satisfy your sweet tooth with their vegan donuts featuring Vanilla & Sprinkles and lemon Glaze & Lemon Pieces to Biscoff and Peanut Butter with caramel drizzle this month.
LITTLE ASIA 61 LAWRENCE ST Small eatery plating bibimbap & other Korean specialties in a homey, offbeat environment. Make sure you book ahead as it books up fast! The menu leans into authentic Korean dishes such as hot-pots, barbeque and soups but there are many vegetarian items to experience the distinct seasonings and spices they use. Check out the Veggie and Avocado Dolsot Bibimbap or the Spicy Veggie Rabokki. The bibimbap is served in a sizzling hot stone pot with crispy rice at the bottom and the toppings and sauce stay steaming hot until the end of the meal. The Rabokki is a rice dumpling dish that is the ultimate Korean comfort food.
FLORI 113 NUNNERY LN The dream of Flori was to create a little local neighbourhood bakery filled with warmth chatter and love. After a successful stint in one of Spark York’s cosy storage container shops, the bakery first moved to Walmgate and now settled off the Bishopthorpe road where Lotte the baker, and the rest of the team at Flori hand-make pastries, and other gorgeous treats which are all baked fresh and are sold Thursdays to Sundays from 8am till sold out which we confirm is not long. Get there early to enjoy ever changing delights from Asparagus, Wild Garlic and Bechamel Croissants to Rhubarb, Blood Orange and Pistachio Tarts.
This month's container special features Spark, an outdoor community space, home to some of York’s most exciting start-ups working in food, retail, arts and social enterprise. Open year round with a removable roof for summer slap bang in the middle of Piccadilly.
Dog's Nose Taco & Burrito Bar (right) York's first plant based taqueria, modern Mexican style tacos, soft corn tacos made fresh every day, Their Cali Style Mushroom Birra Burrito will sate the largest of appetites
Rad Pizza Shop(Below) knock out blistered sourdough pizzas using local, seasonal ingredients . The mushroom and truffle or no meat Nduja vegan pizza hits the spot with a crust that's as good as the toppings.
Tricolor (above) Tricolor is one crazy good home to Colombian street food. A mouth-watering menu of delicious home cooking made with love. The twice fried and smashed plantains are perfect beer snacks
Melk (Right) Melk came from Georgia’s love of Scandinavian simplicity. As well as a bricks and mortar establishment by the river, their container knocks out amazing vegan warm cookie dough and ice-cream as well as an assortment of other baked goods.
EXPERIENCE YORK'S
COFFEE CULTURE Betty's Tearoom is almost as
seat but definitely grab an
synonymous with visiting York
Oat Flat White if you get a
as heading to the Minster or
chance from this multi-award
retracing Viking life the Jorvik
winning establishment.
centre. While I applaud those who are prepared to book
Coffee Culture (Middle) is
weeks in advance for their slot
one of a few places in town
at the prestigious
that serve York Emporium
establishment, my caffeine
coffee who have an extensive
and cake requirements are
list of single origin and blends
more than met by the
but their Perfect Blend from
flourishing scene of coffee
Brazil and Honduras smacks
aficionados and cafe owners.
of milk chocolate, forest fruits and cinnamon. Split over
From cafes roasting on site to
three floors of a very old
those travelling to plantations
building on York’s
to divine the single origin
Goodramgate is full of
signature for their offering,
character and windy and
York is proud of regularly
rather wonky stairs.
featuring in heralded list of best cafes in the UK.
Partisan (Bottom) deserves mentioning not only for the
Here you will find six well
excellent Monmouth coffee
worthy of a visit; not just for
they serve, (which has a
the coffee they offer but for
pronounced toasted almonds
their unique environments and
note while being fruity with a
additional offerings.
balanced acidity, and smooth body,) but also for their
Spring Espresso (Top) on
excellent bistro style menu
Fossgate is the only shop in
and exceptional in-house
York serving coffee from
bakes that requires a booking
Square Mile roasters who
even mid-week. They have
specialize in single origin
an outside area but if you
espresso however they
can request to seat in the
currently serve Red Brick which
basement that has various art
is an almost equal blend of
you can purchase should you
Peruvian and Brazilian beans
wish.
