August 2023 favourites list

Welcome to this month's favourites list! I've put together another list of the things which I have been enjoying this month.

This month, my photos are from Studio Gauthier, the new restaurant from chef Alexis Gauthier. If you know his Gauthier Restaurant in London's Soho, you'll be aware that classically trained chef Alexis has turned his attention to vegan fine dining. Studio Gauthier is a less formal vision of the Gauthier vegan approach.

The dishes were as follows:
Summer barbjuan, "BLT" tartlet (canapes)

 

Faux gras (fake foie gras with brioche fuillieitee) (bread and pate)
Tomato tortellino (pasta and sauce)
3D plant flank en tagine (printed fake meat tagine) [hard to believe this is not actually meat!]
Brochette of Summer mushroom and thin smoked tofu
Dark chocolate mirror

Food articles

What's in season in August? Garlic, leeks, courgettes, mushrooms, onions, plums, sweetcorn and tomatoes. Here are some ideas for August cooking: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/food/recipes/g42934748/august-recipes/
 

Foodie travel destinations for August, in the UK and beyond, as chosen by Olive magazine: https://www.olivemagazine.com/travel/august-food-holidays/
 

This is going to cause controversy... which foods are totally overrated? After the NYT deemed burrata "boring", here are some opinionated people, cancelling roast dinners, sourdough bread, and truffles. Ouch! https://metro.co.uk/2023/08/02/burrata-is-cancelled-eight-other-foods-people-think-are-overrated-19229992

 
 

There's obviously debate to be had on what kind of behaviour is acceptable when eating out. But please can we agree that booking and not showing up and rudeness are absolute no-nos. Otherwise, just don't be a dick. https://www.theguardian.com/food/2023/aug/02/no-shows-cork-sniffers-and-salt-addicts-restaurateurs-on-21-dining-habits-to-avoid
 

Dim sum is one of my favourite things, so I enjoyed reading this article from the Evening Standard featuring their recommendations for the delicious treats in London. https://www.standard.co.uk/reveller/restaurants/best-dim-sum-london-yum-cha-dumplings-chinese-food-b1095214.html
 

Chef Amit Bagyal, former head chef at Atul Kocchar's Kanishka has set up his own Indian fine dining restaurant, Yaatra. Here is Fiona Maclean's review: https://www.london-unattached.com/yaatra-indian-restaurant-westminster/
 

If you've been to India, you will have encountered the highly individual fizzy drinks you probably haven't seen anywhere else. I loved Limca (the lime 7 Up equivalent) and Thums Up (the slightly spicy tasting cola drink). This article on Thums up will make you smile if you've ever had a bottle cracked open for you: https://homegrown.co.in/homegrown-voices/thums-up-the-history-legacy-of-indias-favourite-homegrown-cola
 

Kitchen and cooking tips
 

Some tips and ideas to make your own dips, which will taste fresher than shop bought: https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/next_level_dips
 

Ideas for pantry/fridge jarred products for instant no-fuss flavour: https://www.theguardian.com/food/2023/aug/15/wanted-pastes-jars-instant-flavour-kitchen-aide
 

Recipes
 

Arepas are a Columbian classic, like a corn bread toasted sandwich. I've had them as street food over there, but didn't realise they were easy to make at home. Here's how: https://lifehacker.com/make-piping-hot-arepas-with-four-ingredients-1850664222
 

Summertime lunch by Nigella Lawson - light herby courgette fritters. I'm thinking of serving them with a little garlicky Greek yoghurt. https://www.nigella.com/recipes/courgette-fritters
 

Russian salad is a Spanish tapas classic. Here is Jose Pizarro's recipe: https://www.theguardian.com/food/2023/jul/29/russian-salad-recipe-jose-pizarro
 

My other writing
 

I've written a guest blog post at Gingeybites' food blog! Catch my Nissin x Shoryu instant #noodle review over there, and do check out her other instant noodle reviews: https://gingeybites.com/2023/07/nissin-x-shoryu-the-ramen-masters-cup-noodles-review-by-snigdha.html
 

Film

Till

Mamie Till-Mobley left the American Deep South for Chicago, and with reservations, let her son Emmett visit relatives in Mississippi, knowing the unabashed and vicious racism he would encounter there. Wrongly accused by a white woman shopkeeper of crude behaviour and sexual advances, 15 year old Emmett was beaten to death. His mother despite dealing with the unimaginable loss of her only son courageously responded to his murder by publicising his brutal murder, exposing the violence and racism of the American south around the world. Danielle Deadwyler is exceptional as Mamie. Jalyn Hall manages to bring out the humanity, youth and innocence of Emmett, despite the brevity of his performance. It's a tough but essential watch.

Available on streaming services.

Jerry And Marge Go Large

One tough watch should surely merit a corresponding light and fluffy one, right? Retired former factory worker Jerry, despite his clear ability and keen mind, is forced into retirement, which he hates. His ever ticking brain can't be kept satisfied with standard retirement activities and he is bored... until he works out a way of playing a particular state lottery and winning. Does he buy fast cars and diamond studded watches with his winnings? No, Jerry (with help from his wife Marge) decide to help their struggling small town. Unashamedly feelgood and fun stuff, this film doesn't demand that you think too hard, but enjoy Brian Cranston as Jerry and Annette Bening as Marge.

Available on streaming services.

The original article which inspired the film can be found here: https://highline.huffingtonpost.com/articles/en/lotto-winners/

Please note: as with every monthly Favourites List, all of these items have been selected by me simply because I love them. I do not receive any money, benefits in kind or other incentive for posting these links or recommendations.