#31 Soho, Isle of Wight, Mexico City.
Where's for dinner, guest edition.
I’m away on my hols, but the show must go on. So I’ve roped in a couple of foodie friends and colleagues to hold down the fort for the next couple of weeks.
It’s also nice to read another perspective.
This week we have Ellen, Head of Sales at Merman, who’ll be giving us her three restaurants on her list.
When I first got chatting to Ellen on Instagram, we bonded over being in the same industry, but also our love of food. We decided to go for lunch. “One of the spots of your list” - Ellen suggested.
And so she booked us a table at The Garden Museum Café. We barely came up for air, until we realised neither of us knew how to eat an Artichoke Heart.
Ellen’s a huge foodie, and has a physical list saved on her phone, of restaurants she needs to visit. So here’s hoping this was a simple job for her.
Over to Ellen.
EC:
1. Darjeeling Express, Soho
I first learned of Darjeeling Express through an episode of Chef’s Table (original, I know), and it’s been on my wish-list ever since.
It’s the brainchild of award-winning chef and bestselling author Asma Khan and first began as a modest 12-person supper club, hosted from Asma's own front room.
The food pays homage to Asma’s royal Mughlai ancestry, blended with inspired dishes from the busy streets of Calcutta, celebrating family recipes that date back generations.
Set in the heart of Soho, the restaurant is run by an all female team, who, just like Asma, are not professional chefs, but create home-style dishes aimed to nourish the body and soul. AND to top it all off, on Sundays, when closed, Asma offers free use of the premises to women who are aspiring chefs and restaurateurs to host their own supper clubs in a bid to build their own businesses.
You can check out their a la carte lunch menu, or set dinner menu here.
2. The Hut, Isle of Wight
It’s my Grandma's 90th birthday next summer, so as a family, we’ve already started floating ideas to mark the special occasion.
Personally, I feel that lunch at The Hut on the Isle of Wight, surrounded by her loved ones could be a strong contender!
Located in Colwell Bay, the beach-side restaurant with its bleached wood, wicker furnishings and blue accented paintwork feels like the perfect summer affair.
Bringing a touch of the French Riviera to the south coast, The Hut is celebrated for its al fresco dining experience that is unique to both the island itself and the seafood that frequents its local shores.
In 2022, The Hut welcomed Catalan chef Lucian Romocea into its fold, working alongside director Ian Dawboth, formerly of London’s city hot spot The Ned.
So, if you’re looking to let loose and indulge in a sea-to-plate experience, with an aperol in hand, accompanied by lively music, a ferry trip from the mainland could provide the perfect afternoon getaway.
3. Pujol, Mexico City
I visited Mexico City for the first time last year and was dumbfounded by the number of people who suggested I dine at Pujol.
While away, we opted for different (yet equally delicious) food options - shoutout to Rosetta, Lardo and the irrefutable Taqueria Orinoco (if you know, you know), so Pujol remains a distant yet delectable desire for another trip.
Launched in 2000 by lauded chef and restauranteur Enrique Olvera, Pujol was awarded two Michelin stars earlier this year.
Celebrated for its modern take on traditional Mexican cuisine, Pujol’s dining experience offers a six-course tasting menu, including its signature Black Mole Madre, Mole Nuevo that is aged for over 1,000 days to continually boost its rich flavours.
Nestled in the Polanco neighbourhood, the space itself preserves the essence of its dwelling, with a four deck roof and surrounding garden while peppered with terrazzo and wooden textures that make it feel as though its fallen out of the pages of Cereal Magazine.
But alas, if you’re a fellow Londoner swooning over the faraway prospect of Pujol, it may be worth dining at Cavita in Marylebone, founded by Pujol’s former exec and heralded chef Jesús Durón.
Book a table here.
Ellen Crane is Head of Sales at Merman.
What’s “Where’s For Dinner?”
Every week I’ll be tempting you with where your next meal out could be - one in London, one in the UK, and one beyond. All places I want to try, but haven’t yet.I would love for you to subscribe (button below), so we can enjoy these places together. And if you have got any tips of your own, I’d love to hear them.
Omg adding Darjeeling Express to my list- love her story and all female team. i wonder if there is a mexico city equivalent.. i am currently in cdmx and have been hearing praises for Pujol and Maximo Bistrot. Yum!
Why hello there Loriley, a friend of Ellen's here 👋 love it x