with tasting notes of apricot, honeycomb, nougat, and chocolate. Unlikely to get a
Robinsons
Divine
Pig and Pastry
Robinsons is located on the ultra hip Bishy
The founder bought his first 300g roaster in
The queues are well worth the wait
Road – a place I have heard referred to as
2016
and
while
the
for this popular brunch spot.
the
upgraded,
they
are
‘Notting
Hill
offering
is
beetroot
falafel
of
York‘.
excellent and
Their
with
brunch
dishes
sweetcorn
machinery
has
committed
to
now not
Established in 2008 and just down
like
stockpiling beans to ensure freshness of the
the road from Robinsons on
fritters
roast. Their flagship blend is named Fortuna
Bishopthorpe Road and is always
which they serve in their cafe in Micklegate
hustling and bustling with delicious
using
cakes and an enticing menu with
setting them aside from traditional fayre.
beans
from
El
Salvador,
Brazil,
Their coffee is supplied by Lonton who built
Ethiopia and Vietnam delivering a balanced
items such the vegan breakfast
their
nutty flavour.
burger or the Shroomalloumi using
pedigree
Bordeaux
as
moving
wine
to
growers
roasting
a
mix
in of
Sumatran beans to South American.
locally sourced Yorkshire halloumi. They use Rainforest Alliance El Salvador and Fair Trade Brazilian beans and make sure
All
their
beans
are
100%
Arabica
which
our
importers social
promote help
long-term for
financial
drives the smoothness of their coffee and
and
can be enjoyed at one of two excellent
communities,
coffee spots on Bishopthorpe Road.
farming practises with all their staff paid at
focusing
or above the living wage.
Worth a Mention Tea By The Lock This entirely plant-based tea room outside the city in Naburn serves truly excellent filter coffee from Abstract Roasters in an old Georgian banqueting hall by a river lock with delicious bakes and sandwiches. The tofu 'egg' mayo was unreal.
coffee-based on
sustainable
The coffee is sourced from Roost just above the city in Malton. Their espresso has notes of sweet nuts, apricot, caramel & chocolate.
'Traditional Polish cuisine with an extra multi-European twist' BLUEBARBAKAN.CO.UK
The Blue Barbakan is a stylish and relaxed Polish restaurant with an enviable riverside location. They serve authentic and fully home made Polish and Eastern European savoury dishes with an infamous selection of delicious cakes and a fully stocked and carefully chosen bar to complement the dishes. The bottom floor boast stone alcoves while the first floor has the welcoming charm of a well-loved relatives home. I do not think I could tire of their simple starter of Borsht and Mushroom pancakes and look forward to returning to continue my journey across their Polish ale menu while sampling the sweet and savoury delicacies they lovingly create. Worth noting that their breakfast menu is equally as delicious and kids eat free!
WHAT TO ORDER? KROKIET I BARSZCZ A THIN ROLLED PANCAKE STUFFED WITH MUSHROOMS COVERED IN BREADCRUMBS FRIED UNTIL CRISP SERVED BY A CLEAR BEETROOT SOUP ‘BORSCHT’ GOLABKI OVEN BAKED CABBAGE LEAVES STUFFED WITH BUCKWHEAT AND OYSTER MUSHROOMS PEROGI PAN-FRIED DUMPLINGS FILLED WITH EITHER SPINACH & OSCEPEK (SMOKED CHEESE) OR SUNDRIED TOMATO & LENTIL WITH CHIMCHURRI SAUCE CAKES - THEY CREATE AN INCREDIBLE ARRAY OF FRESH BAKES EVERYDAY IF YOU HAVE ROOM
Skosh This bright restaurant is located close to the Micklegate Bar where you can sit at the counter to watch the action. ‘Skosh’ comes from the Japanese word meaning ‘small amount’; a reference to the small plates for which the restaurant is known. Many dishes have Asian influences and they recommend choosing around 6 or 7 between two. Chef patron Neil Bentinck has created a menu that is full of imagination, flavour and culinary dexterity. While you will need to book in advance for this Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded restaurant you will not have to remortgage for the privilege. Affordable and utterly delicious! skoshyork.co.uk
Suggested plates from the Culinary Team: CHAWANMUSHI - WHITE ASPARAGUS, HAZELNUT & TRUFFLE SALT-BAKED CELERIAC GLAZED IN TERIYAKI, LEEKS & LOVAGE ROLLRIGHT & TRUFFLE CRUMPET WITH YELLOW TURNIP PICKLE GORGONZOLA DOLCE CHEESECAKE, FIG CHUTNEY ICE CREAM BHAPA DOI WITH RHUBARB, BLOOD ORANGE, PISTACHIO & BENGAL PEPPER
Interview
Chef Patron / Skosh Explain the concept behind Skosh's food? The main focus of the food at Skosh revolves around seasonal produce and it is the vegetable’s and fruit we have on offer from our network of local, often organic suppliers, that is the catalyst for the menu changes and the dishes. When the seasons provide new ingredients’ as the year goes on, that is what drives the menu and my creativity – the menu literally revolves around vegetables & fruit – as I write this, I am excited at the arrival of local asparagus and my main local veg suppliers, Food Circle, Newfield organics & Rocket and Russet have a host of early spring greens at their farms and in their polytunnels such as sprouting broccoli, kales, various herbs and shoots that will appear this week as our new ‘Spring pickings’ dish which will evolve as the season progresses.
