3 minute read
WHAT'S ON THE PLATE
COUNTY
C U L I N A RY TO U R
Determined to try a new cuisine or restaurant in 2023? An Essex blogger o ers up her picks that may just turn you on to something di erent
By JESSICA SPICE
FINE DINING AT ALVARO’S
While most people begin their new year with resolutions to lose weight, cut back on the junk food and eat healthier, mine is to try as much incredible food as I can – and this year I’m keeping it local.
I am a self-proclaimed foodie, @beautyandthefeasto cial if you want to say hi and send me your recommendations. And this January I’m on a mission to find the most delicious food that Essex has to o er.
First up on my must try new year’s resolutions list is Noir, nestled along the high street in South Woodford. This restaurant only opened its doors in December and prides itself as a fusion restaurant inspired by the hustle and bustle of the streets in India. Whilst the decor looks chic and stylish, it’s the menu that really excites me, with dishes like Indian mac n’ cheese and spiced chicken and wa es – elevated street food and I’m all for it! It’s worth noting that Noir boasts a large Shisha menu alongside their food o erings – some of the flavour combinations sound good enough to eat.
For those of us who have decided that our new year’s resolutions would be a dry January, I would suggest checking out Coco Asia, found inside Lakeside’s shopping centre as they have launched their new alcohol-free brunch menu. You certainly won’t be missing out on the boozy drinks when they o er a zero-alcohol wine menu and an incredibly creative mocktail menu including the delightful sounding Sunset Breeze – a lavender cocktail with a hint of crushed lime and mint. The exotic flavour palate doesn’t end there, with a lotus and blueberry cheesecake garnering my attention. The brunch menu is inclusive of both vegan and vegetarian options too, so there really is something for everyone.
How about we tackle our ‘to be more adventurous’ new year’s resolution with this next restaurant… Described as Portuguese fine dining, with the entire menu prepared completely from scratch, Alvaro’s is located in the main shopping district of Westcli -on-Sea, a ectionately known as the ‘Bond Street of Westcli e’. The menu is incredibly versatile and o ers some of the most stunning visuals, with the flambe dishes being cooked tableside. Whilst those performances may be a showstopper (if I do say so myself), the flavours really are the star of this show. With plates like Espetada de Mariscos – scampi, scallops and prawns, wrapped in bacon, skewered and grilled with garlic butter – on o er, how could I not want to explore this menu further?
Finally I come to my last resolution: Veganuary. For those of us giving up animal products, this one is for you: Stoked. This pandemic born restaurant brings authentic American BBQ to the UK, using traditional BBQ cooking methods. An entirely vegan BBQ restaurant sounds impossible doesn’t it? But the team at Stoked have used their imagination to bring us some unbelievable sounding dishes, like the brisket platter with the braised seitan brisket flank and the Baja phish tacos made from marinated banana blossoms fried in a ginger batter. Stoked have even curated a vegan craft beer list to complement their menu. Veganuary sounds like a walk in the park if every restaurant has such delicious options.
I’m not usually one for keeping my new year’s resolutions – I’m looking at you unused cross-trainer and barely read ‘Spanish for Dummies’ – but I have a good feeling about these resolutions. Here’s to 2023!
COLOURFUL FARE AT NOIR COCO ASIA’S COCKTAILS
Jessica Spice is part of the roster @goodvibesonlytalent. If you would like to work with her please contact
