Score: 7
Best for: lunch, summer days and takeaway
(Spoiler: Not one for poach lovers!)
Best for: lunch, summer days and takeaway
(Spoiler: Not one for poach lovers!)
So while Annelise was in Norway and Bex in Newcastle, I signed up a couple of friends/recruits to join me at KERBRiverside, and experience brunch the Weekly Poach way. So on Saturday we ventured into the Southbank’s busy pop up festival to get our brunch fix. The sun was out, the birds were singing and the day could not have been more perfect to be out and about.
So while I let the guys run free and headed to my first stop: Donostia Social Club and asked for their recommendations. They had a hot pinxos, which they made to order, and cold ones that were just standing there, in front of you, saying “EAT ME”. Those who have been to brunch with me know that I can take a while to decide on my order, however here it was very simple, once they showed me scallops the size of a golf ball I was sold - and god was it good! I was a bit weary about the green chilli sauce and the almonds (not my usual pick!) but was pleasantly surprised when it wasn’t spicy at all! Yes it was small but perfect. The best action plan to get through a 13-trader-option food festival: pace yourself.
So while I let the guys run free and headed to my first stop: Donostia Social Club and asked for their recommendations. They had a hot pinxos, which they made to order, and cold ones that were just standing there, in front of you, saying “EAT ME”. Those who have been to brunch with me know that I can take a while to decide on my order, however here it was very simple, once they showed me scallops the size of a golf ball I was sold - and god was it good! I was a bit weary about the green chilli sauce and the almonds (not my usual pick!) but was pleasantly surprised when it wasn’t spicy at all! Yes it was small but perfect. The best action plan to get through a 13-trader-option food festival: pace yourself.
This is something that my friends did not understand (ah, beginners). Koko went for Kimchinary’s bulgogi beef brisket burrito, which was almost half her size and I’m not surprised she didn’t manage to finish it. Her review however was very positive and so prompted Simon to go get one of those Korean burritos. He came back with the grilled sesame chicken one.
In the meantime, Koko also got the parmesan and truffle fries from Bill or Beak, which looked so, so good – I had to knick a few! And it seems that my friends really were fixated with Bill or Beak’s menu, trying both burgers and a second portion of fries. Everything did look wonderful; you have the full-on burger with a twist (Miguel’s choice: Vietnamese pork and duck) and then the healthier option (Faisal’s choice: Caesar chicken salad option) – both gone in seconds.
In the meantime, Koko also got the parmesan and truffle fries from Bill or Beak, which looked so, so good – I had to knick a few! And it seems that my friends really were fixated with Bill or Beak’s menu, trying both burgers and a second portion of fries. Everything did look wonderful; you have the full-on burger with a twist (Miguel’s choice: Vietnamese pork and duck) and then the healthier option (Faisal’s choice: Caesar chicken salad option) – both gone in seconds.
Being all beginners as they are, they were all too full to go for a second round and bailed like little kids. But thank god I am a trooper and had to eat for A and Bex, so I headed to Jamón Jamón. Deciding what to have this time was not as hard, as I went for the seafood paella – did I mention I love seafood? I did get the child’s portion, which was in all honesty a good adult option too; I could sense my third round disappearing. My only criticism of the paella was that the tiger prawns were too difficult to get out of the shell, but I mean it was not the end of the world.
And I was full. Well, not full but it was getting too hot to go for a cheesy and creamy mac & cheese, and the same goes for the pizza, so I decided to instead head to The Ice Kitchen, who were selling a variety of ice lollies. Koko had already tried the raspberry and lime and although it sounded good, she was not particularly fond of the seeds being present. I went, of course, for the mojito one – had to get my alcohol somehow! And what a better way to get my boozy brunch fix than with an all-refreshing, cold, ice-lolly? It even had a frozen lemon in it!
With our stomachs full and our feet dragging for iced coffee we left the Southbank, and just in time as it was getting packed! Yes there was no poach, but I still promised I’d come back for more, whether on Sunday or in September for the next KERBRiverside (4-6 Sept). Cannot wait!
The order #1:
And surprise!! I couldn’t keep away, so on Sunday I returned on a solo mission to try a couple more dishes before the event was over. I ventured into a much calmer crowd of foodies, heading to my first stop: Anna Mae’s for some of the Don Macaroni deliciousness. After initially confusing my order for the plain mac & cheese (Why is there no basil or bacon?) I got all the crispy topping and some of fresh basil I dreamed of. Creamy and very hot there was quite a lot so I advice you to either be super hungry or share it – a child’s size option would be useful too! Despite my best efforts I only managed to eat half, and needed some time out.
The order #1:
- Seared Scallops with pisto, green chilli sauce and almonds with rye bread (Donostia Social Club)
- Vietnamese pork and duck burger (Bill or Beak)
- Chicken Caesar Salad burger (Bill or Beak)
- 2 x truffle and parmesan fries (Bill or Beak)
- Seafood Paella (Jamon Jamon)
- Burrito: Slow braised ‘bulgogi’ beef brisket on toasted tortilla w/ kimchi fried rice,cheese, sesame slaw Korean hot sauce, sake, spring onion and sour cream (Kimchinary)
- Burrito: Gochujang and sesame grilled chicken on toasted tortilla w/ kimchi fried rice,cheese, sesame slaw Korean hot sauce, sake, spring onion and sour cream (Kimchinary)
- Raspberry and lime popsicle (The ice kitchen)
- Mojito Poptail popsicle (The ice kitchen)
And surprise!! I couldn’t keep away, so on Sunday I returned on a solo mission to try a couple more dishes before the event was over. I ventured into a much calmer crowd of foodies, heading to my first stop: Anna Mae’s for some of the Don Macaroni deliciousness. After initially confusing my order for the plain mac & cheese (Why is there no basil or bacon?) I got all the crispy topping and some of fresh basil I dreamed of. Creamy and very hot there was quite a lot so I advice you to either be super hungry or share it – a child’s size option would be useful too! Despite my best efforts I only managed to eat half, and needed some time out.
After a bit of a walk I was ready to get back in the game, and so I headed to Batch Bakery and Moto Yogo’s corner. They had come up with a sweet/evil collaboration called BroYo, and no I was not going to leave KERBRiverside without trying it. I had to queue for a bit, but it was all worth it. After 5 pounds extra and a weekend of blissful food meant I will probably survive on lettuce and water for the next week – who am I kidding? Cannot wait for the September edition!
The order #2:
To try next time:
By Nadine C.
The order #2:
- Don Macaroni: Mac & chese, crispy bacon, basil oil and fresh basil (Anna Mae)
- Broyo: Frozen yoghurt topped with two pieces of brownie, chocolate sauce and strawberries. (Moto Yogo x Batch Bakery
To try next time:
- Balafel: Chickpea, spinach & ricotta balls, spiced tomato & red onion sauce, posh penne pasta, cumin soured cream, coriander. (The Bowler)
- Mutton Kothu (Kothu Kothu)
By Nadine C.