What's your style and how do apply it to your vegetarian offering? Our style of food having many Asian influences, be it Indian, Japanese, Thai etc have the huge benefit of bags of flavour provided from spices, herbs & citrus.
skoshyork.co.uk
I also feel our style lends itself so well to vegetarian and vegan food – light, fresh, spicy and full of flavour – the vegetables and their accompaniments don’t miss the addition of fish or meat – they stand alone and are often our guests favourite dishes. The vegetable dishes take people by surprise as they ‘didn’t miss the meat’! Balancing the umami with sweet, sharp, bitter, sour & salty flavours is important in every dish I create – vegetable, fruit, fish or meat.
BATTLE OF THE BABS WHICH IS THE BEST VEGAN KEBAB IN TOWN?
SHAMBLES KITCHEN
DÖNER SUMMER
Even Mob Kitchen named called them some of
They now have six locations across Yorkshire all
the best sangers in the country. Hilariously
offering a variety of vegan chicken variations. You
named, ridiculously tasty.
can choose for stacked crunchy burgers, teller trays with fries and pickles, buttermylk fried chicken, and
Builds like Harry Trotter or the Dame Judy Hench are definitely not for the veggies among us but they make all their own marinades, pickles and sauces and their vegan shawarma
kebabs served on Turkish pide bread. Choose from: BADGIRL KEBAB - DÖNER AND GARLIC CHILLI BERLIN DONER KEBAB - DŐNER, LEAVES,
comprises of 'It's not chicken' soy protein
TOMATO, PINK CABBAGE
chunks with pickled cabbage, quick-pickled red
GARLIC CHILLI CHICK’N KEBAB
onion, hummus, vegan aioli, baby plum
CHICK’N PARM KEBAB
tomatoes, spinach, lettuce.
CHICK’N GYROS
If you find yourself blown away by the bread you are eating somewhere in the York area, be it fine dining or one of the many establishments in this edition chances are it is from Haxby Bakehouse. Haxby Bakehouse and Delicatessen have been supplying traditional artisan bread and pastries since 2008 to Haxby and the surrounding area. From the beginning they have baked the traditional way, using slow fermentation and no artificial flour improvers, preservatives or emulsifiers and have consistently produced the highest quality bread using Yorkshire flour. Their website highlights where you can enjoy their bread but also where you can buy greedily for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
haxbybakehouse.co.uk
Peri Peri Kebab SERVES 4
Method
INGREDIENTS For the Flatbreads
1. Lightly char corn on all sides for roughly 15 minutes in a hot grill pan
200g Self raising flour 200g Dairy-free yoghurt 2 Clove of garlic, minced 2 tbsp of Extra virgin olive oil
2. Leave to cool and with a sharp knife strip the cobs 3. Add corn to a bowl with the red onion, coriander, chilli, lime juice and maple syrup.
For the Salsa 3 corn on the cob 1 small red onion, finely chopped 15g coriander, roughly chopped 1 red chilli, finely chopped juice of 1 lime 1 tsp maple syrup
Season well with salt and pepper. 4. Combine the flour and yoghurt into a smooth ball and split into 8 5. Roll each into an oval and fry for 2 minutes on each side. Wrap in a clean towel to keep warm 6. Combine oil and garlic and brush onto the warm flatbreads
One pack of Tasty Ingredients Peri Peri pieces Vegan Crème Fraiche to serve Salt to taste
7. Fry Tasty Ingredients pieces as per instructions and built your flatbreads 8. Top with crème fraiche