Yotam Ottolenghi! I’m a big fan of not only his food but also the concept and design of his delis and restaurants. On the one hand everything is kept in white with some wooden highlights which creates a very elegant dining atmosphere, on the other hand the communal tables, sharing dishes and food counter make it very casual and relaxed. It allows people to really come and be together with some excellent food and a good bottle of wine. Ottolenghi Islington – the flag-ship and proper restaurant in the north of London – is a great spot for after work or weekends in a smaller or bigger group. We started with the roasted aubergine with turmeric yoghurt, one of Ottolenghi’s signature dishes. Here with pickled radish, some spring onions and almonds on top. I’m always impressed by how perfectly he mixes ingredients and spices from Middle East with Mediterranean and Asian flavours.
The pan fried sea bass with avocado and jalapeño salsa was beautifully presented, perfectly cooked and full of flavour.
If you see the counter with all the freshly baked cakes and tarts you’ll understand that the dessert wasn’t an easy choice. In the end it was the lemon zest and strawberry cheesecake which was absolutely delicious but I’ll definitely come back for the apple and sultana cake with maple icing.
