A delighted man after South Africa’s close victory over Wales in the Rugby World Cup quarter finals last Saturday, I stayed in London this week in order to also support the Springboks when they take on the All Blacks in the semi’s tomorrow.
I have always enjoyed London for both its British tradition and cosmopolitan energy but there is something very patriotic about supporting your country when they play away from home. And although I always try to catch up on the latest trends when I spend some time in the heart of England, this time I find myself gravitating towards South African friends and traditions. Luckily for me, nowadays one can find some braaivleis (barbecued meat) in London restaurants!
And that is not all – the dynamic London food scene has gone way beyond British interpretations of French and Indian! I found this delightfully written blog on London Menu Trends and between rotisserie chicken and barbequed meat, I felt right at home. And that is even before I got to the gourmet-interpretation of ham and cheese! With its pocket-appeal, it definitely will be a favourite under South Africans – as wonderful a city as London is, it is not a very good place to be right now for anyone earning South African Rand! (see the current exchange rate!)
According to lostincatering.com these are the latest London menu trends (do read the blog though!)
- Chicken – Southern fried or from the rotisserie.
- Ham and Cheese – The gourmet version.
- Hipster pizza – Pizza with origin.
- Barbecue – Mainly based on the American version of braai but still it is all about meat and open flames.
- Ramen – Often with mass-market and non-traditional approach.
- Hamburgers – Yes, they are still here!
- French – A bit more informal bistro-style.
- Haute Dogs – Street food going exotic.
I was fortunate enough to spend a lovely afternoon lunching with some food and wine enthusiast at the highly rated Mosimann’s yesterday afternoon – from poached Scottish langoustines with Franschhoek Chardonnay to Highland venison with Rhône-style reds and all kinds of other delicious courses and wine in-between.
But when I put on my Springbok supporter’s jacket tomorrow and find my way down to Twickenham, I will be on the lookout for the green and gold and the smoke of an open fire – even if it is haute dog rather than boerewors on the coals!